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Fears of Queensland missing out on hosting a British and Irish Lions Test appear to have eased, with Brisbane in line to host the opening Test of the 2025 campaign.
After missing out on a Test in this year’s World Cup campaign, the Sunshine State once again was on the nose for the money-making Lions series.
While the Queensland Reds were always likely to take on the Lions in a warm-up match, the Western Australia and South Australia governments were throwing big dollars to try and convince Rugby Australia of staging one of the historic Tests.
But, according to The Brisbane Times, Queensland is set to host the opening Test after a collaborative team effort and some extras dollars to sweeten the deal.
Had Queensland missed out it would have been a huge slap in the face to one of Australia’s two great rugby nurseries.
In a double dose of good news, Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium has become known as ‘Suncorp Fortress’ in recent years after winning 10 straight Tests – a rare feat in Australian rugby – at the venue until Eddie Jones’ then-England side ended the streak last July.
Sydney and Melbourne are set to host the other two Tests.
‘FEELS LIKE HOME’
Scott Fardy is set to call Ireland home once more, after joining Connacht as their new defence coach.
The former Wallaby, who was one of Australia’s best on their run to the World Cup final in 2015, joined Leinster in 2017 and continued the club’s fine tradition of bringing the best out of players from Down Under.
Fardy was crucial in their Heineken Champions Cup success in 2018 and won the URC in each of his four seasons at the club, where he was nominated for European player of the year.
He will join Pete Wilkins, who is taking over from Andy Friend.
“I am delighted to be adding Scott to the Connacht Rugby coaching team for the 2023/24 season and beyond,” Wilkins said.
“When we began the recruitment process for a new defence coach, it was important to identify someone with experience of professional rugby at the very highest level, but also a person with the qualities that we want to see in a Connacht Rugby team in the years ahead.
“In Scott we have recruited someone who absolutely fits that mould on both fronts.
“His playing career speaks for itself, and when you chat to anyone who has shared a pitch with him, more often than not the first thing they highlight are his leadership skills and his ability to inspire those around him.
“Scott understands what it takes to develop a relentless and winning mindset, and with his thorough knowledge of the Irish rugby landscape, is really motivated to help Connacht reach the next level.
“These attributes will be a huge benefit to the club and us as a coaching team, and I’m sure the players will be massively excited to learn from and work with Scott in the years ahead.”
Scott Fardy will return to Ireland to continue his coaching career. Photo: Dan Mullan/Getty Images
Fardy spent time coaching in Japan and spoke to the Brumbies and Reds about coaching roles.
But the former back-rower said Ireland felt like home and he was looking forward to building on his career at Connacht.
“I’m very excited to be joining the coaching team in Connacht. I’ve had some great conversations with Pete and I’m looking forward to making the move and working with all the players and coaches,” he said.
“My wife and I loved our time in Ireland.
“Both our boys were born there and it feels like home for us, so the move makes perfect sense for us. I’m also very excited to be coaching in the URC and Europe, which are such challenging and diverse competitions.
“There’s a lot of great young talent in the Connacht squad, coupled with some really experienced players. I’m looking forward to working with them and doing my bit to help take go from strength to strength.”
He’s the second big name to move his coaching career to the Emarald Isle in as many days, after Leinster signed Jacques Nienaber to replace Racing 92-bound Stuart Lancaster.
Jacques Nienaber will replace Stuart Lancaster at Leinster. Photo David Rogers/Getty Images
Nienaber will work alongside head coach Leo Cullen, who won the Heineken under Michael Cheika.
“The last few years have been the highlight of my coaching career and it’s with a heavy heart that I’m finishing up my time with the Springboks and leaving the country for personal reasons,” Nienaber said.
“The decision is made and that’s firmly behind me now. My sole focus is on seeing the Springboks defend the Rugby World Cup title this year. I will continue to channel all my energy into ensuring that we leave no stone unturned to achieve that.”
WALLABIES ENFORCER TO FRONT SANZARR JUDICARY
Lachie Swinton will front a SANZAAR Judicial hearing on Tuesday evening, with the Waratahs back-rower facing a long stint on the sidelines.
Swinton hit Jake Strachan high and late with his shoulder after the Force playmaker banged the ball clear from inside his 22 metre line in the opening seconds of their loss to the Waratahs on Saturday night.
Lachlan Swinton fill face a Judicial hearing on Tuesday evening. Photo Matt King/Getty Images
Strachan initially passes his Head Injury Assessment but later came from the field after concussion symptoms appeared. It was his fifth concussion.
The Force are said to be livid that the incident was missed by the Television Match official.
The recalled Wallabies back-rower was cited on Sunday.
On Tuesday, Super Rugby announced that he would face a Judiciary hearing at 6pm AEST after allegedly contravening Law 0.13: A player must not tackle an opponent late or dangerously.”
EX-WALLABY’S 50K HOLE-IN-ONE
Former World Cup-winner Rod Kafer has shown he’s no one-trick pony.
One of Australian rugby’s smartest brains, Kafer has moved away from rugby since 2020.
He’s another astute figure that is part of the brain drain that has been lost to the game in recent years.
But one thing he hasn’t lost is his ability to hit a golf ball.
The former Test back, who helped develop the Brumbies’ strategy alongside Eddie Jones either side of the 21st century, hit a 198m hole-in-one during a charity day on Monday that earned him $50,000. His club of choice, a four-iron. That’ll play Kafe.
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.