Jake Gordon is preparing for his chance to shine for the Wallabies against Italy as the scrumhalf rotation continues.Dave Rennie flagged the Waratahs skipper would start in Florence before the France Test, having used Tate McDermott (Scotland) and Nic White (France) in the opening two Tests of the series.“Me and Dave (Rennie) had a conversation at the start of the tour and he mentioned he was giving us a crack across the first three games so I’m really excited for the opportunity against Italy,” Gordon told reporters.“I made my debut here (in 2018) so I have pretty fond memories…I remember when ‘Chiek’ told me, it was a mix of nerves and excitement, I thought I’d get a few minutes but wound up starting the game.“Playing for the Wallabies has always been the dream, I know that’s the cliché but to do that and have a good win was awesome.”Gordon and White shared the duties throughout the Rugby Championship, with Ryan Lonergan solidified as the fourth option via his stint with Australia A.It continues the competition for spots within the squad, pushing each player to be better ahead of next week's clash with Ireland where Rennie will likely roll out his strongest squad“The competition is pretty red-hot at the moment,” Gordon said. “Nic and Tate both played really good games against the French and Scot. "I’m pretty familiar with (rotation), me and Nick Phipps did that a bit. We’ve got a luxury that we have really good halfbacks in this country and are desperate to play footy.“…That stuff is out of my control, I need to focus on playing well this week and whenever decision Dave makes, so be it.”

Gordon also gave an insight into the responsibilities of the scrumhalf that misses out on the 23 on gamday.“Nines and tens are really involved with gameplan and strategy, their pretty across the detail and have a great Rugby knowledge,” Gordon explained. “So what they do is have one of us deliver good messages and know what they are talking about and then two that can just stay involved in the game and read it well and deliver messages back to the box if they see something happening.”Unlike the opening Tests of the tour, the Wallabies have opted to base themselves in Florence early, with Gordon taking positives out of the heartbreaking defeat.“It takes a little bit but obviously everyone is still a little bit disappointed by the result,” he admits.“We dominated a lot of the game and we definitely were in a position to win it. There were definite positives from that game.“I think that length of the field try ‘Rens’ will be pretty happy with…to do that against a team of that quality is impressive.“To match their forward pack as well, I thought we did a great job. It was just disappointing to let in slip in that final five minutes but definitely seeing the positives in that game.” Click Here: Thiago Silva Jersey Sale

According to Foot Mercato Bologna have made an attempt to sign Brest centre-back Lilian Brassier (22) which was turned down by the Breton side. 

After a solid season at centre-back for mid-table Brest under Michel Der Zakarian, having signed from Rennes last summer, the 22-year-old has caught the eye of a second Italian club after Fiorentina expressed an interest earlier in the transfer window. 

The former five-time capped France U20 international made a total of 31 appearances last season, and can play both at centre-back and left-back. Brassier started in Brest’s opening day defeat to Lens (3-2) on the left of defense to start off the 2022/23 campaign. He is currently on a deal which runs until 2024. 

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Brest are still active in the transfer market, having submitted an offer worth €3m for Bordeaux striker Hwang Ui-jo. They are in competition with Premier League side Wolves for the South Korean forward, who have submitted a similar fee.

Owen Farrell slotted the match-winning drop goal for Saracens in their 19-16 Premiership victory over Gloucester on Friday evening, but the fly-half shouldn’t have been on the pitch after making a high tackle.

Farrell endured a miserable night with his goalkicking, missing four shots from six attempts at goal, but with the clock in the red and the scores level at 16 apiece, he nailed a 45-metre drop goal to see Saracens to a narrow win over Gloucester. This came after he escaped punishment for a high tackle on Gloucester flanker Jack Clement in the 74th minute.

The incident

Saracens and Gloucester traded kicks during a lengthy passage of play, during which Clement picked the ball up from the back of a ruck and darted forward, running straight into Farrell.

The England international makes a high tackle on the Cherry and Whites flanker, which goes unnoticed by the matchday referee Karl Dickson. The play continues as Stephen Varney kicks downfield.

There is no call from the TMO until plays comes to an end in the 76th minute as Chris Harris grubbers a kick into touch.

Referee Dickson is alerted about the tackle but says that ‘it was not in the same phase of play’ and explains that too much time had elapsed for him to go back and review it.

‘That’s a red card’

The BT Sport commentators were unanimous in their review of the tackle, saying: ‘that’s bad, that’s a red card’.

😬 Owen Farrell would go on to drop the winning points… #GLOvSAR pic.twitter.com/thRdMNV0BB

— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) January 6, 2023

Despite the pleas from players on the pitch and the TMO highlighting incident, Dickson opted to play on, and Saracens would go on to win the match with this drop goal, kicked by Farrell.

Goes on to win the match for Saracens with a drop goal… pic.twitter.com/ML590cRuA4

— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) January 6, 2023

Meanwhile, Nigel Owens weighed in on the debate of whether Dickson could have gone back for the tackle.

Owens was asked on Twitter how ‘many phases of play can be brought back for potential foul play and a likely yellow, if not red card?’

He responded, saying: ‘There is no limit on phases for foul play it’s from when play started to the next restart. So if there were 30 phases from restart to the next stoppage/restart you can go back at check the foul play that occurred during it.’

There is no limit on phases for foul play it’s from when play started to the next restart. So if there were 30 phases from restart to the next stoppage/restart you can go back at check the foul play that occurred during it .

— Nigel Owens MBE (@Nigelrefowens) January 6, 2023

While he admitted that he had not seen the incident yet, he explained that is the protocol. Ultimately, Dickson could have gone back to check the tackle.

Reaction

Jim Hamilton summed up the match’s final moments, tweeting: “What a finish. What a game. A draw was the right result. It wasn’t. A World class drop kick that should never have been but, was.”

What a finish. What a game. A draw was the right result. It wasn’t. A World class drop kick that should never have been but, was.

— Jim Hamilton (@jimhamilton4) January 6, 2023

BT Sport commentator Alastair Eykyn’s reaction was similar to Hamilton’s: “Another thriller to add to the list of Glos/Sarries dramas down the years. Farrell the calm, cold-eyed assassin with a 45m DG to win it w clock in the red – but his challenge on Clement moments earlier looked a clear red card offence.”

Another thriller to add to the list of Glos/Sarries dramas down the years. Farrell the calm, cold-eyed assassin with a 45m DG to win it w clock in the red – but his challenge on Clement moments earlier looked a clear red card offence.

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— Alastair Eykyn (@alastaireykyn) January 6, 2023

Andrew Sheridan was quick to defend TMO Claire Hodnett, who was making her Premiership debut: “Feel sorry for Claire Hodnett a lawyer who was the first woman to be appointed to the RFU national panel of referees and was the first woman to be a TMO at a men’s rugby @premrugby game. Tonight she called the Farrell foul play correctly but Karl Dickson messed up NOT Claire.”

Feel sorry for Claire Hodnett a lawyer who was the first woman to be appointed to the RFU national panel of referees and was the first woman to be a TMO at a men's rugby @premrugby game. Tonight she called the Farrell foul play correctly but Karl Dickson messed up NOT Claire

— andrew sheridan (@radio_sheri) January 6, 2023

After the game, Gloucester head coach George Skivington was asked about the tackle.

He responded by saying: “I’m not allowed to comment on things like that… It’s frustrating.”

"I think we could have been more clinical."

Head coach George Skivington felt only the fine margins separated his @gloucesterrugby team and Saracens.#GallagherPrem pic.twitter.com/FbWBJIwBW8

— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) January 6, 2023

Farrell could face a suspension for his tackle, putting him in doubt for Saracens’ upcoming Champions Cup fixtures against Lyon and Edinburgh. The length of his ban could also see him being unavailable for England’s opening Six Nations match against Scotland.

New Wallabies captain Allan Alaalatoa will embrace the cultural significance of his appointment and harness the exuberance of the young team to ensure things go to script against Italy.The son of Samoan international Vili, who played at the 1991 World Cup, will become Australia's 85th captain in Florence early on Sunday morning (AEDT) when he takes over from the rested James Slipper.It's 15 years since Digby Ioane, whose nephew Monty will incidentally run out for Italy on the wing, became the first Samoan to play for the Wallabies."It's really special; my parents migrated over to Australia to provide a brighter future for my brother and me so it's huge for my extended family," he said."I hold it close to my heart … there's been a huge amount of support back home, a lot of messages and that adds that to the fuel to make sure I do everything I can to fulfil the role."The prop will lead a team featuring eight players with less than 10 Tests each under their belts, tasked with beating an Azzurri side that's in form but hasn't beaten Australia in 18 attempts.Nick Frost (ankle and illness) was a late scratching, Darcy Swain now starting in his first game since a six-match suspension and Cadeyrn Neville moving onto the bench.Fullback Jock Campbell also missed Friday's captain's run photo as he too battles an illness that could keep him out of a second straight start in the No.15.Queensland Reds teammate Jordan Petaia has been named on the bench but could slot into fullback if needed.  Mark Nawaqanitawase will debut on the wing and NSW Waratahs teammate Ben Donaldson could also earn his first cap after being named on the bench as the reserve five-eighth.Playmaker Noah Lolesio, halfback Jake Gordon, flankers Ned Hanigan and Fraser McReight, France-based lock Will Skelton, hooker Folau Fainga'a and prop Matt Gibbon will all start in a vastly different-looking unit while hooker Lachlan Lonergan gets his chance off the bench.The captain said so many fresh faces had helped ease the pain of a gutting one-point loss to world No.2 France last week. "It's been a different energy with guys coming in for a new opportunity and being in that starting role for the first time for a few lads," he said."They've been jumping out of their skin all week."That new energy's been awesome and I wanted to channel that into nailing our detail."If we do that we'll be hard to beat."Click Here: Sergio Aguero Jersey Sale

Foot Mercato report that Álvaro González, who has been a free agent since terminating his Marseille contract earlier this month, has a number of options open to him with regard to his next club.

The Spanish defender is notably in talks with the upper management at Beşiktaş, and would potentially be open to a move to Turkey, having also been identified as a target for their city rivals Galatasaray.

Among the centre-back’s other possible destinations, Valencia and the Rudi Garcia-managed Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia are targeting him but have yet to submit a proposal. The former Lyon coach had even called González personally to try and convince him to sign.

The 32-year-old left OM this summer having not made a single appearance since the start of January, having returned home after it became apparent that he was no longer a part of then-manager Jorge Sampaoli’s plans.

He leaves French football having made 75 appearances over three seasons, initially joining on a loan deal from Villarreal. The highlight of his time with OM will have been his second season, in which he made 32 appearances over the course of a tumultuous campaign for the club.

 

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According to L’Équipe Hertha Berlin defensive midfielder Lucas Tousart (25) turned down an offer from Italian side Sampdoria, as his future in the Bundesliga looks uncertain – despite his current deal running until June 2025. 

The Frenchman currently earns the highest salary at the club, and was supposed to play a big role in the Berlin side’s push for European football which ultimately fell flat – with the club finishing 14th and 16th in the Bundesliga in recent years. 

Still, Tousart has played 62 games in the last two seasons in midfield but has played under five different coaches in that time. Whilst still enjoying his time away from France, the player is reportedly open to a move before the end of the transfer window.

The former Valenciennes midfielder made the move from Lyon to the German side in 2020 for a transfer fee of €23m. the former France U21 played 165 games for Lyon in which he scored six goals and provided six assists.

 

 

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The ACT Brumbies have promoted pathways playmakers Klayton Thorn and Nathan Carroll to the club’s 2023 Harvey Norman Super Rugby Pacific squad.  Both standouts in this year’s Bentspoke John I Dent Cup, Carroll was instrumental in Queanbeyan’s run to the title, impressing with his ability to find space and his accuracy off the tee.   Comfortable at fullback and flyhalf, the 22-year-old was top scorer for Brothers Rugby club in the Hospital cup before joining the Brumbies’ pathways program at the end of 2021, training full-time with the club’s Super Rugby Pacific squad during their 2022 campaign.  ACT Brumbies flyhalf, Nathan Carroll said: “Joining the club’s Super Rugby Pacific squad is a dream come true.” “Coming down to Canberra has been the best decision I’ve ever made, and I just want to thank the Brumbies pathways staff, especially Dan Hooper for their support and of course, everyone at Queanbeyan who made me feel so welcome and I’ve made friends for life there. “Obviously playing Super Rugby is the goal now but I know that starts with having a good preseason this year and working hard every day on my game.” Halfback Thorn developed in the Brumbies Academy program in 2022, and graduates straight to the club’s Super Rugby Pacific squad to continue his development with Ryan Lonergan and Nic White. A Randwick junior, Thorn has been in excellent form for the ACT Brumbies u19s side having excelled at senior club level with Gungahlin Eagles this season.  ACT Brumbies halfback, Klayton Thorn said: “I’m really excited to be stepping up to the senior squad.” “Growing up playing for Randwick, you’re aware of all the players who’ve made the move to Canberra to join the Brumbies and with two absolutely world class nines at the club, it’s the best place for me to learn and develop.” Carroll and Thorn’s graduation means a total of six Brumbies pathways players will join the club’s 2023 Super Rugby Pacific squad, with outside backs Corey Toole and Declan Meredith, backrow Charlie Cale and prop Harry Vella also stepping up to the senior group.  ACT Brumbies General Manager Professional rugby and pathways, Chris Thomson said: “Firstly, I must congratulate (former General Manager Professional rugby and pathways) Chris Tindall and our pathways staff for their work in identifying and developing these players for them to now earn the chance to join our Super Rugby squad.” “Both Klayton and Nathan are in a fantastic spot in their careers where they can come into an established group and contribute while learning and developing at the same time, but they’ve earned this opportunity and with a really important preseason ahead of them, our job as ahigh-performance staff is to make sure they are ready to go if required.”Click Here: all stars nrl merchandise

Munster have announced that Mossy Lawler will join the province’s back-room team ahead of next season as their new skills coach.

The former Munster back will return to the United Rugby Championship outfit after eight successful years at Connacht, where he is attack and skills coach.

Prior to his current position with the senior squad, Lawler was Elite Player Development Officer with their academy and head coach to the Connacht Eagles.

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Impressed in his role at Connacht

The Limerick-born 42-year-old was a versatile backline option for Munster from 2000 to 2008 before he left the Irish side to join Wasps in the Premiership.

“We’re delighted to have Mossy joining our set-up this summer,” said Munster head coach Graham Rowntree whose side are enjoying a fine run of form of late.

“We have been really impressed with what he has done in Connacht over the last few years, and he will be a valuable addition to our coaching ticket bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role.

“We are always looking for ways to improve and fine tune what we are doing so to have a dedicated resource in this area and someone of Mossy’s calibre working with our players will be really beneficial.”

Munster are currently preparing for their Champions Cup clash with Northampton as they look to build on a streak of three wins in their last four run-outs.

Following this week’s clash at Thomond Park, Rowntree’s men will head to Toulouse to finish their pool campaign, a side they lost narrowly to in Round One.

Malcolm Marx rumour extinguished

Forwards coach Denis Leamy addressed the media ahead of the home game and was quizzed about the recent rumour that Malcolm Marx is a transfer target.

But Leamy poured cold water on the links to the Rugby World Cup-winning Springboks hooker, who currently plays his club rugby in Japan at Kubota Spears.

“I’d like to work with Malcolm Marx, but there’s nothing in it,” he told The42.ie.

“There’s nothing there for us. No, that’s not something that’s happening, to be as clear about that as I can.

“Look, obviously we look in different areas of the market but that’s not a conversation that’s ongoing.”

The Melbourne Rebels are thrilled to unveil their squad for the fast-approaching 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season.The Rebels will enter next year boasting an exciting squad of experienced and emerging talent, with the core of last year’s side returning including a wide range of internationally capped players such as Andrew Kellaway, Reece Hodge, Matt Philip, Matt Gibbon, Rob Leota, Pone Fa’amausili, Richard Hardwick, and Stacey Ili.Among the Rebels’ new additions is Alex Mafi, Tuaina Taii Tualima and David Feliuai, while fan favourites Sam Talakai, Anaru Rangi and Ryan Louwrens will return to the Stockade, bringing 148 games worth of Super Rugby experience back to the Club.It’s been a memorable year for Talakai, who was recently named in the Wallabies Spring Tour squad following three outstanding trial matches for the Rebels.Be A Rebel. Sign up for your 2023 membership today.Italian national star, Monty Ioane, is also set to ignite the AAMI Park faithful in 2023 after signing with the Rebels in September.The Endeavour Hills product has scored tries in three of his last four matches for both the Rebels and Italy, and looms as a key player to watch next season.Meanwhile, reigning Players’ Player and Spirit of Weary Dunlop recipients Brad Wilkin and James Tuttle will look to continue their eye-catching form following impressive tours with Australia A in Fiji and Japan.The Rebels development pathways continues to experience great success, with Australian Under-20’s stars Daniel Maiava, Mason Gordon, David Vaihu and Zac Hough, joining Lebron Naea, Theo Fourie and hulking prop, Jaiden Christian, in being promoted to the Rebels squad.The Rebels will celebrate the welcomed returns of Josh Kemeny, Lachie Anderson, and Trevor Hosea, with the trio set for big 2023 campaigns after recovering from last year’s injury setbacks, while Joe Pincus looks set to make his Rebels debut after a strong off-season.Melbourne Rebels Head Coach, Kevin Foote, said he’s thrilled with his squad’s makeup.“I’m super pumped about our 2023 squad,” said Foote.“Nick Stiles has done an excellent job recruiting some experienced guys back to the Club, which will be important as we go through this building stage and getting the right people on board to support our younger players as they’re progressing through.“Guys like Anaru Rangi, Sam Talakai and Ryan Louwrens, are going to be huge for us along with players like Glen Vaihu, Carter Gordon, and Brad Wilkin – all these guys that have played in the Rebels jersey before, that are ready to go to the next level.“I’m so excited about this squad and so grateful for the work our people have done to bring these guys back, because these players are good Melbourne people and good Rebels players.“The brand of rugby we want to play and the culture these guys will bring will be huge for us both on and off the field.”Echoing Foote’s thoughts was Melbourne Rebels GM of Rugby, Nick Stiles, who believes Club’s off-season strategy has fast tracked the Rebels preparation for the new season ahead.“We are really excited about our squad’s prospects heading into a new season," said Stiles.“We’ve brought in exceptional leaders and experienced Super Rugby and Test match performers who will complement our returning players and the emerging talent coming through.“Unlike previous years, our squad has spent the majority of the offseason working together and building our TWI, which has deepened player connection and been so rewarding for everyone at our Club.“Our players have also gained valuable match experience with trials against the Victorian Axemen, the Brumbies and the Hanazono Kintetsu Liners, which were important experiences that will hold us in good stead for next season.”The Melbourne Rebels will kick-off their 2023 campaign against the Western Force in Perth on Saturday February 25, before returning to Melbourne to host Super Round against the Hurricanes on Friday, March 3.Overall, the Rebels will host seven matches at AAMI Park including clashes against the Waratahs, Reds, Blues Crusaders, Brumbies and Force.To #BeARebel in 2023 and sign up as a member, click here.

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Western Force fly-half Reesjan Pasitoa has lofty ambitions for his future and wants to be the best playmaker in the world.

The 21-year-old played fantastic rugby for the Perth side last season in Super Rugby Pacific after returning from a stint with the Brumbies that did not work out.

Confident in being the best

Unfortunately for Pasitoa, a knee injury hampered any chances of receiving higher honours with the Wallabies, but his confidence remains.

“I want to be the Wallaby 10, I want to be the best 10 in the world, I’ve always said that,” Pasitoa told RugbyPass.

“In terms of winning, I want to win a Bledisloe and I want to win a World Cup. That’s my goals.

“I’ve said that since I was a little kid that I want to be the best 10 in the world. If I can get that Wallaby 10 jersey, that’s what I’m coming after.

“For now, just focus on my knee and make sure I can get back on the field healthy and fit and then like I said, just do the best I can and put my best foot forward.”

Pasiota used to play for Perth Bayswater Rugby Union Club, and he wants to inspire the next generation to want to represent their region and country in rugby.

“I remember going to games growing up as a young boy here and going to Force games and selling tickets at the front gates. Now I get to play for them which is pretty cool,” he said.

“I’ll never forget this time at my club, we had our awards night and they asked us ‘who wants to be an All Black when you grow up?’ I’d argue almost everyone put their hands up.

“I think back now and why I came back is so that maybe if that question is asked again, people put their hands up for if you want to play for the Wallabies and if you want to play for the Western Force.

“I think that’d be pretty cool for young boys and girls to want to play for Australia and play for their Australian clubs.

“I guess that’s another reason why I came to try and change that mindset of things and hopefully we can be part of that change.”

Focused on Australia

The fly-half admits at one point, he wanted to play for the All Blacks, but despite being a big fan of Dan Carter, Pasitoa is committed to representing the Wallabies.

“Yeah (I wanted to play for the All Blacks). My favourite player and my idol was Daniel Carter, always has been,” he added.

“I grew up going for the Blues. Some of my family is in Auckland, my dad grew up in Auckland, so it’s always been for the Blues, always been for the All Blacks.

“Even in League I go for the Warriors still but I guess now I’m just really pushing for that gold jersey.

“If I could change that for young boys and girls who are growing up here in Australia, to want to play for Australia, then that’d be cool. That’s the goal.”

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