Monday’s rugby news has a lenient Reds office, Moore’s time growing closer, concussion replays introduced and a quick departure in Wales.
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Reds considering Hunt’s return
The Queensland Reds are reportedly considering allowing Karmichael Hunt to play prior to his court date next week on four charges of allegedly supplying cocaine. The team, supported by RUPA, is arguing that Hunt should be free to return to playing duties as he has not been charged and is assumed innocent, further to the fact that any alleged wrongdoing occurred while under contract to the Goals Coast Suns.
The ARU, however, is wary of the public relations disaster this would create and want Hunt to stay on the sidelines until he fronts court. As both the Reds and ARU contributed to Hunt’s $500,000-plus contract, the national body may have added cause to prevent any return to the field.
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Moore close to return
Former Wallabies captain Stephen Moore may be ready to make his return to the starting lineup for this weekend’s match against the Rebels, having played 40 minutes in last round’s clash with the Cheifs. With the positive outing, Moore was cautiously optimistic, saying, “The game against the Chiefs was a pretty big step up, I felt pretty good and I’m pretty keen to keep increasing my game time as we go.”
David Pocock, meanwhile, has been resolutely left out of contention, signalling the seriousness of his most recent ankle injury. The Brumbies have announced that Pocock will be out for at least the next two games while the team is refusing to set a date for his return.
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Concussions to get replays
The ARU have now instituted television replays for concussions to increase player safety, with each match now closely presided over by the ARU’s chief medical officer Warren McDonald and concussion specialist Dr Ryan Kohler.
The process was used in Friday’s Waratahs-Rebels match, with replays convincing the pair to have Beale undergo a sideline concussion test after a heavy head knock. The replays will allow McDonald and Kohler to assist match officials who may miss visible concussion effects, as was demonstrated when George North was allowed to play on after two debilitating head knocks against England a fortnight ago.
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Hammett quits Blues
Cardiff Blues director of rugby Mark Hammett will leave the club next week after just six months, according to reports. The former Hurricanes boss is set to return home to New Zealand, with an announcement to be made early this week.
Welsh news sources allege that family reasons are behind Hammett’s decision to head home, although there has been speculation about the happiness of the Blues squad regarding Hammett’s tough training methods which have produced a win record of just four of 15 matches in the Guinness Pro12 this year.
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