Monday’s rugby news has Cheika revealing his squad, Graham under more pressure, Holmes re-signs with the Reds and Salesi Ma’afu signs with Toulon.
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Cheika Reveals Squad
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has revealed the Wallabies squad members of the Reds, Force and Rebels whose season’s finished on the weekend.
Players from the Brumbies and Waratahs will be confirmed once their Super Rugby seasons end.
Rebels: Paul Alo-Emile, Scott Higginbotham, Luke Jones, Sean McMahon, Toby Smith.
Reds: Quade Cooper, Saia Fainga’a, Will Genia, Liam Gill, James Hanson, James Horwill, Greg Holmes, Karmichael Hunt, Samu Kerevi, James O’Connor, Rob Simmons, James Slipper.
Force: Adam Coleman, Nick Cummins, Tetera Faulkner, Ben McCalman, Matt Hodgson.
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Graham under pressure
Reds coach Richard Graham is under severe pressure to keep his job after the Reds capped off a terrible season with a 31-5 loss to the Waratahs.
Graham insisted that he is not overly concerned about his position.
“That’s out of my hands at the moment … [It’s up to] an independent review and they’ll make their decision. I can’t control it, so I’m not overly worried about it at this point in time,” he said.
“That’s been going on in the background but it’s not something I can control, so the whole focus has been on getting the performance that we want right at the Reds, and to come down here and get the win.
“It’s been a tough year, that’s probably an understatement, but you could put me back out there next Saturday and I’d start the season again, competitive and with a real desire to win and get things right.”
Former Leinster coach Matt O’Connor is now reportedly the favourite to take over as Reds coach for next season.
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Holmes Re-signs
Queensland Reds prop Greg Holmes has signed a one year contract extension with the Reds which will see him stay until the end of 2016. This follows the news on Friday that Liam Gill will also be staying with the club until the end of next year.
Reds coach Richard Graham was pleased with the re-signing.
“Greg loves the Reds. He has been at Ballymore since 2005 and played more than 130 games in that time. In that sense alone he is an important signing,” Graham said.
“As a tighthead prop he is scrummaging the best he ever has. He has been part of a dominant set piece and it is crucial we continue to have a focus in that area.
“We are developing an excellent group of young props and Greg is an important part of their progression. It will be one of our most competitive areas for selection in 2016.”
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Ma’afu Moves to Toulon
Former Wallabies prop Salesi Ma’afu has signed with powerhouse French club Toulon. Ma’afu had been playing for Northampton where he won a premiership in his fist season.
“Toulon is a great club that has won many titles and this is a huge challenge for me,” Ma’afu said.
“The fact that there are several Australians already here, such as Matt Giteau, Drew Mitchell and Quade Cooper – helped me make my decision. It was part of it but not essential.
“They are great players and it will be an honour to play with them.”
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