Exodus
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@Stargazer
Don't know where they got the 2 years from. 1 season is much better.UK press, those that care about rugby rather than soccer, would do anything to belittle NZ and ABs rugby? I mean could you imagine the furour if a former AB Captain had been banned for drug use - on a 3rd strike? The Walrus would die of happiness in an explosion of vitriol. In the UK, SA & Boks (pretty much rampant by the numbers of school boys) drug abuse is barely mentioned. Not mentioned here much either, as they are our SANZAAR partners, and biggest foes.
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Fuck off Beauden stay in Japan.
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Barrett is the tip of the iceberg now. He's a full-on mercenary. 1 year at the Blues and then his bitch ass* is off to Japan to prolong what in my opinion is a career in decline. I think COVID will see a lot of players making that same jaunt to cash grab. They've been stung in the pocket and they only have a small window to be worthy of larger paydays. I don't begrudge them that given the way things are.
*hes a bitch ass because he should have stayed at the canes not because he fucking off.
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@raznomore said in Exodus:
Barrett is the tip of the iceberg now. He's a full-on mercenary. 1 year at the Blues and then his bitch ass* is off to Japan to prolong what in my opinion is a career in decline. I think COVID will see a lot of players making that same jaunt to cash grab. They've been stung in the pocket and they only have a small window to be worthy of larger paydays. I don't begrudge them that given the way things are.
*hes a bitch ass because he should have stayed at the canes not because he fucking off.
Having the RWC in Japan, which has obviously made Japan a more desirable destination for players, IMO, changes the landscape somewhat. With Japan being in the same time zone, it opens the door to potentially brining their Top League Clubs into a meaningful competition with Oz and NZ, but importantly means that guys can head over there for a pay check, but still get selected for the ABs because they're playing in the same comp, in the same season structure. I think we are at least 4-5 years from that happening but to me it seems like the logical and reasonable for our guys to get paid while still being able to play in black.
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When the new Japanese pro league starts, there will be flood. But not now, because of covid. Covid will actually make players more sticky. Barrett's deal is still for old japanese company league structure.
When the Japanese new league does happen in 2021 or 22 or whenever it is, I think we shouldn't fight it. If play in a Pacific timezone with a league that doesn't wreck players and respects and dovetails with test windows- then available for ABs.
Even better if we can slide into the action a bit with a Pacific club champions league thing.
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@Rapido I disagree 100%. Players playing for overseas' clubs should definitely not be ABs eligible, if they don't play in the same competition as the NZ based players.
Rennie had something to say about the eligibility of Wallabies players in the article below. I think the same should apply to ABs.
- Preference for locally playing players
- Possibly, also players playing for overseas' clubs in SR (same competition)
- Not players from other competitions
Rennie open to eligibility tweaks, says Super Rugby AU a \"crucial time\" for Wallabies prospects
Rennie open to eligibility tweaks, says Super Rugby AU a "crucial time" for Wallabies prospects
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Not getting the Beauden hate at all. Professional sport is a short precarious career. Just look what happened to his older brother. I more than understand why a player would look for ways to increase their earnings. Japan is a massive market, playing for a little bit will increase his off field earnings too.
Beauden Barrett has already been involved in two All Blacks RWC campaigns and played 82 internationals. Looks like he wants to add to those numbers and make some coin. Good on him. 👍
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I will be gutted if we lose Hoskins Sotutu.
Right now we don't have an AB 8, and he is by far the most exciting prospect, it would make no sense to me if he doesn't make the squad.Barret.... good luck to him, already dead to me after leaving the Canes.
But if his little money making trip keeps him in NZ longer, than that is great.
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Report: Eddie Jones intent on brazenly luring Hoskins Sotutu to England
England coach Eddie Jones is reportedly keen on swooping in on Hoskins Sotutu, one of Super Rugby Aotearoa's breakout stars, after the Blues No 8 revealed he qualifies to play for England via his mother.
Hoskins Sotutu signed with The Blues until 2022. Eddie Jones will have to lure more skilfully next time.
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Connacht have announced the signing Bay of Plenty number eight Abraham Papali’i ahead of next season.
New Zealander Papali’i arrives from Bay of Plenty where he was a key member of the squad that won the Mitre 10 Cup Championship last year. The Auckland-born duel code player started his rugby union career with North Harbour before being recruited into the New Zealand Warriors (rugby league) pathway. In 2015 Papali’i signed a two-year contract with the Sydney Roosters of the Australian National Rugby League.Following his time with the Roosters, Papali’i joined Lézignan Sangliers in the premier French Rugby League competition before the 6’4″ number eight returned to New Zealand and successfully restarted his rugby union career with Bay of Plenty.
“I am delighted to welcome Abraham to Connacht Rugby,” he said.
“Abraham is a powerful number eight who has all the attributes to become a really valuable player for us while furthering our options in the back-row. I know every Connacht supporter will be excited to see what he can offer.” -
@Daffy-Jaffy said in Exodus:
Connacht have announced the signing Bay of Plenty number eight Abraham Papali’i ahead of next season.
New Zealander Papali’i arrives from Bay of Plenty where he was a key member of the squad that won the Mitre 10 Cup Championship last year. The Auckland-born duel code player started his rugby union career with North Harbour before being recruited into the New Zealand Warriors (rugby league) pathway. In 2015 Papali’i signed a two-year contract with the Sydney Roosters of the Australian National Rugby League.Following his time with the Roosters, Papali’i joined Lézignan Sangliers in the premier French Rugby League competition before the 6’4″ number eight returned to New Zealand and successfully restarted his rugby union career with Bay of Plenty.
“I am delighted to welcome Abraham to Connacht Rugby,” he said.
“Abraham is a powerful number eight who has all the attributes to become a really valuable player for us while furthering our options in the back-row. I know every Connacht supporter will be excited to see what he can offer.”Did this guy fall out of favour at BoP or was he injured? Don't think he was named in the 23 for any of the finals last year.
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Fiji international Murimurivalu and Hurricanes back Van Wyk among four new signings at Leicester
Geordan Murphy and Steve Borthwick have continued to add to their squad with four new signings announced by Leicester Tigers.
Van Vyk off to Leicester.
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@Yeetyaah
He's grown on me but a he's taking the spot of a NZ eligible player so good luck and good riddance to him.Yeah he’s been good enough, but man we are not short of big pacy wings here, the canes coaching duo too in love with Saffas. Although I might be a bit happier if they did find a 2.5m lock!
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Sorta exodus
Top League giants Kobelco Steelers confirm signings of ex-All Blacks duo Aaron Cruden and Ben Smith
Reigning Top League champions Kobelco Steelers have added a pair of All Blacks veterans to their already impressive ranks ahead of the new campaign.
