Friday’s rugby news has Foley leaving, Kuridrani (and possibly Folau) staying, Douglas on the agenda and SBW back with the Cheifs.
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Foley heading to Japan
Test five-eighth Bernard Foley has signed a two-year deal to play in Japan after the World Cup, joining a number of Wallabies opting for lucrative foreign contracts.
The signing does have a silver lining though, as it is understood that Foley will still be able to represent Australia in sevens at the Rio Olympics, currently negotiating a short-term deal to leave his Japanese Rugby club during this period. The 18-cap Wallaby is also believed to be eyeing off a return to Australia in 2017 and a second World Cup in 2019.
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Kuridrani commits
Tevita Kuridrani looks set to sign a new ARU deal, while there is also talk that negotiations have drawn close to retaining the services of Israel Folau. A major plus in these negotiations has been the influence of national and NSW coach Michael Cheika, who has developed a close relationship with Folau and his manager Isaac Moses.
“Those are decisions to make but I am not too stressed about it,” Cheika emphasised. “At the end of the day, if we run the best program we can and offer the best money we can, that’s all you can do.”
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ARU called upon to win back Douglas
Wallabies great Simon Poidevin has emphasised the need to to lure lock Kane Douglas back from Ireland in time to play for the Wallabies in the World Cup. “I think a lot of people don’t appreciate the work rate the guy put in on the field – both in the set piece and also around the field,” Poidevin said.
While Cheika has reportedly remained in contact with Douglas since the 25-year-old left for Ireland last year, the former Waratah is in the midst of a three-year deal and would require a relaxation of the overseas exclusion policy.
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SBW back at the Cheifs
Sonny Bill Williams will play his first Super Rugby game since 2012 for the Chiefs against the Blues in North Harbour on Saturday. Another notable inclusion into the Chief’s team is former All Black hooker Hika Elliot, who returns to the starting side after sustaining a possible career ending neck injury which ruled him out of last season.
“There has been some difficult decisions with a lot of competition for places. We’re rapt with the side we have picked but realise it will be a big challenge at North Harbour,” said head coach Dave Rennie.
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