Tuesday’s rugby news has the Beale saga wrap-up, Moore signing an extension and some Springbok additions.
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Patston breaks silence
In the wake of the remarkably lenient judgment handed down, Di Patston has broken her silence, saying that she was too embarrassed and humiliated to tell anyone about the offensive photos at the time. A leaked copy of Beale’s statement reveals that he lied to Patston when he initially apologised to her, putting a damper on the whole “vindicated by the truth” narrative.
Beale promised that he had not sent the offensive text to others when he had distributed them to some Waratahs mates six days earlier (just two days after meeting Patston) on June 3, lying to save his own arse for fear of “inflaming the situation.” It now appears that Beale will be part of the World Cup equations but while chasing down the All-Blacks it might be worth remembering that the “just a few dickheads” policy doesn’t quite have the same ring to it. [/one_half]
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Moore extends contract
In positive Wallabies news, hooker Stephen Moore has signed a contract extension, committing to the Brumbies until 2016. The one year contract locks Moore in for his third Rugby World Cup, kicking off in England in September next year. “There were options for me to continue my playing career overseas but with a young family I thought the best option was to stay in Canberra and with the Brumbies,” Moore said.
Whether he has a Wallabies leadership role under Cheika remains to be seen. Former Wallabies skipper Nick Farr-Jones has backed Michael Hooper to lead the Test team into the World Cup, saying, “I think [Hooper] is doing a terrific job, captaincy is half leading by example and you learn that as you go.”
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ARU moving on
After the finding that the more offensive second text message was not sent by Kurtley Beale, the ARU is now under pressure to investigate who was the additional culprit. Despite this, the ARU said on Monday it was not about to go looking for answers.
An ARU spokeswoman merely commented, “if new, relevant information comes to light, we’ll investigate that information”. Beale says he is relieved the situation has been dealt with.
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New Springboks enter squad
Five uncapped players have been named in the South Africa squad for the four-Test tour of Ireland, England, Italy and Wales during November. Forwards Robbie Coetzee, Julian Redelinghuys, Nizaam Carr, Jaco Kriel and wing Seabelo Senatla are the newcomers in the 36-man party.
Prop Coenie Oosthuizen and back Johan Goosen are also recalled after missing the Rugby Championship, while halfback Ruan Pienaar has recovered from a knee injury.
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