Monday’s rugby news has Nick Cummins called into the Wallabies squad, James O’Connor to work on his speed, Naiyaravoro to still join the Warriors and countries announced for 2023 World Cup bids.
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Cummins Called into Squad
Nick Cummins has been called into the Wallabies squad to replace Henry Speight who has been granted compassionate leave following the death of his grandfather in Fiji.
Speight will fly to Fiji for the funeral and it is unclear when he will rejoin the squad.
Speight was already due to miss the opening two matches of the Rugby Championship because of his suspension for a dangerous tackle. Cummins flew to Caloundra on Sunday evening to join the rest of the squad.
The Wallabies will have a five-day camp in Caloundra ahead of their opening Test of the Rugby Championship against South Africa on July 18.
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JOC to Work on Speed
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has said that James O’Connor must work on his speed and footwork if he is to regain selection into the Wallabies squad.
“We’ve got a fitness program running for him to get back. In particular, for the things that he’s good at,” Cheika told Triple M.
“He hasn’t had his 100 per cent speed back this season … his footwork … the things that have made him a really strong player for Australia previously. He needs to get those things back in his arsenal, so that when he he does get into the team he can perform and compete with the other wingers and back three players in the squad.”
Meanwhile, Wallaby hopeful George Smith has his club’s blessing if he is called upon into the Wallabies.
“…being an ex-player, I wouldn’t want to stop someone playing at a World Cup. Even if that wasn’t my mindset, it is clearly stated you can’t stop a player from playing international rugby,” said Wasps director of rugby Dai Young.
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Naiyaravoro to Still Join Warriors
A spokesperson for the Glasgow Warriors has indicated that Waratahs winger Taqele Naiyaravoro will still join the team despite being selected in the Wallabies squad.
It had been suggested that Naiyaravoro would be able to walk away from his contract with the Warriors if he was selected for international duties, however, the club still expects him to join them at the end of the international season.
“We’d like to congratulate Taqele on being selected in the Australia squad and we look forward to welcoming him to Glasgow following his international commitments,” the club said.
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2023 World Cup Bids
World Rugby have announced that Ireland, France, Italy and South Africa will officially bid for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Bernard Lapasset, chairman of World Rugby, expressed disappointment with the withdrawal of the US bid but was thrilled with the high level of interest from a multitude of nations.
“We are delighted with the strong level of Rugby World Cup 2023 hosting interest from unions and governments, which highlights the enormous appeal of Rugby World Cup as a low-risk, high-return economic, social and sporting driver,” he said.
“Although USA Rugby ultimately decided not to proceed with a formal bid, it was very encouraging that they originally had expressed an interest in hosting rugby’s flagship tournament.”
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