Friday’s rugby news has the Aussie Sevens going strong, Ashley-Cooper wooed by France, David Pocock’s unconventional off-season and the Springboks without a coach.
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Sevens team on the up
Michael O’Connor has emphasised that the Australian Sevens team has remained focused in the wake of the shock resignation of coach Geraint John. O’Connor, a former coach, said that John’s departure had actually helped the push for the Rio Olympics by forcing the players to take on more responsibility in preparations.
“It’s brought more leaders out and players are a lot more vocal,” O’Connor said.”This is the best preparation the boys have had going into a world series, certainly since I’ve been involved.” Former Wallabies flyhalf Scott Bowen will serve as Australia’s interim while the ARU assess a shortlist of five coaching contenders.
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AAC impressed by Bordeaux
Adam Ashley-Cooper has praised the lifestyle offered by French rugby, saying that the culture and facilities of Bordeaux, as well as the beauty of the city, spurred his move. The 31-year-old agreed to join Bordeaux on a two-year deal last December, joining fellow Wallabies Matt Giteau, Drew Mitchell and James O’Connor in France
“They’ve loved their time at Toulon. It’s different both on and off the field here in France,” he said. “I have always wanted to play here in France so it was always just a matter of timing.” Bordeaux are currently seventh in the Top 14, albeit only five points behind leaders Clermont on 29 points.
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Pocock’s Zimbabwean holiday
David Pocock has shunned the usual exotic holiday destinations and instead embarked on a road trip through South Africa, Botswana and his native Zimbabwe, where he helped a group of men who protect endangered rhinoceroses from poachers. He will return to Brumbies training on January 4, but for now he’s lifting weights in Zimbabwe and carrying men on his back to stay in peak condition.
“He’s got a program that we sent out, he’s got his time do what he wants and by the looks of it he’s staying naturally fit,” coach Stephen Larkham said. Pocock took the chance to exercise with the Malilangwe Scouts, a force who serve as rhino guards in the Save Valley Conservancy.
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Meyer stands down as SA coach
Heyneke Meyer has resigned as the head coach of South Africa. The 48-year-old’s contract was due to expire at the end of the month but he has decided to stand down immediately. Meyer oversaw the Springboks’ shock World Cup group-stage defeat by Japan, before they recovered to reach the semi-finals, where they were beaten by eventual winners New Zealand.
He considered the move to be “in the best interests of South African rugby,” after the team finished third at the World Cup. “I have realised that, as much as I still have a lot to offer, the time has come for change,” said Meyer.
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