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Waratahs set for major blow as Kurtley Beale eyed up by French club

By Online Editors
(Photo by Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images)

The Waratahs are set for a major blow in the wake of reports that veteran utility back Kurtley Beale is close to signing a deal in France.

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A report from the Daily Telegraph indicates that the 31-year-old star, who will captain the Waratahs for the first time in his career on Friday when his side faces the Chiefs in Wollongong, is set to depart for Top 14 club Racing 92.

While his exit to Europe will leave a gaping hole in the New South Wales squad, the 92-test veteran should still be available for international selection with the Wallabies after having met the 60-cap threshold required for overseas-based players.

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That is, however, provided that Rugby Australia don’t alter the Giteau Law which would make Beale eligible for selection while playing abroad.

According to reports earlier this week, Australia’s governing body is expected to review its eligibility rules ahead of July’s test series between the Wallabies and Ireland in Brisbane and Sydney.

The review of the eligibility system could work in Beale’s favour, though, as reports indicate that RA may look to halve the 60-cap threshold to allow the likes of midfielder Samu Kerevi and loose forward Sean McMahon to return to the national set-up.

Fox Sports also reports that Beale may not be the only Australian-based Wallaby with his sights set on France, as Melbourne Rebels duo Matt Philip and Luke Jones are expected to sign with Top 14 club Pau.

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The loss of three internationally capped players in the form of Philips, Jones and Beale would come at a difficult time for Super Rugby, which is experiencing a raft of challenges to maintain fan interest as well as star power within playing ranks.

These challenges include falling crowds and television audiences, geographical and time zone obstacles and threats from cashed up clubs in Europe – such as Racing 92 and Pau – and Japan.

In other news:

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Trevor 1 hours ago
Will forgotten Wallabies fit the Joe Schmidt model?

Thanks Brett.. At last a positive article on the potential of Wallaby candidates, great to read. Schmidt’s record as an international rugby coach speaks for itself, I’m somewhat confident he will turn the Wallaby’s fortunes around …. on the field. It will be up to others to steady the ship off the paddock. But is there a flaw in my optimism? We have known all along that Australia has the players to be very competitive with their international rivals. We know that because everyone keeps telling us. So why the poor results? A question that requires a definitive answer before the turn around can occur. Joe Schmidt signed on for 2 years, time to encompass the Lions tour of 2025. By all accounts he puts family first and that’s fair enough, but I would wager that his 2 year contract will be extended if the next 18 months or so shows the statement “Australia has the players” proves to be correct. The new coach does not have a lot of time to meld together an outfit that will be competitive in the Rugby Championship - it will be interesting to see what happens. It will be interesting to see what happens with Giteau law, the new Wallaby coach has already verbalised that he would to prefer to select from those who play their rugby in Australia. His first test in charge is in July just over 3 months away .. not a long time. I for one wish him well .. heaven knows Australia needs some positive vibes.

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B
Bull Shark 5 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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