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All Blacks midfielder re-commits to NZ Rugby, confirms sabbatical
All Blacks midfielder re-commits to NZ Rugby, confirms sabbatical

1News

time3 days ago

  • Sport
  • 1News

All Blacks midfielder re-commits to NZ Rugby, confirms sabbatical

All Blacks midfielder Anton Lienert-Brown has extended his contract with New Zealand Rugby through to the end of 2028 and has confirmed he will take a sabbatical in Japan next year. Lienert-Brown, who has played 86 Tests and scored a try in the recent win over France in Hamilton, said this year had been a tough one due to injuries and he was pleased to secure his short-term future. A broken collarbone suffered while playing for the Chiefs in Super Rugby Pacific meant he was out of the game for nearly three months – his comeback match was a start for the All Blacks in their 29-19 victory over France in the third Test. "I'm excited to re-commit to New Zealand Rugby through to 2028," Lienert-Brown, 30, said in a statement. "This year's been frustrating with injuries outside of my control but pulling on the black jersey again last Saturday reminded me just how special this journey really is." ADVERTISEMENT As revealed by 1News in April, Lienert-Brown will activate a sabbatical clause in his contract and play for Kobe Steelers next year. Fellow senior All Black Ardie Savea, who captained the team in the absence of Scott Barrett during the past two Tests, has since announced he will also play a sabbatical season at Kobe next year alongside former All Black Brodie Retallick. Anton Lienert-Brown scores a crucial try for the All Blacks before halftime against France. (Source: Photosport) Leinert-Brown and Savea will return to New Zealand in time to be available for next July's home internationals. Fellow midfielder or wing Rieko Ioane will also take a sabbatical next year to play for Leinster with a view to returning in time to play for the All Blacks. All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson said: "Anton is a true professional and a player who embodies the values of the All Blacks jersey. "His experience, composure, and clarity in the midfield are hugely valuable. He's overcome injury setbacks in recent years and has shown real resilience. We're thrilled to have him locked in through to 2028. The experience he'll gain in Japan will only enhance his game and leadership." ADVERTISEMENT Robertson will hope Lienert-Brown returns with the same sort of form as Jordie Barrett after the midfielder's own recent sabbatical at Leinster in Ireland. NZR general manager professional rugby and performance Chris Lendrum said: 'Anton's loyalty, work ethic and consistency have been hallmarks of his career at every level and we are delighted he has chosen to extend through to a potential third Rugby World Cup campaign." Chiefs head coach Jono Gibbes said: "Anton is a massive asset to the Gallagher Chiefs, and this sabbatical is a great opportunity for him to experience a different rugby environment and learn from a new playing style. I look forward to seeing how this experience shapes him as a player and what he brings back to the team."

Fiji Coach Doubles Down On Claim NZ Rugby Contracts Restrict Players From Representing Pacific Nations
Fiji Coach Doubles Down On Claim NZ Rugby Contracts Restrict Players From Representing Pacific Nations

Scoop

time5 days ago

  • Sport
  • Scoop

Fiji Coach Doubles Down On Claim NZ Rugby Contracts Restrict Players From Representing Pacific Nations

Flying Fijians head coach Mick Byrne has told RNZ Pacific that New Zealand-based players of Pacific Island heritage have signed letters of agreement attached to their contracts, which bar them from playing for teams other than the All Blacks. In an exclusive interview with RNZ Pacific, Byrne said that while New Zealand Rugby has publicly stated that players contracted to NZ-based Super Rugby clubs are free to choose which national team they want to represent, he has been told otherwise. This follows comments he made in June, stating that some players of Fijian heritage playing Super Rugby Pacific in New Zealand have been unable to play for Fiji because their contracts ban them from doing so. Byrne claims he has spoken to some player agents who confirmed that there is an agreement players sign, and these are attached to their contracts. "I know New Zealand Rugby came out and said they're not contracted; well to the letter of the law, they're probably not, but they have a letter attached to their contract that they signed that they can't play," Byrne said. "At the moment, I'm trying to chase down a couple of players. Since we spoke, a couple of the players have been taken into wider training squads, but there's still a couple of players there that I'd like to talk to, but we still need to get their approval. "I know New Zealand Rugby said I was wrong, but I've done some investigations and spoken with agents, and they've told me that the players actually signed a letter attached to their contract, and there's a little bit more to it. "I'd actually like to get some more details. I'm investigating and trying to find out exactly where we're at." However, he said there is light at the end of the tunnel, as there is a process that can be followed to get players released from their current arrangements while still honouring their player contracts. "But my understanding is I can't just say if a player wants to play for Fiji. I can't just sign him and get him to play. "I have to go through a process to get him cleared to be released from current letter of arrangement that New Zealand Rugby have with these players." Last month, a New Zealand Rugby spokesperson told RNZ Pacific that, while the they could not comment on individual players, the union was clear on what it can do, including offering contracts to up to three players who may not opt to play for New Zealand. Responding to Byrne's claims on Monday, New Zealand Rugby maintained that players have the freedom to choose which national union pathway they wish to pursue and that is declared at the time they sign their contracts. "NZR's five Super Rugby Pacific clubs have the ability to contract up to three 'non-NZ eligible players' who have already played internationally (including for Pacific Island nations Samoa, Tonga or Fiji) or who have declared their intent to play internationally for a non-NZ national team at international level and therefore not make themselves eligible for NZ national teams. "All other players contracted to NZR's five Super Rugby clubs have declared their availability and intention to represent NZ national teams over the duration of their contract." Byrne is interested to discuss options with Blues' Hoskins Sotutu, Crusaders' George Bower and Highlanders pair Jona Nareki and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens. Former All Black Sotutu will be eligible to play for Fiji this year and is also eligible for England through his mother. Bower, who was also going to be eligible to play for Fiji this year, has since been recalled into the All Blacks by head coach Scot Robertson, and is named on the bench for Saturday's third Test against France in Hamilton. Both Nareki and Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens are currently contracted to the Highlanders and have both indicated their willingness to play for Fiji. Byrne said he will continue to pursue the issue and hopes to have some positive news soon. With the 2027 Rugby World Cup in 24 months, the Fiji head coach is hopeful he will be able to use some of the New Zealand-based players during the 2026 build-up campaign.

First Test: Lions v Australia build-up
First Test: Lions v Australia build-up

BBC News

time6 days ago

  • Sport
  • BBC News

First Test: Lions v Australia build-up

Update: Date: 10:13 BST Title: One to watch - Tom Lynagh Content: Australia v Lions (11:00 BST) Who watches Queensland Reds regularly? If not, I've done my homework on Tom Lynagh. Tom Lynagh, 22, made his Australia debut last summer against Wales and featured twice in the Rugby Championship. All those appearances came off the bench to reward his breakthrough season with Queensland Reds. He has a controlled kicking game and a massive boot that can punish the Lions from long range. For regular kickers, Lynagh topped the stats in Super Rugby Pacific 2025, kicking at 87.23%, external from the tee. Given what happened in 2013, Schmidt will need a dead-eye kicker. Lynagh is a player who will stick to the basics. No flash, but a facilitator for those star backs outside him. Update: Date: 10:10 BST Title: Team news - Australia Content: Australia v Lions (11:00 BST) Australia are without experienced lock Will Skelton and powerful back row Rob Valetini, who both have calf injuries - and that could be crucial to the outcome of today's match. Debutant Nick Champion de Crespigny will start at number six, while head coach Joe Schmidt has also handed a first Test start to Tom Lynagh, the son of Wallaby great Michael, in the absence of regular fly-half Noah Lolesio. "Without Skelton and Valetini, Australia are underpowered and it takes away some of their super strengths," Ugo Monye, who toured South Africa with the Lions in 2009, told BBC Rugby Union Weekly. "The Lions were favourites before we even saw their squad. "Now we have seen their team and the Australian team, there is a greater sense of confidence." Replacements: Pollard, Bell, Robertson, Hooper, Tizzano, McDermott, Donaldson, Kellaway. Update: Date: 10:08 BST Title: Fans soak up atmosphere in Brisbane Content: Australia v Lions (11:00 BST) Nigel RinglandBBC Sport at Suncorp Stadium About a 10 minute walk from the Suncorp Stadium is Caxton Street and it is party central for Lions and Aussie fans. The atmosphere has been building since just after breakfast this morning in the bars and eateries that line the street which has been sealed off to traffic since 4pm. This video can not be played Watch: Fans soak up atmosphere in Brisbane Update: Date: 10:06 BST Title: The slip.... Content: Australia v Lions (11:00 BST) A repeat of the first Test in 2013 at Suncorp Stadium? Australia replacement Kurtley Beale missed a penalty with the last kick of the game that would have snatched victory. The Lions led 13-12 at half-time via George North's stunning try and two Leigh Halfpenny penalties after a brace of tries for Australia wing debutant Israel Folau. Alex Cuthbert's try stretched the Lions' lead, but two penalties from Beale brought the hosts to within two points. He had two opportunities to steal victory, but sliced the first wide with five minutes left and then slipped as he connected with his last-minute effort amid unbearable tension. The Lions won 23–21 and ended up winning the series 2-1. Update: Date: 10:03 BST Title: The Lions tour so far Content: Australia v Lions (11:00 BST) Played six, won five, but since the opening match against Argentina in Dublin, the Lions have won five straight games where the result has never been in doubt. With some Australia Test players not made available for their teams, the opposition hasn't been of the highest standard but the Lions have still got the job done. 12 July - Invitational AU & NZ 0-48 Lions, Adelaide (Adelaide Oval) 9 July - ACT Brumbies 24-36 Lions, Canberra (GIO Stadium) 5 July - NSW Waratahs 10-21 Lions Sydney (Allianz Stadium) 2 July - Queensland Reds 12-52 Lions Brisbane (Suncorp Stadium) 28 June - Western Force 7-54 Lions Perth (Optus Stadium) 20 June - Lions 24-28 Argentina, Dublin (Aviva Stadium) Update: Date: 10:00 BST Title: Lions, Lions, Lions Content: Australia v Lions (11:00 BST) The time has finally arrived as the British and Irish Lions face Australia in the first Test in Brisbane. The tourists are unbeaten on Australian soil this summer following victories over Western Force, Queensland Reds, NSW Waratahs, Brumbies and an Invitational AU & NZ side. None of that matters now, it is all about the Test series. Can Andy Farrell's side emulate 2013 and win the first Test against the Wallabies?

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