Wednesday’s rugby news has a massive Pocock announcement, Foley still injured, an NFL star joining the race for Rio and Marler questionable.
[one_half last=”no”]
Pocock takes sabbatical
David Pocock has re-signed with the Australian Rugby Union and Brumbies for three years, but will take a sabbatical from the game in 2017. The 27-year-old will then return until at least the next World Cup in 2019, despite higher offers from overseas clubs.
Pocock said the year break would allow him to study and pursue outside interests. “I really appreciate the willingness the ARU and Brumbies have shown in allowing me to weigh up my desire to be available for selection leading into the next World Cup against my longevity in the game and pursuing interests outside the sport,” he said. “I believe that after 11 seasons of professional rugby, having a year away from the sport will help increase my years in the game I love.”
[/one_half] [one_half last=”yes”]
Foley held out of Tahs team
Bernard Foley’s shoulder injury has ruled him out of the Waratahs’ semifinal rematch against the Highlanders in Sydney on Friday, meaning Kurtley Beale will get another chance in the No.10 jersey. Foley hurt his shoulder in a final pre-season trial against the Highlanders and was expected to spend three-to-four weeks on the sidelines.
“If he was good he’d be on [the team] for sure,” Waratahs assistant coach Nathan Grey said. “He trained pretty well today but he was in the red bib so hands were off Bernard today – no contact – so we’ve just got to grade that up during the week and see how he goes.” Grey was hopeful the Test playmaker would be back on deck next week.
[/one_half] [one_half last=”no”]
NFL star to play Sevens
New England Patriots safety Nate Ebner was granted a leave of absence on Wednesday and plans to join the US rugby sevens team at its Chula Vista training camp. Ebner was an All-American in rugby at Ohio State before being selected in the sixth round of the 2012 NFL draft. In four seasons with the Patriots, he has become a staple on special teams and was re-signed by the team this week.
“I want to thank them and USA Rugby for giving me the opportunity to chase a dream I’ve had since I was a boy in a sport in which I’ve always had a passion,” Ebner said. “I can’t put into words how much this opportunity means to not only me, but my friends and family as well.” Ebner previously became the youngest ever player to play for the USA sevens team at 17.
[/one_half] [one_half last=”yes”]
Marler out for ‘gypsy’ comment
The Six Nations will decide whether to take action against Joe Marler for calling the Wales forward Samson Lee “Gypsy boy” during England’s victory at Twickenham on Saturday after his disciplinary hearing when he faces a charge of elbowing another front-row, Rob Evans. Marler apologised to Lee at half‑time and his remark was picked up on the microphone of the referee Craig Joubert.
World Rugby regulations state that “verbal abuse of a player based on religion, race, colour, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation or otherwise” carries a minimum sanction of a four-week suspension. If Marler is forced out of the English side, Eddie Jones will likely turn to Mako Vunipola, the Saracens prop.
[/one_half] [one_half last=”no”]
