Friday’s rugby news has ARU unlikely to pay for Quade, Waratahs sign Angus Ta’avao, Wallabies to train on Sunshine Coast and Steven Luatua may miss the World Cup.
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ARU Unlikely to Pay for Quade
The Australian Rugby Union have spoken out in regards to Quade Cooper’s contract situation and they are unlikely to pay the fee for Cooper to stay in Australia.
Reportedly, Cooper must pay a six figure sum as high as $150 000 to get out of his two year deal with Toulon.
“Quade is currently under contract with the Australian Rugby Union and we have not been officially informed that he has signed elsewhere for 2016,” an ARU spokesman said.
“We have not been approached to assist Quade in breaking a contract and any such approach would be unprecedented.”
It is understood that ARU powerbrokers are aware of Cooper’s expensive get out clause and will be unwilling to pay it.
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Waratahs Sign Ta’avao
The Waratahs have announced the signing of 125kg Blues tighthead prop Angus Ta’avao.
Ta’avao, 25, has played 50 Super Rugby matches and is set to replace the departing Sekope Kepu.
It is understood Ta’avao will be eligible for the Wallabies due to an Australian parent and is therefore not a marquee signing.
Incoming head coach Daryl Gibson was delighted with the signing.
“We are delighted to secure the services of a quality player like Angus, who is highly-regarded by our players as a very capable tighthead and a determined competitor,” Gibson said.
“His addition to our squad for 2016 will shore up our personnel in the tighthead position alongside Paddy Ryan, and will provide substantial depth and versatility to the front row.”
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Wallabies to Train on Sunshine Coast
The Wallabies have announced a training camp will take place on the Sunshine Coast ahead of their first test against the Springboks on July 18.
The camp will take place from July 5-11.
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika said the camp will be vital for the Wallabies World Cup preparations.
“Although the squad has met throughout the Super Rugby season, this will be the first official training camp and a very important step towards England,” he said.
“We want to put the Wallabies in touch with our fans all over the country and this is a great chance for us to be in a great part of Australia, as well as train and prepare out of a first class sporting facility at Sunshine Coast Stadium.”
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Luatau May Miss World Cup
All Blacks and Blues backrower Steven Luatua may miss this year’s Rugby World Cup if he decides to undergo shoulder surgery.
Luatua suffered a dislocated shoulder and nerve damage during the Bulls match against the Blues.
“He’ll possibly need an operation on his shoulder, so he will be out until next season,” Blues coach Sir John Kirwan said.
“He could force his way back but it would be at the limit. It’s getting the operation and getting the recovery done.”
The All Blacks have already lost second rower Patrick Tuipulotu to hip surgery.
“With someone like Patrick, he’s got a 15-year career ahead of him so he’s got to make sure he looks after himself and gets himself right,” Kirwan added.
“It’s a big decision, especially in World Cup year.”
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