Digby stays put.

[liquor box]

I've often thought that too. In a parallel universe he'd be absolutely killing it as a top line running back.

too small at the moment, at his current weight I would rate him as a special team kick returner. For a running back I think he would need to get to about 100-105kg minimum. I know you can weigh less but he has the pumping legs of a Branch from Seattle and I think he is 225lbs

 

[François]

too small at the moment, at his current weight I would rate him as a special team kick returner. For a running back I think he would need to get to about 100-105kg minimum. I know you can weigh less but he has the pumping legs of a Branch from Seattle and I think he is 225lbs

MMm.. I think he could lack the top end speed required for punt returners... But his size wouldn't be an issue as a running back. Chris Johnson and Jamaal Charles are both 1m80 and sub 90kg - so even lighter, and killing it in that position. Reggie Bush is another example. In terms of explosiveness and strength in contact those guys have nothing on Ioane.. I'm sure NFL scouts will approach him eventually.. Ioane in NFL would be an awesome reason to actually watch some football games. But right now it's great for australian rugby of course

 

[TOCC]

Samoans are starting to make a big name for themselves in American footy as well...
There are a couple of colleges whose name alludes me who have a dedicated recruitment drive targeting Samoans

 

[mudskipper]

jeez that Took some time to get him signed... good to see him stay in AUS rugby... lucky Reds..

 

[dobduff11]

Samoans are starting to make a big name for themselves in American footy as well...
There are a couple of colleges whose name alludes me who have a dedicated recruitment drive targeting Samoans

Troy Polamalu and Ray Maualuga are both Samoan and went to USC, Junior Seau of course went there as well.

Yeh Digby would be big enough for running back. As Francois mentioned Chris Johnson, Jamaal Charles, Bush, Sproles, Tomlinson, Willie Parker and others are all around the same size as him.

Only thing is all those smaller backs are absolutely rapid and his speed would actually be the problem from a scouting point of view rather than his size.

 

[FrankLind]

I saw Ioane the other day in Enmore. Much shorter in real life.

Newter old chum.

The guys over at the fern are waiting for your World Cup summary and forthcoming Waratahs preview.

Do oblige and get on over there.

 

[machiavelli]

Excellent news, I thought he was gone for all money (literally)

Wonder if he read about Jaque Fourie's contract because I'm sure he could command more

Was reported here in France that Ioane turned down 800k euros/Season with Kubota.

Nonu is on 85k euros a month sabatical with Kobe Steelers .. Fourie has apparently been offered 2m euros for 2 Seasons Sanyo Wildnights ..

Where's the money coming from in Aus to pây tthe likes of Ioane to stay ?

 

[spectator]

Was reported here in France that Ioane turned down 800k euros/Season with Kubota.

Where's the money coming from in Aus to pây tthe likes of Ioane to stay ?

Good question....what latitude is there in OZ for third party deals and promises of secure ongoing employment? Would have had to be something going on to get anywhere near the dollars on offer from Japan. I've said it before, whilst loyalty is admirable, the shelf life of these guys is limited so big dollars must be a massive temptation.

Anyways...great for Reds and OZ rugby that he is staying.

 

[Schadenfreude]

There's also lifestyle considerations... why did Andrew Gaze never go to America?

In Australia we don't eat horses or whales... maybe he's joined PETA

 

[waratahjesus]

There's also lifestyle considerations... why did Andrew Gaze never go to America?

In Australia we don't eat horses or whales... maybe he's joined PETA

Andrew gaze did go to America , he won a championship with the spurs, then got cut. Decided to come home.

 

[Slim 293]

Gaze also had a brief stint with the Washington Bullets...

 

[TOCC]

Like already mentioned, there are cultural considerations.. Im not trying to compare myself to Digby, but i have had the opportunity to work/live in several places around the world including the US and a few countries in the Middle East.

At the end of the day, the extra money just doesnt substitute for the distance away from family and friends, subsequent social isolation, language barrier frustration and just general cultural differences.

Heck, even little things like the shunning of tattoos would have had to come into consideration with someone like Digby.

 

[vidiot]

Not to mention that 800K Euros would barely cover his radioactive sushi bill next year.

Still too soon?

 

[Ruggo]

Maybe Mr and Mrs Ionae said "son, you are in the middle of a fantastic career and are very privillidged. Money isn't everything and the family will get by". The blokes situation has changed a bit since this all started and his body is holding up better at the moment. Maybe he contemplated Japan in fear his career was going to be reduced by his body constantly falling apart.

May many future Wallaby caps be in your future Digby.

 

[spectator]

That's honourable Ruggo, but not necessarily realistic. Most, if not all of us, would seriously question allegiance if the opportunity came to double income with another employer. You'd have to be mad not to.

 

[Ruggo]

If money was everything to you. I'm not convinced it is though. To get a three year deal out of the bloke surly means he is getting a nice pay check not that it is good form to speculate about another persons finances.

 

[spectator]

I'm sure it is a nice deal Ruggo (certainly hope so), and I hope it comes with some assurances for 'life after rugby' as that will be a much longer period than his time in the game.