Rebels flanker Sean McMahon may just have confirmed this year’s worst kept contracting secret.
The 23-year-old posted a video to his Instagram story before Friday night’s clash with the Jaguares, writing: “One last time! #Endofanera”.
McMahon is believed to have been on the verge of signing a deal in Japan, and though he’s been reluctant to comment, it seems he’s let his social media do the talking.
Haylett-Pettys a package deal
Wherever Wallabies star Dane Haylett-Petty plays next year, two things are certain in his mind: it’ll be in Australia and it’ll be with younger brother Ross.
Both Haylett-Pettys are signed to the Force for next year, but should the Perth team be cut, they’ll be among the group of players looking to be re-located to another Australian franchise.
Speaking to RUGBY.com.au in Perth this week, both brothers said they planned to go make their next move together.
Though there has been speculation Dane is one of a handful of Force players preparing to head to Melbourne should the Perth franchise be cut from Super Rugby in 2018, though the 28-year-old said his focus was on the Force.
“We haven’t signed anywhere but we’ve said we’ll go together, we’ll stick together,” he said.
“We enjoy playing together and I think we’ll just wait until the outcome and then we can figure out to Plan B.
“At the moment, we’re both committed to Australian rugby so we’ll be playing somewhere but hopefully it’s here.”
While Dane’s stocks have risen steadily since making his Wallabies debut last year, Ross’s choice will be a bit easier to make.
“At one point, (I thought) what if I hang up my boots and go back to uni so I can stay in Perth, at another point, it's (thinking), ‘Where am I going?, would i like it?’, he said.
“If I'm going to move, 23 isn't a bad time to do it but I want to stay here as long as possible.
“He's got a couple more gears going on so I’m happy to play wherever, turn a team around or go to a winner, doesn't matter.
“We'll go together, we'll figure it out .”
Taf happy to go west
The Wallabies are taking their pre-Bledisloe week out west this season, setting up shop in Penrith, and Force hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau is one player who can’t wait.
Polota-Nau played for Parramatta in Sydney’s Shute Shield and is keen to help rugby make a mark in rugby league heartland and, he joked, opening the eyes of some of his teammates to the treasures in Sydney’s west.
“There's a lot of juniors there that get no recognition but it's more so the fact that rugby league have their processes set out,” he said.
“I feel like we need to grow the game and that's one way we can do it as well.
“I’m really excited to experience the 'Riff as we call it but it'll be an eye opener for some of the guys who have barely been past Anzac Parade."
SA takes Div Two title
ACT took out the national Schools champs last weekend, but the inaugural Div Two champs was not played out until this week, on the Gold Coast.
It was South Australia who took the spoils, beating the NT 31-17, after both sides triumphed over Tasmania earlier in the championship.
SA fullback Rory Illman had a double in a man-of-the-match performance for his side.
Tahs take time to talk
They’ve had a dismal season on the field but it was heartwarming to see a small gesture from a handful of Waratahs players at a training session last week.
A young rugby player, with his leg in a cast, and his dad were watching on at training as the players came across from HQ.
Four players, including captain Michael Hooper, went out of their way to introduce themselves to the young lad and have a conversation before getting stuck into training.
Good stuff.
Have your say on Barbarians match
Every rugby fan on the street is being asked their opinion about what should happen when the Wallabies take on the Barbarians at Allianz Stadium on October 28.
The public can vote on a range of issues from from preferred kickoff times, footy food and halftime entertainment to the make-up of the Barbarians squad which will be coached by former Wallabies mentor Alan Jones.
You can vote at www.yourrugbymatch.com
Parry's the toast of Redlands
No place like home for Wallaraoos and Redlands locals Shannon Parry and Nella Hake as they were recognised by Redlands City Council for their contribution to the cause of women in sport and rugby. Well done girls!
Congrats to Redlanders @Shan_Parry & Nella Hake on their selection to the @WallaroosRugby 💪💪💪🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺#wallaroos #WRWC2017 #womeninsport pic.twitter.com/Y8qk58inqp
— Redland City Council (@RedlandCouncil) July 12, 2017
Gits doing it the Japanese way
Matt Giteau is well on his way to getting his head around the Japanese way of life if this post on social media is any indication. In camp with the Suntory Sungoliath, he cut a striking figure as he recovered from training earlier this week.
Recovery with the boys..
— Matt Giteau 🇦🇺 (@giteau_rugby) July 15, 2017
#🦍🌕⚫️ pic.twitter.com/fvOhR1AdOp
