Hi everyone, the teams have dropped, the injuries are out, G&GR had a crapperazzi meeting last night and we have big things lined up for the Lions tour with extra content and pods. There’s much to embrace going forward. If you feel the need to scratch the journalistic itch or have something to say reach out and join the team we all do it for love and it’s a great community. I’ll be away on holidays next week so there’s a spot to have a run on Thursday.
This week’s ground is the mighty Roma Echidnas. Send in a photos of your home ground if you want it featured.
Nathan Sharpe appointed as new Rugby Australia President, two new board members confirmed
From Pravda
Nathan Sharpe replaces Joe Roff as RA president. Setting aside his defection and the part he played within the Queensland set up at the time, he’s an excellent appointment as RA president. He’s a passionate rugby man and represents another appointment who seems to be in it for the right reasons, not to make is CV look good as some have in the last 25 years.
We had better be careful, we seem to have adults running the place.
Rugby Australia results
Link here if you want to get into some granular details but the main headlines are as follows.
RA brought forward expected proceeds from the Lions tour via the $80 million credit facility to cover the anticipated deficit associated with the one-off costs and investments of the organisational reset in 2024. By opting for the flexibility of a credit facility over a private equity transaction, RA is now positioned to retain the full benefit of the once-in-a-generation runway of major events starting with this year’s British & Irish Lions tour.
One-off costs and investments associated with the reset in 2024 included the successful integration of the NSW Waratahs and ACT Brumbies ($10.3m), the costs associated with the voluntary administration and subsequent exit of the Melbourne Rebels from Super Rugby ($5.1m), servicing of the credit facility and depreciation charges ($9.4m), financial injections into women’s rugby (up $2.5m on prior year) and a 16% uplift in Super Rugby funding for the Queensland Reds ($0.6m) and Western Force ($0.6m), as well as a $0.6m increase in Member Union Community Grant funding.
These outlays, combined with the smaller market inbound tours from Georgia and Wales in 2024, resulted in a deficit of $36.8m.
Don’t be fooled by participation numbers as they can be cooked up in many ways, but it does seem that the game is in decent health going forward. My son when playing club and school was counted as 4 participants (school XV and 7s and club XV and 7s)
If RA do as they say they’ll and pay down the debt from the BIL tour and set up a legacy fund from the RWC which will leave Oz rugby in a good place. Private equity funding is a fool’s errand as the English and NZRU are finding out.
All Blacks star Ioane to join Leinster from Blues
New Zealand centre Rieko Ioane will join United Rugby Championship and Champions Cup frontrunners Leinster for the 2025-26 season.
Ioane is contracted to the Blues in New Zealand until 2027 but will take a “sabbatical” to join the Irish province on a one-season contract. The 28-year-old, who can also play on the wing, made his New Zealand debut in 2016 and has scored 37 tries in 81 caps for the All Blacks.
“It’s an exciting opportunity to play in Ireland for an iconic team, grow my game and experience something with my family,” Ioane posted on his Instagram. “Will be back refreshed and ready to rock in the second half of 2026.”
Ioane is the latest All Black to make the move to Leinster after Jordie Barrett joined the Dublin-based side for the current season. Barrett has made a big impact at Leinster and was named player of the match as Leinster hammered Glasgow Warriors to qualify for the Investec Champions Cup semi-finals.
The Blues confirmed the deal just one day after the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) announced the four Irish provinces will have to contribute 40% to Ireland’s national player contracts from August 2026 – as opposed to 30%.
Leinster have by far the biggest number of nationally contracted players and will be the most financially affected by the decision. Currently Leinster have 32 full internationals in the squad.
Randwick stun Eddie Jones’ Japan U23s with 100 metre, after-the-siren try
Just my weekly dose of Schadenfreude.
Referee ranking from @Yabby
If you don’t read the forums, you missed out on this piece of gold.
I see your template and just like J.Doleman esq. with relation to ruck laws, I choose to ignore it.
Instead behold the alignment of super rugga refs:
Chaotic good: Nic Berry. The game will be fun to watch even when things are up in the air.
Neutral good: Jordan Way. I have never noticed this guy’s existence. In a referee this is a good thing.
Lawful good: Angus Gardner. I feel myself getting marched 10 when yelling at the TV.
Chaotic neutral: Damon Murphy. The ultimate everyone gets wacky and silly penalties man.
Neutral neutral: It’s a nice theory but the laws of the universe make it impossible for any referee to ever be truly neutral.
Lawful neutral: Paul Williams. Underappreciated and kinda forgettable like the cardboard boxes at Bunnings you use to take all your stuff to the car with.
Chaotic evil: James Doleman. Write a rule each on a pack of cards, throw pack of cards in the air, pick up some and choose to be fastidious on these for this game only.
Neutral evil: Ben O’Keeffe. You know he’s right, you know your team’s a bunch of ADHD meatheads who forget rules at key times but the penalty to lose the game still hurts. Lawful evil: Andre Watson. Never forgive, never forget the 2002 grand final. Brumbies wuz robbed.
Teams for Super Rugby round 10
Friday April 18 5:05 pm AEST – Crusaders v Blues in Christchurch
Saders for me
CRUSADERS (1-15): Tamaiti Williams, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett, Antonio Shalfoon, Cullen Grace, Ethan Blackadder, Christian Lio-Willie, Noah Hotham, Taha Kemara, Sevu Reece, David Havili (c), Levi Aumua, Chay Fihaki, Will Jordan
Replacements: Ioane Moananu, George Bower, Kershawl Skyes-Martin, Jamie Hannah, Corey Kellow, Kyle Preston, James O’Connor, Dallas McLeod
BLUES (1-15): Joshua Fusitu’a, Ricky Riccitelli, Angus Ta’avao, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Josh Beehre, Anton Segner, Dalton Papali’i, Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, Mark Tele’a, AJ Lam, Rieko Ioane, Cole Forbes, Zarn Sullivan
Replacements: Kurt Eklund, Mason Tupaea, Hamdahn Tuipulotu, Laghlan McWhannell, Cameron Suafoa, Adrian Choat, Taufa Funaki, Harry Plummer
Referee: Nic Berry Assistant Referees: Jordan Way, Matt Kellahan TMO: Brett Cronan
Saturday April 19 12:05 pm AEST – Fijian Drua v NSW Waratahs at Churchill Park, Lautoka
Drua at Home
DRUA (1-15): Peni Ravai, Mesulame Dolokoto (co-c), Mesake Doge, Isoa Nasilasila, Leone Rotuisolia, Etonia Waqa, Motikiai Murray, Elia Canakaivata, Simione Kuruvoli, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Ponipate Longanimasi, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Iosefo Masi (co-c), Taniela Rakuro, Isikeli Rabitu
Replacements: Zuriel Togiatama, Emosi Tuqiri, Samu Tawake, Vilive Miramira, Isoa Tuwai, Leone Nawai, Kemu Valetini, Inia Tabuavou
WARATAHS (1-15): Isaac Kailea, Ethan Dobbins, Daniel Botha, Hugh Sinclair (c), Ben Grant, Jamie Adamson, Charlie Gamble, Leafi Talataina, Teddy Wilson, Lawson Creighton, Triston Reilly, Joey Walton, Lalakai Foketi, Andrew Kellaway, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii
Replacements: Julian Heaven, Tom Lambert, Siosfia Amone, Miles Amatosero, Langi Gleeson, Jack Grant, Tane Edmed, Henry O’Donnell
Referee: Paul Williams Assistant Referees: Mike Winter, Warwick Lahmert TMO: Richard Kelly
Saturday April 19 2:35 pm AEST – Moana Pasifika v ACT Brumbies at Navigation Homes Stadium, Pukekohe
Brumbies to continue on their way
PASIFIKA (1-15): Abraham Pole, Samiuela Moli, Sione Mafile’o, Tom Savage, Michael Curry, Miracle Faiilagi, Sione Havili Talitui (c), Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, Jonathan Taumateine, Patrick Pellegrini, Kyren Taumoefolau, Julian Savea, Pepesana Patafilo, Fine Inisi, Tevita Ofa
Replacements: Sama Malolo, Monu Moli, Chris Apoua, Samuel Slade, Ola Tauelangi, Melani Matavaom Jackson Garden-Bachop, Danny Toala
BRUMBIES (1-15): Rhys van Nek, Lachlan Lonergan, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Nick Frost, Tom Hooper, Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Ryan Lonergan, Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Ollie Sapsford, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright
Replacements: Billy Pollard, James Slipper, Feao Fotuaika, Lachlan Shaw, Cadeyrn Neville, Harrison Goddard, Declan Meredith, Hudson Creighton
Referee: Angus Mabey Assistant Referees: James Doleman, Ben O’Keeffe TMO: Glenn Newman
Saturday April 19 5:05 pm AEST – Chiefs v Highlanders at FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton
Chiefs to do unspeakable things the Clan
CHIEFS (1-15): Aidan Ross, Brodie McAlister, George Dyer, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Tupou Vaa’i, Samipeni Finau, Jahrome Brown, Luke Jacobson (c), Xavier Roe, Damian McKenzie, Leroy Carter, Quinn Tupaea, Daniel Rona, Emoni Nawara, Shaun Stevenson
Replacements: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Jared Profit, Reuben O’Neill, Jimmy Tupou, Kaylum Boshier, Cortez Ratima, Josh Jacomb, Anton Lienert-Brown
HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Ethan de Groot, Henry Bell, Sosefo Kautai, Mitch Dunshea, Fabian Holland, Oliver Haig, Veveni Lasaqa, Hugh Renton (co-c), Folau Fakatava, Cameron Millar, Jona Nareki, Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-c), Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Taniela Filimone, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
Replacements: Soane Vikena, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma’u, Te Kamaka Howden, Will Stodart, Adam Lennox, Sam Gilbert, Jonah Lowe
Referee: Angus Gardner Assistant Referees: Matt Kellahan, Jordan Way TMO: James Leckie
Saturday April 19 7:35 pm AEST – Western Force v Hurricanes at HBF Park, Perth
The Force in the game of the round
FORCE (1-15): Marley Pearce, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Tom Robertson, Jeremy Williams (c), Darcy Swain, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Carlo Tizzano, Vaiolini Ekuasi; Nic White (vc), Ben Donaldson, Bayley Kuenzle, Hamish Stewart, Sio Tomkinson, Harry Potter, Mac Grealy
Replacements: Nic Dolly, Atu Moli, Josh Smith, Reed Prinsep (vc), Will Harris, Henry Robertson, Max Burey, George Poolman
HURRICANES (1-15): Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua (co-c), Tyrel Lomax, Caleb Delany, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Brad Shields (co-c), Du’Plessis Kirifi (co-c), Peter Lakai, Cam Roigard, Ruben Love, Fatafehi Fineanganofo, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Bailyn Sullivan, Ngatungane Punivai, Callum Harkin
Replacements: Raymond Tuputupu, Tevita Mafileo, Pasilo Tosi, Zach Gallagher, Brayden Iose, Ereatara Enari, Riley Higgins, Billy Proctor
Referee: Damon Murphy Assistant Referees: Jeremy Markey, Jordan Kaminski TMO: Graham Cooper
Injuries and breakages
Blues
- Caleb Clarke (thigh)
- Marcel Renata (calf)
- Reon Paul (shoulder)
- Ofa Tu’ungafasi (neck/season)
- Sam Darry (shoulder/season)
Brumbies
- Len Ikitau (concussion/round 11)
- Jack Debreczeni (groin/TBC)
- Charlie Cale (lower back/long-term)
- Ben O’Donnell (hamstring/long-term)
- Tevita Alatini (ACL/long-term)
- Harry Vella (ACL/2-3 weeks)
- Kadin Pritchard (knee /2-4 weeks)
- Blake Schoupp (Achilles/2026)
Chiefs
- Simon Parker (HIA protocol)
- Josh Lord (knee/mid-term)
- Liam Coombes-Fabling (knee/mid-term)
- Etene Nanai-Seturo (hamstring/long-term)
- Fiti Sa (shoulder/long-term)
- Wallace Sititi (knee/long-term)
- Rameka Poihipi (knee/season)
Crusaders
- Dom Gardiner (hamstring/ TBC)
- George Bell (foot/6-8 weeks)
- Braydon Ennor (hamstring/3 weeks)
- Finlay Brewis (shoulder/season)
- Tahlor Cahill (AC joint/1-2 weeks)
Fijian Drua
- Meli Derenalagi (knee/long-term)
- Kitione Salawa (thigh/short-term)
- Ilaisa Droasese (wrist/short-term)
- Epeli Momo (knee/long-term)
- Frank Lomani (shoulder/short-term)
Highlanders
- Ajay Faleafaga (hand/season)
- Caleb Tangitau (groin/1-2 weeks)
- Finn Hurley (quad/season)
- Hayden Michaels (hamstring/season)
- James Arscott (shoulder/TBC)
- Nikora Broughton (knee MCL TBC)
- Tanielu Tele’a (hamstring/2-3 weeks)
Hurricanes
- Brett Cameron (knee/season)
- Devan Flanders (ankle/round 12)
- Harry Godfrey (lower leg/round 13)
Moana Pasifika
- James Lay (neck)
- Lotu Inisi (hamstring)
- Neria Fomai (knee/season)
- Solomon Alaimalo (foot)
- Tito Tuipulotu (knee)
NSW Waratahs
- Max Jorgensen (syndesmosis)
- Jake Gordon (medial ligament)
- Mahe Vailanu (broken arm)
- Dave Porecki (calf)
- Fergus Lee-Warner (foot)
- Lucas Ripley (shoulder)
Western Force
- Ryan Coxon (ribs)
- Harry Johnson-Holmes (knee)
- Harry Hoopert (knee)
- Divad Palu (shoulder)
- Dylan Pietsch (quad)
- Matt Proctor (shoulder)
Hoss back tomorrow
