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Australia’s hopes of having Nick Cummins available for next year’s World Cup appear slim, with the 27-year-old’s Japanese club continuing to play hard ball over a possible loan deal.
Cummins was released from his Australian Rugby Union contract on compassionate grounds earlier this year so he could sign a more lucrative two-year deal with Coca-Cola West Red Sparks.
The switch has given Cummins the financial clout to provide for sick family members, but it appears set to cost him a dream World Cup berth.
Two of Cummins’ siblings have cystic fibrosis, while his father Mark has been diagnosed with cancer.
The move away from Australia means Cummins is ineligible to play for the Wallabies at the 2015 World Cup unless a deal can be brokered where he is either loaned out or released back to the Western Force next year.
However, that scenario seems unlikely, with Red Sparks keen to hang on to their marquee man.
Cummins gave a timely reminder of his worth last week with a barnstorming second-half display for the Barbarians in their 40-36 loss to the Wallabies.
After the match, All Blacks great John Kirwan said Australia should do everything they can to get Cummins back for next year’s World Cup.
The Force are equally keen to lure back the man fondly known as the “Honey Badger”, but the Perth-based franchise need to finalise their roster by December 31.
Only two spots remain open on the Force’s list after they signed former Blues utility back Albert Nikoro and ex-Chiefs/Highlanders winger Tino Nemani for the next two Super seasons.
Nemani made his Super debut for the Chiefs in 2012, before joining the Highlanders a year later to take his career Super tally to seven caps.
The 23-year-old, who spent last year playing for Bay of Plenty in the ITM Cup, represented the New Zealand Schoolboys in 2009, and the Fijian Under 20 side at the 2010 IRB Junior World Championship.
Nikoro, 22, was restricted to just five caps with the Blues after being hampered by a knee injury.
“Albert and Tino are both fast with the ability to beat defenders,” Force coach Michael Foley said.
“Tino is a powerful winger who is very physical both with ball in hand and in defence.
“And while Albert also has a strong running game, he is a goal kicker that can play 13, 15 and wing.”
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.