Friday’s rugby news has Link hoping to retain some players, Mowen explaining himself, Folau out and Tuilagi keeping his options open.
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Olympics can stop exodus
Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie believes that the lure of French rugby will be sufficiently dulled by the prospect of an Olympic medal for national players. Many are expected to leave for France after the World Cup, with the Top 14 just signing a a $527 million broadcasting deal, allowing clubs to start the hunt for the best players around the world.
‘In terms of world events, the Olympics is the biggest thing going on in 2016,’ Link said, hoping that the prospect of a medal will stop marque players like Quade Cooper and Israel Folau taking the big payday overseas.[/one_half]
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Mowen explains move
Meanwhile, Ben Mowen has further explained his decision to leave the Australian side on the eve of the World Cup in an interview yesterday. Spoiler alert: its more money. But while Australian Rugby may be unable to compete with overseas markets on pay alone, Mowen did illuminate a few legitimate issues facing top-tier players.
The former captain played 33 full games of rugby in 2013, across nine countries. This hectic schedule occurred during a time when Wallabies continue to face the threat of falling wages, with Mowen telling Ewen McKenzie upon leaving, ‘I didn’t want to fight for my pay.’ [/one_half]
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Folau sidelined
Despite reports earlier in the week that Israel Folau would be a high probability of playing this week, the Tahs fullback has now been ruled out of the match against the Stormers, with his throat injury recovering slower than expectd.
Alofa Alofa will also replace the suspended Rob Horne, while Kurtley Beale will move to fullback in a straight swap with Jono Lance. As for the forwards, Wycliff Palu’s persistent ankle injury has forced coach Michael Cheika to shuffle Dennis to no. 8, Potgieter to 6 and bring Will Skelton into the starting lock position. [/one_half]
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Tuilagi eager to squeeze into 15
Lions representative Manu Tuilagi has said that he is happy to play any position to force his way back into the England team, after a lenghty sideline stint with a pectoral injury. Tuilagi may have his work cut out for him to return to his preferred centre role, with national coach Stuart Lancaster favoring two playmakers in the backline. Billy Twelvetrees started alongside Burrell in each of England’s five Six Nations games.
In light of this, Tuilagi has put his hand up for a possible inclusion on the wing, asserting, ‘As long as I’m in the team I don’t mind where I play. I played pretty much all my career on the wing before I got into the first team at Leicester.’ [/one_half]
