Latest news with #WesternForce
The 42
19 hours ago
- Sport
- The 42
Wallabies prop Alaalatoa ruled out of final Lions Test
AUSTRALIA TIGHTHEAD PROP Allan Alaalatoa has been ruled out of Saturday's third Test against the Lions due to injury. The experienced 31-year-old has started both Tests against the Lions so far, but will miss the final leg of the series after suffering a shoulder injury last weekend in Melbourne. Advertisement Western Force prop Tom Robertson has backed Alaalatoa up from the Australian bench in both games so far, while the injury means the explosive Taniela Tupou could be back in the mix for the third Lions Test. Waratahs tighthead Tupou, who has been open with the media about his struggles for form and fitness, has been part of the wider Wallabies squad during this Lions series but hasn't been picked in Joe Schmidt's matchday 23 so far. 59 times capped Tupou will join French club Racing 92 next season in the hopes of reinvigorating his club career, but he would surely love to show his ability at Test level again this weekend. Reds tighthead Zane Nonggorr is another option for Schmidt. The Wallabies will also be without wing Harry Potter, who suffered a hamstring injury in last weekend's second Test, meaning that there will definitely be a change in the Australian back three. Force wing Dylan Pietsch is among the contenders for that spot out wide. Flanker Rob Valetini returned from a calf injury last weekend but was replaced at half time due to what Schmidt described as tightness.
France 24
3 days ago
- Sport
- France 24
Wallabies hire New Zealand's Donnelly to help Schmidt
The 43-year-old replaces England's Geoff Parling who is leaving his Wallabies job after the British and Irish Lions tour to become Leicester Tigers' coach. "Watching from afar, the journey the team is on and the improvement they are making is exciting," said Donnelly, who worked with Super Rugby side Western Force last season. "I'm looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and doing my part to continue the ongoing growth of the team." Donnelly played 15 Tests for New Zealand and nearly 100 Super Rugby games, along with three seasons in the France's Top 14, before transitioning to coaching. The Wallabies get their Rugby Championship underway against South Africa in Johannesburg on August 16.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Wallabies hire New Zealand's Donnelly to help Schmidt
Australia hired former All Blacks lock Tom Donnelly Sunday as an assistant to head coach Joe Schmidt for the upcoming Rugby Championship. The 43-year-old replaces England's Geoff Parling who is leaving his Wallabies job after the British and Irish Lions tour to become Leicester Tigers' coach. "Watching from afar, the journey the team is on and the improvement they are making is exciting," said Donnelly, who worked with Super Rugby side Western Force last season. "I'm looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and doing my part to continue the ongoing growth of the team." Donnelly played 15 Tests for New Zealand and nearly 100 Super Rugby games, along with three seasons in the France's Top 14, before transitioning to coaching. The Wallabies get their Rugby Championship underway against South Africa in Johannesburg on August 16. mp/lb
Otago Daily Times
5 days ago
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Squad's potential excites coach
Georgia Cormick, pictured in action for the Spirit last year, brings experience after a season with the Western Force in Super Rugby Women. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES There is a quiet optimism about where the Otago Spirit could head this season. Head coach Matt Direen unveiled his 35-strong squad last week with an exciting blend of experienced heads and new blood to compete in the Farah Palmer Cup Championship this season. The Spirit made it to the Championship final last year, where they fell short against the Manawatu Cyclones. Direen knows what it takes to get there, having made the step up to head coach this season after several years as assistant, and is excited by the "unrealised potential" among his squad. "I think this squad has ability to go a long way and I don't think they potentially realise [yet] ... exciting to be sort of helping them reach that potential," Direen said. "Obviously some new girls coming in that bring quite a lot and established players that have proven they can do it. "Getting them all to realise just how good they can be as a squad is what we're trying to achieve at the moment." Several wise heads are back, including Tegan Hollows and Eilis Doyle, who played for Matatu, and Georgia Cormick and Sheree Hume, who played for the Western Force in Super Rugby Women. Exciting backs Charlotte Va'afusuaga, who was the Spirit's MVP in 2024, and Naomi Sopoaga also made their Matatu debuts. Former Tasman back-turned-loose forward Sarah Jones has shifted south, and halfback Abigail Paton — both were part of Matatu — returns home after a year with Canterbury. "The value of experience in today's game is massive," Direen said. "Having a few older heads having been in and in amongst that, and know what's required in terms of training and preparation. "You can tell those things from a coach, but seeing them modelled by players like Tegs, and Eilis, and those sort of girls, it's way more valuable than my words." Another experienced campaigner in Greer Muir will take over the captaincy this season. She replaces Julia Gorinski, who has retired but remains with the squad as assistant manager. Muir had developed as a calm head in pressure situations, set high expectations and delivered clear messages her players responded to, Direen said. "You notice a player when they talk [and] everyone else is quiet and Greer's that kind of person. "We've got a few leaders in that space, but Greer was certainly someone that stood out." Bella Rewiri-Wharerau has been ruled out for the season, but remains as an analyst, and Zoe Frood, Paige Church and Te Atawhai Campbell are also among the injury list. Campbell should hopefully be available at some stage, but the others were "not looking quite as promising", he said. The Spirit make the trip to Lincoln on Sunday to play a "game of three halves" against Tasman and Southland. They then head away to play Canterbury ahead of their Farah Palmer Cup opener. Both games were vital for "bridging between club footy and that next level" and preparing them for the season ahead. The Spirit open their season against North Harbour at Forsyth Barr Stadium on August 10.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Argentina and Exeter lock Molina joins Western Force
Powerful Argentina lock Franco Molina penned a two-year contract with Western Force Friday, beefing up the Super Rugby side's tight-five stocks. The 27-year-old joins the Perth-based team from England's Exeter Chiefs, where he was a regular fixture last season. "Franco is a big powerful body, with a high work rate," said Force coach Simon Cron. "He's very, very driven to be the best he can be." Molina has 12 Argentina caps so far after debuting last year against France, including playing twice against the Wallabies. He was also in the starting Pumas line-up for last month's 28-24 win over the British and Irish Lions in Dublin ahead of Andy Farrell's team's departure for their Australia tour. Molina, who will complement Wallabies pair Jeremy Williams and Darcy Swain in the Force second row, said he was excited by the opportunity. "I can't wait to contribute to the team, help the club achieve its goals and be part of something special here," he said. He will arrive in Perth following the Rugby Championship from August to October where he is again expected to line-up for Argentina against Australia. mp/tym
