Thursday’s rugby news has an exiting Sevens addition, the Waratahs again contemplating a Folau position-switch, Mike Phillips retiring and Eddie Jones suffering visa issues.
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Speight named in sevens
Wallaby speedster Henry Speight is one of three debutants in Australia’s squad for the opening round of the 2015/16 World Rugby Sevens Series, with interim coach Scott Bowen also selecting 24-year-old back Tom Kingston and Stephan van der Walt. Pat McCutcheon (hamstring) and Nick Malouf (knee) are unavailable for the Dubai Sevens due to injury.
Australia head to Dubai on the back of some fine form having won the Central Coast Sevens last month and the Oceania Regional Olympic Qualifier in Auckland a fortnight ago. “The team is looking sharp and the players are fit and raring to go,” Bowen emphasised. “As a group, we are battle-hardened having played in some high-pressure tournaments.”
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Folau to switch to centres
Israel Folau may finally see more action at 13 for the Waratahs this season following the departure of Adam Ashley-Cooper. New head coach Daryl Gibson will consider using the Australia star in midfield to fill a major hole in the Waratahs’ backline.
Coach Nathan Grey believes that Folau would do a good job in the centres and is “comfortable” enough to move up from full-back, despite the difficult new defensive responsibilities that this will present. “Where he plays will be dependent on where everyone as a coaching panel feels that he’s going to add the most impetus to the side,” he said. “I’m sure he’ll be looking to apply his skill set to the way we want to play.”
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Phillips announces retirement
Mike Phillips has announced his retirement from international rugby after a career that saw him play in a record 94 Tests for a Welsh scrum half and five for the British & Irish Lions on two tours. “It’s been amazing, a dream come true to play for Wales,” Phillips emphasised.
“I’ve got some very special memories which I will cherish for the rest of my life.” During his international career with Wales he won three Six Nations titles and two Grand Slams. He was also at the heart of the side that reached the semi-finals of the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
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Eddie’s England gig delayed
Eddie Jones’ arrival in England has been held up by visa issues. The Australian is currently in Tokyo as he waits for the relevant paper work to be rubberstamped. Despite being the head coach of England’s national team, his application has not being fast-tracked and he faces a frustrating wait after he was meant to start work on Tuesday.
It is understood that Jones has been busy at work from the other side of the world, having already watched all of England’s Test matches this year. Jones has also made a formal approach to Bristol forwards coach Steve Borthwick about a possible job.
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