Thursday’s rugby news has Michael Hooper’s hearing adjourned, Western Force sign Peter Grant, Queensland Reds sign youngsters for 2016 and some injured Springboks to return.
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Hooper’s Hearing Adjourned
Michael Hooper’s hearing has been adjourned after three hours. Hooper will now have to wait until Thursday afternoon for a result.
A reason was not given for the adjournment but in the case of Henry Speight it was to determine the suspension based on Speight’s playing schedule.
The Wallabies were confident earlier in the week that Hooper would escape suspension.
If Hooper is found guilty, he would not able to claim a Shute Shield quarter-final for Manly on Saturday as part of his suspension as he has not played enough club games to be eligible for the playoffs.
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Force Sign Grant
The Western Force have announced the signing of former Springbok flyhalf Peter Grant on a two year deal.
“Our priority was adding experience to complement the talented young players in our backline, and with the recruitment of Ben (Tapuai), Jono (Lance) and now Peter (Grant), we believe we’ve moved strongly in that direction,” said Force coach Michael Foley.
“Peter’s played a key position for nine seasons of Super Rugby, as well as a number of seasons in Japan and France. When you combine that with his time spent with the Springboks, it equates to a player that not only has a wealth of experience in playing the game, but also has the ability to lead players around him.
“Most importantly he brings calmness in decision making, an eagerness to take the defence on when we attack and a consistency in goal kicking.
“One of Peter’s key tasks will be to mentor and develop our young flyhalves, as well as the other young players within our backline.”
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Reds Re-sign Youngsters
The Queensland Reds have signed six players ahead of the 2016 season including young flyhalf Jake McIntyre.
Prop Pettowa Paraka, hooker Alex Mafi, flyhalf Sam Greene and locks Lukhan Tui and Izack Rodda have also signed with the club.
“Jake (McIntyre) and Sam (Greene) have been a part of our programs for the past two seasons. We saw the benefit of that within our Premier competition, last season’s National Rugby Championship and also when they debuted for the Reds late this season. With another NRC under their belts, their game understanding and ability to help their team around the field will continue to develop,” said Reds coach Richard Graham.
“Pettowa (Paraka) has been with us now for the past two seasons. He continues to develop strongly in a very competitive position.
“We were impressed by Lukhan’s performances at the U20 Rugby Championship. For a guy relatively new to Rugby, he has grasped the game very well. He will enjoy the move north to the Reds.
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Injured Boks to Return
Injured Springboks Jean de Villiers, Fourie du Preez and Willem Alberts could all be available to face Argentina according to the team doctor.
“These players have worked hard during their rehabilitation and although we still have to put them through a final assessment next Monday, I’m hopeful,” said Craig Roberts.
Tighthead prop Jannie du Plessis and flanker Francois Louw will miss the rest of the Rugby Championship alongside veteran lock Victor Matfield and winger JP Pietersen.
Duane Vermeulen is still rushing to be fit for the World Cup after undergoing neck surgery.
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