Author: Hugh Adams

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. [one_half last=”no”] 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,…

Tuesday’s rugby news has Karmichael Hunt praising Israel Folau, Leroy Houston thankful to Eddie Jones, Women’s Sevens side not finished yet and Eddie Jones slams critics. [one_half last=”no”] Hunt Praises Izzy Wallabies squad member Karmichael Hunt has praised Israel Folau and has backed him to perform well against England during the series. Hunt was particularly impressed with Folau’s intercept try against the Chiefs on the weekend. “I don’t know what his ceiling is. I wouldn’t put a ceiling on him, to be honest,” Hunt said. “I saw him grab that intercept and I was stunned. “I watched his game the week before…

Monday’s rugby news has David Pocock signing with Japanese club,  Women’s sevens team crowned champions, Mike Harris injured and All Blacks squad named. [one_half last=”no”] Pocock to Japan David Pocock has signed a three year deal with Japanese club Panasonic Wild Knights where he will be reunited with former Wallabies coach Robbie Deans. Pocock will join the club after Wallabies duties at the end of this year before taking a break from Super Rugby in 2017. He will then join the club again at the end of 2017 and then again after the 2019 World Cup. “I’m really looking forward to working with…

Friday’s rugby news has Cheika revealing his 39 man squad,  Leroy Houston going to the Reds, Taqele Naiyaravoro returning to the Waratahs and players slam Hayne. [one_half last=”no”] Cheika Reveals Squad Michael Cheika has revealed his extended 39 man squad to take on England in June. Four overseas players and ten uncapped players were included in the squad. Cheika said he was using this series to build players for the future. “We have selected this squad with one eye on the now and one on the future and there’s a huge focus on building depth within the squad,” Cheika said. “For example,…

Thursday’s rugby news has changes to the Waratahs backline,  Cheika highlights danger player for England, leroy Houston set to be named in the Wallabies squad and Hurricanes players return. [one_half last=”no”] Tahs Change Backline The Waratahs have switched up their backline for their must win clash against the Chiefs on Friday night. Rob Horne will start at inside centre for his 100th game for New South Wales as David Horwitz is dropped to the bench. Zac Guildford returns to the wing in place of Reece Robinson after an impressive performance off the bench last week whilst Matt Carraro will start on the…

Wednesday’s rugby news has Israel Folau ready to face Ben Te’o,  Rebels out to regain respect, Eddie Jones warns Wallabies and Zac Guildford signs with Tasman. [one_half last=”no”] Folau Ready Israel Folau is preparing to face former housemate Ben Te’o when the Wallabies take on England next month. Folau could potentially be marking Te’o if he get’s a run in the centres. “He’s certainly a great player and we’re probably joking about it now but it’s something that maybe potentially could happen,” said Folau. “It makes things a little more interesting, but certainly not in a negative way. “I’m so pumped for…

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. [one_half last=”no”] 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…

Monday’s rugby news has Matt Hodgson’s season in doubt, Ayumu Goromaru’s shoulder injury, Men’s Sevens team finish tenth in London and Manu Tuilagi expected to miss England’s tour to Australia. [one_half last=”no”] Hodgson’s Season in Doubt Western Force captain Matt Hodgson is likely to miss the rest of the season after suffering a shoulder injury in the Force’s 17-13 loss to the Blues. Force coach Michael Foley lamented Hodgson’s injury. “Hodgo’s got a dislocated shoulder and at this point in time he’ll get a scan, but there’s a reasonable chance he won’t play again this year,” Foley said. “That’s a real kick…

It was an unpleasant return to Christchurch for Daryl Gibson after the Waratahs were defeated 29-10 by a strong Crusaders team. The Match The Crusaders started the match impressively with tries to Johnny Mcnicholl and Israel Dagg in the opening 10 minutes, albeit the Waratahs defence was particularly poor. The Waratahs were lucky not to be 17 points down after Mcnicholl thought he had his second try but it was brought back after Matt Todd was caught not retiring from Israel Dagg’s kick.  It wasn’t long before the Crusaders added points again after Richie Mo’unga slotted a penalty from in front the extend the…

Friday’s rugby news has Michael Cheika fighting against European clubs, Melbourne Rebels sign Marika Koroibete, Tom Staniforth re-signs with the Brumbies and Drew Mitchell injured. [one_half last=”no”] Cheika Against Euro Clubs Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has called for an alliance between Rugby Union and Rugby League to help fight European Clubs poaching players. A new TV rights deal for the English Premiership in 2018, increased RFU funding and a possible rise in the salary cap from $A14 million to over $A20 million will see more players being lured to Europe. “You look at Wasps,” Cheika said. “They signed Kurtley, they brought back Danny Cipriani, they’re…

Thursday’s rugby news has Wasps supporting Kurtley Beale, Michael Cheika slamming Wasps, Hayne left out of Fiji squad and Eddie Jones mocks Toulon’s owner. [one_half last=”no”] Wasps to Support Beale Kurtley Beale’s new club Wasps have re-assured that Beale’s injury will not effect his deal with the club. Wasps rugby director Dai Young has vowed to support Beale in his recovery. “The first thing to say is our thoughts go out to Kurtley. You never want to see a player being injured,” Young said. “So that was our first concern, making sure he’s OK. “He’s not our player yet so we have got limited…

Wednesday’s rugby news has changes to the Men’s Sevens team, David Horowitz to replace Kurtley Beale at inside centre, Ayumu Goromaru heading to Toulon and Jaguares flanker cops a 10 week ban. [one_half last=”no”] Friend Rings Changes Aussie Men’s Sevens coach Andy Friend has made six changes for this weekend’s final World Series tournament at the London Sevens. Pama Fou, Allan Fa’alava’au, Stephen van der Walt, Sam Figg, Frank Winterstein and John Porch all rejoin the squad. Pat McCutcheon will take over the captaincy for the absent Ed Jenkins. “It’s a big weekend for all of the players in this squad,” Friend said. “It’s the…

Tuesday’s rugby news has Saia Fainga’a going back to the Brumbies, Jarrad Hayne declared eligible for Rio, Beale’s surgery successful and Japanese club Suntory sign a trio of Aussies. [one_half last=”no”] Brumbies Sign Fainga’a Reds hooker Saia Fainga’a has announced he will be returning to the Brumbies next year on a one year deal in replace for Stephen Moore who will return to the Reds. Fainga’a made 27 appearances for the Brumbies between 2006-2008 where he played alongside current coach Stephen Larkham. “It’s very pleasing that Saia wants to return to the Brumbies,” Larkham said. “When he was a teenager, he had all…

Monday’s rugby news has an injury update on Kurtley Beale, Aussie Sevens finish 6th in Paris, Jarrad Hayne joins the Fiji Sevens team and disagreement over the international calendar. [one_half last=”no”] Beale Sidelined Kurtley Beale may have played his last game for the Waratahs after scans revealed he has torn his patella tendon from his patella The result is the best possible prognosis given the tendon remains intact, requiring less invasive surgery, and there is no other damage to the knee. The time frame for Beale’s injury will be better understood after he undergoes surgery today but it is likely he will be out…

Friday’s rugby news has Stirling Mortlock calling for Samu Keveri to be the Wallabies outside centre, the Brumbies appoint a new CEO, more Super Rugby expansion and five Hurricanes players stood down. [one_half last=”no”] Kerevi for 13 Former Wallaby outside centre Stirling Mortlock has called for Samu Kerevi to start at 13 for the Wallabies. “I’ve been really impressed with Samu’s work ethic and ability to dent the (defensive) line,” Mortlock said. “If you look at his stats, his ball carries are up there with the most in Super Rugby, he’s also high on offloads and metres gained. “He’s everything you want…

Thursday’s rugby news has Nick Phipps saying the Wallabies will not be affected by Super Rugby performances, a grand final for the Rebels, ARU announce new headquarters and No Leigh Halfpenny in Wales squad. [one_half last=”no”] Phipps Confident Nick Phipps says there is no correlation between Super Rugby and International rugby and the performances of the Australian franchises will not affect the Wallabies. “Obviously each country wants their teams to be going really well and the Aussie teams have got a bit of work to do — there’s a few mid-table at the moment,” Phipps said. “But the team dynamics that you have…

Wednesday’s rugby news has Will Genia still keen to play for the Wallabies, Horwill’s prediction for the England test series, Australian U20’s squad announced and Nathan Sharpe joins the Reds setup. [one_half last=”no”] Genia Not Finished Will Genia believes he can still contribute to the Wallabies despite being based overseas. Genia is currently playing for Stade Francais but has not played a game since January due to injury. Genia is the second overseas based player to put his hand up for international duties after Drew Mitchell revealed he was available earlier this week. “Having experienced that journey with Michael, the coaching staff and that…

Tuesday’s rugby news has Rebels players returning from injury, Jarrad Butler ready for the call up, setback for Matt Giteau and Eddie Jones names his first England squad. [one_half last=”no”] Rebels Return The Melbourne Rebels are set to welcome back a host of players from injury as they take on the Brumbies at home this weekend. The likes of Tamati Ellison, Tom English, Mike Harris, Steve Cummins and Mitch Inman are all in the frame to return. The Rebels currently sit in 3rd place in the Australian conference, closely behind the Brumbies and the Waratahs. “We’ve got a few back coming back…

Monday’s rugby news has Drew Mitchell putting his hand up for Wallaby selection, Matt Toomua in doubt for the England test series, Bernard Foley finds a loophole in the system and Kurtley Beale and Israel Folau urge the ARU to tap into Western Sydney talent. [one_half last=”no”] Mitchell Available Toulon winger Drew Mitchell has put his hand up to be selected for the Wallabies when they take on the All Blacks in the Bledisloe Cup later this year. Mitchell is the first overseas based player to confirm an interest in returning to the Wallabies set up. “​For me I was pretty upfront and said…

Friday’s rugby news has Quade Cooper out of the Olympics, Tatafu Polota-Nau returning to the starting team, Leroy Houston on the verge of coming home and Eddie Jones recruits Glen Ella as England’s skills coach. [one_half last=”no”] No Rio for Cooper Men’s Sevens coach Andy Friend has revealed that Quade Cooper will not be considered for the remaining two world series sevens tournaments or the Rio Olympics. Cooper made his Sevens debut in Las Vegas this year and also played in the following competition in Vancouver. “There’s no doubt Quade is a quality player, but put simply, we just haven’t had the opportunity…