Aaaaaaand we’re back! While all the rugby journo’s are still off sipping their cocktails from their pool side banana lounges, we thought we’d shake off the rust and get back in the game ahead of the pack.
So here it is … the Top 5 Aussies Abroad
Captain Quirk
Rugby news about one of our own from Japan, Ed Quirk has been named as captain of the Sunwolves, sharing the job with Harumichi Tatekawa. Quirk had an outstanding season last year after making the jump from the Reds to the Sunwolves and is now looking forward to leading the pack to a better season that last year. Congrats Ed, a well-deserved appointment!
Swatting Flies
You can take the boy out of the country, but not the country out of the boy … is that how the saying goes? Well Will Skelton may not be from the country, but every kid from Australia knows how to swat flies away, and that’s what he did on Sunday, only the “fly” was Scarlets forward James Davies. Poor old Skelton was sent to the bin after a gentle slap to the face of Davies, who has been criticised for making it look like Skelton hit him with a bit of 2×4.
Has Zack Holmes found a home?
Poor old Zack Holmes. He moved to the Force from the Brumbies when he struggled to get a game unless Toomua and Lealiifano were injured (when he did play he showed that he was pretty bloody good). After 2 seasons with the Force, where he started just 10 games, he made the move to La Rochelle in the French Top 14. But after just 2 (very successful, ie 254 points in his 1st season) seasons with the club he is again on the move. Yes, Poor old Zack Holmes, the Fly Half no-one needed has been signed by Toulouse, which is (according to Wikipedia) “arguably one of the finest rugby clubs in the world and the most successful in Europe”. Not too shabby for a kid from WA who never really made it in Super Rugby.
Gits is back
Back again. Gits is back, tell a friend.
Yes, after sitting out with injury since the infamous broken ankle suffered during the Rugby Championship, Matt Giteau made his return to French club Toulon last weekend, coming off the bench in the second half in their Championship Cup match against Sale. Gits drew praise from Sale Director of Rugby, Steve Diamond for the impact he had on the game. Looks like he also made an impact with Referee Nigel Owens!
When fantasy becomes reality
Shhhh … don’t tell anyone, but this Sunday afternoon I’ll be on my computer searching desperately for porn. Rugby porn! The fantasy of many a rugby fan will be playing out in in the Japanese Top League Final this weekend when Suntory Sungoliath take on the Panasonic Wild Knights. Yes that’s right, George Smith’s Suntory v David Pocock’s Wild Knights! Two of the greatest back rowers to ever pull on a jersey going head to head … who HASN’T dreamed about that?! Like I said … rugby porn.
The match is on Sunday January 29th, 2 pm local time (4pm AEDST).
