Friday’s rugby news has Ritchie McCaw retiring, Barbarians squad for Argentina announced, Aussies react to McCaw’s retirement and Eddie Jones to become the new England coach.
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McCaw Retires
All Blacks captain Ritchie McCaw has confirmed that he will retire from rugby effective immediately.
“I’m hanging up my boots having accomplished everything I could have ever dreamed about in the game,” McCaw said.
“Knowing that I was able to end my career by helping the All Blacks win the Rugby World Cup final is a hugely satisfying feeling.”
McCaw is now set to pursue a career in commercial helicopter piloting.
“I am heavily involved in the Christchurch Helicopters company, they are great people and I’m excited about the opportunities there. Aviation is something I’m passionate about, I’m going to carry on flying and work towards getting my commercial pilot licence.”
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Baabaa’s Squad Announced
Rebel’s players Toby Smith and James Hansen have been included in the 24 man Barbarians squad to face Argentina this weekend.
The Barbarians thrashed Gloucester 62-14 earlier in the week.
Backs: Ryan Crotty (Crusaders, NZ), Tawera Kerr Barlow (Chiefs, NZ), Tevita Kuridrani (Brumbies, Aus), Pat Lambie (Sharks, SAF), Nehe Milner Skudder (Hurricanes, NZ), Nemani Nadolo (Crusaders, Fiji), Waisake Naholo (Highlanders, NZ), Cobus Reinach (Sharks, SAF), Lima Sopoaga (Highlanders, NZ), Joe Tomane (Brumbies, Aus), Francois Venter (Cheetahs).
Forwards: Bakkies Botha (SAF), Scott Fardy (Brumbies, Aus), Charlie Faumuina (Blues, NZ), James Hanson (Rebels, Aus), Stephen Hoiles (NSW, Aus), Lood de Jager (Cheetahs, SAF), Jamie Mackintosh (Chiefs, NZ), Victor Matfield (Northampton, SAF), Stephen Moore (Brumbies, Aus), Tendai Mtawarira (Sharks, SAF), Ardie Savea (Hurricanes), Toby Smith (Rebels, Aus), Warren Whitely (Lions, SAF).
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Aussies Reacts to McCaw Retirement
Australian fans have rejoiced and saluted Ritchie McCaw after he announced his retirement from the game.
McCaw, who has haunted Wallabies fans since 2001, has only ever lost one Bledisloe Cup in 2002.
“It’s sad to see great players leave the game but there’ll also be plenty of Australians happy to see him go because we haven’t held the Bledisloe Cup since he became captain (in 2004),” said former Wallaby Tim Horan.
“The brilliant leader who brought the All Blacks in when they trailed against South Africa in the World Cup semi-final is the void to be filled.
“You are going to beat the All Blacks two out of 10 times. Without Richie, it might rise to four out of 10, but only if the Wallabies keep getting better.’’
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Jones to Become England Coach
According the British media reports, former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones is set to become the new head coach of England possibly by the end of the month.
The Rugby Football Union has reportedly agreed to a £100,000 compensation with the Stormers who he was set to coach in next year’s Super Rugby competition.
If successful, Jones would become England’s first overseas coach.
World Cup winning coach and current coach of Montpellier Jake White has ruled himself out of the race after previously expressing interest in coaching the England team.
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