<p>Nice!</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>I see WLR is maybe joining Wasps from the Sharks. Must be depressing being a SA rugby fan. They don't win nothing these days, and all their best players are routinely poached. Let's hope that nightmare never arrives on NZ shores.</p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/80094213/sanzaar-plots-10-year-plan-and-more-change-in-2018-as-major-review-begins'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/80094213/sanzaar-plots-10-year-plan-and-more-change-in-2018-as-major-review-begins</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>I'm liking the sound of this. I reckon SANZAAR needs to get an early foothold into North America before the Brits do, it's going to be incredibly important to have TV money that competes with the deals the French and English clubs are reaping, otherwise rugby will end up like soccer with the English Premiership.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>It doesn't matter how many SH players go north, the quality of the rugby seems to remain average: Racing Metro had a few Kiwis in their side, but were absolutely rubbish.</p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Stargazer" data-cid="578996" data-time="1463018925">
<div>
<p>Patrick Osborne has re-signed with the Highlanders for 2017, but has made himself available for the Fijian national team!<br>
</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.superrugby.co.nz/News/29155/osborne-signs-with-the-highlanders'>http://www.superrugby.co.nz/News/29155/osborne-signs-with-the-highlanders</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>Found on Twitter: a press release of Kubota Spears announcing the signing of Patrick Osborne for the 2016/17 Top League season:</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cit0y86XEAAYNYK.jpg" alt="Cit0y86XEAAYNYK.jpg"></p>
<p>so will that mean Joe Wheeler will aslo be allowed to play outside NZ and return for Super rugby? </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Not ideal if the NZRU are granting players exemptions to play off-shore instead of Mitre10 Cup, especially as it could well open a big gate....</p>
<p>According to this article, players can qualify for an NZRU exemption to do a split season - Super Rugby then miss NPC for an overseas stint then come back for the next season of Super Rugby - after "so many years of service".</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The number of years in "so many years of service" is not defined in the article. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/80087823/wheeler-off-to-japan-will-miss-Mako$-season'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/80087823/wheeler-off-to-japan-will-miss-Mako$-season</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
Shouldn't be allowed for players who play for, or have made themselves available for, another country.
<p>Although in most cases it seems NZRU have only let someone do it once?<br><br>
Tamati Ellison and Levave are 2 I recall had requests turned down?</p>
A tidbit in Stuff Rugby today:<br><br><blockquote class="ipsBlockquote"><p>Mitchell Drummond and Leon Fukofuka remain on the books but don't be surprised to see Blues halfback Bryn Hall relocate to Christchurch next year.</p></blockquote>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Tim" data-cid="580626" data-time="1463603901">
<div>
<p>A tidbit in Stuff Rugby today:<br>
</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>Bryn Hall? Poor Crusaders fans. They'd better wait until they've appointed a new head coach.</p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Stargazer" data-cid="580637" data-time="1463609598">
<div>
<p>Bryn Hall? Poor Crusaders fans. They'd better wait until they've appointed a new head coach.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>That rumours been flying around for a while, hope it's just the media talking shit.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I'd prefer Fukiofua, Drummond and Jack Stratton (who apparently has been playing really well in club rugby)</p>
<p>Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has re-signed through to the 2019 World Cup.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.espn.com.au/rugby/story/_/id/15597475/wallabies-coach-michael-cheika-signs-rugby-world-cup-2019?ex_cid=espnTW_ANZL'>http://www.espn.com.au/rugby/story/_/id/15597475/wallabies-coach-michael-cheika-signs-rugby-world-cup-2019?ex_cid=espnTW_ANZL</a></p>
<p>1pm sports news on radio says Richard Buckman has signed with Highlanders for two more years.</p>
With 50 gone, SW's are within 2 of the Reds, and looking to fuck up my tipping again :(<br><br>
Goromaru kicks well, but he looks bloody slow. Kicks a penalty now to take it out to 25-20.<br><br>
Reds scrum has been making a mess of the SW's.
<p>Sunwolves are great for the comp. Entertaining style. More competitive than predicted. Great crowds. Growth market. </p>
