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Former Wallabies prop Ben Alexander has produced an eight-point plan for Rugby Australia, saying it’s what the governing body “must do next” to follow up the capture of World Cups and the return of Eddie Jones.
Alexander, who played 72 times for Australia between 2008-2018, took to Twitter on Tuesday to say: “World Cups are locked in, the Lions are coming, and Eddie is back bringing some much-needed excitement and hope back into the game.
“But Rugby still has a long road ahead before it returns as one of Australia’s most popular sports. Here’s what RA should do next.”
The former Knox Grammar student who became a giant for the Brumbies, urged the game to be proud of its private school roots.
Alexander also called for the return to Australian rugby of former Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie, saying how he was treated by previous administrations was “a disgrace”.
The Queensland Reds have signed Fijian international prop Peni Ravai on a one-year deal.
The 32-year old hasd played 36 Test and his ability to play both sides of the scrum is welcome for the Reds who have long-term injuries to Harry Hoopert and Taniela Tupou.
Ravai debuted for Fiji in 2013 and arrives from Clermont in the French Top 14.
Ravai said in a statement: “I’m excited to have signed with the Reds.
“It’s a great squad at the club and there’s plenty of competition for spots in the front row.
“I’m looking forward to bringing my experience to the team in my first season of Super Rugby.”
Reds General Manager – Professional Rugby Sam Cordingley said: “Peni brings international experience and versatility which is a great combination given we’ve had two season-ending injuries to our front row during the international season.”
Ravai debuted for the Fijian Sevens team in 2013, before making his international debut in the XV-man game the same year against Romania.
Ravai played in the National Rugby Championship (NRC) for the Greater Sydney Rams in 2014, before moving to Southland to play in New Zealand’s National Pronvincial Championship in 2016.
The front rower then took his talents to France, playing for Division Two side Aurillac before making the jump to the Top 14 with Bordeaux and Clermont between 2017 and 2021.
Ravai represented Fiji in the 2015 and 2019 Rugby World Cups, and is the first Fijian international prop to also represent the country in Sevens.
The Waratahs will go into the Super Rugby season a man down after as it emerged they are unable to replace Kurtley Beale on their roster while he fights sexual assault charges.
Beale has been stood down on full pay from all rugby after being charged with the sexual assault of a woman in a Bondi hotel on December 17. Beale is expected to plead not guilty.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports Tuesday that “with the case expected to drag on for most of the year, the Waratahs are resigned to losing Beale for the season but were disappointed to learn they would not be able to draft in a replacement for the 95-Test back.
“He is essentially on rugby’s version of the NRL’s no-fault stand-down, but under the code’s new collective bargaining agreement between the players and Rugby Australia, the Waratahs are not allowed to replace him unless they can squeeze an extra player in under the existing salary cap and squad size rules.
“With no wriggle room on either of those fronts, the club sought an exemption, but RA knocked them back.”
The Herald added: “The new rules have left the Waratahs in limbo, with Beale afforded the presumption of innocence and a code of conduct process suspended until the court case is resolved, but the team punished nevertheless.”
Another England centre has been ruled out of the team’s Six Nations opener against Scotland after Dan Kelly was forced from the squad with a thigh injury.
The 21-year-old Kelly – who picked up his only England cap against Canada in the last northern summer – had been an option to start at inside centre for the Calcutta Cup match at Twickenham on Sunday (AEDT).
He has been replaced by his Leicester teammate Guy Porter.
Henry Slade, another centre, is also out after sustaining a hip injury on club duty for Exeter.
Owen Farrell, Ollie Lawrence, Joe Marchant, Manu Tuilagi and Porter remain as the centre options for Steve Borthwick’s first game in charge.
Borthwick stepped into the England job following the departure of Eddie Jones, who was subsequently appointed as coach of Australia.
England have also confirmed vice-captain Courtney Lawes will miss the Calcutta Cup game with a calf problem.
England are hopeful Slade’s injury is not a long-term issue.
Lawes, who missed the Autumn Series due to concussion issues, had been expected to miss at least the Scotland game after limping off playing for Northampton last weekend.
“Courtney is a really tough loss for us, on and off the pitch,” Lawes’ Saints team-mate Lewis Ludlam told BBC Sport.
“He is obviously a fantastic player with heaps of experience. He is missed in camp, but we have however many other blokes ready to step up. There is fierce competition.”
Current All Blacks Brad Weber and Aaron Smith have spoken out in admiration for Campbell Johnstone, who has come out as the first openly gay All Black.
“Legend! Hugely influential moment for so many young people, rugby players especially, who might be questioning their sexuality,” Weber said on social media.
Smith also praised Johnstone saying he showed “much bravery”.
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.