Author: Zeb Holmes
Friday’s rugby news has Toomua back at 12, some Rebel reinforcements, big wraps for Naiyaravoro and Ireland pushing for World Cup hosting duties. [one_half last=”no”] Toomua returns at 12 Matt Toomua will make his return to the starting side at inside-centre for the Brumbies’ vital clash with the Lions in Johannesburg on Saturday. Toomua’s placement in the centres will keep Christian Leali’ifano at fly-half while Robbie Coleman moves to the bench. The Brumbies have struggled in Toomua’s absence and will be hoping to get their first win in three matches In the only other change to the side, Australian U20 Allan…
Thursday’s rugby news has the fans’ opinion on our Test skipper, Hunt changes position again, a promising resigning for the Rebels and Burgess set for the World Cup. [one_half last=”no”] Fans want Moore In one set of voting here, fans have overwhelmingly come out in support of Stephen Moore to lead the Wallabies to the World Cup. As of this morning, 51 per cent of fans voted for Moore, while former Wallabies captain David Pocock was the second favourite in the poll, with 27 per cent, while incumbent Michael Hooper was struggling for public support at just 13 per cent. Moore had…
Tuesday’s rugby news has more coaching at the Reds, a RWC warm-up in the US, Dan Carter unsure of his spot and a major blow to Italian rugby. [one_half last=”no”] Thorn joins Reds staff Former All Blacks lock Brad Thorn will be part of the Reds’ expanding staff as a forwards development coach in 2016 after signing a three-year deal with the franchise. Thorn recently announced his retirement after a celebrated 22-year career across league and union, and the Reds have emphasized that the team will lean on Thorn’s advice in a broad range of areas. The Reds were careful to emphasise that…
Tuesday’s rugby news has Toomua back for the Brumbies, Graham receiving some support, a quick defection overseas and concussion fears for George North. [one_half last=”no”] Toomua returns for Brumbies Fly-half Matt Toomua will join the Brumbies for Saturday’s clash with the Lions in Johannesburg. Toomua, who has missed the past four weeks due to an ankle injury, will arrive in Johannesburg today as the Brumbies hope to end a five-match losing streak. Despite their poor run of form, the Brumbies are still at the top of the Australian Conference – with 33 points from matches – although they are just a…
Monday’s rugby news has Hooper at full fitness, Graham on the way out, the Australian Sevens slipping and England ruling out overseas players. [one_half last=”no”] Hooper’s injury worries quashed The Waratahs have received some good news in their run into the finals, with openside flanker Michael Hooper declared “fine” after limping off during his side’s 18-11 defeat to the Western Force on Saturday. Hooper appeared to sustain a knee injury in the 69th minute of the clash after which coach Michael Cheika commented, “I don’t know how bad it is but it doesn’t look great.” Five-eighth Bernard Foley has emphasized that the team’s finals…
Friday’s rugby news has Mogg heading overseas, Giteau unsure of his Test return, the Tahs still recruiting McCalman and the WRU withdrawing a dual contract. [one_half last=”no”] Mogg joining Top 14 Jesse Mogg will be the next Wallaby to make the move to France, joining Montpellier on a two-year contract. Mogg turned down a three-year offer to stay in Canberra, opting instead to join team-mate Nic White in the Top 14, reuniting with former Brumbies coach Jake White and former Test captain Ben Mowen. The Brumbies full-back said that he had planned to head overseas last year but undergoing a shoulder…
Thursday’s rugby news has the Tahs losing Potgieter, White’s position in jeopardy, Gill turning to 7s possibly and a major English injury blow. [one_half last=”no”] Potgieter heading home Jacques Potgieter will return to South Africa in 2016, citing family reasons for his decision to leave the Waratahs. ARU rules dictate that marquee players such as the South African flanker can only be signed for two seasons, but clubs can apply for a one-year extension if it can be shown that there is no impact on the development of local players. “We couldn’t be more impressed with what Jacques has done on…
Wednesday’s rugby news has the Patston saga coming to a close, Horne welcoming the competition, Giteau’s position questioned and the European Player of the Year named. [one_half last=”no”] Patston settles with ARU The ARU and former Wallaby business manager Di Patston have confirmed that they have resolved Patston’s claim against the ARU with an out-of-court settlement, ending an ugly chapter in Australian rugby. Patston and Waratahs playmaker Kurtley Beale were at the centre of a texting scandal which engulfed the Wallabies in 2014. The matter culminated in Patston leaving her position in late 2014 and Beale being fined AU$45,000, after a…
Monday’s rugby news has the Reds trying to keep Quade, Hunt ruled out, TPN worried about concussions and RWC eligibility rules questioned [one_half last=”no”] Reds confident in contract race The Reds are confident that the ARU’s revised contracting system will convince star playmaker Quade Cooper to remain in Brisbane. Although Toulon announced that the Wallabies 10 had signed a two-year contract, the Reds have now denied his departure is a done deal – accusing the Top 14 club of jumping the gun. It is now reported that Cooper has been offered a four-year flexible contract by the ARU, which will allow him…
Monday’s rugby news has Giteau aiming for a Wallabies return, Beale not concerned, McMahon cleared of serious injury and some key All Blacks injured. [one_half last=”no”] Giteau eying RWC After starring in a third consecutive European Cup win with Toulon, Matt Giteau has emphasized his desire to play Test rugby again. Having made his Test debut as a 20-year-old at Twickenham back in 2002, Giteau effectively called time on his 92-cap Australia career when he signed for Toulon after failing to be included in the Wallabies’ squad for the 2011 World Cup. The new Test eligibility rules announced last month have…
Thursday’s rugby news has a big Reds addition, the Rebels re-signing Naivalu, a new Aus 20s captain and criticism for England’s exclusion policy. [one_half last=”no”] Neville heading to Reds The Queensland Reds have locked up a replacement for the departing James Horwill by signing Rebels lock Cadeyrn Neville. The 26-year-old has made 44 Super Rugby appearances since making his debut in 2012, and will fill the gap left by former Wallaby skipper Horwill, who is off to Harlequins at the end of the season. “I have had my eye on Cadeyrn for a number of seasons back as far as 2011 when he was…
Wednesday’s rugby news has Alexander considering his Test future, some good injury news for the Rebels, Bismark standing down and some big name Barbarians. [one_half last=”no”] Alexander considering new Test rules Wallabies prop Ben Alexander is weighing up his playing future after the introduction of new ARU eligibility rules, the veteran front-rower being one of two current Test players who would immediately benefit from the changes. It is understood that Alexander was close to agreeing to terms with the Brumbies, but will now have the chance to play overseas without hurting his Wallaby ambitions, having played more than 60 Tests and seven years…
Tuesday’s rugby news has an interesting ACT government proposal, the Wallaby openside battle, Foley missing Rio and Premiership expansion talks. [one_half last=”no”] ACT looking into multi-sport tickets The ACT government is investigating a proposal for multi-sport tickets to bring back the Canberra crowds. Greater Western Sydney chief executive David Matthews had previously suggested the idea of such tickets, which would allow access to Giants, ACT Brumbies and Canberra Raiders games. At the same time, there are concerns that the population of the ACT simply isn’t large enough to facilitate three codes, leading to further proposals to co-ordinate home games. Chief…
Monday’s rugby news has the Brumbies planning to maul the Tahs, high praise for Rebel youngsters, a tip tackle suspension and medical tests for McCaw [one_half last=”no”] Brumbies challenge Tahs pack Brumbies flanker Scott Fardy has described the team’s rolling maul as “unstoppable” after using the tactic to score three tries during the first half against the Highlanders last Friday. “We thought it was bring officiated properly, and when it gets officiated properly I think we are unstoppable,” Fardy said, emphasizing that the Brumbies would continue to use the tactic against the Waratahs. Coach Stephen Larkham said that he had…
Friday’s rugby news has possible returning Wallabies, selection shifts for the Tahs, injuries for the Reds and NZ dismissing any changed eligibility. [one_half last=”no”] Newly eligible Wallabies lauded In the wake of the relaxation of Wallaby eligibility rules, Phil Waugh has backed 34-year-old George Smith to be included in the World Cup team. Although Australia will have Michael Hooper and David Pocock available for selection, Waugh emphasized, “He’s such a good guy to have in your team. If you turn around in the changing room, and you see George Smith there, you get a lot of comfort.” Toulon winger Drew…
Thursday’s rugby news has the massive shift in Wallaby selection policy, Dennis re-signing and the Rebels keeping the faith. [one_half last=”no”] ARU relax eligibility rules The ARU have introduced sweeping changes to its eligibility rules which will mean that former Test stars Matt Giteau, Drew Mitchell and George Smith can now return to play for the Wallabies at the World Cup. ARU chief executive Bill Pulver has announced that former Wallabies based overseas who have earned 60 Test caps and have held a contract with the ARU for at least seven years will now be eligible for Wallabies selection. “Its a…
Wednesday’s rugby news has Cooper heading overseas, Pulver laying down the law, an NFL convert coming to Super Rugby and Brussow out for the season. [one_half last=”no”] Cooper to join Toulon Quade Cooper has agreed to leave Australia and join Toulon next season. According to French reports, the Wallabies and Reds fly-half has signed a two-year deal with the reigning European Champions with an option for a third season. Cooper has suffered recurrent shoulder injuries this season, leading to a disappointing game-and-a-half of total playing time for the struggling Reds. Despite these recent injuries, Cooper was still an attractive prospect…
Tuesday’s rugby news has the ARU’s money problems, the fans called upon, Beale affected by contract talks and Cruden’s injury confirmed. [one_half last=”no”] Massive losses for ARU The ARU has announced a $6.3 million loss for 2014 in its annual report released yesterday. The report tried to emphasise that the ARU had been focused on building for the future of the game through investing $3.7 million in direct grants to member unions and $4.3 million in funding for the delivery of national programs. ARU chairman Michael Hawker reiterated this message, saying, “With our new broadcast deal nearly finalised, we’re confident we…
Monday’s rugby news has the Force criticizing the Super schedule, the Brumbies youngsters playing on, the Reds getting ahead of themselves and Aaron Cruden’s World Cup in doubt. [one_half last=”no”] Foley unhappy with SANZAR Western Force coach Michael Foley has labeled the Super Rugby fixturing for this year as “farcical” with his team being dealt one of the hardest draws in the competition. “SANZAR has a lot to be accountable for,” Foley said. “The Western Force are one of 15 stakeholders, and I think the way the players are treated within the schedule is pretty shabby.” The Force coach was reacting to a…
Friday’s rugby news has the first of many flexible Wallaby contracts, new faces for the Brumbies, some returning Reds and a new suspension policy at the Sharks. [one_half last=”no”] Foley signs flexible contract Wallabies five-eighth Bernard Foley has re-signed with the ARU and NSW until 2018 but will also spend the next two summers playing for Ricoh team in Japan as part of Australian Rugby’s first ‘flexible’ playing contract. Foley will join his Japanese club after the World Cup, return for Super Rugby and then head north again for the 2016-17 Top League season. Foley could be joined in his constant season by Israel…