Tuesday’s rugby news has Henry Hutchinson named rookie of the year, Sefanaia Naivalu re-signs with the Rebels, Robinson could be forced into retirement and Zac Guildford calling for the Waratahs to go at the Chiefs.
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Hutchinson Rewarded
Australian Men’s Sevens player Henry Hutchinson has been named the international series’ rookie-of-the-year.
It is likely Hutchinson will be selected in Australia’s squad for the Rio Olympics.
“I always wanted to go to the Olympics. I wanted to run, but I didn’t think I’d ever be quick enough,” Hutchison said.
“Since rugby sevens has given me an avenue, it’s really made my dream a reality and I’m looking forward to pursuing it.
“I came in (to the squad) about maybe August last year. Rio’s always been in the back of my mind, and first I just wanted to learn the game and have a good world series.”
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Naivalu Re-Signs
Melbourne Rebels winger Sefanaia Naivalu has extended his contract with the Rebels until the end of 2019.
Rebels coach Tony McGahan was pleased with the signing.
“His electrifying pace and physical presence, synonymous with Fijian rugby, has quickly made him a Melbourne Rebels’ fan favourite,” said McGahan.
Naivalu is looking forward to his future at the Rebels after making his debut at the beginning of last year.
“It’s a great honour to re-sign with the Rebels, the club has a good atmosphere, good staff and a good group of blokes so it’s exciting to play for the Rebels for the next few seasons,” he said.
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Robinson Injury Update
Waratahs prop Benn Robinson could be forced into retirement after succumbing to a nasty eye injury.
Robinson was accidentally poked in the eye by second rower Rory Arnold in the Waratahs loss to the Brumbies early this year. Robinson has since undergone surgery to his eye and will not take the field again this season.
“He certainly hasn’t been medically cleared and it seems that could potentially rule him out for the season, if not career, so it’s pretty serious for him,” Gibson said.
“Without talking for him I think those are the decisions that he’s certainly confronted with. It’s weighing up those risks for him. Certainly for him his eye is not stable enough at all to contemplate a return to play.
“It’s a very frustrating time for him because he can’t do any exercise or anything that will raise pressure. At the moment he’s resting and we’re all hoping for the best outcome around his eyesight more than anything.”
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Guildford’s Insight
Waratahs winger Zac Guildford has called for the Waratahs to adapt in order to beat the Chiefs this weekend.
“It’s very important to win this week, we got a taste of what the Kiwi sides are going to be like on the weekend,” Guildford said.
“We’ve got to be fast learners and adapt and hopefully bring our A game to the Chiefs.
“We know what sort of style they are going to play, but I think more the focus is going to be on us and how we want to play in attack.
“They have been the benchmark along with the Crusaders for a number of years now.
“They will throw everything at us, so I just think we need to throw more to get the win.
“We’ve got to out-physical them, we’ve got to try different variations on attack, we’ve got to be hungrier.”
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