Rugby
Wallabies or bust? ARU boss coy on plans to retain Folau
Georgina Robinson Australian Rugby Union boss Bill Pulver has played down optimism at the prospect of retaining league convert Israel Folau next year.
THE BREAKDOWN
Israel folly? ARU, fans are right in questioning big-money investment
Georgina Robinson Michael Cheika is not the sort of coach to give up or let go but strong rumours persist that his marquee signing Israel Folau will head back to league and to Canterbury at the end of this season.
The Breakdown
ARU puts indigenous talent on firm footing
Georgina Robinson FOUR years after Lloyd McDermott Rugby Development Team boss Thom Evans gave the ARU a spray about appalling indigenous participation rates in rugby's top grade, the Breakdown is pleased to report,...
Rugby
Super, ARU contract deals almost unworkable, says Waratahs coach
Georgina Robinson WARATAHS coach Michael Cheika has called for an end to Australia's cumbersome two-pronged player contracting system.
Rugby
Cooper offered substantial contract, says ARU
Georgina Robinson ARU's David Nucifora rejects claims Quade Cooper was offered a 'rookie' contract.
Rugby
Arbib calls for alignment between ARU, Super sides
Georgina Robinson A ''WORRYING divide'' between the priorities of Super Rugby teams and the Wallabies is killing the success of both and must be bridged if rugby is to survive in Australia, a review of the sport's...
Rugby
Cooper cops $40,000 fine from ARU for outbursts
Georgina Robinson Quade Cooper's future in Australian rugby remains in limbo after the Wallabies five-eighth was fined $40,000 for criticising the team and coach Robbie Deans.
Rugby Union
ARU write to Cooper over 'toxic' comments
Georgina Robinson Australia's rugby bosses have written to injured five-eighth Quade Cooper about verbal attacks he made on the Wallabies and coach Robbie Deans last week.
Rugby
ARU backs Beale to play despite charges
Georgina Robinson THE best thing Australian rugby officials can do for wayward star Kurtley Beale is let him play tomorrow night, according to ARU chief John O'Neill.
Rugby
ARU cuts back on its Wallaby contracts
Georgina Robinson THE ARU will further cut the number of Wallaby contracts on offer this year in a move expected to put pressure on Super Rugby franchises trying to retain local players within a reduced salary cap.
The Breakdown
Coach race a mini Tri Nations
Georgina Robinson The campaigns to install the next Wallabies coach are well and truly under way.
Rugby
Rebel on the outer again after breaching alcohol ban
Georgina Robinson Kurtley Beale's rugby future has been thrown into doubt for the second time in six weeks after the Rebels five-eighth was caught breaching behavioural protocols in Melbourne at the weekend.
Rugby
Lions red-faced over impaled springbok tweet
Georgina Robinson A springbok impaled on a fence, Brian O'Driscoll as a buttoned-up imperialist and wild lion hunting with a "double-barrelled shot gun".
The Breakdown
Leaking of details may spark further rebellion
Georgina Robinson People on Kurtley Beale's side of the table are furious the precise details of the troubled player's undertakings to the ARU were made public on Thursday, and that his Rebels teammates had not done...
Rugby
Hooper ready to hit top form in battle for Wallabies spot
Georgina Robinson Incumbent Wallabies breakaway Michael Hooper is responding the only way he knows how to the selection threat posed to him by returning Test veteran George Smith. He's playing his heart out.
Horne's retention remains strong priority for Cheika
Georgina Robinson Michael Cheika says he is hopeful the Waratahs and Rob Horne can reach an agreement that will keep the in-form centre at NSW next year.
Rugby
Flying Folau feels right at home in rugby
Georgina Robinson Emerging rugby powerhouse Israel Folau says he is not missing rugby league at all after five months with the Waratahs.
Rugby
Nothing personal: White denies showdown will provide Wallabies leg-up
Georgina Robinson There is more at stake this weekend than competition points and Australian conference bragging rights.
Rugby
More wriggle room over roster as Mitchell leaves
Georgina Robinson Another piece of the recruitment puzzle fell into place this week for Waratahs coach Michael Cheika.
Rugby
Mitchell says 'oui' to Toulon
Georgina Robinson Wallabies winger Drew Mitchell will leave Australian rugby and join good friend and former Test centre Matt Giteau at French club Toulon later this year.
