Wednesday’s rugby news has Ben McCalman signing a flexible contract, Laurie Weeks suspended, Adam Thomson keen for another year with the Reds and Danny Cipriani arrested.
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McCalman Re-signs
Backrower Ben McCalman has signed a new three year flexible contract with the ARU and Western Force.
Under the contract, McCalman is eligible to play one domestic season in Japan at the end of the 2015 World Cup and before the 2016 Super Rugby season.
“The Western Force gave me an opportunity early in my career and I have thoroughly enjoyed my experiences here in Perth over the past six years,” McCalman said.
“We’ve made giant strides on and off the field over the past few seasons and it was important for me that I continued to be part of the journey. I feel it is the best place for me to play my Rugby and continue to develop as a player over the next three years.
“I’d also like to thank the Australian Rugby Union for the opportunity to continue my Rugby here in Perth. I’m excited about the opportunity to play a season in Japan at the end of the Rugby World Cup, before focusing exclusively on my Rugby in Australia until at least the end of 2018.”
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Weeks Suspended
Melbourne Rebels prop Laurie Weeks has been suspended for striking Sharks prop Jannie Du Plessis in the Rebels match against the Sharks on the weekend.
Weeks has been banned from all forms of the game for three weeks up to and including 20 June 2015 meaning his 2015 Super Rugby season is over.
SANZAR Duty Judicial Officer Adam Casselden was in charge of the case.
“I found the incident to have a mid-range entry point which stipulates a five-week suspension. This was then reduced by two weeks due to Weeks’ prompt admission of guilt, remorse for his actions and excellent disciplinary record,” he said.
“The applicable entry point for determining the seriousness of the offence was determined by the excessive overreaction of multiple strikes by the player when compared to the act that initially provoked him to commit the offence.
“I received formal notification from the Rebels and the player’s club team in Melbourne, Southern Districts, that he was scheduled to play the following week. After taking all these factors into consideration, I found that a suspension of three weeks was warranted for the offence which was accepted by the player.”
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Thomson Keen to Stay
Queensland Reds backrower Adam Thomson has expressed interest in staying for a second season with the Queensland Reds.
Thomson’s decision could also be determined by whether Quade Cooper stays or leaves.
“If I’m wanted, I’m definitely available for a second season at the Reds … When I first arrived in Brisbane I said I was at the stage of my career to enjoy new challenges,” Thomson said.
“It’s testament to a great bunch of guys at the Reds that I want to come back to a good city, where the sun’s shining, even when I’m getting on in years.
“No disrespect to the younger guys and their promising job at No.10 this season but they are starting out and every game is learning for them.
“With Quade you get someone who tells the team exactly what he wants and how he wants to attack … Quade gave really good direction against the Western Force.”
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Cipriani Arrested
After an impressive performance against the Barbarians, Danny Cipriani has been arrested on suspicion of drink-driving after a 5am car crash.
The incident could put Cipriani’s World Cup chances in doubt after England coach Stuart Lancaster ruled out Manu Tuilagi out of the World Cup due to disciplinary issues.
A spokeswoman for the Metropolitan Police said: “Police were called at approximately 5.15am on Monday, 1 June, to reports of two cars in collision in Imperial Road, SW6. No reports of any injuries.
“The cars involved were a silver Toyota Prius and a black Mercedes C63. The driver of the Mercedes, a 27-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving.
“He was taken to a west London police station where he was later released on police bail. Return date to be confirmed.”
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