Thursday’s rugby news has AAC off to France, Horwill possibly relinquishing the captaincy, the Brumbies talking about capping interstate players, and consideration for a ban on NZ alcohol sponsorship.
[one_half last=”no”]
Ashley-Cooper joins French rugby
Veteran Wallabies utility back Adam Ashley-Cooper has ended the chase for his signature, announcing he will join French team Bordeaux on a two-year deal after 2016. The 30-year-old Wallabies centre or wing has won 104 caps for Australia and is still expected to play a leading role in their World Cup campaign in England next October.
“I am extremely grateful for my career in Australia, and I want to thank the ARU and the Waratahs for their support over the past decade,” said Ashley-Cooper. “I look forward to participating in the future of the (Bordeaux) club after the World Cup.”
[/one_half]
[one_half last=”yes”]
Horwill dismissing captaincy
Former Wallabies skipper James Horwill is considering relinquishing his role as Reds captain for next year. Horwill has led the Reds since 2008 but the 29-year-old will be heading to English club Harlequins from 2016, with speculation that he is seeking to absolve himself of the leadership duties to focus on maximising his role in next year’s World Cup.
The leadership qualities of the team were recently tested by the Reds undergoing a gruelling three day camp under military direction in Brisbane. The team play their first trial against the Melbourne Rebels in Cairns on January 31.
[/one_half]
[one_half last=”no”]
Brumbies looking local
New Brumbies chairman Robert Kennedy has immediately emphasised his desire to invest in local talent, suggesting that a cap be placed upon the recruitment of players from outside the State.
“I’ll take advice from more expert people than me on the percentage [for a cap], but as a principle it is a belief I have,” Kennedy said. “I really want to connect with the local community and get that repaid in turning up to games.” At the moment, only a handful of Brumbies, including Jesse Mogg, Robbie Coleman and Nic White, are products of the Canberra competition.
[/one_half]
[one_half last=”yes”]
NZ consider alcohol ban
A panel of New Zealand government experts have advised the All-Blacks to get rid of key sponsor Steinlager in an attempt to wean rugby in the country off of its dependance on alcohol advertising and sponsorship money
The advice stems from concern over the exposure of young people to the proliferation of alcohol brands in sport, which has a “revered status” to audiences. On the other hand, Crusaders and Canterbury Rugby chief executive Hamish Riach said that the move would “catastrophically torpedo” New Zealand sport.
[/one_half]
