The Rogues Rant

Welcome to The Rogues Rant, an occasional look at all things Rugby.

There seems to be some concern about just what form the 2016 Super Rugby season will take. It was planned for 18 teams to take part next year with teams from Japan and Argentina and a sixth side from South Africa. Reports are suggesting that all is not well in Japan with the Franchise having trouble attracting the quality players required by SANZAR for the tournament. Apparently the Japan Top League clubs are reluctant to release their players for Super Rugby and following Eddie Jones decision not to coach the group, things are in a bit of disarray. The Southern Kings in South Africa are also causing some concern as they are facing a funding shortage and also concerns are surfacing in the Republic that there are not enough quality players for six Super Rugby Teams to go around. Everything is reportedly OK in Argentina with their Franchise progressing well so we should have at least 16 teams for the new year.

The Wallabies have set up camp in the beautiful English town of Bath to prepare for their opening World Cup match against Fiji next Thursday in Cardiff at 1.45AM our time. Looks like we are in for some tiring days ahead with the tournament opener this Saturday at 5.OOAM between England and Fiji at Twickenham. The 40 pool games go through till October 12 before two teams from each pool go through to the knockout rounds. Get plenty of rest. You are going to need it.

A handful of Illawarra juniors are in for a busy weekend in Sydney this weekend with a series of Invitational matches at Milner Field at Eatswood. Junior Illawarriors Ed Baillieu and Tom Sutherland will be playing in the NSW Country Under 16 squad with three games over the two days. Playing for the NSWJRU Under 15 squad will be Terrance Toomata and Henry Lealuga-Puhota for three games as well. The boys will be up against each other when their sides clash on Sunday at 1.00PM. The Bowral Academy side will also be playing against NSW Presidents XV on Sunday at 11.30AM. A big weekend for all concerned. Illawarras Tony Leeder-Smith will also be coach of the Country Under 16‘s side.