Wednesday’s Rugby News an eternally developing story, Brumbies wanting bums, and Luke Morahan’s and Matt O’Connor’s future.
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Bug Life
If there’s anything keen rugby followers like more than scrum resets, it’s developing stories!
That whole All Blacks Hotel Bug thing has had its first day in court, with Adrian Gard, the security guard charged with causing public mischief over the whole affair, entering a not guilty plea.
Specifically, he is denying that he made a false statement to the popo.
“[Gard] has participated with the police in their investigation and he respects the All Blacks and what they represent,” said Gard’s lawyer Simon Joyner, according to the ABC.
Now this is where it gets juicy – apparently Joyner wants Steve “Dickhead? Moi?” Hansen and team management to attend court, and wants a two-day hearing on the matter.
For reference, Gard has 30 years experience being a security guard, shuttling around such luminaries as Schapelle Corby, Oprah Winfrey and Bill Clinton in the past.
For their part, Billy Boy Pulver has commended the NSW Police for being competent…something something ARU not competent something something.
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Bumbies
With chat about a potential cut/merger surrounding them, Brumbies management have come up with the novel idea of encouraging Canberrans to actually show up to games.
Releasing a statement – how about a video to go on Facebook? nah – the Brumbies said:
“After weeks of speculation in the national media regarding the future of the Super Rugby competition and its structure, the Brumbies are asking the people of Canberra and the surrounding region to show their commitment to the team,” the statement thundered, a la Churchill 1940.
“With back-to-back home matches, either side of the Bye in Round 6, the Brumbies supporter base have a terrific opportunity to show their love of the team from the ACT and Southern NSW.
“Starting with the visit of the Highlanders on Saturday 25 March, the Brumbies are asking the local community to rally behind the team.”
After CEO Michael Thompson hogged the first quotes of the statement, the blokes who fans actually give a crap about had their chance to pipe up.*
“We sit on top of the Australian Conference ladder having won both matches against fellow Australian sides this season,” coach Stephen Larkham said. “We are heading into this weekend’s match full of confidence and would love to see a large crowd at GIO Stadium cheering on the team.”
Captain Sam Carter added: “Your support means a huge amount to us and it would certainly be a huge boost to see a big crowd in the stands ahead of the match against the Highlanders. The people of Canberra and the surrounding have been supportive of rugby for a long time and we appreciate their commitment to the club.”
*Sorry to be so harsh mate, but when I get the opportunity to have a go at suits, I take the chance with open arms
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Morahan To Do One
Western Force back Luke Morahan is to do one at the end of the season, swapping sunny and utterly un-elitist Perth for rainy Bristol.
Morahan, with 3 Wallabies caps, will be jetting off for two years. Which considering Cheika was impressed by him on the last year’s Euro tour, is an interesting decision vis-a-vis Japan 2019.
“Luke is an impressive player with excellent technical abilities and a lot of raw pace,” Bristol’s interim head coach Mark Tainton told Bristol’s club website.
“We were really encouraged by Luke’s attitude and enthusiasm throughout the recruitment process.”
Morahan added: “I’m excited about the opportunity to play in England, but also to be a part of the ambitious journey that Bristol Rugby is on.
“I am confident that everything is in place at Bristol for us to be a successful club.”
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O’Connor O’Coaching Leicester
Former co-coach of the Queensland Reds, Matt O’Connor has been signed by Leicester Tigers as their new head coach.
O’Connor will replace the popular Aaron Mauger, and it will be his second stint at the club. Last time he was there, from 2008-2013 (as backs and then head coach), Leicester won three league titles.
“The club have conducted an exhaustive search to find who we feel is the right person to take the team forward,” said Leicester chairman Peter Tom.
“And this brought up the names of a number of potentially very good coaches.
“One of the most significant factors in our deliberations was experience of the Premiership and what it takes to win the competition.
“Matt has that experience as head coach during a successful period which brought three league titles, an Anglo-Welsh Cup and the club’s most recent appearance in the European Cup final.
“The team also topped the try-scoring figures in the Premiership four times in that five-year period with Matt in charge of the attack.”
O’Connor will become Leicester coach when/if the powers-that-be give him a visa.
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