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.”
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.
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.
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.
Broken Shoulder
Roar Rookie
Thanks for the comment. It says 10 now. Not at the time of publication and when I commented. Hence my question.
Micko
Roar Rookie
Do they play at Homebush or SFS?
Bliksem
Roar Rookie
The Force are said to be livid that the incident was missed by the Television Match official The TMO needs to “please explain” as this incident was in open play, clear and obvious by a player with a poor track record. How was that missed?
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
Sounds like a great idea!
No Arms
Roar Rookie
Well the article said 10 but what do they know?
The Ferret
Roar Rookie
I’ve heard rumblings that USA will get a game Vegas.
Cec
Roar Rookie
Ah Fards we miss you son. Chieka moved you on way too soon and you should have picked up 100 at Brums and 50 at WB. It should have been you, Pocock and Naisarani for RWC19. What a coach and mentor you would have been for our next generation of forwards at any SR team. All the best to you and your family. I hope we can lure you back home one day and have your boys play for WB instead of IRE.
Ankle-tapped Waterboy
Roar Rookie
Scott Fardy's going from Warringah forwards coach 2023 (appointed Nov 2022) to Connacht. Looks like a step up!
Steve Lenthall
Roar Guru
Especially when he was about to, before it was offered to a mate...
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
The most frustrating part was that we didn't need to for 2/3 years. We simply chose not to pick him
Cannonball
Roar Rookie
Me too. Huge fan of him as a player, and we’ve never been able to replace him.
Rebel334
Roar Rookie
Lions test in Melb already confirmed with contract signed with Vic gov a number of years ago, so will be Syd, Bris, Melb. Wouldn’t surprise me to see the ANZAC game played in Perth, with Aus A in Adelaide.
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
Pasifika much more likely. A mini tour by them of Australia could be an interesting possibility.
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
More likely they'll want to play the Brumbies because they need some tougher games before the test. It would be crazy to not have your only competitive team not playing the Lions.
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
Connacht has got lucky with Fards. I'm really disappointed to know one of our greats wasn't able to find a role in Australia
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
You're right. Brisbane is one of our premier heartlands. Sometimes money can't be the only deciding factor. I will always remember the sea of red as we approached the Gabba forlornly looking for a bar to get a beer in 2001, the massive red presence inside the ground and then the onfield ambush. I also remember Roffy's intercept in Melbourne and the plank's lineout steal in Sydney. I never spent travel money better than catching every game in that series. I'm unable to recall what happened in 2013 though.
The Crow Flies Backwards
Roar Rookie
If anyone’s interested, I’m sure Kafe will tell you all about it
Busted Fullback
Roar Rookie
RA will be trying for the biggest cash injection they can get, therefore tickets will be at a... what’s bigger than premium? Hope there are a huge number of touring supporters because I can’t see local families being able to afford tickets. I’m guessing, but won’t be surprised by, BIL home games like the Gabba back in 2001.
Hooter
Roar Rookie
Kafer was a pretty handy cricketer at school too.
Kotick
Roar Rookie
Or the Brumbies lose out because they beat the Lions in 2013 and only lost by 2 points in 2001? Clearly the BIL are running scared ????