What a surprise… another high profile Wallaby could be on his way overseas.
Reports are emerging that Digby Ioane will be leaving the Reds and Wallaby outfits at the end of this year due to third-party pay dispute involved with his contract with Queensland.
Why can’t our rugby organisations, starting at the top with the ARU and filtering down to the Super Rugby provinces and even state club rugby organisations, set the correct payment structures to keep home grown talent on home shores.
And to make matters worse, it seems Ioane has a clause in his contract with the Reds that if he is to leave the club he would not be able to turn out for another Australian province.
For a player of his ilk to leave our shores would be a massive blow, not just to our Super Rugby clubs but our national team where Digby has been a vital cog in the Wallaby backline since debuting in 2007.
Will we reach a time where all contracts are so simple that a player is paid what they’re worth from the one source? Is it that hard for sporting organisations to model they’re payment structures on everyday business payment transactions?
I understand that contracts may need topping up through club sponsors for specific palyers but why can’t these sponsors pay a certain amount to the club and leave it up to the club to hand out these payments.
Surely that will eradicate these ‘third-party payment’ problems looking into the future.
Even though the first publisised incident occurred in Perth with Firepower’s involvement with the Force, I’m sure these issues have risen their ugly head on numerous occasions. And if attention isn’t paid to this issue, Digby won’t be the last player forced to ply his trade in France or Japan.
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
That clarifies everything.
AdamS
Roar Guru
http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/pay-row-prompts-ioane-reds-exit-20130422-2iaus.html
Sam
Guest
Digby Ioane has cracked the sads after being slapped over the wrist by Reds administration. He has two options: 1. Get over it and not get himself into trouble 2. Go play in a Superannuation League somewhere (read France or Japan). In my humble opinion, JOC will head to the Reds next year (used the Rebels as stepping stone) anyway so they (the Reds) may as well release Ioane to do whatever he feels like doing.
AdamS
Roar Guru
According to his tweet, he had a singlet on and that was why he was refused. Silly to mess witha a sponsor tough.
Red Kev
Guest
Yeah I saw Georgina Robinson's piece and it seems pretty clear cut from Digby's stand point, he's gone next season. The thing about him refusing to put a top on to get into the Regatta ... well that is just head-shakingly stupid - put a shirt on you tool.
kingplaymaker
Roar Guru
That's a strangely contradictory set of quotes from Carmichael and Mckenzie AD, one furious and the other cheery, doesn't add up.
Atawhai Drive
Roar Guru
Digby’s not doing himself any favours: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/rugby-union/qru-braces-for-war-with-digby-ioane-after-incident-at-brisbane-hotel/story-e6frg7o6-1226626212045
Harry
Guest
Sort of expected this after Quade and Khoder showed that carryoing on and kicking up a stink pays dividends. Digby is close to Quade and Digby has a large retinue. Hope he makes plenty of money. IF he goes, IMO probably leaving while still got at least a couple of years in him at the highest level, but I can understand the anxiety of those around him to cash in and guarantee a big pay day.
Dexter William
Roar Guru
Gold
mania
Guest
good luck digby. go make some good money
A Different Cat.
Guest
There is no George Smith rule. He is now eligible.
Blue Blood
Guest
I never bought the homesick line. I think he left because of John Mitchell the nutter and control freak. But it is career suicide to say so. I'd happily welcome him back. Come back to Perth Diggers. We need some X factor. Especially an Aussie with a huge Wallabies top up outside of the salary cap. The tough thing will be that no other franchise can offer 3rd party. The ARU restricts 3rd party offers for player retention only. So only the Reds have this card to play. Interesting times
Mark Richmond
Roar Guru
Except that, if it is third party issues and a part of his contract then Qld may be ruled to be in breach, and thus the exclusion may not stand up to legal scrutiny.
Ben.S
Roar Guru
I would have thought this George Smith rule won't rear its head again. If there was no Lions series then Smith would be on his way back to Japan and there'd be no debate.
Marc David
Guest
i went to work on the honey badger last night. My missus was proud of me after. Been in a good mood all day
Selector
Guest
I think the Rebels are being smart about their recruitment for next year. Not sure of the skills of the two new front rowers, but at least they are recognizing the issue is up front. Fiangaa is a good addition and Ioane would be even better. I am a Brumbies fan, but I really want to see a good strong even spread across the states.
Red Block
Guest
If Digby leaves, it could free up some cash for ... Say JOC to come to the Reds and play 15. Woo hoo!
AndyS
Guest
I'd agree, I've always rated him pretty highly and assumed that once that yard of pace had gone he'd move in to 13.
Jutsie
Guest
sound like a plan NOS. We could probably do better than the clowns that are currently recruiting at the rebs :D (although pretty happy with the signing of colby faiinga)
sittingbison
Guest
give him a group hug from his team mates, play the team song and let him hold the jersey. Problem solved