Thursday’s rugby news has more Cheika-related drama, the Rebels in trouble, the Aussie 20 team announced and a bold political statement by Toulon.
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Cheika under investigation
In more Michael Cheika-related news, the Waratahs coach is now under investigation by SANZAR after a sideline incident in Durban. Cheika is alleged to have had a confrontation with a cameraman, objecting to the South African broadcaster Super Sport filming him shortly after the loss. The broadcaster’s spokesman Clinton van der Berg has said, ‘A couple of choice words were used. Where Super Sport draws the line is being threatened.’
In worse news, the Waratahs are also set to be without injured winger Alofa Alofa and no.8 Wycliff Palu for this week’s match against the Stormers. [/one_half]
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Rebels running massive loss
The Melbourne Rebels are anticipating a significant financial loss this season, with CEO Rob Clarke saying that the worst case scenario could be a $3 million loss. The franchise has been supported by the ARU since the team’s private investors withdrew last year, citing concerns that the Rebels were struggling to compete in a significant way in the AFL-mad city.
Clarke was hopeful that member and sponsorship numbers could improve, also adding that a projected break-even proposition by 2016 would be positive given the financial state of Australian Rugby. [/one_half]
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Aussie 20s announced
The Australian under 20s squad was announced yesterday, initiating preparations for the IRB Junior World Championship in June. The squad of 33 was largely made up of NSW Colts, with 14 members being chosen on the back of their victory at last week’s National under 20 Championships. The team boasts three players backing up from involvement in last years Under 20s national squad, Gordon’s Jack Dempsey, Angus Pulver from Sydney University and Eastwood’s Pat Sio.
The squad will take on Fiji and Samoa on the Gold Coast later this month, before leaving for the Junior World Cup, which takes place in Auckland. [/one_half]
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Toulon cancel friendly
Toulon president Mourad Boudjellal has cancelled a friendly against second division French side Beziers after they voted a far-right mayor into power. Beziers voted in Rober Menard on March 30, a man who has received backing from the anti-immigration party, the National Front.
‘I don’t want to go to a town that in the first round voted almost 50%’ for a National Front candidate,’ Boudjellal said. ‘When I meet a player, I want to ask myself first of all whether he’s a good player or not, rather than whether he’s black or white.’ [/one_half]
