Wednesday’s top rugby news has the Rebels looking to sign Timani, Nonu still being difficult, an unexpected code-switch and some Gloucester roster difficulties.
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Rebels eye Timani
The Rebels have confirmed that they are interested in signing Wallabies lock Sitaleki Timani for the 2014 season. With the 26-year -old’s move to Top 14 club Montpellier reportedly falling through, Timani may be forced into a diminished role at the Waratahs with the recent signing of Bulls enforcer Jacques Potgieter.
‘We wanted to at least let him and the Australian Rugby Union know that we have an opportunity for a lock and he would be a perfect fit for us at the Rebels,’ said Rebels chief executive Rob Clarke. Timani’s ability to secure a Super Rugby contract could also enable his selection in Ewen McKenzie’s squad for the upcoming Rugby Championship games. [/one_half]
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NZRU continue Nonu challenge
The NZRU are continuing to work in vain to ensure that Ma’a Nonu has a Super Rugby spot next season. Nonu has played for three different Super Rugby sides in the last three seasons, with the Highlanders presenting a contract deal that is yet to be accepted. NZRU chief Steve Tew reiterated that he cannot insist on a franchise taking the difficult star, despite his importance to the national side.
Meanwhile, Jerome Kaino is a good chance to return to Super Rugby next season, with both the Chiefs and the Blues confirming their interest for the former All Black star. The loose forward missed the end of the 2012 season with a shoulder injury before heading off to Japanese rugby. [/one_half]
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Mickey Arthur to join Force
After his sensational sacking from his role as Australian cricket coach, Mickey Arthur appears set to join the Western Force. Arthur’s role at the club is said to center around talent development and recruitment at the club, utilising extensive rugby connections to his native South Africa.
Both the Force and the Rebels are given a certain amount of leeway when it comes to foreign imports. While the Reds, Brumbies and Waratahs are limited to two foreign signings on their rosters, the Force, for example, are now allowed six foreign development players and two marquees. The team is looking more to SA, as earlier this month, the team announced that former Stormers centre Marcel Brache and prop Chris Heiberg would play for them next year, joining Cheetah Sais Ebersohn and Bulls second-rower Wilhelm Steenkamp.[/one_half]
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Gloucester attempt to secure stars
Gloucester have begun the massive task of resigning a number of their international players beyond this season. The side have 24 players coming off contract in the off-season, including England’s Freddie Burns, Billy Twelvetrees and Charlie Sharples. Gloucester have also recruited another English international Matt Kvesic along with experienced second-row James Hudson.
‘We’ve got a lot more international rugby players. All of a sudden their profile increases and that puts us under pressure when it comes to re-signing. But the important thing is that these guys realise it’s not all about money,’ Gloucester boss Nigel Davies said, emphasising the club’s positive culture. With those words, alarm bells should be going off for any Gloucester fans and I expect a very different side to take the paddock next season. [/one_half]
