Author: Zeb Holmes
Thursday’s rugby news has RWC expansion possibilities, Sio considering NFL, NSW with defensive troubles and Springboks requesting rest. [one_half last=”no”] More teams for RWC World Rugby boss Brett Gosper believes that the Rugby World Cup could accommodate 24 teams in the near future as the game expands to new territories. The 2016 World Cup in England and Wales will feature 20 nations, up from 16 when it began in 1987. Gosper emphasised that there was room for more growth without overly harming the quality of rugby within the tournament, pointing to lowering win margins in more recent World Cups. “We have countries like Russia…
Wednesday’s rugby news has the Wallabies down in the world rankings, Kuridrani officially re-signing, Larkham confident in his 7 and Wales with two big changes. [one_half last=”no”] Wallabies fall to sixth The Wallabies have slipped to their lowest position since international rankings were introduced more than a decade ago, dropping to to sixth in the world on Tuesday. Wales climbed above Australia following their Six Nations victory over Ireland last Saturday, while the Wallabies have remained stagnant with poor 2014 results. The Wallabies won only two Rugby Championship Tests, while suffering a loss to Argentina. With Michael Cheika taking over for the Spring Tour of…
Tuesday’s rugby news has Gill’s suspension, the Tahs under pressure, front-row replacements for the Force and Burgess getting a call-up. [one_half last=”no”] Gill gets two weeks Queensland Reds flanker Liam Gill has received a two-week ban for his wrestling-style throw on Brumbies scrum half Nic White. Gill will only miss one game against the struggling Lions though, with the suspension period including the Reds’ bye this week. While a lifting tackle generally carries with it a four week suspension, Gill was treated leniently because of his clean record. Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham emphasised that he was content with the outcome. “It…
Monday’s rugby news has Pocock’s return, Liam Gill cited, the Brumbies talking rivalry and the Six Nations up for grabs. [one_half last=”no”] Pocock back against Tahs Former Wallabies captain David Pocock is almost certain to return against the Waratahs after a month out with ankle syndesmosis sustained in round one. While Pocock may well return from the bench, with Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham reluctant to tinker with his in-form back row of Ita Vaea, Jarrad Butler and Scott Fardy, his return will nonetheless create an intriguing matchup with current Test openside Michael Hooper. If Pocock is declared fit, this weekend…
Friday’s rugby news has more issues for the Reds, Campo’s RWC backline, the Tahs targetting McCalman and mass changes for the French [one_half last=”no”] JOC out for Reds A corked leg has heaped further injury pain on the luckless Reds with James O’Connor ruled out of Saturday night’s clash against the Brumbies. With JJ Taulagi (knee) and banned Karmichael Hunt already out, the Reds have turned to centre Ben Tapuai to play fullback. Tapuai returned from a hamstring injury off the bench against the Waratahs last weekend and has very limited experience playing at 15. After suffering a second concussion in as many…
Thursday’s rugby news has a motivated Reds side, Foley juggling contracts, Luke Jones stepping up and Kaino out with a concussion. [one_half last=”no”] Reds keen to prove Larkham wrong Queensland backrower Jake Schatz has conceded that his team were stung by Stephen Larkham’s criticism of their round one performance, emphasising that the Reds would be ready and motivated on Saturday. Larkham declared the Reds were not “up to the standard of Super Rugby” following their 47-3 demolition of a hapless Reds. “We know we’re better than that and we know that for us to turn up we can certainly use that as…
Wednesday’s rugby news has more Brumbies committing, Folau looking at the 13 jersey, Quade supporting his coach and a few England injuries. [one_half last=”no”] Brumbies re-sign trio The Brumbies have received a boost ahead of their Super Rugby clash with Queensland following the re-signing of three key forwards. Lock Sam Cater, hooker Josh Mann-Rea and back-rower Scott Fardy all signed on for another two years with the Canberra-based franchise. The trio’s decision to recommit to Australian rugby in the midst of the mass overseas exodus is refreshing, with Sam Carter emphasising the continuing drawcard of Test selection, made easier through…
Tuesday’s rugby news has the a new Sevens host, a reported change in ARU hiring practices, the Force with a prop shortage and some Scottish changes. [one_half last=”no”] Sydney new Sevens host Sydney will take over from the Gold Coast as host of the Australian leg of the Sevens World Series. The SFS will be the venue for the two-day event for four years starting from the 2015-16 season with World Rugby Chairman Bernard Lapasset commenting that the Sydney Sevens “will inspire new audiences and participants and contribute to the continued strong growth of the game in Australia.” National coach Geraint John has…
Monday’s rugby news has the Reds coach under the pump, an interesting test case for the judiciary, Super Rugby coaches to be tested and some alarming concussion statistics. [one_half last=”no”] Graham under pressure Richard Graham has acknowledged that many Queensland fans are calling for his departure as the team continues to struggle for wins. But the Reds coach has maintained that he is the man to steer the team. “Only when you are looking from the inside can you look deeper beneath the surface,” he said. The Reds sit in 13th position on the Super Rugby table with four tries in four games.…
Friday’s rugby news has Hunt’s punishment, a very zen Matt Giteau, Ashley-Cooper injured and Steve Hansen lamenting boring rugby. [one_half last=”no”] Hunt punishment handed down Karmichael Hunt has been suspended for six weeks and fined $30,000 by the ARU and Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) after pleading guilty in court to four counts of possession of a prohibited drug. The Reds playmaker appeared in Southport Magistrates Court on Thursday and was given a $2,500 fine, along with a requirement to undergo a treatment program and a targeted drug testing program. “I intend to work through the education and rehabilitation program and will return to the game in…
Thursday’s rugby news has an ARU drug policy review, Dwyer commenting on the Reds 10 situation, the NRC’s finances secured and Retallick injured. [one_half last=”no”] Illicit drugs policy to be reviewed The ARU are set to undertake a detailed review of its illicit drugs policy, pushing up a scheduled mid-year review in the wake of the Karmichael Hunt scandal. Currently a player on a $400,000-a-year deal would cop a $20,000 penalty for a first violation, along with being forced to undergo a drug treatment program. The major issues under consideration will be an increase in out-of-competition testing as well as further…
Wednesday’s rugby news has some injury issues for the Force, JOC ready for the Waratahs showdown, Wales boosted by a recovered Warburton and a broken arm for Robbie Fruean. [one_half last=”no”] Force make changes Force coach Michael Foley is set to make a few changes to his team to face the Brumbies on Friday night, hoping that a number of new faces might spark a turnaround in form. in the tight five, Adam Coleman’s groin and hip injuries will push South African lock Wilhelm Steenkampwill into the team. With blindside flanker Gus Cottrell in doubt after last weekend’s ankle injury, Steve Mafi is likely…
Tuesday’s rugby news has Hunt missing more games, the Force struggling, a massive Six nations win for Ireland and a study into SANZAR coaching. [one_half last=”no”] Hunt ruled out Reds coach Richard Graham has definitively ruled out Karmichael Hunt for Saturday’s match against the Waratahs. Hunt’s availability will not be affected by the outcome of his Tuesday court appearance, with Graham emphasising that the Queensland fullback has not been able to train with the team recently. “There’s no need for ‘what ifs?’ in selection in a week this big when you are preparing to play NSW because the fact is Karmichael…
Monday’s rugby news has a number of re-signings for the Brumbies, a promising number 8 to France, Pocock trying new rehab procedures and France suffering a disappointing loss. [one_half last=”no”] Brumbies secure three stars Wallaby representatives Scott Fardy, Sam Carter and Tevita Kuridrani are all believed to have signed new contracts with the Brumbies ahead of the Rugby World Cup. The trio would have been heavily sought on the overseas market but were determined to chase further success in Australia. The signings will be an important boost to the ACT team, who won a hard fought victory over the…
Friday’s rugby news has McGahan concerned with a post RWC exodus, O’Connor’s position questioned, the Honey Badger’s return delayed and an expanded Springbok quota system. [one_half last=”no”] McGahan questions new policy Tony McGahan has questioned the effect that loosening Test inclusion procedures may have on the talent pool of Australian rugby. While the Rebels coach was worried about losing the top echelon of possible Wallabies, he also pointed out that the depth of our competition may be pilfered after the World Cup, possibly in reference to the loss of players such as promising 23 year-old front-rower Paul Alo-Emile. “It’s not…
Thursday’s rugby news has a new overseas-player policy, Hunt’s court case approaching, Burgess a World Cup underdog and an old doping allegation against the French. [one_half last=”no”] Cheika changes overseas policy Wallabies head coach Michael Cheika has overturned the previous Test-selection policy, asserting that Australian players heading overseas will still be considered. “I just think that’s normal,” Cheika said. “It doesn’t matter if they’re contracted for one year, or three years or 10 years, if they are contracted here and contracted until the end of December, I don’t see any reason why you wouldn’t [select them].” This will mean that many soon-to-be overseas…
Wednesday’s rugby news has a positive Force signing, a new Tahs boss, the Brumbies hitting the road and a few changes for the Welsh team. [one_half last=”no”] Force re-sign Faulkner The Western Force have solidified their front row for the near future, re-signing promising prop Tetera Faulkner for another two Super Rugby seasons. Faulkner had his breakthrough season last year, rewarded with his first two Test caps on the tour of Europe. The 26 year-old is able to play on both sides of the scrum and commented, “We have a great bunch of boys and a great coaching staff which…
Tuesday’s rugby news the Reds getting tough, Hoiles defending the role-model tag, O’Connor finally starting and an unusual injury in the Six Nations. [one_half last=”no”] Hunt stood down Karmichael Hunt has been pulled from selection from this weekend’s Super Rugby match against the Highlanders and has been prevented from training with his team mates. The Reds new high-profile recruit is due in court early next month over allegations of supplying cocaine. “As this highly complicated matter is due before the courts and is part of a wider and ongoing investigation, we will continue not to prejudice the player’s legal or contractual rights,” QRU chief…
Monday’s rugby news has a lenient Reds office, Moore’s time growing closer, concussion replays introduced and a quick departure in Wales. [one_half last=”no”] Reds considering Hunt’s return The Queensland Reds are reportedly considering allowing Karmichael Hunt to play prior to his court date next week on four charges of allegedly supplying cocaine. The team, supported by RUPA, is arguing that Hunt should be free to return to playing duties as he has not been charged and is assumed innocent, further to the fact that any alleged wrongdoing occurred while under contract to the Goals Coast Suns. The ARU, however, is…
Friday’s rugby news has changes for the Tahs and Rebels match, some referee criticism from a Wallaby legend, McCaw hinting at retirement and a massive Six Nations suspension. [one_half last=”no”] Tahs lose Palu The Waratahs will go into their second round Super Rugby clash against the Rebels without number 8 Wycliff Palu. While coach Michael Cheika originally named an unchanged side, Palu has now been pulled from the match with a knee injury, to be replaced by back-rower Stephen Hoiles. Meanwhile, Luke Burgess has been propelled into the starting lineup withscrum-half Nic Stirzaker suspended for one week. As a result, second-year Rebel…