Monday’s rugby news has big Kev’s disdain for farewell tours, SBW on sport-hopping, salary cap debate in the UK and another big signing for Toulon.
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Horwill dismisses farewell tour
With the announcement that former Wallaby captain James Horwill will be leaving the Reds after the World Cup, the 29-year-old has specifically requested that his Super Rugby franchise minimize any element of a farewell tour.
“It’s about the team doing well and that’s the greatest thing I could want,” said Horwill, having signed a three-year deal with Harlequins. “That’s the best farewell I could ask for.” Coach Richard Graham emphasised the second-rowers’ professionalism, doubting whether any fanfare would distract ‘big Kev’.
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Sport-hopping here to stay
Having walked straight back into the All-Blacks after his NRL stint, Sonny Bill-Williams will now compete in his seventh professional boxing bout next month before resuming his Super Rugby career with the Chiefs.
While conceding that the practice was a risk to the player and by extension the contracting club, SBW said that players switching codes and dabbling in boxing are realities of modern-day professional sport. “It’s cool for sportsmen, for young kids coming up to know that there’s not just that one door,” SBW said.
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Salary cap questioned in UK
Saracens and Bath will both be investigated for suspected salary cap breaches in the Aviva Premiership and with the continuing threat of French and Japanese rugby contracts, many within the UK have questioned the strict cap imposed.
Saracens executive Edward Griffiths claimed to have the backing of six English clubs in exclaiming that the salary cap “has served its purpose,” adding that, in turning away players, “it will kill any hope of growth.” Other English Rugby figureheads such as Leicester’s director of rugby Richard Cockerill defended the sanctions as essential for retaining a competitive league.
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Toulon snag Nonu
Toulon has secured another big-name signing, with perennial All-Black Ma’a Nonu, who has 94 caps for New Zealand, set to play for the French Club after the World Cup, having signed for two seasons.
“Nonu is a great centre with a good mouth on him and that is something we like at Toulon,” said owner Mourad Boudjellal. Nonu’s move will bolster an already formidable midfield that includes Mathieu Bastareaud and Maxime Mermoz. The news comes shortly after Dan Carter announced his signing with Racing Metro, with veterans Richie McCaw, Keven Mealamu and Tony Woodcock also expected to head overseas after the World Cup.
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