Exodus
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Coltman had a beard. other than that he really didn't offer that much to the ABs and has had an entire professional career not being able to do one of the key jobs of his position.
Hooker seems to be a position where some players get lucky with regards to AB caps, and others are unlucky in comparison.
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ALL HAIL TO THE MIGHTY BEARD!!
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Fijian Drua and BOP winger Onisi Ratave joins Benetton for the next 2 seasons
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Taina Fox-Matamua extends with Zebre for another 2 seasons
Zebre Rugby Club is pleased to announce that it has reached an agreement for the renewal of the Taina-Fox Matamua contract. The third line from New Zealand, who took the field in six official matches with the XV of the North West since his arrival in Parma last January, will continue to wear the Parma franchise shirt until 30 June 2024.
The statements of Taina Fox-Matamua , on his first renewal with Zebre Rugby: “My wife and I are grateful for the opportunity to stay in Parma for the next two years. We both fell in love with this environment and the Italian culture. From a sporting point of view, showing myself in a prestigious competition like the United Rugby Championship was my personal goal. I can't wait to start next season with the many new teammates arriving at the club. We closed the second half of the year with good performances, we are a growing group and eager to get involved to reach ambitious goals on and off the pitch ”.
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Hooker seems to be a position where some players get lucky with regards to AB caps, and others are unlucky in comparison.
It also weirdly seems to be a position where so many NZ players struggle with the lineout aspect, especially compared to their peers around the world. Quite puzzling to think why....too many converted loosies?
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@taniwharugby said in Exodus:
@Bones but surely throwing isnt exactly a natural skill, you'd think a bit of work ethic and you'd nail it.
When TR Jnr played hooker we'd spend time just doing throws and he got bloody good at it, then he gave up rugby!
And switched to
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@Daffy-Jaffy Stole my thunder was surprised he didn’t go to Japan, the Canes and Wellington are really going to miss him he offered so much more then Slowvea ane putting my eye patch on wouldn’t have looked out of place in a black jersey.
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@Mackerzzzz said in Exodus:
ALL HAIL TO THE MIGHTY BEARD!!
forget the beard, the classic 80s mo is where it's at
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@Mackerzzzz said in Exodus:
ALL HAIL TO THE MIGHTY BEARD!!
forget the beard, the classic 80s mo is where it's at
The raiging mo
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Richie Mo'unga has revealed plans to leave a major hole in New Zealand rugby by spending two years in Japan post-World Cup.
All Blacks and Crusaders playmaker Mo'unga last week signed a one-year extension with NZ Rugby through to next year's World Cup in France – a move that left his options open from the end of 2023.
As he prepares to return from a two-week absence due to a fractured finger for the Crusaders quarter-final against the Reds in Christchurch on Friday night, Mo'unga has detailed his intent to take a probable two-year break from New Zealand rugby.
The 28-year-old two-time Super Rugby player of the year has major motivations to achieve before leaving Christchurch but come the end of 2023, his future is firmly heading towards an extended stint in the Japanese Top League.
"That's definitely what I'm thinking," Mo'unga told the Herald. "Another reason for the one-year sign on with NZ Rugby was allowing myself to have a look at opportunities overseas and seeing what somewhere like Japan has to offer and keeping my options open, whether that's one or two seasons over there, and possibly coming back to New Zealand and hopefully play for the Crusaders and All Blacks.
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@Tim So all still very vague and potentially a negotiation tactic.
One or two years in Japan could be a huge difference. One year is like BB, who slotted straight back in (at the same age). Mo'unga could easily do the same. But two years is like Retallick, who has been a bit disappointing since his return. It may be different for backs though.
It will also depend on who's available, whether he'll be able to re-claim his black jersey after that overseas stint.
After 2023, Dmac will at best be a very short-term stop gap, so won't be the answer for the 10/22 jersey.
If he continues to play well at 10, I'd say go for Perofeta (will be 30 at the the time of the 2027RWC) and put everything into developing some young 10s. Preferably those recently (or now) coming through at U20 level. The Morgan's, Godfrey's, Kemara's ...
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@Stargazer said in Exodus:
One or two years in Japan could be a huge difference. One year is like BB, who slotted straight back in (at the same age). Mo'unga could easily do the same. But two years is like Retallick, who has been a bit disappointing since his return. It may be different for backs though.
Yeah, one year sabbatical and two year contract are completely different prospects. Returning to the fold vs. leaving international rugby.