Super Rugby News
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<p>Confirmed: Digby Ioane has signed with Crusaders for 2 seasons<br>
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<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>BNZ Crusaders sign Digby Ioane for 2017</strong><br>
<br><span style="font-size:12px;">Published: 28 July 2016</span></span></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The BNZ Crusaders have confirmed that winger Digby Ioane is heading to Christchurch to join the squad in 2017. BNZ Crusaders CEO Hamish Riach confirmed that Ioane has signed a two year contract, taking him through to the end of the 2018 season with the BNZ Crusaders.<br>
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“We finalised the contracting process with Digby this morning, so are thrilled to now be able to announce his signing with the team. This is an important signing for us and we look forward to welcoming Digby to the Crusaders environment.â€<br>
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The New Zealand-born, Australian-raised winger already has 86 Super Rugby caps to his name, having played for the Western Force in 2006 and 2007 and then the Queensland Reds from 2008-2013. Ioane has since played two seasons with Stade Francais in France and is about to have his second season with the Honda Heat in Japan, but says he is excited to be returning to the Super Rugby competition.<br>
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“I have had a great time playing in France and Japan, but the opportunity to be part of a New Zealand Super Rugby team is too good to pass up. I love the intensity and tempo of Super Rugby and the New Zealand teams are leading the charge in that respect at the moment, so I can’t wait to be a part of that. I have a huge respect for the Crusaders, having faced them as the opposition team on a number of occasions, and I am honoured to be linked with such a quality team. I would like to thank my manager Michael Hobbs and Robbie Deans for their support in making this happen,†Ioane said.<br>
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2017 BNZ Crusaders Coach Scott Robertson said Ioane was a key signing for the team: “Digby is a massive talent, who we believe still has plenty of top class playing years left in him despite his experience. He has played 35 tests for the Wallabies and has created some of the most memorable moments in Super Rugby while he was playing there. <br>
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“Digby is in the best condition of his life right now and we are excited about what he can do for this team, with his remarkable ability to create opportunities and score tries. We also know he will make a huge contribution off the field, with his energy, great character and good humour,†Robertson said.</span></span></p>
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<p> <br><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://crusaders.co.nz/news/1004-bnz-crusaders-sign-digby-ioane-for-2017'>http://crusaders.co.nz/news/1004-bnz-crusaders-sign-digby-ioane-for-2017</a></p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote"><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby/news/article.cfm?c_id=80&objectid=11694761'><strong>New coaches at Blues next season</strong></a><br><br>
Tana Umaga's assistants Paul Feeney and Glenn Moore are leaving the Blues.<br><br>
Feeney, a backs coach, and Moore, in charge of the forwards, have decided not to seek re-appointment next season, according to a statement from the franchise.<br><br>
Moore joined the Blues when former head coach Sir John Kirwan was at the helm, while Feeney joined for this season, Umaga's first at the franchise.<br><br>
"I intend to seek a more hands-on coaching position," Feeney said. "And believe I now have the skills and ability to succeed in that sort of role."<br><br>
He said he was looking at several coaching options.<br><br>
Meanwhile Moore, the current Black Ferns coach, has completed his two-year term and will pursue other rugby and private business interests.<br><br>
Umaga said he appreciated the hard work and coaching input from both Feeney and Moore into a new coaching group at the Blues.<br><br>
"After a year in this position and in light of these changes, we are taking the opportunity to review our coaching structure for the future," Umaga said.<br><br>
Assistant coach Alistair Rogers will remain under contract with the Blues for the 2017 season.<br><br>
The new coaching structure will be announced by the end of October.
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<p>Anyone good available that we could bring in?</p>
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<p>I have a feeling Tana might bring in Steve Jackson as forwards coach. I know Jackson had success with Tana at Counties, but I'm not convinced he's our man. I'd prefer we went and got Tom Coventry instead.</p>
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<p>Cory Brown as backs coach? Otago scored the most points in the ITM Cup last year with a bunch of no names.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Stargazer" data-cid="600443" data-time="1469526260">
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<p><span style="font-family:calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:12pt;"><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/waratahs-wont-offer-jarryd-hayne-contract-despite-aru-interest/news-story/56a739c8e1e56010a5072e0ba5e4e3bf'>Waratahs won’t offer Jarryd Hayne contract despite ARU interest</a></span></span></p>
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<p>This guy is gold. He is worth a hefty contract if he wanted to commit to the game. Think of the additional bums on seat if this guy was signed. He is only 28 and some one he can end up playing a code totally different to league could learn to play union.</p> -
<p>Just in case anyone here wants to apply.</p>
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<p>The Blues is a professional <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_union'><u>rugby </u></a>club that competes in the Investec <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Rugby'><u>Super Rugby</u></a> competition. The club has won the title on three occasions.</p>
<p>In 2016, the club moved to a brand new, purpose built high performance facility, and prepared for competition under new Head Coach, Tana Umaga.</p>
<p>The Blues club is a values driven organisation committed to delivering outstanding performance on and off the field.</p>
<p>The Blues currently offer two rare coaching opportunities to assist the Head Coach to prepare the team, on and off the field, to a standard of excellence that will enhance team performance and on field success.</p>
<p><b>ASSISTANT COACH – FORWARDS</b></p>
<p>Provide technical, strategic and practical expertise in set piece execution (including scrum, lineouts and restarts). The Assistant Coach will also assist the Head Coach with forward specific attack play including contact. This role requires the preparation and delivery of detailed analysis and coaching to forwards (units and individual)</p>
<p><b>SKILLS COACH</b></p>
<p>To provide skills coaching (including kicking) and support that promotes skill improvement and development. The Skills Coach is responsible for each player having a dedicated skill improvement plan and facilitating the technical requirements for each player. The Skills Coach will assist the Head Coach with aspects of team attack.</p>
<p><b>KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND CAPABILITIES</b></p>
<p>The applicants must have coaching experience and proven success specific to the role descriptions. A minimum of three years’ experience at professional level plus elite level coaching qualifications is desirable. Strong communication, mentoring and coaching skills are essential. Applicants must be able to demonstrate excellent planning and organisation, and a strong work ethic.</p>
<p>Applications will be treated in the strictest confidence and should be sent with cover letter and CV to <a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='mailto:info@theblues.co.nz'><u>info@theblues.co.nz</u></a>, or PO Box 77012, Mt Albert, Auckland no later than 5pm, Sunday 28<sup>th August. A full job description will be available to shortlisted applicants.</sup></p>
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<p><span style="color:rgb(0,0,255);"><span style="font-size:18px;"><sup>An interesting comment in an article about counties. Maybe he will apply?</sup></span></span></p>
<p><span style="color:rgb(0,255,0);"><span style="font-size:18px;"><sup><span style="color:rgb(0,0,255);">Former England coach </span><span style="color:rgb(255,0,0);">Stuart Lancaster </span><span style="color:rgb(0,0,255);">has been helping at Steelers' trainings over the past week. He is said to be </span><span style="color:rgb(255,0,0);">on the lookout for a fulltime gig, perhaps even in Super Rugby</span>.</sup></span></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size:18px;"><sup>"He's been really good, giving bits of feedback and another set of eyes for detail. It's not just about coaching. He has talked about management and leadership structures," says Suasua.</sup></span></p>
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<p><sup><span style="font-size:18px;">Lancaster will have noticed a slight difference in media interest between his old England team and Counties Manukau. <i>The Herald</i> was the only media at today's session, though that will surely ramp up once the Olympics are behind us.</span></sup></p>
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<p>Lancaster has been in Aus working with a League team too hasn't he?</p>
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<p>I think it is good he is out there looking at new/different ideas.</p>
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<p>We could put a TSF combined application in for the Skills Coach!</p> -
<p>Beauden Barrett has re-signed with the NZRU, the Hurricanes and Taranaki until the end of 2019!</p>
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<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.allblacks.com/News/29680/nz-rugby-re-signs-beauden-barrett-in-major-deal'>http://www.allblacks.com/News/29680/nz-rugby-re-signs-beauden-barrett-in-major-deal</a></p> -
<p>From the All Blacks' website:<br>
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<p><strong><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">NZ Rugby re-signs Beauden Barrett in major deal</span></span></strong><br>
<br><span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">ALLBLACKS.COM 29 AUG 2016</span></span><br>
<br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The All Blacks star first five-eighth Beauden Barrett has inked a new deal across all levels of the game, in what is a major signing for New Zealand Rugby.<br>
25-year-old Barrett has re-signed with New Zealand Rugby, as well as his Hurricanes Investec Super Rugby club and his province Taranaki, through until the end of the 2019 season.<br>
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25-year-old Barrett has re-signed with New Zealand Rugby, as well as his Hurricanes Investec Super Rugby club and his province Taranaki, through until the end of the 2019 season.<br>
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Barrett has been in scintillating form in 2016: he starred in the Steinlager Series against Wales, helped guide his Hurricanes team to their first ever Investec Super Rugby title, and continued his glittering form in the two comprehensive Bledisloe Cup victories over Australia in the opening matches of the Investec Rugby Championship.<br>
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“I love playing for the All Blacks and representing my country in the black jersey and I’m loving my footy at the moment. The All Blacks are an incredibly special team to be part of and I’m looking forward to playing my role and adding my small part to the legacy over the next few years, Barrett said.<br>
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“As well, with the Hurricanes we’ve built a great culture at the club and it’s an exciting time to be involved with a great bunch of guys and a quality coaching staff. Next year I’m looking forward to doing everything I can to help build on our success this year.<br>
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“I’m also a proud Taranaki man, proud of my roots and stoked to be recommitting to my home province.â€<br>
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New Zealand Rugby Chief Executive Steve Tew said Barrett’s signature was a key one for the organisation – and they were delighted to have locked him in with New Zealand Rugby through until 2019.<br>
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“This is a huge deal for us. ‘Beaudy’ is playing outstanding rugby at the moment and his rugby is going from strength to strength. It’s been great for all of us who have watched him develop from a young rugby player into a world-class All Black and we’re all excited to see how he grows as a player in what will be a huge few years for rugby in New Zealand, with the DHL New Zealand Lions Series next year and the Rugby World Cup in Japan in 2019.â€<br>
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All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen said: “It’s great news for the team and great news for Beauden. He’s fast becoming one of ‘the’ players in the world. He’s been a world-class player coming off the bench for some time, he’s now graduated into starting Test matches for us, and this year he’s been nothing short of spectacular. He’ll continue to grow — he’s not the finished product yet, by any stretch of the imagination — but as he does, I think we’ll see something pretty special, so it’s nice to have him signed up and secure.â€<br>
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Hurricanes Head Coach Chris Boyd said: “We’re delighted that Beauden has decided to recommit to the Hurricanes. He’s been a big part of our success over the past two seasons and has developed into a real leader within the group, both on and off the field. We all saw the influence he had this season and his combination in the halves with TJ Perenara continues to go from strength to strength. It’s an exciting time for the club and there’s no doubt Beauden is a big part of our plans in the coming seasons.†<br>
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Hurricanes Chief Executive Avan Lee added: “Beauden has always been a key part of the club’s plans and this year we all saw how influential he can be when he’s playing somewhere near his potential. I think I speak for all of the Hurricanes fans in saying there are some exciting times ahead with a player of his calibre wearing the No 10 jersey.â€<br>
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Michael Collins, Taranaki Rugby’s CEO, said: “Taranaki Rugby is incredibly excited to continue our association with Beauden Barrett. While we know that it’s highly unlikely that he’ll be available to pull on the Coastal jersey or the Port Taranaki Bulls shirt, ‘Beaudy’ continues to be a willing contributor off the field for both Coastal and Taranaki Rugby. The entire Taranaki community is proud of his achievements on the field and the opportunity to continue our association with Beauden is a no brainer. We wish him every success with the All Blacks and Hurricanes.â€<br>
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<br><strong>Beauden Barrett – mini biography</strong></span></span><br>
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<p><img src="http://nzrumedia.azurewebsites.net/media/BE05D901-B62A-5682-648FE67D2D78C034.jpg" alt="BE05D901-B62A-5682-648FE67D2D78C034.jpg"></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> <br>
Blessed with a stunning turn of speed, a golden boot and the calm demeanour of a world-class playmaker, the mercurial Beauden Barrett is in a rich vein of form. He starred in the Rugby World Cup Final last year scoring a memorable try and his stunning form has continued into 2016 with many outstanding moments on the rugby field. Barrett burst onto the international rugby scene in 2010 as an 18 year old when he played for the All Blacks Sevens team, he scored the winning try as the New Zealand Under 20 side won the World Under 20 Championship and he also made his provincial debut for Taranaki. The following year, he made his Super Rugby debut for the Hurricanes as a wider training squad member but it was in his full Super Rugby season in 2012 when rugby fans around the world started taking notice. He was rewarded for an electrifying Super Rugby season with a call up to the All Blacks and made his debut against Ireland in June. He has gone on to rack up 26 caps for Taranaki, 82 appearances, 938 points and a Super Rugby title with the Hurricanes and 40 caps and 199 points for the All Blacks.</span></span></p>
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<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.allblacks.com/News/29680/nz-rugby-re-signs-beauden-barrett-in-major-deal'>http://www.allblacks.com/News/29680/nz-rugby-re-signs-beauden-barrett-in-major-deal</a></p> -
<p>wonder how much his contract value has gone up in the past 8 weeks.</p>
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<p></p><p></p><blockquote class="ipsBlockquote"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">“I’m also a proud Taranaki man, proud of my roots and stoked to be recommitting to my home province.â€</span></span></blockquote>
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<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Left unsaid: "Unlike my filthy traitor little brothers."</span></span></p> -
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.rugby.com.au/news/2016/08/30/01/28/brumbies-nic-mayhew-signing'> Brumbies sign explosive prop Mayhew</a></p>
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<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.waratahs.com.au/Waratahs/News/NewsArticle/tabid/157/ArticleID/17295/NSW-Waratahs-lock-in-Dean-Mumm-and-Leon-Power.aspx'>NSW Waratahs lock in Dean Mumm and Leon Power</a></p> -
<p>'Explosive prop Mayhew' lol. Not bad backup but we have enough cover at loosehead prop so no loss. Good luck to him at the Brumbies.</p>
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<p>Crusaders/Canterbury <span style="color:rgb(41,47,51);font-family:Arial, sans-serif;background-color:rgb(245,248,250);">looseforward Reed Prinsep has signed a 2-year deal with the Hurricanes</span></p>
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<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.hurricanes.co.nz/the-canes/news/single/item/canterbury-loose-forward-signs-for-two-years-with-hurricanes/'>http://www.hurricanes.co.nz/the-canes/news/single/item/canterbury-loose-forward-signs-for-two-years-with-hurricanes/</a></p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Stargazer" data-cid="610872" data-time="1472585812">
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<p>Crusaders/Canterbury <span style="color:rgb(41,47,51);font-family:Arial, sans-serif;background-color:rgb(245,248,250);">looseforward Reed Prinsep has signed a 2-year deal with the Hurricanes</span></p>
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<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.hurricanes.co.nz/the-canes/news/single/item/canterbury-loose-forward-signs-for-two-years-with-hurricanes/'>http://www.hurricanes.co.nz/the-canes/news/single/item/canterbury-loose-forward-signs-for-two-years-with-hurricanes/</a></p>
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<p>Interesting. I'd have though there is as big of a logjam for loose forward places at the Hurricanes as there are at the Crusaders. Perhaps Razor has some new loosies to add to who we already know of. Was Tom Sanders on a one or two year contract with the Chiefs?</p> -
<p>Not fussed about losing Prinsepp, he's one of those blokes who is there because he's young and was in the right academy/school etc.</p>
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<p>Seen him play a lot now for club and province, and whilst he has an impressive physique he really lacks in the physical exchanges.</p> -
<p>Suprised Prinsep didn't end up at the Chiefs like almost every other up and coming Canterbury product.</p>
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<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Bovidae" data-cid="611067" data-time="1472621947"><p>
Canes4life will be gutted that future world superstar Nelson Asofa-Solomona has re-signed for the Storm for another year.</p></blockquote>
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I am a bit. He would have slotted in nicely to our improved environment. <br><br>
Would prefer him over the useless ex Warrior Sam Lousi any day. That guy is one big waste of space from what Ive seen so far. Hope the Canes can iron out his lazyness. <br><br>
We may see Asofa Solomona back at the Canes in the future though as he has said a couple of times that playing for the Canes and All Blacks was a dream of his growing up untill he was offered a nice carrot from the NRL. -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Canes4life" data-cid="611091" data-time="1472627709">
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<p>I am a bit. He would have slotted in nicely to our improved environment.<br><br>
Would prefer him over the useless ex Warrior Sam Lousi any day. That guy is one big waste of space from what Ive seen so far. Hope the Canes can iron out his lazyness.<br><br>
We may see Asofa Solomona back at the Canes in the future though as he has said a couple of times that playing for the Canes and All Blacks was a dream of his growing up untill he was offered a nice carrot from the NRL.</p>
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<p>Jarryd Hayne type dream, or just a kid dreaming of what could be, one day, knowing it will never happen! </p>
