Thursday’s rugby news has RWC expansion possibilities, Sio considering NFL, NSW with defensive troubles and Springboks requesting rest.
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More teams for RWC
World Rugby boss Brett Gosper believes that the Rugby World Cup could accommodate 24 teams in the near future as the game expands to new territories. The 2016 World Cup in England and Wales will feature 20 nations, up from 16 when it began in 1987.
Gosper emphasised that there was room for more growth without overly harming the quality of rugby within the tournament, pointing to lowering win margins in more recent World Cups. “We have countries like Russia and Germany which are just outside and have huge broadcast markets and something like the World Cup would be amazing for the popularity of the sport,” he added.
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Sio looking at NFL future
Brumbies prop Scott Sio has stated that he would be interested in following Jarryd Hayne into an NFL bid, provided that he has fulfilled his rugby goals. Sio has never played gridiron but does possess a rare combination of power and strength that could make him an appealing prospect for American clubs.
“I respect the sport and I’ve always said it would be cool to try my hand at it,” Sio said. “You’ve always got to keep your options open, who knows what the future holds.” For now, Sio will be pushing for a Test start after injuring his ankle and being inactive during all of last year’s international season. [/one_half]
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Tahs vow to fix defence
The NSW Waratahs have committed themselves to a better defensive effort this weekend, although the team will be tested on that front by the table-topping Brumbies. Already, the Highlanders, Western Force and Melbourne Rebels have achieved four-try bonus points against the Tahs, a far cry from the 17-points against average achieved in their championship year.
Hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau says the Waratahs’ early-season defensive vulnerability is “an attitude thing” they plan to correct this week. The Brumbies, however, having piled on a tournament-best 19 tries in their strong start to the season.
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SARU appeal for rest
The SARU have had a ‘request’ for rest ahead of the World Cup effectively denied, with Super Rugby teams under no obligations to rest key Springboks. The SARU did have an agreement with various heads of the game in South Africa to identify an ‘ideal’ playing situation, such as the stipulation that players should not play more than five consecutive weeks.
This ‘understanding’, however, is not binding. “If franchises feel they are unable to stick to the letter of the understanding that is less than ideal, but we would expect them to stick as close to it as possible in the interests of the Springboks,” SARU CEO Jurie Roux emphasised.
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