Friday’s rugby news has Super Rugby open to more teams, Thorn weighing up a return, returning Brumbies and a bidding war for Tuilagi.
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Further expansion contemplated
With the introduction of teams from Argentina and Japan, SANZAR boss Andy Marinos has forecast further expansion to the Super Rugby format, saying that there were no geographical limits to possible further inclusions.
“Besides the rugby strength that you must look at, it’s also got to be in good markets from a commercial point of view because at the end of the day you’ve got to generate sufficient revenue to stay in the competition, so you’ve got to look across the board,” Marinos said. He also placed particular emphasis on the opportunities in the North American market, as well as growing the strength of Pacific Island teams.
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Thorn thinking about return
Cross-code warrior Brad Thorn has not ruled out strapping on the boots for the Queensland Reds next season, saying he still has the “urge” to play. “I didn’t actually retire – I’m just playing less now,” Thorn said. “If things were like dire straits, I’m happy to help out any way I can but I think things are under control at the moment.”
Thorn, 40, has joined the Reds as a development coach for their up-and-coming forwards, but speculation is mounting he could sign on as an emergency back-up for injured lock Kane Douglas, who is likely to miss the entire Super Rugby season with a torn ACL.
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Smith returns to Brumbies
After two seasons in Europe, Andrew Smith has returned to the Brumbies for this year’s Super Rugby competition. After stints playing for Montpellier and Munster, coach Stephen Larkham put a two-year deal on the table, with the deciding factor in Smith’s return being the opportunity of bringing up his young family in Australia.
“The Brumbies is always a great place to play, so it was always in the back of my mind to come back,” Smith said. He also emphasised that the game style in Europe was very different to what he was used to from Super Rugby, which has helped him to develop a lot as a player searching out his own opportunities for impact.
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Tuilagi looking at huge contract
Richard Cockerill, Leicester’s director of rugby, has said that Manu Tuilagi “has had his head turned” by offers of extravagant contracts from Worcester and Wasps. “He is a good lad. We have looked after him very well and we are confident he will stay a Leicester player,” Cockerill said.
Premier Rugby recently raised the salary cap for next season to £6.5m and to £7m for the one after that, seeing a number of clubs looking to make marquee signings. Tuilagi had reportedly been offered £1.6 million over three years by Worcester Warriors, with Saracens, Bristol and Toulouse are also thought to be interested.
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