Friday’s Rugby News has Nick Farr-Jones’ take on the Wallaby slide, JOC about to sign, Tom Croft doing an ACL and some depressing stats about former players.
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Farr-Jones weighs in
Wallabies legend Nick Farr-Jones has proposed a novel idea for preventing more poor performances within the Rugby Championship. The acclaimed halfback says Wallabies players should be put on incentive contracts or take a 50% pay cut if they deliver another ‘debacle’ in Saturday’s match against Argentina.
Farr-Jones has also weighed in on Ewen McKenzie’s decision to drop Will Genia. While many regard Genia as one of the world’s best halfbacks, Farr-Jones believes that Nic White deserves a chance to increase the speed of the Wallabies’ breakdown. ‘Your No.1 priority is getting that ball as quickly as you can into the No.10’s hands to provide time and space. Will hasn’t been doing that well,’ said Farr-Jones. [/one_half]
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O’Connor on edge of Force deal
A new deal between JOC and the Western Force may be done as early as next week. Much like Ma’a Nonu’s predicament across the Tasman, O’Connor has been unwanted by Super Rugby franchises after his unceremonious dumping from the Melbourne Rebels in July. While his manager has publically discussed the potential for a switch to the NRL or a move to European rugby, O’Connor remains hopeful of continuing his run with the Wallabies.
‘I love Perth. It’s an amazing city. I spent four years here and I’ve come back every year as well for holidays and to catch up with mates,’ O’Connor said. Contract talks will resume when the Wallbaies enjoy a week off after the Argentina game.
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Croft out for season
England international Tom Croft has suffered a knee injury and will miss the rest of the season. Croft sustained a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament during the Tigers’ Aviva Premiership victory over Worcester on Sunday. Croft also suffered a career-threatening neck injury in April last year, slowly forcing himself back into England and Lions contention over the next eight months.
Former Lions player Matt Dawson has asserted that Croft’s injury could be a by-product of the heavy playing schedule for many Lions players. ‘Afraid to say that Tom Croft’s injury will only be the start of lions tour fall out. The rest period is simply not long enough,’ Dawson said. [/one_half]
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Former athletes struggling
Almost a quarter of former sportmen (24%) have battled with health, addiction or financial problems as they embark on second careers after retiring, according to a recent British study. The survey was done by the Professional Players Federation, an umbrella body of player’s unions. Of the more than 1,200 retired footballers, rugby union and league players, jockeys and cricketers, 32% do not feel in control in the first two years after leaving sport
‘This important study emphasises the challenges professional sportspeople face in retirement and it is crucial we help them adjust to life out of the spotlight,’ said PPF chairman Brendan Batson. [/one_half]
