Weekly News Round Up
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Williams to play NZ Provincial Rugby
Ahead of his much heralded return to Rugby Union from the NRL, Sonny Bill Williams will play provincial Rugby for Counties Manukau, in order to satisfy the All Blacks policy of only selecting players who play provincial Rugby within New Zealand.
Previously, the NZRU had granted Williams an exemption to play in their end of year tour to Europe and the USA but, now, the 29 year old, who signed a two year deal with the NZRU and the Chiefs, will be eligible for the All Blacks, without having to call upon his exemption.
Toulon Target, amongst others, Ma’a Nonu
According to reports in the reputable French publication Midi Olympique, Toulon are ready to flex their financial muscles once again with All Blacks centre Ma’a Nonu reportedly set to join the reigning European Champions on a two year deal after next year’s Rugby World Cup.
Willem Alberts of South Africa and Australian star Israel Folau are also reportedly targets of the Mediterranean club.
Tuesday 30th September
Deans Wants All Blacks Job in the Future
After the release of his book, Red, Black and Gold, former Wallabies coach, Robbie Deans, has poured cold water on rumours that he and All Blacks coach, Steve Hansen, don’t see eye to eye.
Citing the pair’s successful coaching tandem at the Crusaders, Deans, contrary to widespread reports, rubbished reports of a rift between the two.
Deans added that he still harbors ambitions to one day coach the All Blacks.
Sheridan was World Class, says Vickery
Upon his retirement from Rugby due to a neck injury, Phil Vickery hailed his former England international colleague Andrew Sheridan as world class.
"I hear people all the time using the words world-class, and Andrew was world-class because whoever he played against I knew the opposition had to talk about him and had to have a plan to deal with him. That's someone who is world-class,’’ enthused Vickery
Wednesday 1st October
Lancaster Signs Contract Extension with England
England coach Stuart Lancaster has signed a new five year deal with RFU which includes their blessing to take the Lions job in 2017, should the opportunity arise.
As well as Lancaster, Andy Farrell, Graham Rowntree and Mike Catt, Lancaster’s assistants, have all had their deal renewed and will be England’s coaching ticket through to 2020, taking in two World Cups in the process.
Ranger Wants New Zealand Return
According to reports in New Zealand, centre Rene Ranger want’s an early release from his Montpellier contract in order to return to New Zealand and once again become eligible for the All Blacks.
Ranger only joined Montpellier last season and has two years remaining on his current deal with the Top 14 side.
Thursday 2nd October
Beale to be disciplined by the ARU
After an alleged mid-flight altercation with a member of the Wallabies back room staff on their flight to Argentina before the Rugby Championship clash between Argentina and Australia, Kurtley Beale will be internally disciplined, according to Ewen McKenzie.
McKenzie was coy on the details of the altercation, but admitted alcohol wasn’t involved.
After the Aaron Cruden missed flight fiasco, perhaps, in future, it will be better for New Zealand and Australia to travel to games by other means of transport.
I Will Return Stronger From Injury, says Corbisiero
After being ruled out for three months, due to shoulder surgery, England and Lions prop Alex Corbisiero is confident he can return from injury stronger than ever.
“I will be back. I am not going to get down. I have had to learn the hard way that injuries are setback and are not the end. I am confident this is straightforward injury.”
Friday 3rd October
Beale to Quit Union for NRL
In the midst of his latest disciplinary controversy, Australia’s Daily Telegraph has reported that Kurtley Beale is set to turn his back on the ARU and seal a switch to the NRL.
Regardless of the outcome of the ARU investigation surrounding Beale’s midflight altercation on Australia’s flight to Argentina recently, it is claimed that Beale, who has previously trained with NRL team Melbourne storm, will almost inevitably defect to the NRL.
O’Brien To Miss Up To Six Months
Leinster and Ireland flanker Sean O’Brien will miss up to six months of action, as he recovers from shoulder reconstruction surgery.
The 27 year old will miss the upcoming Six Nations, but Leinster coach, Matt O’Connor, believes the surgery should see O’Brien in top shape, come next year’s World Cup.
"There's a World Cup around the corner and hopefully a few seasons at the top level with us.
"Our medical team are confident he will come back pretty quick. You've got a joint where there is a lot of scar tissue, a lot of infection, a lot of disruption so from that end we need to be cautious,’’ said the former Leicester Tigers’ coach, O’Connor
