Thursday Round-Up

Wallabies controversy: Just hours after naming his side to take on Argentina in the closing stages of this year’s edition of the Rugby Championship, Wallabies head coach Ewen McKenzie is having to deal with yet more drama surrounding the enigma that is Kurtley Beale. Having been left out of the starting XV for this weekend’s clash, a 15 showing just two changes with Scott Higginbotham and James Horwill coming in, Beale’s absence became the centre of much of the pre-match debate amongst the press. However, it has now been revealed that Beale was involved in a heated in-flight bust-up with business manager for the Australian Rugby Union, Di Palston. The argument, which has since culminated in Palston returning home to Australian soil two days into the team’s stay in Argentina, has now also seen Beale left out of the match day 23 entirely, although McKenzie says that decision was taken due to the need for an extra forward amongst the replacements. Beale’s career has been dogged by controversy, including a long history with alcohol and with the playmaker yet to agree terms on a deal with the ARU beyond this season, incidents like these bring an all too timely reminder of the pandora’s box that is Kurtley Beale.

Lancaster deal to be reviewed: England head coach Stuart Lancaster will have his position reviewed following the World Cup on home soil next September. Lancaster, who has been hailed as the man responsible for turning English rugby’s downturn around and implementing a new culture amongst the national squad, has this week agreed terms on a new six year contract, taking him beyond both the 2015 and 2019 World Cups. The longest ever contract awarded to any England coach, the RFU have today confirmed that while they have faith in Lancaster’s ability to lead the team forward, they will also be reviewing the contract at various stages throughout its tenure, including in the immediate aftermath of World Cup 2015. While Lancaster is leading England in the right direction, the RFU could take note from the mistake of their Irish counterparts who in 2007 was handed a contract extension prior to the World Cup in France, only to leave the post months after, following a horrid performance at the showpiece event.

Ryan Sheady