Wednesday Round-Up

Genia looking beyond RWC: Wallabies scrum half Will Genia has confirmed that he will be looking into possible European destinations to further his career, following the climax of next year’s Rugby World Cup in England. Having been linked with a move to big spenders Bath in England’s Aviva Premiership, the current Queensland Red has admitted that leaving Australian shores for his club rugby is a distinct possibility after next year’s showpiece event. Currently on European soil for Australia’s November tour, Genia has confirmed he will hold relatively informal talks with a host of clubs both in England and France. With a number of Top 14 clubs rumoured to be interested in acquiring the scrum half’s services, Bath owner Bruce Craig may well have to spend big in order to land the man once regarded as the World’s finest operator at nine. Genia is not the only Wallaby looking to leave Australia, with star utility back Adam Ashley-Cooper also confirming in recent weeks that he too will be leaving Australia, with reigning European and French champions Toulon his probable destination, although no deal has been confirmed as yet. 

Canes announced squad: New head coach of Super Rugby franchise the Hurricanes, Chris Boyd, has announced his squad for next season’s Southern Hemisphere tournament, including a healthy mixture of both youth and experience. Most notable, is the inclusion of star All Black midfielder Ma’a Nonu who returns to the club to likely partner long-time colleague and friend Conrad Smith in a formidable centre partnership. Having played his domestic rugby with the Blues out of Auckland last year, Nonu returns to Wellington and his former club the Hurricans, to heavily bolster their midfield options alongside veteran Smith. Elsewhere, Reynold Lee-Lo has also been attracted back to the club, with a multitude of new faces also included in Boyd’s first squad, having taken over duties from now Cardiff Blues head coach Mark Hammett. Callum Gibbins Nehe Milner-Skudder and Chris Eves have all been promoted to full contracts from the wider training group after impressing last season and throughout the recent iTM Cup campaign, with tournament winners the Manawatu Turbos.
Ryan Sheady