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Jono Lance move to Edinburgh is off

By PA
(Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)

Former Worcester stand-off Jono Lance will not be joining Edinburgh. The Guinness PRO14 club announced the Australian’s signing on May 1, but the 29-year-old has not secured a work permit.

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A statement read: “Edinburgh Rugby can confirm that the signing of stand-off Jono Lance will not be going ahead.

“Lance was due to join the squad next month, subject to obtaining the right to work in the UK – and the signing was initially communicated in May. However, the player has been unable to obtain a UK visa.

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“The club wishes Jono all the best in his future ambitions and thank  him for his professionalism during this period of uncertainty regarding his signing with the club.”

Reports in Australia earlier claimed Super Rugby side Western Force were poised to sign the fly-half. Lance joined Worcester in late 2017 and made 30 appearances including 13 in the 2019/20 season.

A Super Rugby winner with both the Reds and the Waratahs, he had a wealth of experience at the top level and was set to provide invaluable cover at both stand-off and full-back for Richard Cockerill’s team.

Lance said at the time his deal with Edinburgh was announced: “To get the chance to come to a club that has become one of the strongest in the Guinness PRO14 and to hopefully play Champions Cup rugby was an opportunity I couldn’t refuse.

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“The style of rugby Edinburgh have been playing is something that excites me and to have coaches who feel that you can be a big part of developing that brand of rugby was something I wanted to be a massive part of. My partner and I did a big drive through Scotland as a holiday and loved all of it.

“And Edinburgh is one of the greatest cities in the world, so to have the chance to play rugby there really is amazing. After chatting to some players and meeting the coaches to hear their vision for the club in the near future and long term, it’s clear that there are exciting times ahead for Edinburgh.”

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Senzo Cicero 10 hours ago
'If the South Africans are in, they need to be all in'

1. True, if that “free” ticket means access to all but the prized exhibit - EVIP only. SA cannot host semis, even if they’ve earned it (see Sharks vs ASM Clermont Auvergne at… Twickenham Stoop). 2. Why no selective outrage over Lyon doing the exact same thing a week earlier? Out of all the countries France send the most “B teams”, why nobody talking about “disrespect” and “prioritising domestic leagues” and “kicking them out”? 3. Why no mention of the Sharks fielding all of their Springboks for the second rate Challenge cup QF? No commitment? 4. Why no mention of all the SA teams qualifying for respective euro knock out comps in the two seasons they’ve been in it? How many euro teams have qualified for KO’s in their history? Can’t compete? 5. Why no mention of SA teams beating French and English giants La Rochelle and Saracens? How many euro teams have done that in their history? Add no quality? The fact is that SA teams are only in their second season in europe, with no status and a fraction of the resources. Since joining the URC, SA has seen a repatriation of a number of players, and this will only grow once SA start sharing in the profits of competing in these comps, meaning bigger squads with greater depth and quality, meaning they don’t have to prioritise comps as they have to now - they don’t have imports from Pacifica and South America and everywhere else in between like “European” teams have - also less “Saffas” in Prem and T14, that’s what we want right? 'If the South Africans are in, they need to be all in' True, and we have to ensure we give them the same status and resources as we give everyone else to do just that. A small compromise on scheduling will go a long way in avoiding these situations, but guess what, France and England wont compromise on scheduling because they ironically… prioritise their domestic comps, go figure!

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