Thursday’s top rugby news has Folau set to sign, Pulver backing two-conference S15, ARU board changes and some Bath rugby disciplinary action.
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Folau signing inches closer
The ARU and Waratahs have called a press conference for 8.45am (AEST) Thursday morning at which Israel Folau is set to commit to the 15-man game. Despite fielding an offer from the NRL club, Bulldogs Chief executive Raelene Castle on Wednesday ruled the club out of the signing race, asserting, ‘My understanding is that Israel Folau is going to sign for rugby and that’s where it’s at.’ Folau will form a lethal backline combination with new recruit Kurtley Beale.
In other signing news, Bill Pulver continues to play hardball with those potential Wallabies asking for an early contract release to pursue overseas offers. While none were included in Ewen McKenzie’s extended Wallabies squad, the ARU wish to hold onto Berrick Barnes, Drew Mitchell and Sitaleki Timani until at least after the third Bledisloe Test in October. [/one_half]
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Pulver backs new S15
After Tuesday’s ARU board meeting, Bill Pulver has given his support for a proposed two-conference Super Rugby competition in 2016. With Australia set to form a conference with NZ, Pulver said, ‘If it did evolve to an Australasian conference that would be a good option.’ Pulver emphasised the benefits of higher broadcast ratings and less travel time for players. This new model is gaining steam, with another proposed South Africa and Argentina conference, with the winners meeting in the finals series.
Speaking of South Africa, the Springboks have added two new additions to their Test squad. Hooker Chiliboy Ralepelle and fullback Zane Kirchner will join the touring team as backup for their upcoming Rugby Championship games in Australia and New Zealand. [/one_half]
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Major changes at ARU
The three current board directors of the ARU have all volunteered to resign or retire over the next five months. George Gregan, John Mumm and Peter Cosgrove will all leave the board by December. CEO of Savill’s and former Wallaby captain Paul Mclean along with Cameron Clyne, the current Group Chief Executive Officer of NAB, are set to be appointed as replacements, with the ARU currently searching for a third director.
Brumbies legend Gregan has stated that he is keen to re-join the ACT franchise if Coach Jake White wants his services as a consultant. ‘I really enjoyed doing the consultant coaching and I guess it’s for discussion at another time with Jake,’ Gregan said.[/one_half]
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Booze ban for Henson
After a notorious punch-up with team-mate Carl Fearns on a night out, Bath Rugby player Gavin Henson has been told that he will be looking for alternative employment if found with a drink in his hand. ‘They [players] decided as a group that they wanted to help Gavin become a part of things here,’ head coach Mike Ford said.
Meanwhile, Bath have confirmed that Stuart Hooper will continue as Club Captain for the 2013/14 season. Hooper, who made his 100th appearance for the club last year, was the natural choice with Director of Rugby Gary Gold emphasising, ‘Stuart is a consummate professional, both on and off the pitch, and is the embodiment of the standards we expect of all the players here at Bath.’
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