Month: September 2019

Emilee Cherry’s road to Tokyo 2020 is underway after she and her partner welcomed a daughter last week.

Cherry and partner Dan Barton welcomed daughter Alice last Friday, announcing her arrival on social media this week.

The 26-year-old has been open about her ambition to feature in Tokyo 2020 and she will have all the support she needs under Rugby Australia’s Pregnancy Policy.

There is no rigid timeline on Cherry’s return to the Sevens side, with the best case scenario that she could be back in action for December’s Cape Town Sevens.

A Sydney Sevens comeback in February 2020 shapes as a more realistic scenario potentially but there will be no pressure on Cherry to rush herself back.

When she does return to the circuit, the 2014 World Sevens Player of the Year will have the ability to bring Alice and a carer on tour with her, under the policy.

Cherry wouldn’t be the first mother to compete for the Aussies in the Olympics – Nicole Beck had returned to the sport after her first daughter Sophie was born, for the 2016 campaign and played in Rio in the early stages of her second pregnancy as well.

Gibbon ticks off another milestone in whirlwind year

It’s been a massive year for Rebels prop Matt Gibbon, who has gone from being unknown and uncontracted this time last year to training with the Wallabies.

Gibbon, 23, was an electrician playing Shute Shield footy for Southern Districts last year when he was given a summer training spot with the Rebels.

The prop from tiny Alstonville, in b
etween Lismore and Ballina on NSW’s far North Coast, impressed Dave Wessels so much he was kept on and was named to make his Super Rugby debut in round one.

Gibbon went on to play in every Rebels’ game for the season and last week won the respected Spirit of Weary Dunlop award, which honours Melbourne’s hardest working club man.

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As they say on the Shopping network – but wait … there’s more.

Last week, with the Brumbies players unavailable, Gibbon was one of a handful of rising players called into Wallabies camp by coach Michael Cheika to fill out the training teams.

Waratahs prop Harry Johnson-Holmes and Rebels centre Campbell Magnay also got a run.

The trio will stay with the Wallabies this week as they train in Brisbane.

Rugby community mourns Lesotho players after tragic accident

There was desperately sad news for Lesotho last week when five members of the small African country’s girls under 16 team were killed in a traffic accident while on tour in South Africa.

The youngsters were in a van that was involved in a terrible crash outside of Bloemfontein, sending Lesotho into a state of mourning.

Members of the rugby world expressed their shock and condolences, and everyone in Australian rugby no doubt sends their condolences as well.

Ballymore development still waiting on state contribution

No official word yet on a start date for work on the Ballymore redevelopment, with an injection of funds from the Queensland State Government still required for the project to get across the line.

The Federal LNP Government committed $15 to the redevelopment of the Herston site to become the headquarters of women’s rugby, along with a cutting edge precinct for the Reds and Queensland women’s teams and development academy.

Australian rugby and the QRU have also committed $5 million to the project.

State pollies are also believed to be on board, with hopes high of an announcement soon.

Victoria top Wheelchair nationals

Victoria have taken out the gold medal match at the 2019 Wheelchair nationals after a thrilling final against the Queensland Tornadoes.

The Victorians edged out the northerners 56-55 in the last game on day three, while the Queensland Cyclones took bronze with a 63-57 win over New Zealand.

Sydney Juniors cross over for big day out

It was a big weekend for the Sydney Juniors, with 310 U6-U9s teams coming together for a massive gala day this weekend.

This day was played at nine venues with close to 600 ‘minis’ games being played across all the different stages.

This season’s was the second annual event with the aim to give youngsters a chance to meet some new and different opponents.

It wasn’t just rugby they were getting involved in, with different events like running races and tug-of-war being held through the afternoon as well.

Jaguares turn up the energy before kick-off

The Jaguares were ruthless against the Brumbies but they were ready to go even before the first whistle went.

Vision has circulated on social media and from the TV broadcast showing the scenes as the team ran out of the tunnel at Jose Amalfitani Stadium on Saturday morning (AEST).

If that’s the feeling ahead of a semi-final, you get the sense a final might be a little bit crazy, even in a hostile Christchurch visit.

 

The Red Devils star spoke of the rivalry between the two clubs and how much he relishes testing himself against the world’s elite

Paul Pogba has said he is looking forward to playing in the Manchester derby on Wednesday, and that it is crucial for Manchester United to secure Champions League football next season.

Last year Pogba scored twice in the derby at the Etihad to delay City’s Premier League title charge and thinks this year’s game is even more important.

City need to win Wednesday’s game at Old Trafford to keep pace with Liverpool in the hunt to win this year’s title and United must win to stop the rot after a week that saw them crash out of the Champions League to Barcelona and suffer an embarrassing 4-0 loss to Everton.

“I wouldn’t say it was the same situation [as last year], because they need to win as well, they really need it and so do we,” Pogba told Sky Sports.

“We are both in a race for something – them for the title and us for the Champions League for fourth or third place – so it is going to be a tough one and a very important one.”

The French midfielder said that playing in derby games is ‘beautiful’ and ‘intense’ and had been since he was in the United youth set-up.

“This rivalry has always been there, even when I was in the Under-18s and we would play against City. This derby just wants love, adrenaline, you play for the shirt with two teams in the same city and you just want to beat them.

“You can see that those games are very intense and it is beautiful to play in those games because you get the experience, you have the crowd that are behind you and they just push you. To win those games is really beautiful. It feels like it is different from other games.”

Pogba went on to say how much he loved challenging himself against the world’s best, and that Champions League football is vital for his team as they contemplate a second consecutive season without a trophy.

“Speaking for myself, I love playing against top teams with top players,” he said. “I love to play against them, it is a game I look at, I learn a lot and I gain experience.

“I just want to play well against this team and you want to win. It is beautiful to stop teams in the league or in the world, you just want to beat them because to be the best, you have to beat the best, so I look forward to those games.

“Obviously we would be very disappointed [if United did not finish in the top four]. Two seasons in a row without trophies is not good at all.”

 

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The former Blues player and manager is bemused as to why an Italian coach has continued to use his most valuable asset as a striker this season

Maurizio Sarri has been accused of being the only person at Chelsea who does not know how to handle Eden Hazard, with Glenn Hoddle questioning a penchant for using the Belgian as a striker.

The Blues had their most destructive attacking weapon back in a wide support role against Slavia Prague in the Europa League on Thursday.

World Cup winner Olivier Giroud was given another chance to lead the line, with January arrival Gonzalo Higuain on the bench.

Hazard has, however, been asked to operate as a ‘false nine’ on a regular basis this season, with Hoddle baffled as to why Sarri has persisted with an approach that clearly does not play to the strengths of those at his disposal.

The former Chelsea player and manager told BT Sport: “Higuain looks as if he’s thinking about things before he’s even going to get a shot off.

“He’s a little bit slower than he was in yesteryear, he was a fantastic striker, don’t get me wrong.

“He looks like he should be in better shape than when he arrived, but for me he looks actually a little bit in less good shape, he looks as if he’s put a bit of weight on since he’s been here.

“Perhaps he’s been in the gym too much, I don’t know. But Giroud is class, and he gives Chelsea a focal point and allows Hazard to play off a focal point, which is important.

“Hazard shouldn’t be the one up there, I think everyone in this stadium knows that bar Sarri.”

Hoddle added on the need to continue using Hazard in a wide role as Chelsea chase down European glory and a top-four finish: “Absolutely [fans will be happy to see him out there], I just don’t get it, why would you put such a talented player with his back to play?

“Where centre-backs will come in and get him, midfielders who are holding are going to nip back get him. Why would you put him in those circumstances?”

The ex-England boss went on to say of a 28-year-old who was used down the middle in a 2-0 Premier League defeat to Liverpool: “Also at Anfield and certain other games, you need someone to hold the ball up for you. Consequently, Liverpool had too much for them.

“I don’t get it… they need a target man. You can’t play balls to Hazard, one of the best players in the world, like that. No one is going to be able to produce anything with service like that.

“In Chelsea’s game against Liverpool, Mohamed Salah capitalised on a Chelsea mistake and was able to score a wonderful goal.

“That’s where this wonder goal from Salah comes from, and that’s not Hazard’s fault, it’s the system and I don’t get it, I really don’t.”

Amid the questioning of the positional tinkering at Chelsea, Hazard’s future remains a subject of much debate at Stamford Bridge – with a prized asset approaching the final year of his contract and sparking talk of an imminent move to Real Madrid.

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The Blaugrana are champions-elect in the eyes of many but their coach envisages plenty of hard work ahead in the bid for a second straight title

Ernesto Valverde is taking nothing for granted in Barcelona’s quest for LaLiga glory despite Saturday’s 2-1 win against Real Sociedad bringing the title within touching distance. 

Goals from Clement Lenglet and Jordi Alba either side of Juanmi’s 62nd-minute equaliser at Camp Nou maintained a nine-point lead over Atletico Madrid at the summit. 

They also remain in contention for a third treble thanks to the 3-0 dispatch of Manchester United midweek that saw the Catalans march into the Champions League semi-finals.

If Barca beat Deportivo Alaves on Tuesday and Atleti fail to do likewise against Valencia 24 hours later, Valverde’s men would retain their title by virtue of having a 12-point lead with four matches to play and a superior head-to-head record. 

Spots in the Champions League last four and the Copa del Rey final mean the campaign could end with a clean sweep of major honours, but complacency is not on Valverde’s agenda. 

“The games are not given to you, you suffer a lot to win,” the Barca head coach told reporters after the final whistle. 

“Winning is much more complicated than people think. I understand people when they say that we are already champions and that we just have to wait for the date, but the points have yet to be achieved. 

“We have to get that idea out of our heads. This is not over yet.” 

Valverde acknowledged Sociedad made life tough for his team. 

“It was an uncomfortable match because they were very good and made it very difficult for us off the ball. 

“Fortunately, we got the second goal very quickly [after the equaliser] and then we defended it tooth and nail because they pushed us a lot.” 

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The club may have surprised many this season, but the winger is not among them

Lucas Moura is not surprised that Tottenham have made the Champions League semi-finals and now wants them to prove their worth against Ajax.

Spurs came through a tough group including Barcelona, Inter and PSV, before dumping out Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City, going through on away goals after a classic second leg against the latter.

They arrive at an improbable last-four clash with Ajax this week, yet Lucas is confident Tottenham are set for success.

“No, I am not surprised. I always believed in my team-mates,” he told a news conference.

“Of course, it’s very difficult to play in the Champions League against big teams but, in football, we never know what will happen. We have 90 minutes on the pitch to work, give our best and win the game.

“On the pitch, we need to show that we are favourites. We have a very good squad, quality players. I am not surprised.

“I joined Tottenham because I believe in the project of the club. When I saw the structure of the club and the project of the new stadium, I believed it would be very good for me.

“I understand the ambition of the club, with the structure, the squad that we have, the new stadium. You need to think to win trophies and make history – that’s why I’m here.

“We are already in the semi-finals, we made history already, but I want more, I want to win trophies and enjoy each season here.”

Ajax have caught Real Madrid and Juventus cold in this season’s competition, but Lucas believes Tottenham’s Premier League experience will serve them well against a high-tempo side.

“I think it will be very hard because we play against a team that we don’t know very well, from another country,” he said.

“It’s difficult but every game is difficult here in the Premier League. Each game is hard and the intensity is so high. Now it’s the Champions League semi-final, everyone wants to know this.

“It’s two young teams. It will be very interesting and we need to be clever. We need to use the intensity like we do in the Premier League and we can win this game.”

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The Manchester City boss moved ahead of the Portuguese following Sunday’s Premier League title triumph, but the 56-year-old claims he’s not bothered

Jose Mourinho has insisted he is not focused on the numbers after Pep Guardiola overtook him in the trophy stakes, claiming he would have had more titles had he not moved clubs during his managerial career.

The Manchester City boss moved onto 26 following his Premier League title triumph, adding to the Carabao Cup and Community Shield he had already won in the 2018-19 season.

Guardiola can add a 27th trophy to his collection if his City side beat Watford in the FA Cup final, which takes place at Wembley on May 18.

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Mourinho, meanwhile, still boasts an impressive CV with 25 trophies despite his struggles towards the end of his time in charge at Manchester United.

The Portuguese, who was sacked by the Red Devils in December after a dismal start to the 2018-19 campaign, has won titles in Portugal, Spain, Italy and England, with his last trophy being the Europa League with United in 2017.

And when it was put to him that Guardiola had now passed his tally with his latest Premier League title win, Mourinho claimed that he would have had more trophies to his name had he not moved clubs when at both Porto and Inter.

When asked if it annoys him that he is now behind the City boss, Mourinho told L’Equipe: “No, no, this reminds me that I’m there with 25 titles.

“When I won the Champions League with Porto and Inter, if I had stayed the following season, I would have played the European Super Cup, the Club World Cup, the national Super Cups, and I would have had 31 titles.

“Maybe I’m not so focused on the numbers!”

Mourinho also commented on Lille star Nicolas Pepe’s progress, with the winger having been linked with a summer switch to Old Trafford.

Asked whether he’s at Neymar and Kylian Mbappe’s level, the 56-year-old added: “He’s played almost all the games and has been decisive for his team. But speaking of Mbappe and Neymar, you’re talking about two of the best players in the world.

“If he hadn’t been suspended for three matches, Mbappe would be the top scorer in Europe, I think. Neymar, with his injury, has only had half a season.

“But these are players of another dimension. [Lille sporting director] Luis [Campos], when he speaks to me of Kylian, his eyes shine! He’s not a diamond of which we say: ‘He can do this or that.’

“No, he’s already done it! The question is where he will go, he is so young and has a significantly margin of progression.”

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Borussia Monchengladbach’s Belgian midfielder has sparked talk of Premier League interest, but appears destined to remain in the Bundesliga

Borussia Monchengladbach “unfortunately” have no offers from the Premier League for Borussia Dortmund-bound Thorgan Hazard, sporting director Max Eberl has revealed.

The Belgium international, who is the brother of Chelsea star Eden, has sparked talk of interest from England.

Liverpool and Arsenal are among those to have been linked with possible moves for the 26-year-old playmaker.

It is, however, looking increasingly unlikely that a man who left Stamford Bridge for Germany in 2015 will be retracing his steps.

Hazard has claimed to have a personal agreement in place with Dortmund and Eberl admits that an extended spell in the Bundesliga is on the cards.

The Monchengladbach director told Sport1: “Unfortunately there is no offer from England.

“The German market is more realistic than the English one.”

Dortmund are yet to do a deal with domestic rivals, with Monchengladbach said to be holding out for around €40 million (£34m/$45m).

A compromise could be reached that suits all parties, with Hazard’s current contract due to expire in the summer of 2020.

Eberl is, however, determined to generate a fee “that makes sense” for his side and allows them to reinvest in a suitable replacement.

He concedes that Hazard’s performances over the second half of the season have not been of the standard he produced earlier in the campaign.

“Thorgan is an interesting player on the market, but he does not bring the performance of the early part of the season,” Eberl added.

While questioning recent showings from the Belgian, Hazard has contributed 12 goals and 11 assists to the Monchengladbach cause this season.

He has become a talismanic presence, with Eberl conceding that he is a “bit of a symbol” for his current employers.

Hazard is “not a mercenary”, though, and will not see his career path blocked if a suitable offer is tabled.

Approaches may not arrive from England, but there is every chance that another step up the ladder will be made by an ambitious performer during the summer transfer window of 2019.

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Rebels rookie Hunter Paisami has been charged with affray, over his alleged involvement a late-night incident that left a man hospitalised.

Affray is a charge generally brought by the state and involve fighting in a public place to the extent that it causes those in the vicinity to fear for their safety.

Paisami and teammate Pone Faamausili were both suspended indefinitely by the Rebels in the wake of allegations that surfaced on social media on Sunday, accusing the pair of a coward punch.

The sister of the victim posted a photo of her injured brother, singling out the two Rebels players and accusing them of a punch that allegedly resulted in her brother’s injuries.

There have been conflicting accounts of the incident, but after both players provided statements to police, Paisami was charged.

The 20-year-old was bailed on Tuesday and will appear in magistrates court on September 20 over the charges.

Faamausili is not expected to be charged over the incident but could still be called in to provide evidence to the court or police.

Both players will remain suspended until an internal investigation by the Rebels, Rugby Australia, Rugby Victoria and the Rugby Union Players’ Association is complete.

Rebels CEO Baden Stephenson said the club was taking the incident ‘extremely seriously’.

“I would like to reiterate to our partners, members, supporters, communities and families that the Club is taking this matter extremely seriously,” he said in a statement.

“The board, management team and player leadership group are working together to address recent issues and provide a response that ultimately strengthens not only our Club, but also our communities and our code.”

It is the second incident in as many weeks of Rebels players being involved with police after drunken altercations.

Star no. 8 Amanaki Mafi was charged with injuring with intent to injure teammate Lopeti Timani after their final round match in Dunedin, an incident that left Timani reportedly fearing for his life.

Faamausili made his debut for the Rebels earlier this year and recently re-signed until 2020, while Paisami has not made an appearance for the Rebels.

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Wallabies and Waratahs star Israel Folau has been handed a one-match ban over contact in the air against Ireland, but that’s just the start of the story.

Folau and Rugby Australia are set to appeal the result, with that set to be heard either on Thursday or on Friday morning.

If he wins the appeal, he could yet be available for the Waratahs’ clash against the Rebels on Friday night in Melbourne.

The fullback was yellow-carded and then given a citing commissioner’s warning over two aerial contests in the third Wallabies Test, that saw Ireland skipper Peter O’Mahony land awkwardly.

In both situations, and a third that was also highlighted, O’Mahony was being lifted by one teammate, putting him a precarious position.

Gibson said the outcome of Wednesday’s hearing could have far-reaching implications for rugby.

“I believe if he does get some time, there’s some real implications around the law-making process going forward,” he said.

“It really makes us look at the kick contest area and exactly how we can, if it goes this way, how we can provide a law that covers or provides for what is happening in terms of the collisions and guys landing on their heads.”

Whatever the outcome, Gibson said he hoped Folau’s prowess in the air wasn’t legislated out of the game.

“I hope it doesn’t because that’s the element of rugby that’s important, that there is a kick and there is a fair contest for the ball,” he said.

“I don’t think in AFL they’ve got any particular rules governing that (kind of) contest and so that’s why for me it’s really interesting, in terms of that law and what happens and the implications of what happens if he does get a sanction.”

Waratahs flyhalf Bernard Foley said it was frustrating that Folau was under scrutiny for one of his, and the team’s, greatest strengths.

“For some reason, it always happens around Israel,” he said.

“It’s something they plan against or try and negate, his ability and his threat in the air and so for him to be put under scrutiny for something he’s good at, is pretty disappointing.”

Though Folau has been a target in the air since coming across from AFL in 2013, the kicking contests haven’t been under the spotlight until this season, with a major crackdown on incidents that leave players at risk of neck or head injuries.

“I think probably the inconsistency of it is the frustrating thing,” Foley said.

“Knowing that he is a weapon for us and something we want to use and utilise, then we want consistency in terms of how it’s going to be reffed or the outcome, so then we can plan accordingly.

“We’re not trying to do anything illegal, we’re just trying to use a strength of ours against what we think is a weakness of oppositions.”

The Waratahs take on the Rebels on Friday night at AAMI Park,  kicking off at 7:45pm AEST, LIVE on FOX SPORTS and via RUGBY.com.au RADIO.

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Brumbies halfback Matt Lucas will join Japanese Top League side Ricoh next season after being released from the ACT franchise a year early.

Lucas signed a new deal with ACT for 2020 back in May but on Friday, the club announced it had agreed to release the scrumhalf from that contract extension.

The 27-year-old has been in Canberra for the past two seasons after a stint with the Waratahs but hasn’t been able to secure a regular start with the emergence of Joe Powell and Ryan Lonergan in the past year, especially.

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This is not the first time Lucas has had a taste of Japanese rugby, having played with Suntory last season.

“I have really enjoyed my time at the Brumbies and will treasure the memories that I have made with the club,” Lucas said of his departure.

“The Brumbies environment and culture is one that I have treasured. The way in which the Brumbies wider community have embraced me has been very special and playing at GIO Stadium in front of some extremely loyal fans over the last two years is something that I won’t forget.

“This was a terrific opportunity for me, and I am thankful to the Brumbies for agreeing to release me early from my contract to head to Japan. It’s an exciting time for me and I am looking forward to what’s ahead.”

Brumbies coach Dan McKellar said he understood why Lucas had opted to move on.

“Whilst we are sorry to see Matt leave, we understand this is a really good opportunity for him at this stage of his career,” Plus500 Brumbies Head Coach Dan McKellar commented.

“Matt has been a very important player in our group for the last two seasons. He is a competitor, drives standards and he has played a role in helping to develop our younger players.

“We wish Matty all the best for the future.”

Lucas’s release comes after speculation that returning halfback Nic White has nominated the Brumbies as his preferred Super Rugby destination.

White is set to return to the English Premiership for one more season before he makes his official comeback in Super Rugby, though his playing return mightn’t come until 2021.

He is yet to officially ink a deal with a Super Rugby side but it is believed he is keen to return to his former rugby home.

The Waratahs and Reds have both locked in their apparent no. 9s of the future while the Rebels could be on the hunt for a scrumhalf with the looming departure of Will Genia and the absence of Michael Ruru but they are believed to have had little contact with White since he signalled his intent to return home.