Wednesday’s rugby news has the ARU reassuring Force players, Gary Ella makes predictions, Sonny Bill joins the Blues and George Moala called up to the All Blacks.
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Boost for Force
Western Force captain Matt Hodgson says players are feeling reassured following a meeting with ARU CEO Bill Pulver.
The Force will not be relocated to Western Sydney but the ARU is expected to form an ‘alliance’ with the club giving the ARU more control.
“They laid out the idea and what’s happening to all the players and the coaching staff. So we feel a lot more comfortable now, knowing what’s going on, and we know the ARU are backing WA and want Western Australia to stay in the competition,” Hodgson said.
“That puts a lot of confidence in the boys and we know that we need to get better results on the park. The boys just needed to know what was happening, but with Bill coming over last week and also Ross … to explain the situation, that helped.”
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Ella Makes Predictions
Gary Ella, younger brother of Mark and Glen Ella, has predicted an interesting series between England particularly with his brother helping out with coaching.
“It’s going to be really interesting and I know Glen is really looking forward to the challenge,” Gary Ella said.
“Glen and Eddie have worked together on a number of occasions and while I won’t be cheering for the English team just because he’s coaching, if they do win I know that he’s going to get a bigger boat so I’ll be happy.”
Ella had some concerns about the Wallabies set piece.
“Without criticising the Australian team, I just think that we’re maybe not as strong in the lineout as we have been in previous years,” he said.
“I don’t think we have the options and that was shown in the World Cup final and the Super Rugby finals series last year.
“But I’m sure that England will be looking to move the ball around a lot more than they have in the past.”
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SBW Signs for 3 years
Sonny Bill Williams has announced this morning that he has signed a three year deal with New Zealand rugby and will play for the Blues next season.
The Blues will be Williams’ third New Zealand franchise after previously playing for the Crusaders and Chiefs.
Williams will be coached by All Black great Tana Umaga
“Sonny is a marquee international player, and first and foremost he is here to play. His experience and expertise will be a major asset to a young backline,” Umaga said in a statement.
“Off the field he brings leadership and a thoroughly professional attitude and approach that will hugely benefit our club and our players.”
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Moala Called Up
Blues midfielder George Moala has been called up as cover for Charlie Ngatia who is continuing to suffer from concussion.
Moala made his debut for the All Blacks against Samoa last year.
“Charlie has still got symptoms so we made a decision after he came in on Sunday to send him home,” All Blacks assistant coach Ian Foster said.
“We feel that’s the best place to chill out for the next three or four days.
“We’re reviewing that on a daily basis.
“It’s one of those things you’ve got to give people time and space and when it comes right it comes right.
“We don’t know a definite time table to recover properly so it’s probably best to get out of the busyness of here and be at home.”
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