Month: March 2019

The Brumbies have bolstered their backline stocks for the 2019 Super Rugby season with the signing of former Waratahs centre Irae Simone.

Simone, a former New Zealand Schoolboys U18 representative, won ten caps with the Sydneysiders making his debut in 2017 against the Western Force in Sydney impressing with his physicality and ability to cross the gain-line.

“We are really pleased to welcome Irae to the Brumbies,” said Brumbies head coach Dan McKellar.

“Irae is a big, strong, powerful centre but importantly he is highly skilled. His footwork and ability to play before or through the defensive line are qualities that we feel will add to our game.

“Irae has been a standout player in both the National Rugby Championship (NRC) and Shute Shield for the last three years and we believe he has the qualities to succeed in Super Rugby.”

Born in Auckland, Irae moved to Australia in 2014 and spent two years playing rugby league with South Sydney. He represented the Rabbitohs in the Auckland Nines that year and played in every position in the backline in the Holden Cup competition.

Upon his switch to Union, he first burst into prominence in 2016 when he was named as Shute Shield Rookie of the Year after a standout season for the 2016 Championship side, Northern Suburbs.

The swashbuckling centre was in fine form as he crossed for nine tries in 21 matches playing a major role as Norths won their first Shute Shield title in 41 years after defeating Sydney University 28-15.

A handy goalkicker, Simone slotted eight conversions and five penalty goals, in addition to his nine tries, bringing his total overall points tally to 76 for the season.

“I am very excited by the opportunity to move to Canberra and to play for the Plus500 Brumbies,” Simone said of the move South.

“The Brumbies are an excellent football team and have an exciting young group of players who I am sure are on the verge of something very exciting. This is a great opportunity for me to break into Super Rugby and I am enthused by the challenge.

“I have heard nothing but praise about the Brumbies culture and am looking forward to get started. I would like to thank the Waratahs for my time spent at the club and am now set for the next stage of my career.”

Simone enjoyed a fine NRC season with the Sydney Rays in 2016 who reached the semi-final with Simone collecting four tries, 104 carries and 511 metres gained on the way to landing the prestigious title of Buildcorp NRC Player of the Year.

Awarded an Extended Playing Squad (EPS) contract with the Waratahs, he made his Super Rugby debut against the Western Force in 2017.

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Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has scoffed at All Blacks coach Steve Hansen’s suggestion that the Wallabies would start their Bledisloe opener as favourites.

The Wallabies emerged victorious 23-18 the last time the sides met in the third and final Bledisloe of last year, breaking a six-game winless drought stretching back to 2015.

However, the All Blacks have won 15 of the previous 19 encounters between the sides, while New Zealand Super Rugby franchises continue to dominate their Australian counterparts.

And Cheika believes Hansen’s underdog claims are laughable and that not even his own players would believe it all at the end of the day.

“He’s a great coach but I think he may have had that one wrong because I don’t think many of his players would believe it to be honest,” Cheika told the Sydney Morning Herald.

“I don’t think it’s very realistic. It’s pretty irrelevant at the end of the day.”

Meanwhile, Cheika expects Beauden Barrett to start at fly-half and believes that his importance to the All Blacks cause is second to none, despite growing admiration for Richie Mo’unga.

Mo’unga had a fantastic Super Rugby season, guiding the Crusaders to a ninth title but Cheika believes two-time World Player of the Year Barrett is still very much atop the All Black pecking order

“It doesn’t really concern me I suppose but what I do know is this — Beauden Barrett has been the best player in world rugby for the last two years in a row and he’s an exceptional player,” Cheika told reporters in Sydney on Friday.

“I’ve coached teams that have felt his wrath personally and his skill and ability.

“There’s no doubting that Mo’unga – he’s a class player and a good young fella … but Barrett is class and I think there’s no doubt he’s a player the All Blacks value very much and he’ll be out there next Saturday.”

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Former Wallabies captain Stirling Mortlock has laughed off Steve Hansen’s suggestion that the All Blacks would start as underdogs for the sides’ Bledisloe opener.

Hansen made the claims when announcing his squad on Monday, despite his side having won 15 of the past 19 meetings between the sides.

“We lost to Australia the last time we played them, so no doubt they’ll have a lot of self-confidence and are worthy of starting as favourites,” Hansen said when announcing his squad on Monday.

His comments sparked guffaws from former players and pundits either side of the Tasman sea, who also pointed to the fact that Australian Super Rugby sides had struggled against their New Zealand counterparts in recent times.

“There’s been a lot of pleasing signs for Australia this year so I’m not going to just write us off,” former Wallabies captain Mortlock told Australian Associated Press this week.

“But I think it’s pretty laughable that Steve could put it out there and claim that they’re underdogs.

“New Zealand’s dominance has been outstanding. Not just against Australia but on a global stage.”

The Rugby Championship kicks off on August 18, with the Wallabies hosting the All Blacks in Sydney and the Springboks clashing with Argentina in Durban.

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It’s that time again for our Video of the Week, bringing you standout footage you may enjoy. Today we look ahead to the Rugby Championship.

The Southern Hemisphere’s premier Test competition has been dominated by the world champions, New Zealand, who have won five of the previous six tournaments.

 

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World Rugby has announced that five legends of the game in Liza Burgess (Wales), Stephen Larkham (Australia), Ronan O’Gara (Ireland), Pierre Villepreux (France) and Bryan Williams (New Zealand) will be inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2018.

The World Rugby Hall of Fame recognises those who have made an outstanding contribution to the game of rugby throughout their careers, while also demonstrating rugby’s character-building values of integrity, passion, solidarity, discipline and respect.

This year’s inductees will be honoured at a special ceremony in Rugby, England, on 12 September. The ceremony will be held at the state-of-the-art physical home of the Hall of Fame, which celebrates the inspirational journey of the game from its humble origins to its global present, played by millions of men, women and children.

O’Gara, Villepreux, Williams and Burgess will attend the prestigious event, which will celebrate their careers and contributions to the game. Larkham, due to his involvement in the Rugby Championship, will receive his accolade at a special ceremony on 17 August in Sydney, the day before Australia’s Bledisloe Cup opener with New Zealand.

These five inductees bring the total in the Hall of Fame to 142 since it began in 2006 – Rugby Odds can be found at brand new betting sites.

World Rugby Chairman and Hall of Fame inductee Bill Beaumont said: “The World Rugby Hall of Fame importantly acknowledges and celebrates the true legends of the game, celebrating those who have made outstanding contributions throughout their careers while embodying rugby’s values.

“On behalf of the rugby family we would like to congratulate this year’s five new inductees, Stephen Larkham, Ronan O’Gara, Pierre Villepreux, Byran Williams and Liza Burgess as they are recognised and honoured for their immense contributions to rugby.

“Each have left their mark on the sport and through their achievements and character, inspired millions to play and support rugby worldwide, and we look forward to honouring them in the coming weeks.”

Fellow World Rugby Hall of Fame inductee and Chairman of the Hall of Fame panel John Eales said: “It is an honour to recognise the contribution of our newest inductees who, over different eras, have inspired generations of rugby players and supporters. Through their induction, they represent the many thousands of men and women who have made our game great.”

For more on the World Rugby Hall of Fame, visit www.worldrugby.org/halloffame.

World Rugby Hall of Fame 2018 inductees
138 – Stephen Larkham (Australia)
139 – Ronan O’Gara (Ireland)
140 – Pierre Villepreux (France)
141 – Bryan Williams (New Zealand)
142 – Liza Burgess (Wales)

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Former World Cup winner Jaque Fourie has called time on his professional career for the second time after a series of niggles prevented him from featuring for Western Force.

The 35-year-old garnered 72 caps for South Africa and was a crucial part of the 2007 side which claimed the World Cup after defeating England 15-6 in the final.

Fourie’s impact was also decisive in 2009 when they overcame the British and Irish Lions 2-1 before the centre enjoyed a five-year stint in Japan with Kobelco Steelers from 2012 to 2017.

After leaving the Steelers, the South African announced his retirement from playing but a year later he took on a dual role with the Force in Australia.

Despite intending to return to the field, coach Tim Sampson insists that injuries have prevented Fourie from featuring in the side.

“Jaque initially had the intent to play but not long after arriving he had a couple of niggles and just made a decision to call time on his career,” Sampson told rugby.com.au.

“It would’ve been great to get some game time out of him but he certainly fills in a lot at training and likes to think he’s still got it but he’s slowly beginning to be shown up by the lads.”

Fourie has been coaching the defence this season and Sampson says that the former centre has been having an impact in that role.

“He loves it, he’s a guy that gives us a lot of energy and, if you look at his playing days, he was a key link man for the Springboks in that position as a defence captain in the backline and the guys really respond to Jaque,” he added.

“I think it’s been a strength this year, our defence, and hopefully Jaque can continue to put his print on our defensive systems and structures.”

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Leicester Tigers have further bolstered their front row stocks with the signing of hooker Ross McMillan, adding to a trio of signings in the past few days.

Leicester announced the signing of prop duo Campese Ma’afu and David Feao on Thursday. The 31-year-old McMillan includes Gloucester and Northampton Saints among his previous clubs and worked with current Tigers forwards coach Mark Bakewell in a spell with Bristol.

He will work alongside club captain Tom Youngs, Australia international Tatafu Polota-Nau, Jimmy Stevens and young duo Jake Kerr and Harry Mahoney at Tigers.

Tigers head coach Matt O’Connor said: “Ross is a very experienced player and a good operator. Mark Bakewell knows him well from their days at Bristol and we believe he is a good man to bring into the camp.”

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Northampton Saints have announced the signing of hooker Joe Gray as injury cover until October, the 30-year-old rejoining the club after eight years.

Gray leaves Harlequins, where he made over 150 appearances since joining in 2010, lifting the Premiership title in 2012 – playing all 80 minutes in the final.

Nottingham-born Gray is a Saints Academy graduate, first running out in the Black, Green and Gold back in 2007 and making 20 appearances over three seasons.

During his time with Quins he also represented England Saxons before earning a full cap for the Red Rose against New Zealand in 2014.

“We’re delighted to have secured a player of Joe’s experience and quality for the next three months,” said Saints’ director of rugby Chris Boyd.

“A number of our hookers are carrying niggles heading into the back end of preseason, and we want to make sure they are back to full fitness before they return with a long season ahead. We have three important preseason matches in the coming weeks, so it’s important to make sure we are covered.

“Joe has a proven track record in the Premiership, and I’m sure our younger hookers like Reece and Samson will also relish the opportunity to learn from someone new.”

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Former All Blacks and Crusaders fly-half Dan Carter has denied that he will make a return to Super Rugby in 2019 to join the Highlanders.

It has been rumoured that the 36-year-old would join the Dunedin-based franchise, who are coached by his good friend and ex-club and international team-mate Aaron Mauger.

First-choice Highlanders pivot Lima Sopoaga left the the 2015 Super Rugby champions to join Premiership outfit Wasps and although the Highlanders have Bryn Gatland and Josh Ioane on their books, there is space for another fly-half in their squad.

That has led to suggestions that Carter could join the men from Dunedin when he has finished the season with Japanese club Kobelco Steelers.

“I’m not sure where that came from,” Carter told Stuff.

“I hadn’t actually thought about it. Hayden Parker, he’s in the same team as me, we were away on camp, and he read something about me going down there and that was the first I’d heard about it.

“I think I’d prefer after the Japanese season to spend a bit of time with my family, rather than play another Super Rugby season.”

Carter was linked with a move to Blues from the Crusaders in 2009 but he turned it down as he said it would be difficult for him to leave the the Christchurch-based franchise.

He finished his Super Rugby career with the Crusaders in 2015 before joining Top 14 outfit Racing 92. And although he spent three seasons at the French club, he has kept a close eye on the Crusaders’ progress in Super Rugby and is delighted that they have won back to back titles.

“What they’ve achieved over the last couple of years has been incredible,” he said.

“They’re doing similar things to the Crusaders of old and they’ve got a similar environment.

“I’m lucky enough to be able to talk to Razor (Crusaders coach Scott Robertson) and the coaching staff there, to see what they’re creating and it’s something very special, powerful and unique.

“It’s not something that’s going to fall over in a year or two or be a one-season wonder, they’re building something strong and powerful.

“I’ve only got admiration for what they’ve achieved over the last couple of years.”

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Harry Williams insists Exeter Chiefs can ill afford to dwell on the disappointment of defeat in May’s Premiership final against Saracens.

Instead, the England international believes he and his team-mates must instead use that loss as ‘fuel to the fire’ as the Devon club look ahead to the new 2018/19 campaign.

The new season kicks-off in less than a month on September 1 against Leicester Tigers at Sandy Park and the 26-year-old is aiming to be part and parcel of Rob Baxter’s mix as they look to wrestle back their title crown from the Londoners.

“Last season has been parked,” said Williams. “Whenever you lose big games, especially finals, it’s always going to hurt, both individually and collectively. That said, you can’t dwell on the past, instead you’ve got to use it as fuel to the fire and push on and improve.

“We’ve talked in pre-season a lot about what we want to do and how we’ll go about it, but now it’s down to all of us to follow that through. Ultimately, we want to improve as individuals, but we also want to be a top team in England and in Europe.”

Unlike many of his Exeter team-mates, Williams is a number of weeks behind in terms of pre-season preparations, having been part of Eddie Jones’ England squad that toured South Africa.

The talented tight-head featured in all three Test matches, which the Springboks won 2-1, and was encouraged by how he performed having sat out the latter part of last season due to injury.

“Obviously, we were disappointed to lose the tour, but personally I felt I went alright,” he added. “Personally, I was happy to just get back out there and playing rugby again. There’s always stuff to work on, but I did a few good actions and I felt I came back in good order.”

Williams was joined on the tour by club-mates Henry Slade, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Sam Simmonds, Alec Hepburn and Jonny Hill, all of whom are working their way up to full fitness ahead of the new season.

“We’ve all been eased in nicely over the last few weeks, but as the season gets closer I’m sure things will start to ramp up a fair bit as we get closer to the start of the league,” said Williams.

However, watching on closely, the former Jersey prop says he’s encouraged by what he has seen of his Chiefs team-mates so far this pre-season. Although the real action starts next week with pre-season fixtures against the Cornish Pirates and Cardiff Blues on successive days.

“I think if you went into any club, they’d all say things are going well and looking good at the moment,” said Williams. “This is when everyone is training hard, getting themselves in good nick and generally getting ready for the new season.

“The real test, I believe, is when it’s dark, cold and wet, that’s when you have to dig in and put in a decent string of games. Right now, it’s easy to be motivated, but that will only get you so far. It’s that discipline and willingness to work that will carry you on further.

“Having been here a few years now, I know how hard the guys here are willing to work. Personally, I’m probably more motivated now than when I first arrived at the club, simply because I feel I can have a real positive effect on the team.

“At that time, it was all new to me, but over the last three years we’ve all improved, both as individuals and as a team, and has some great experiences along the way. As players you want to be playing at the top level and in the big games and the way to do that is by being consistent and focusing fully on your game.”

 

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