Thursday Round-Up

Jones plays down link: Current head coach of the Japanese national rugby team, Eddie Jones, has played down this week’s speculation linking him with the soon-to-be vacant coaching role at the helm of South African outfit, the Stormers. Jones, who has worked wonders with Japan since taking over, has been touted in a multitude of rugby circles as the first choice replacement for Allister Coetzee, whose departure was confirmed by Stormers officials yesterday. Former Wallabies boss Jones, has dismissed the significance of such reports and claimed any reports linking him with the role in Cape Town were wholly untrue. With some papers suggesting Jones had been in talks with the Stormers in Cape Town last week, the former Australian boss confirmed he has had zero contact with the Western Province Union. According to the man himself, his entire focus is currently on taking Japan to the World Cup later this year in England. After that, Jones has been touted as the man to lead Japan’s first Super Rugby team, however that is yet to be confirmed. 

Rebels sign prop: Melbourne Rebels head coach Tony McGahan has completed his roster for the forthcoming Super Rugby championship, with the acquisition of Japanese prop forward Keita Inagaki. An international with the Japanese first team, Inagaki joins the men from Melbourne on a one year deal from the Panasonic Wild Knights, having impressed while on international duty with Eddie Jones’ Brave Blossoms. Having only completed two full seasons as a professional rugby player, the move for 24 year old Inagaki has come as quite a shock to many in Australian rugby circles, but McGahan himself has proclaimed his excitement in seeing the Japanese international’s capabilities firsthand. 

Ryan Sheady