Thursday’s Rugby News has news that will make you go ‘nawww’ cos there’s a Vickerman Cup, the return of Genia, an ABs/England game and a players’ strike.
[one_half last=”no”]
Vickerman Cup
Naw, ain’t this nice! The Waratahs and Brumbies (for as long as they exist) will play for the Vickerman Cup. Dan Vickerman played for the Brumbies 20 times and the Waratahs 58 times.
“Dan was one of those teammates who was admired by all that knew him and I know both sides will be wanting to take home the Dan Vickerman Cup,” NSWRU chief Andrew Hore said.
“It is another way for the rugby community to recognise Dan’s contribution to rugby.
“The clash between the Tahs and Brumbies is always a feature on the Super Rugby calendar and we are looking forward to hosting them on our turf in what we expect to be a very physical match up.”
Brumbies boss Michael Thomson said much the same thing.
“The Brumbies against the Waratahs is always one of the highlights of the season and the conception of the Dan Vickerman Cup will only add to the spectacle,” Thomson said.
“There have been several epic clashes between the clubs down the years and the rivalry has built into a healthy respect.
“Dan was an instrumental figure at both teams and the introduction of this trophy is a fine way to honour his memory.”
[/one_half][one_half last=”yes”]
Genia Return?
As sort of mentioned yesterday, Will Genia may make the most of the weird Stade Francais – Racing 92 merger, and bail out his contract to return to Australia, reports
The Daily Tele says Genia “is well-advanced in negotiations with the ARU about a new contract and is set to become the latest Wallaby star to pack up and head home from the cashed-up European leagues.”
Genia, who has been in France since the end of the last World Cup, is eyeing a return to Australia (specifically, the Reds) by June.
Before Genia returns, the DT reports that there’s a legal snag with his contract, as Bath have first dibs on the scrumhalf (explained in greater detail in the article).
On a related note, while Racing 92 have no Aussies, Stade Francais also have Hugh Pyle(? Shazam!) and Paul Alo-Emile on their books. Could they be coming home too?
Meanwhile, Bath have signed Nathan Charles.
[/one_half][one_half last=”no”]
ABs v Poms Could Be Happening
The Daily Mail is reporting that the RFU have begun hurried talks with the NZRU about a game between the two sides, to place during this year’s November internationals.
The idea is for the Bad Guys and the Badder Guys to face off on 4 November, the date on which the All Blacks had pencilled in to play the Barbarians at Twickenham. However, that fixture hasn’t been finalised, hence the opportunity.
When planning the November internationals for this year, which was ages ago, the RFU rebuffed the Kiwis’ demand for 50% of the gate (which is around £3 million)
Funnily enough, the greedy Poms have come around to the idea now that their egos have grown to Eddie Jones-sizes since racking up a 18-game winning streak, mostly against shite Northern European opposition.
When asked by the Daily Mail, this is what NZRU boss Steve Tew had to say about the deal: “We’re playing England next year. We look forward to it.”
When pressed on whether the next encounter could happen this year, he added: “Not as our season is currently programmed, no. It’s highly unlikely at this stage.
“We’ve got a very important series against the British and Irish Lions and that’s a primary focus for us. We’re still working on finalising our programme. We’ve already got Scotland, France and Wales on the end-of-year tour.”
[/one_half][one_half last=”yes”]
Sttttt-rike!
In response to the surprise merger/takeover of their club with their cross-city rivals, Stade Francais players have responded by striking.
Vice-captain Pascal Pape, who yesterday said that his reaction to the fusion would more or less be to take up arms, told the media that “99.8%” of players agreed to the strike action, adding that the fusion means “the death of 136 years of the club’s history”.
What this strike means, is that the Stade players won’t train and won’t play on the weekend against Castres.
Jonathan Danty and Djibril Camara, currently with the French team preparing for the Wales game, are two such Stade players.
“It’s hard to swallow,” said Danty. “We were always told we were the future of the club and that if we left, the club would be in danger. And now we find out they did this behind our backs.”
Danty, Camara, a dozen other players and around 100 fans all took part in a protest outside the club’s Jean-Drouin Stadium on Monday. Both players left national team training to attend the protest, without informing France coach Guy Noves.
“I take full responsibility for going there. I don’t know if Guy was in agreement or not but I doubt it,” said Camara. “If I am punished, so be it.”
When asked if he had made contact with Stade owner Thomas Savare, Camara retorted: “”Who? Don’t ask me about that after he just screwed me over.”
Can someone please CC in all the Force, Rebels and Brumbies players please? Get passionate lads
[/one_half]
