Monday’s rugby news has Folau given a free rein, the RFU working on concussion guidelines, Toulon chasing Welsh stars and a Springbok legend talking comeback.
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Folau free in NSW backline
Ewen McKenzie has emphasised that he will not be telling the Waratahs where to play Isreal Folau next Super Rugby season. It is understood that Waratahs coach Michael Cheika likes the idea of idea of utilising Folau’s power at outside centre, as the go-to man in the backline like Sonny Bill Williams was for the Chiefs. Folau was a major attacking weapon for the Wallabies at fullback, with Link keen to see the cross-code superstar continue to develop his game there.
But McKenzie also said he won’t interfere if Folau is played out of position by the Waratahs. ‘I respect the Super Rugby teams have to do what they have to do,’ McKenzie said. ‘I’ll watch them for the skill contributions they put on the field and the attitude and intensity they display.’ [/one_half]
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Concussion top priority for RFU
Rob Andrew, the RFU’s Director of Operations, has admitted that the governing body needs to do more to tackle the game’s concussion problem. Last month, the RFU held a concussion forum at Twickenham and the overwhelming majority of more than 150 delegates attending were critical of the five minute window to assess players during the Pitch Side Concussion Assessment. Andrew emphasized that independent and external research is being done, adding, ‘I hope I can give parents reassurance that this is absolutely our No1 priority at the moment in terms of our injury agenda.’
Last month, Tony Belli, one of Britain’s leading neuro-surgeons, claimed that team doctors at the country’s top football clubs have been forced to allow players suffering concussion to play on for fear of losing their jobs. [/one_half]
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Toulon chasing Halfpenny
Toulon president Mourad Boudjellal has confirmed that the club is trying to sign Welsh superstar Leigh Halfpenny, but has ruled out any further negotiations with Sam Warburton. Boudjellal said the Welsh skipper had priced himself out of a potential move, emphasizing, ‘We couldn’t find an agreement on the salary expectations.’
With Jonny Wilkinson expected to retire at the end of the season, Toulon could be left with a sizeable gap both at fly-half and in their kicking game. They have been strongly linked with Leicester’s Toby Flood and Boudjellal has confirmed they could sign two players to fill the void left by the World Cup-winning fly-half. [/one_half]
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Matfield in training
Over two years after his retirement, Springboks legend Victor Matfield is reportedly in training to make his Super Rugby return. The 36 year old and former South Africa flyhalf Derick Hougaard, both current members of the Bulls’ coaching team, are looking to make short-term playing returns for the Pretoria-based club.
Matfield, who retired after the 2011 World Cup, was rumoured to be returning for the Springboks last year. Although that didn’t eventuate, the second-rower may be encouraged by the recent international recalls for former team mates Bakkies Botha, Fourie du Preez and Jaque Fourie. The 110-Test legend also expressed interest in an international return in a a news column in August. [/one_half]
