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New Zealand

Rugby: Top 14 club Stade Francais looking to lure All Blacks and Hurricanes midfielder Ngani Laumape offshore – report | Instant News


Ngani Laumape has limited chances with the All Blacks. Photos / Photosport

Ngani Laumape has been linked with a move abroad, with French club Stade Francais believed to be looking for the All Blacks and Hurricanes midfielder.

According to a report from French newspaper Midi Olympique, Stade Francais sees Laumape as one of a number of options to replace Gael Fickou who is leaving for the Top14 2021-22 season.

Midi Olympique reports the club has been in contact with Laumape representatives and it is believed Laumape will be open to a move.

“The New Zealand midfielder, who plays for the Hurricanes, will not oppose a trial in France,” said the report.

By contrast, anyone with 15 caps for the All Blacks knows he’s not the best choice in his country. Remember, for the World Cup in Japan in 2019, coach Steve Hansen has chosen him. [in build-up tests] but finally decided to give up his services as soon as the official selection was announced. Hansen likes Sonny Bill Williams, Ryan Crotty, Jack Goodhue and Anton Lienert-Brown more than him.

“Since then, Hurricanes players have returned to selection under new coach Ian Foster. He played two Rugby Championship matches in October and November, but he could choose to join Stade Francais next season.”

Another option being considered by the French club is Argentine midfielder Santiago Chocobares, who will join the Blues for the Aotearoa Super Rugby competition this year, but it was difficult to get the young center-back to Auckland and it couldn’t happen in the end.

Laumape has been an impressive exponent for the Hurricanes since moving to the 15-man code in 2016 after stints with the Warriors at NRL, and has become known as one of Super Rugby’s most damaging ball runners.

Still only 27 years old, many expect Laumape to have a role to play with the All Blacks during the next World Cup cycle.

However, New Zealand’s wide selection of midfielders has seen its opportunities at international level limited and Stade Francais will hope to persuade him to leave.

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New Zealand

Rugby: Why the All Blacks rookie sensation Caleb Clarke spends off-season helping those who get drunk at music festivals | Instant News


Caleb Clarke has an incredible rookie season for the All Blacks in 2020. Photo / Brett Phibbs

By RNZ

As the selfless New Year’s celebrations will attest, Caleb Clarke’s feet remain firmly on the ground.

The 21-year-old’s rugby career trajectory will jump significantly in 2020.

He had a leading role with a Blues side that performed well in Super Rugby, leading to the All Blacks’ inaugural call-up and an impressive first five tests to cement his place as one of New Zealand’s premier wingers.

After an incredible year, Clarke went to the popular music festival Northern Bass to catch it in 2021.

But, as it should be, the trip was certainly not about enjoying its substantial success.

“Red Frog is the organization of my church and just people who go out want to make sure other people are good at different festivals and different concerts.

“We go there and distribute water and candy, and then the security will take us people who are really drunk and we will help resuscitate them. It’s just a way to help keep everyone safe during the New Year.

“It was my fourth Northern Bass as a Red Frog and, yes, it is a lot different from previous years. People ask for photos and other people ask to run straight, which is pretty funny.

“It was also really cool because I saw Jordie Barrett and Damian McKenzie too, so all the spotlight wasn’t just on me. If anyone came to me, I’d be like, ‘Bro look, Jordie Barrett’ and they’ll ‘be like’ where, Where’. “

Not that Clarke doesn’t take the time to contemplate the 2020 “rollercoaster” he could never predict.

Although it concludes with four straight starts for the All Blacks, the year for the 2017 U-20 World Cup winner begins preparations for the Olympics with New Zealand’s squad of seven at Mount Maunganui.

Covid-19 canceled that plan and although he turned the situation positive, the same words could not be used for the loss of his two grandparents.

Clarke says quality time with his ex-black father, Eroni, during the holiday period has helped put 2020 in perspective.

“A lot of that conversation was through Dad. We really have to reflect on how crazy that year was.

“It doesn’t really sink in when you talk to all the reporters and the media, it’s just words. When you really have heart to heart, that’s when it really starts to sink in and you’re so grateful for the experience. You have. , both ups and downs.

“The highs are really high and the lows are really low but I’m looking forward to a really cool 2021.”

So what exactly is meant by that?

After all, an extraordinary performance for New Zealand’s most acclaimed sports team will be followed with high expectations.

It’s not a burden, though, when a mile wide smile and a contagious enthusiasm are your two most prominent traits.

“[That expectation] will always be in the back of my mind, but I just want to continue having fun with my friends, “said Clarke with a grin.

“That’s how I look at rugby. It’s a really cool platform but in the end it’s just you and 23 of your other friends on the pitch trying to reach the goal.

“What I really got in 2020 is being very competitive. I can really feel the competitive spirit that is emerging around the likes of TJ (Perenara), Ngani (Laumape), Nuggy (Aaron Smith) and even with Rieks. and Aki (the Ioane brothers) here at The Blues.

“If anything, that’s what I faced this year. Raise my hands and be very competitive but, at the same time, have fun with my friends.”

A 21 year old teenager with a smile on his face, his feet on the ground, and a glass that is half full.

– RNZ

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New Zealand

Rugby: All Blacks whore Dane Coles has hinted at the possibility of retiring after the 2021 season | Instant News


Dane Coles at All Blacks training. Photos / Photosport

By Sam Smith for RugbyPass

All Blacks and Hurricanes whore Dane Coles has given a big clue that 2021 may be his final year in professional rugby in New Zealand.

Coles has dropped his contract with New Zealand Rugby at the end of this year, but the 34-year-old suggests this could be his last hurray when speaking with RNZ ahead of Aotearoa’s upcoming Super Rugby season.

“The last year I came with Canes. I haven’t completely ruled out staying, but I have to appreciate it this year,” he said.

“It’s always a special time to be back with the players. I’ll try not to think about it [last season with the Hurricanes], I will only try and contribute to the group and I still have the same desire to appear and help the team. “

RNZ reports that Coles plans to retire from rugby at the end of 2021, with last year’s unusual season forcing him to examine his options.

Dane Coles in the Hurricanes v Blues match. Photos / Photosport
Dane Coles in the Hurricanes v Blues match. Photos / Photosport

While he hasn’t fully committed to hanging up his boots by year’s end, Coles noted that winning the Aotearoa Super Rugby crown with the Hurricanes “will be the last delivery”.

“That would mean a lot more.

“We are working hard to try and achieve that.”

If Coles withdraws from this year’s game, the All Blacks will face the prospect of heading into the 2023 World Cup in France without one of their most experienced players.

With 74 tests, Coles has been a vital part of the All Blacks squad since his international debut in 2012.

He started in New Zealand’s 2015 World Cup final win over Australia, ahead of Keven Mealamu, and regained his place in last year’s All Blacks starting lineup after trailing behind Codie Taylor in the pecking order at the 2019 World Cup.

Taylor stands as an obvious candidate to fill Coles’ shoes if the latter asks for time in his career, while Asafo Aumua continues to develop as a long-term prospect for the All Blacks and the Hurricanes.

Outside of the two, the only other prostitutes in New Zealand with an All Blacks experience are Liam Coltman and Nathan Harris, none of whom have caught the eye these days, whether it’s due to lack of appearances or injuries.

Dane Coles and Wallabies midfielder Nic White fighting over the ball. Photos / Photosport
Dane Coles and Wallabies midfielder Nic White fighting over the ball. Photos / Photosport

Experienced rake Ash Dixon stands out at Super Rugby and Miter 10 Cup level in 2020, but, at 32 years old, his trial debut may surpass him.

The likes of Kurt Eklund and Andrew Makalio have also been impressed, as reflected in their picks in last year’s North and South Island squads, but the All Blacks remain without an obvious third-choice prostitute to fill a potential void Coles will soon be leaving.

Whether Coles can be persuaded to stay afloat until the next World Cup remains to be seen, but the veteran rower said playing in the tournament in two years is still possible.

“Don’t ever say no,” he told RNZ. “Especially with Roger [Tuivasa-Sheck] come to rugby, it would be awesome to play with him. I don’t rule anything out, I’m likely to keep playing as long as I can until the coach says that’s enough. “

For now, Coles remains intent on helping the Hurricanes to their first title since 2016, with the Wellington franchise kicking off Aotearoa’s Super Rugby campaign against the Blues at Sky Stadium on 27 February.

“I still love playing for New Zealand and I’m still excited about it. I’m still driven to achieve it and it all started with playing for the Hurricanes.”

This article first appeared on RugbyPass and republished with permission.

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New Zealand

Basketball: New Zealand Breakers star Tom Abercrombie countered by claiming that his family was being given special quarantine care | Instant News


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Tall Black Tom Abercrombie with his wife Monique-Raquel. Photo / Getty

New Zealand Breakers and Tall Blacks basketball player Tom Abercrombie has criticized his family for being given a special MIQ and quarantine treatment based on his status as a sports star.

Abercrombie’s wife, Monique-Raquel and their three children are granted exemptions for completing their 14 days of mandatory home quarantine after traveling back from Australia.

Monique-Raquel tagged Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on social media, complaining about the state of the hotel room they were housed in, which is believed to be in a facility near Auckland International Airport.

Abercrombie, who is in Australia with other members of the Breakers team, told Newstalk ZB’s Heather du Plessis-Allan that two of their three children have high needs, prompting them to apply for medical exemptions.

“[They] have significant behavioral and medical problems, I don’t want to go into detail about what they are, “he said.” The evidence we put forth in our app is sufficient for the power to decide it’s the best thing for them, so they’re obviously significant enough for those people to make that decision.

The fact that I am a basketball player or where I live has absolutely nothing to do with that decision and I would be very disappointed if that happened.

“I am very disappointed and frustrated.”

Abercrombie said he and his family were well aware their application might be rejected – they were likely satisfied.

“We submitted an exemption on the assumption that we might not get it, obviously very hard to get and not everyone gets it and we are very grateful.

“Otherwise, they will have to isolate themselves in the facility.”

He added they would be happy to cover the additional costs if needed.

Tom Abercrombie plays for the Breakers against the Adelaide 36ers. Photo / Getty
Tom Abercrombie plays for the Breakers against the Adelaide 36ers. Photo / Getty

The 33-year-old’s family traveled with him to Melbourne before the start of the Australian NBL season, where the team will be based. However, due to the Covid-19 outbreak in early January in Victoria, the club was forced to move again, this time to Hobart.

Abercrombie’s wife and son then chose to go home. They were greeted by isolation facilities which he said were “concerning”.

He admits that looking back, complaining on social media was not the right first step.

“Given the situation again, I don’t think it’s the right way to do things. But it was an emotional and stressful time for my wife, we literally had two hours to pack our bags in Tasmania, catch the plane the next two hours and she flew all the way back to New Zealand from Melbourne with little sleep.

“If he had more time, we would not publicize the complaint, but also the situation he faced in managed isolation which I think is not suitable for families or individuals who come in with mold and objects on the windowsill where a potential virus can live. “

Last month, Abercrombie told NZME – after moving to Hobart – he worries that the task of looking after three children could become tough work for his wife when away from her usual home.

The quarantine issue is just another fire Abercrombie has to put out, which turns out to be a trying start for the NBL season.

He and his Breakers teammates have had to battle the ongoing Covid-related issues since arriving in Australia.

The club were forced to remain in Adelaide last week following their first two games of the season due to players feeling unwell, leading to preventive testing and staying in South Australia.

They have been allowed to return to training, and will next play Cairns Taipans on Saturday.

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New Zealand

Rugby: Stacey Fluhler and Aaron Smith lead the nominations for the New Zealand Rugby award | Instant News


New Zealand’s Stacey Fluhler scored a goal, during the semifinals between New Zealand and France, on Day two of the 2020 World Rugby Sevens in Hamilton. Photosport

Dinamo Sevens Stacey Fluhler and All Blacks midfielder Aaron Smith have the chance to win three awards each at the New Zealand Rugby Awards.

The list of nominees had been revealed, prior to Thursday’s announcement on a Covid special TV show.

Recently leading the All Blacks to a Tri Nations victory in Australia, captain and freelance forward Sam Cane was among the nominees for All Blacks Player of the Year, alongside hooker Dane Coles and midfielder Smith.

Smith is also in the running for the Tom French Memorial Māori Rugby Player of the Year, as is Captain Māori All Blacks and hooker Ash Dixon and World Sevens Series winning midfielder Fluhler.

A breakthrough season for Fluhler also saw him being nominated for the Best Player of the Seven Black Ferns, along with playmaker Kelly Brazier and central midfielder Tyla Nathan-Wong. Fluhler is also running for the Fiao’o Faamausili Medal, nominated alongside Waikato center teammate Chelsea Alley and Canterbury midfielder Kendra Cocksedge, who was also nominated for the Black Ferns Player of the Year, along with Waikato freelance forward Kennedy Simon.

After claiming the World Series Sevens title for the first time since 2014, Co-Captains Scott Curry and Tim Mikkelson were nominated for the Richard Crawshaw Memorial All Blacks Sevens Player of the Year award alongside Ngarohi McGarvey-Black.

Highlanders midfielder Smith was also honored with Aotearoa Rugby Player of the Year award, as were Blues Captain Patrick Tuipulotu, Crusader playmaker Richie Mo’unga and Hurricanes defender Jordie Barrett.

The standout players of the Miter Cup 10, as selected weekly by commentators Sky, will compete for the Duane Monkley Medal. Finalists for the award are Hawke’s Bay central midfielder Folau Fakatava, Auckland outside defender Salesi Rayasi and Bay of Plenty defender Kaleb Trask.

The championship winning team, the Crusaders team, Tasman, Hawke’s Bay and the Canterbury Farah Palmer Cup team will have a chance to win one more trophy as they are all nominated for the National Team of the Year.

All the teams in black who will take to the pitch in 2020 will be nominated for the New Zealand Team of the Year, and their respective coaches are nominated for New Zealand Coach of the Year.

National Coach nominees of the Year include Scott Robertson of the Crusaders, Andrew Goodman and Clarke Dermody of Tasman, FPC Waikato trainers James Semple and Mark Ozich of Hawke’s Bay.

Ben O’Keeffe, Paul Williams and Mike Fraser were nominated for Best New Zealand Rugby Referee.

The community award for Volunteer of the Year saw nominations for Allen Grainger (Waikato), Scott Kahle (Bay of Plenty) and Jane Chamberlain (Horowhenua Kapiti).

With the public voting now closed, the hotly contested Fans Try of the Year has been narrowed down from the list of 10 to three. Fans have placed Hawke’s Bay’s Neria Fomai, Christ’s College’s Jack Jones and Napier Boys High School’s Bethel Lutele-Malasia in the top three.

Three awards will be announced that evening – the NZRPA Kirk Award, Steinlager Salver and Kelvin R Tremain Memorial Player of the Year.

The complete list of nominations is:

Fan Trial This Year
Neria Fomai (Hawke’s Bay)
Jack Jones (Christ’s College)
Bethel Lutele-Malasia (Napier Boys Middle School)

New Zealand Referee of the Year
Mike Fraser (Wellington)
Ben O’Keeffe (Horowhenua Kapiti)
Paul Williams (Taranaki)

Charles Monro Rugby Volunteers of the Year
Jane Chamberlain (Horowhenua Kapiti)
Allen Grainger (Waikato)
Scott Kahle (Bay of Plenty)

Kirk NZRPA Award
Announced at night

Steinlager Salver
Announced at night

Duane Monkley Medal (10-Year Miter Cup Player of the Year)Hawke’s Bay
Salesi Rayasi (Auckland)
Kaleb Trask (Bay of Plenty)

Fiao’o Faamausili Medal (Farah Palmer Cup Player of the Year)
Chelsea Alley (Waikato)
Kendra Cocksedge (Canterbury)
Stacey Fluhler (Waikato)

National Coach of the Year
Andrew Goodman and Clarke Dermody (Tasman)
Mark Ozich (Hawke’s Bay)
Scott Robertson (Crusader)
James Semple (Waikato FPC)

New Zealand Coach of the Year
Allan Bunting and Cory Sweeney (Black Ferns Sevens)
Ian Foster (All Blacks)
Clark Laidlaw (All Blacks Sevens)
Glenn Moore (Black Fern)
Clayton McMillian (Maori All Blacks)

Super Rugby Player of the Year
Jordie Barrett (Taranaki, Hurricanes)
Richie Mo’unga (Canterbury, Crusader)
Aaron Smith (Manawatu, Highlanders)
Patrick Tuipulotu (Auckland, Blues)

Tom French Memorial Maori Player of the Year
Ash Dixon (Ngāti Tahinga, Hawke’s Bay)
Stacey Fluhler (Tuhoe / Te Arawa, Waikato)
Aaron Smith (Ngāti Kahungunu, Manawatu)

Richard Crawshaw Memorial All Blacks Sevens Player of the Year
Scott Curry (Bay of Plenty)
Team Mikkelson (Waikato)
McGarvey-Black (North Harbor)

Black Ferns Sevens Player of the Year
Kelly Brazier (Bay of Plenty)
Stacey Fluhler (Waikato)
Tyla Nathan-Wong (Northland)

Black Fern Player of the Year
Chelsea Alley (Waikato)
Kendra Cocksedge (Canterbury)
Kennedy Simon (Waikato)

All Blacks Player of the Year
Sam Cane (Bay of Plenty)
Dane Coles (Wellington)
Aaron Smith (Manawatu)

National Team of the Year
Crusaders
Hawke’s Bay
Canterbury (FPC)
Tasman

New Zealand Team of the Year
All Black
All Blacks Sevens
Black Fern
Black Fern Seven
Maori All Blacks

Kelvin R Tremain Memorial Player of the Year
Announced at night

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