Friday’s rugby news has Michael Foley dumped as Force coach, Quade Cooper closer to returning home, George Smith rules out Wallaby return and England name George Ford at flyhalf.
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Foley Sacked
Michael Foley has been sacked as coach of the Western Force following a disappointing three seasons as head coach.
The decision comes following an alliance formed between the ARU with the Force to run the club amid serious financial difficulty and inability to recruit high-quality players.
Assistant coach Dave Wessels will take over as coach for the remaining three games of the season.
The Force were handed the wooden spoon last season after winning just three games whilst this season they have only won two games and have a competition lose of 21 tries from 12 games.
Following his appointment as head coach of the Western Force, Foley lead the Waratahs to their worst season on record in 2012.
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Cooper Closer to Reds
Quade Cooper is closer to returning to the Queensland Reds next season after reportedly telling Toulon owner Mourad Boudjellal that he is opting out of his second season of his two deal with the club.
Cooper has been unable to lock down the flyhalf position at the club competing with Matt Giteau and Frederic Michalak. Cooper has found himself playing fullback but is in competition with James O’Connor to keep his spot in the starting team.
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has actively tried to lure Cooper back home.
“I’ve been doing more than endorsing it…I’ve been out there trying to get him back,” Cheika said last week.
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Smith Rules Out Wallabies
Wallaby great George Smith has ruled out a return to international rugby when he plays for the Reds next season.
“I have no desire to play Test rugby anymore,” Smith said.
“I really enjoyed my time with the Wallabies, I came out of retirement a couple of years ago against the Lions, and I really enjoyed playing my time with the Wallabies, I played 111 Tests, I’m really content with that.
“I really enjoy just supporting the players, I have no desire to play Test rugby any more.
“I can’t get too greedy, I’ve had enough.”
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Ford to Flyhalf
England coach Eddie Jones has announced his side for the second test against the Wallabies opting for George Ford at flyhalf and Owen Farrell at inside centre.
The only other change is Jack Nowell who comes off the bench for Marland Yarde who has been dropped from the 23 altogether.
Team: Mako Vunipola, Dylan Hartley, Dan Cole, Maro Itoje, George Kruis, Chris Robshaw, James Haskell, Billy Vunipola, Ben Youngs, George Ford, Jack Nowell, Owen Farrell, Jonathan Joseph, Anthony Watson, Mike Brown
Reserves: Jamie George, Matt Mullan, Paul Hill, Joe Launchbury, Courtney Lawes, Jack Clifford, Danny Care, Elliot Daly
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