Wednesday’s rugby news has Will Genia still keen to play for the Wallabies, Horwill’s prediction for the England test series, Australian U20’s squad announced and Nathan Sharpe joins the Reds setup.
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Genia Not Finished
Will Genia believes he can still contribute to the Wallabies despite being based overseas.
Genia is currently playing for Stade Francais but has not played a game since January due to injury.
Genia is the second overseas based player to put his hand up for international duties after Drew Mitchell revealed he was available earlier this week.
“Having experienced that journey with Michael, the coaching staff and that bunch of players, and the culture and the new environment that he worked hard at building and is continuing to build, really made me want to be a part of it more,” Genia said.
“I mean, I can’t really put my finger on one particular thing, but this is the most I’ve really enjoyed being a part of a Wallaby setup.
“I just feel that only good things can come of it and I really want to be a part of that because I walked away from that World Cup, obviously bitterly disappointed with the result, but at the same time really happy to be a part of that journey.
“And I also realised that I’m only 28 and at that stage I was only 27 … I think people think that I’m a lot older than I actually am … I still feel like I’ve got a lot to offer.”
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Horwill’s Prediction
Former Wallaby captain James Horwill has tipped the Wallabies to beat England in a 3-0 whitewash next month.
“From what I’ve seen, Eddie has just given the England players a lot of belief and resurrected them from a poor World Cup with good structures around the team,” Horwill said.
“A guy like Robshaw unfairly copped it as the fall guy for England’s poor World Cup but Eddie has given him a lot of confidence.
“They’ll head to Australia as a different beast and be a genuine threat in all three Tests but it’s still 3-0 to the Wallabies.
“I cop stick about the Aussie cricketers in the Ashes from the Quins boys and my easy comeback is always their home World Cup.”
Horwill also admitted that he would be ready to play for the Wallabies if his form warranted it.
“We had a good chat and when Cheik said ‘would ya?’ I gave him a pretty quick ‘yes’ to being available to play for the Wallabies again if needed”.
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U20’s Announced
The Australian U20’s squad has been named for the upcoming World Rugby U20s Championship to be held in Manchester, England.
Australia will play England, Italy and Scotland in Pool B with the first match to kick off on Wednesday 8 June (AEST).
Squad: Faalelei Sione, Tyrel Lomax, Vunipola Fifita,Ryan McCauley, Shambeckler Vui, Josh Taylor, Richie Asiata, Lukhan Tui, Harry Hocking, Maclean Jones, Angus Scott-Young, Izack Rodda, Liam Wright, Jordan Uelese, Rob Leota, Harley Fox, Nick Jooste, Jordan Jackson-Hope, Simon Kennewell, Jack Maddocks, James Tuttle, Harry Nucifora, Mack Mason, Izaia Perese, Campbell Magnay, Liam Jurd, Joey Fittock, Sione Tuipulotu.
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Sharpe Joins Reds
Former Wallaby Nathan Sharpe has been appointed to the Queensland Rugby Union Board as the Player Appointed Director.
Sharpe played 70 times for the Reds before moving to the Western Force.
He replaces James Horwill who stepped down from the role late last year after finishing his time at the Reds.
QRU Chairman Damien Frawley said: “Nathan will be an excellent addition to this Board given his significant Rugby experience. He’s stayed close to the game since he retired from playing and understands all Rugby’s issues and opportunities.”
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