The SA Rugby magazine team rounds up some of the interesting snippets of news making headlines around the world.
Folau reportedly rejected $1 million peace offering
Israel Folau is said to have turned down an offer of 1 million Australian dollars to walk away from Australian rugby before his code of conduct hearing began on Saturday.
The Sunday Telegraph reported that Rugby Australia made a last-ditch effort to avoid the hearing, which continued into Sunday.
This could suggest that the governing body fears losing the battle, which could have serious financial implications should their decision to terminate Folau’s new contract not be upheld.
Wallabies coach Michael Chieka, who vowed never to select Folau again, along with RA chief executive Raelene Castle and Folau himself gave evidence on Saturday.
No further witnesses are expected to provide evidence on Sunday. A decision over the fullback’s future could be made next week.
Proudfoot the latest to be linked to Cheetahs job
Springbok forwards coach Matt Proudfoot could be put on the shortlist to replace Franco Smith as Cheetahs coach if his contract is not renewed by SA Rugby.
According to Rapport newspaper, Proudfoot’s four-year contract with SA Rugby expires after the World Cup, but a decision on his future could be made in the coming weeks.
The Cheetahs have already got the help of Rassie Erasmus to assist in finding a replacement for Smith, who is reportedly set to take up the Italian national coaching job.
Deon Davids and Hawies Fourie, who are both still contracted to the Kings and Maties respectively, as well as former NWU coach Jonathan Mokuena, have all been linked to the job.
Western Province boss in health scare
Western Province Rugby CEO Paul Zacks had to be rushed from Newlands to hospital last week following the Stormers’ win over the Bulls.
According to Rapport newspaper, it was initially feared that Zacks suffered a heart attack at the stadium as he struggled to breathe. The Stormers’ medics immediately rushed him to a nearby hospital, where he was treated before being sent for several tests, including an electrocardiogram (ECG).
Zacks was later diagnosed with a serious bout of flu and informed that stress and job burnout also contributed to his fragile physical and emotional state. Zacks was discharged on condition that he takes a couple of days off to stay home and rest.
Brown criticises referee after Reds-Sunwolves card-fest
Sunwolves coach Tony Brown disapproved of the way referee Angus Gardner officiated their loss against the Reds on Friday.
The match bizarrely ended with 14 Reds playing against 12 Sunwolves, as Gardner issued a total of five yellow cards along with showing Red’s replacement Harry Hockings a red for stamping on the head of an opposition player.
The Sunwolves had star wing Semisi Masirewa sent off in the 50th minute of the match after he received two yellow card for separate incidents in each half, the second being a high tackle.
‘There’s World Cup spots coming up; they’re all wanting to do well,’ Brown commented when discussing the officials after the game. ‘It was one of the first times I’ve seen Angus Gardner under pressure in a game of rugby and he didn’t handle it well.
‘I think he’ll look back at that game and hopefully learn from it and be better, no different from any rugby player.’
Photo: Jono Searle/Getty Images
