Thursday’s rugby news hasDavid Pocock named for the Brumbies, Quade Cooper signs with the ARU, Jarrad Hayne in talks with the ARU and Ben Matwijow signs with the Force.
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Pocock Returns
David Pocock has been named at openside flanker for this weekend’s quarter final against the Highlanders.
It will be Pocock’s first match since fracturing his eye socket in the Wallabies first test against England in June.
Wallaby lock Rory Arnold has been ruled out with an elbow injury and Blake Enever will take his place in the starting side.
Meanwhile, Robbie Coleman replaces James Dargaville on the left wing whilst Leslie Leulua’iali’i-Makin replaces Ben Alexander on an extended bench.
Brumbies: Aidan Toua, Nigel Ah Wong, Tevita Kuridrani, Matt Toomua, Robbie Coleman, Christian Lealiifano (co-captain), Tomas Cubelli, Jarrad Butler, David Pocock, Scott Fardy, Sam Carter, Blake Enever, Ruan Smith, Stephen Moore (co-captain), Scott Sio
Reserves (one to be omitted): Josh Mann-Rea, Allan Alaalatoa, Leslie Leulua’iali’i-Makin, Tom Staniforth, Michael Wells, Joe Powell, Andrew Smith, James Dargaville, Lausii Taliauli
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Cooper Signs with ARU
Quade Cooper has signed a three year deal with the Australian Rugby Union but is holding off on signing with a Super Rugby club.
Cooper appears to be leaning towards rejoining the Queensland Reds or joining the Melbourne Rebels.
“For me, my heart is here and I’m always going to be wanting to play here,” Cooper said of Ballymore.
“I’m swaying towards playing in Queensland but I’ve got to make an educated decision.
“Obviously, who is to coach the Reds is a big thing because you don’t want to make a call on whispers one way or the other.”
“I’m 28 and I don’t want to waste another day of my career because of my own doing or someone else.
“I’ve committed to Australian rugby for the next three years and the only gap missing on the piece of paper is ‘Super Rugby club?’
“I want to set a good example of what it is to be professional and successful next year.”
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Hayne in Talks
Code-hopper Jarrad Hayne has been seen leaving the ARU’s headquarters in St Leonards in Sydney after a meeting with ARU CEO Bill Pulver.
It is understood Hayne is interested in playing for the Waratahs in 2017.
It is also understood that no men was discussed but rather how a Rugby contract in 2017 would be structured and whether it would allow for him to play in Japan.
“We have had dialogue with Jarryd and discussed the potential opportunities available to him in Rugby,” said ARU CEO Bill Pulver.
“Jarryd is obviously a very high calibre athlete and we are always open to talking to a player who is genuinely interested in playing the game.”
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Force Sign Matwijow
The Western Force have signed Queensland Reds second rower Ben Matwijow on a one year deal.
Matiwijow is looking forward to rejoining the club he was briefly apart of in 2013.
“I’m really excited to be coming to the Force,” Matwijow said.
“And I’m looking forward to getting back over there and helping the club move in the right direction.
“I’ve sort of come full circle after spending some time with the Force back in 2013 and I’m excited to get back and hopefully play some Super Rugby for the club that gave me my first crack.
“So I’m looking forward to getting over there, having some competition and hopefully making each other better.”
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