Wednesday’s Rugby News has Naisarani and the ARU going to Canberra, vultures circling over the Western Force carcass, and Chibba going Gloucester.
Oh and I lost all my work as I saved the news, so it’s a bit truncated today cos I’ve had to rewrite it and it’s past my bedtime. Apologies.
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Carcass
Everyone’s picking over the scraps of the Western Force. Rugby.com.au have a neat little summary of who’s going where:
Adam Coleman – Probably the Rebels. In huge demand.
DHP, RHP – Come as a pair apparently. DHP would be an upgrade on the outgoing Debreczeni and Placid
Bill ‘Krusha’ Meakes – Probably going Tahs.
Alex Newsome – Also probably going Tahs.
Curtis Rona – Moved back home to Perth, but now forced back to the East Coast. Probably will end up in Sydney either in league or union. Probably prefers Paris to Penriff.
Ben Daley – Already signed with Rebels.
Tetera Faulkner – Victorian lad, also signed with Rebels.
Isi Naisarani – See above.
Ben McCalman – From Dubbo, will probably move to Tahs.
Jono Lance – Almost certainly Rebels
Anaru Rangi , Robbie Coleman, Richard Hardwick , Heath Tessmann, Jermaine Ainsley , Angus Cottrell , Richie Arnold , Shambeckler Vui, Chance Peni, Michael Ruru – IPRC candidates
There’s no mention of Ryan Louwrens or TPN.
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Senate To Begin
There’s more politics and rugby – PAH! – to come, with the Senate inquiry starting today.
Our pal Bill Pulver will be under the spotlight first, at 1030am East Coast Elite time.
There will be two hearings. This one should only last two days. The next one is on 11 October. If you wanna submit stuff, you’ve got to 12 October. You can do that here.
Rugby.com.au says the inquiry will have five points to it:
- ARU board deliberations leading to the decision to reduce Australian teams from five to four
- Whether there continues to be a truly national rugby footprint in Australia
- The role of national and state-based bodies in encouraging greater national participation in rugby
- The corporate governance arrangements and composition of national and state-based rugby bodies, including community representation on those bodies
- The impact of the decision to reduce the number of Australian teams on national participation in rugby.
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Isi To Brumbies
Isi Naisarani is going to the Brumbies on a one-year deal.
Naisarani is Fijian and 22 years old, but he’s only got 1 more year until he’s eligible for the Wallabies. Hooray!
“I am excited by the prospect of joining the Brumbies and am looking forward to the challenges of playing for the club,” Naisarani snored to Fox Sports.
“I have heard a lot about the culture of the Brumbies from those close to the playing group and am aware of the history of this great side.
“I am hoping to be able to make my mark and be a part of a team that will challenge for Super Rugby honours.
“It’s fantastic that the Brumbies have faith in me as a player and have brought me to Canberra, and I am now looking to repay that faith and show what I can do on the field in front of the loyal Brumbies fanbase.”
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Chibba 2 Gloucester
Rebels hooker James Hanson is going to Gloucester. He has 12 Wallabies caps, and won’t be eligible.
Thankfully though, he’s only going for the summer.
“I have been keeping an eye on the club, and watching some of the games this season,” Hanson chibbed to the club’s website.
I’m really excited to get involved where I can. I can see the enormous passion for the jersey, and I’m looking forward to being involved.
“Being coached by [former Lions coach] Johan [Ackermann] was a big part of why I was excited to come over here.”
The Director of Rugby is pretty happy too.
“We have been looking to add some experience and strength in depth to our squad in this position,” David Humphreys harrumphed.
“It is our goal to create competition for every shirt, and a player of James’ quality is a strong addition to our group.
“James knows what it takes to perform on the top level, and he is excited to represent Gloucester and experience what life is like in the Aviva Premiership.”
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