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”.
TJ-Go Force!
Roar Rookie
Keep Marky on the wing. He will play there for the Wallabies.
Wolla Wotsa
Roar Rookie
How does Sam Cordingley still have a job at the Reds, the bloke is hopeless at everything he does.
jameswm
Roar Guru
No you didn’t really understand the question.
jameswm
Roar Guru
I think you have it the wrong way around.
LuckyPhil
Roar Rookie
It seems that only footballers come under your rule of not being payed. Bizarre.
LuckyPhil
Roar Rookie
In the eyes of the law it is. In the eye of the general public completely different.
LuckyPhil
Roar Rookie
I seriously don't understand your question but I'll have another go at answering it. It is his employers decision to stand him down, which is their right. He would still be eligible and able to train and play, so they should continue to pay him. I assume if he said he wasn't able to play or train, the club would be within their legal rights not to pay him. Footballers are no different to anyone else, they can't get sacked or not paid just because they have been charged with something - remember, innocent until proven guilty. I assume that if he is found guilty his contract is over and they don't need to continue paying him.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Go and get another job then
jameswm
Roar Guru
Not guilty is not the same as innocent
jameswm
Roar Guru
Complying with his contract and criminal rights are not the same.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Ha, no they’re not. Re-read what I wrote. I said how should he be paid if found guilty and not working in the meantime?
Aiden
Guest
I went to a private school in Qld and we played in a rugby comp with 2 other private schools and five of the public schools. This was the game in the late 80s, even pre professionalism in the NRL heartland it was played. Probably by kids that also played league, but they did ok. It's awful how badly RA have botched the game in the pro era, failing especially to capitalize on more money coming in (initially) and not getting any benefit from the WBs success in the 90s. Super rugby and the sugar hit from a sport behind the Fox pay-wall has all but destroyed this game. Guys in blazers. No clue.
DelBoy
Guest
Re Ben's take on School involvement, just acknowledging that private schools are the bread and butter (previously) for Union, doesn't really help and show a longtime view of how we get more schools playing. I grew up in western Sydney (a strong League school) and no talk of union at all, BUT once a year we would play in a 7's or 10's comp. We would always win or at least play finals, and most kids loved it (one, it was a day off school, but secondly loved a different format and the space to run). I've always thought that we are never going to have all schools play Union as you need a teacher who can coach (know the rules) and secondly find 20 kids willing to play, BUT 7's is easy! Basic rules and it’s fun, and gives people a taste for the game. RA could send out a pack with online learnings and videos for players and coach (Easy). Hold a country wide tournament (play local then state then best 4 teams playoff) have a great prize and show finals on Stan. Shute Shield / Super coaches can watch games to approach players. It would open the game up to so many boys and girls from strong league / AFL schools to Union. Interested in other peoples thoughts? Considering how hard it would be to get schools to play full 15 man rugby (coaches, rules, equipment). I think this is a really good start to get the hook into kids and schools. How good would it be to see in the final Nudgee College VS Westfield Sports High. Breaks down the private v public school barriers and is just about the best "teams" regardless of location, race, ect....
dave
Guest
That's not how it works unfortunately. Not as easy as saying lets just stream it ourselves unless you put in hundreds of millions of dollars into the infrastructure. WWE did it and was losing money so now get networks to do it for them
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
Yeah it’s the $1m question: what would it take to bring them back on a regular basis? It is unlikely to be just one answer.
Big Dave
Roar Rookie
I wouldn't assume that. League and AFL are always at the door. Money talks.
Big Dave
Roar Rookie
But they aren't buying it anymore. Look back to the early days or SR - regularly 30K at the SFS for a Tahs game. Look now. Maybe 10K. Those 20K were mostly die-hards who don't go anymore.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
Many injuries prevent travel
Paul D
Roar Rookie
There are many articles out there that say it’s far more complicated than a simple sacking and still extremely risky for a business to do it and prove procedural fairness. I think we know enough to say that it’s not in his contract to allow them to do it in any regard so it’s a dead argument. And I’d bet the farm the RUPA would never allow such a clause.
The Ferret
Roar Rookie
The private schools will always be self sufficient. And 100% yes RA needs to focus on the junior clubs. Make it affordable and they will come. I think the private school comments come from the fact rugby code stems from that upper crust society look rugby has across the British colonies (the UK, NZ, South Africa). The marketing people have been paid a lot of money in Australia to try and remove that image to tap into the “regular bloke” image. While fighting for a handful of new fans, we have lost more in poor marketing as that became the focus and not the game of rugby.