Tuesday’s rugby news has more coaching at the Reds, a RWC warm-up in the US, Dan Carter unsure of his spot and a major blow to Italian rugby.
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Thorn joins Reds staff
Former All Blacks lock Brad Thorn will be part of the Reds’ expanding staff as a forwards development coach in 2016 after signing a three-year deal with the franchise. Thorn recently announced his retirement after a celebrated 22-year career across league and union, and the Reds have emphasized that the team will lean on Thorn’s advice in a broad range of areas.
The Reds were careful to emphasise that Thorn was not considered as an option to replace current coach Richard Graham. The Reds have also re-signed forwards coach Nick Stiles for a further three years. “We have been conducting a review of our high performance area for some time, which is continuing, in order to deliver our short and long-term outcomes,” QRU chief executive Jim Carmichael said.
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Wallabies to play US warm-up game
Australia will play the United States in Chicago on September 5 in a warm-up for the Rugby World Cup . The Wallabies’ match at Soldier Field will be the highlight of a two-week Stateside tour. “The lead up and match will be a critical part of our preparations before we head to England,” Wallabies coach Michael Cheika said.
ARU boss Bill Pulver also emphasized the significant revenue benefits for Australian rugby. “The opportunity to bring the Wallabies to a new market in the United States is a major boost for our code in Australia and opens the door to significant future commercial opportunities,” Pulver said. Last November the Eagles sold out Soldier Field in a match against the All Blacks.
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Carter struggling for a spot
While All Black legend Dan Carter has emphasized that his form has been steadily improving, he has insisted that he is not assured of a spot in New Zealand’s stacked World Cup Squad. “A goal for me this year is to really work hard and just try and be part of that All Blacks squad,” he said. “You never take anything for granted and there’s plenty of competition there.”
In recent games, Carter has also been forced to play at inside centre, with Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder picking Colin Slade at flyhalf. Carter missed New Zealand’s last World Cup triumph in 2011 due to injury so he would be eager to gain a winners medal in what would likely be his last chance.
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Pro12 places under threat
Treviso and Zebre might be forced to leave the Pro12 according to reports which claim they owe €1.5m to the league. The Italian sides apparently have until the end of May to pay the money or face expulsion. London Welsh and London Scottish have been sounded out as possible replacements if the Italians were to leave, with Scottish chairman Sir David Reid admitting his club would be open-minded about a switch to the Pro12.
Italian clubs were introduced to the Celtic competition in 2010, initially represented by Treviso and Aironi. Zebre replaced Aironi for the 2012-13 season and although both teams have finished bottom of the table in every campaign, Treviso have shown some positive signs, finishing the 2012-13 season in seventh place.
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