Wednesday’s rugby news has an ACT rugby rift, a major Sevens injury blow, Slipper’s recovery on track and extra funding for the Springboks.
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Slipper’s surgery successful
The Reds will enjoy the return of their captain James Slipper earlier than expected after the 117kg prop underwent successful shoulder surgery. It was initially feared the Wallabies prop could miss the entire Super Rugby season but the 81-cap veteran is now targeting an April return.
Meanwhile, Reds players have emphasised the change in philosophy that they have worked on in pre-season before the Christmas break. Chris Kuridrani said new attack coach Matt O’Connor had rejuvenated the squad’s attacking approach. “Fans can expect a lot of running rugby,” he said. “A lot of big names have left but I think what the fans can expect is a lot of raw talent.”
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Fou injured
Australia’s Sevens team has suffered a devastating injury as it was confirmed that dangerous back Pama Fou requires surgery on a shoulder injury. Fou dislocated the joint against Fiji at the recent Cape Town Sevens event and the 25-year-old will now go under the knife to fix the issue.
He will then face a race against time to be fit to represent his country in the Rio 2016 Olympics, with his return date not yet known. It is expected that the free-scoring player will miss the remainder of the World Rugby Sevens Series. Australia has also revealed they are monitoring the progress of Nick Malouf (knee), Tom Lucas (hamstring) and Pat McCutcheon (hamstring).
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Brumbies clashing with sponsor
Brumbies chief executive Michael Jones says defamation charges have been brought against him by University of Canberra (UC) vice-chancellor Stephen Parker. Tensions between the Brumbies and UC have been escalating since their 2012 agreement, relating to a police investigation into the sale of the Brumbies headquarters in Griffith and their relocation to the university campus..
Jones emphasised, “I think he [Parker] doesn’t like me because I’m standing up for the organisation as I’m hired and empowered to do as the senior corporate officer of the Brumbies.” The Brumbies are expected to announce a yearly $1.6 million financial loss tomorrow, off the back of about a $1 million loss in 2014.
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SARU increases player payments
The Executive Council of the South African Rugby Union has approved a new funding model for players designed to encourage them to continue playing inside the country. The increase in funding – from R25m to R90m per annum (in addition to Springbok contracts and match fees) – was approved as part of the 2016 SARU budget.
The new arrangement secures the collective image rights of all South African professional rugby players for use by their employers. It means that all 14 provincial unions and SARU can use the collective images of their contracted players in marketing material and appearances for sponsors, now that those rights have been secured from MyPlayers, the official players’ organisation.
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