Friday’s rugby news has Genia’s departure confirmed, Gibson officially Tahs coach, Hunt returning to the Reds and the Crusaders resting their stars.
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Genia to French rugby
Will Genia has confirmed that he will join Top 14 side Stade Francais on a three year contract after the Rugby World Cup. Genia has played for the Reds throughout his 8 year career, earning 58 Test caps in the process.
“It’s a great signing and one which will strengthen our squad in a vital position,” Stade Francais president Thomas Savare said, revealing the news. The 27 year old had been linked with a move to Europe for months but Bath were firm favourites to sign Genia, who even signed a pre-contract with the English Premiership side.
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Gibson promotion confirmed
The Waratahs have announced the appointment of Daryl Gibson to the role of head coach on a three-year contract to commence ahead of the 2016 Super Rugby season. Gibson has been Assistant Coach of the Waratahs since his appointment at the end of 2012, and has previously coached at the Glasgow Warriors and the Crusaders.
“He brings an incredible wealth of football knowledge and experience to the position and is very much a values and culture-driven coach,” Waratahs chief executive Greg Harris said. Gibson asserted that his first priority was to retain marquee players for next year.
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Hunt back with Reds
Karmichael Hunt will play his first game with the Reds since Round One of Super Rugby after sitting out for six weeks with suspension. Hunt will start the match on the bench after pleading guilty to four counts of possessing cocaine in September and October last year.
Richard Graham will be desperate for a win, after starting the season with one loss and five losses. Nevertheless, he emphasised, “I’m absolutely confident that we can make a run for the finals. There’s 10 games left. I know last year two teams made the semis on eight (wins).”
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McCaw and Carter rested
All Black captain Richie McCaw has been rested and replaced by Matt Todd in the starting line-up to face the Sharks. “It was always part of the long-term plan,” assistant coach Aaron Mauger said in reference to McCaw. “And we have got two quality No 7s, we know they can both do a job and Matty (Matt Todd) has been performing really well.”
Dan Carter is also unavailable to play as he has returned to New Zealand, awaiting the birth of his second child. This means Colin Slade moves back to flyhalf for the Canterbury side. Ryan Crotty shifts to inside centre and Kieron Fonotia moves to the No.13 spot.
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