Tell me it aint so: Waratahs aim for Benny Mac

[jono]

A. Abbott = Sydney Uni RFC.
M. Turnbull = Sydney Uni RFC.
J. Hockey = Sydney Uni RFC.

....and they are likely going to do squat.

At least 1, possibly 2 of those three won't be around @ end of the year.

[shasta]

At least 1, possibly 2 of those three won't be around @ end of the year.

Well so what jono? My point is that they, or whoever replaces them if you're right, are not going to tell the ARU how to run their business. Nor should they.

My point is that, in the unlikely event that any government pushes for better governance for Australian Rugby, they will take advice from "experts". Now who are the experts that lot are likely to take notice of?

[jargan83]

Western Force are set to announce that Wallabies No.8 Ben McCalman will re-sign with the Super Rugby club.

McCalman will spend a season in Japanese club rugby after the World Cup and return to the Force for the 2016 Super season.

The news will come as a huge boost to the Force, who have been struggling for results, and end intense interstate speculation that McCalman had been tempted by a big offer from the Waratahs.

McCalman and the Force have been in talks with the Australian Rugby Union over a new flexible contract that allows elite players to sign a lucrative one-season overseas deal if they commit long-term to Australian rugby.

It is understood the ARU initially baulked at offering McCalman one of the contracts but talks have recently moved forward and there are just a few details to be decided.

ARU and club contracts are usually aligned and the Force are waiting to confirm whether they can lock McCalman in on a two or three-year deal.

The ARU made the flexible-contract concession to prevent a flood of talent heading to wealthy overseas clubs, but it has not relaxed its stand that overseas-based players are not eligible for the Wallabies.

McCalman, 27, has been outstanding for the Force since joining in 2010 and has made 72 appearances.

He has played 34 times for Australia and should be the first choice of Wallabies coach Michael Cheika, also the current Waratahs coach, for the World Cup that starts in September.

The Waratahs were desperate to sign McCalman as a replacement for Wycliff Palu, who is also heading to Japan.

https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/sp...ew-force-deal/

[GIGS20]

It is understood the ARU initially baulked at offering McCalman one of the contracts

Because they had only planned to sign such a contract for Waratahs

but talks have recently moved forward

Since Ben has said he wouldn't sign for the Tahs at gunpoint

and there are just a few details to be decided.

such as how many marquee number 8 spots the ARU can give to the tahs without a general mutiny. Once they have that sorted his contract will be signed.

[andrewg]

Some interesting stats as to how Ben is doing against other Aussie No 8s.

Attachment 3752

Attachment 3753

• Ruck stats not from all games played. Av over those where data collected.
• Vaea not a Lineout option but all other aspects excellent.
• Higgers, Palu and McCalman all very even and good options for Wallabies.
• Schatz missing out in for all except for tackles and lineouts.

[Jules]

Great to have some good news!

[palitu]

It aint so...

[Alison]

Fingers crossed The West have got it right!

[valzc]

Haven't heard what happened regarding outcome of the meeting of club CEOs that was happening last week supposedly about player contracts and recruitment?

[Alison]

Fox reporting that it definitely ain't so!!! And look at the reason for his decision! I ❤️❤️❤️❤️ him!!!

http://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/su...ce=twitterfeed

[The InnFORCEr]

Twas only a whisper, but getting close to a shout

But please not Captain, let the Big Dog be free

Unnamed Player doing media Thursday morning, hope it's Big Dog

[jargan83]

Can't be true. The ARU funnels all of our Wallabies to the East Coast

[Herbasimplex]

Cheika or Gibson don't want him. Can't replace palu as he is a workehorse rather than crashball 8. Tahs will sign Vaea from feeder club Brumbies.