The SA Rugby magazine team rounds up some of the interesting snippets of news making headlines around the world.
Pacific Island players could ‘walk away’ over Folau saga
Former Wallabies fullback Mark Gerrard was warned Rugby Australia that they could suffer an exodus of Pacific Island players should they follow up on their decision to fire Israel Folau.
Folau will front up at a code of conduct hearing on Saturday as he attempts to save his career after both the RA and Waratahs expressed an intent to terminate his contract over his controversial social media posts about homosexuality and religion.
The Australian quotes Gerrard saying that many of Australia’s players from the Pacific Islands, who share Folau’s Christian beliefs, could boycott the game should they keep their decision.
‘I guarantee, if they take this hard stance against Izzy, a lot of the islander boys out there playing, they will be in the same boat, and they will be happy to walk away from the game purely because of that reason in support of Izzy,’ Gerrard said.
Jaer surprised by Kings rumours
Cheetahs fullback Malcolm Jaer has said reading reports of a potential move back to the Kings took him by surprise, adding that he has not been in communication with the Port Elizabeth franchise.
The Herald reported that Jaer was one of the names on the Kings’ wish list as they look to upgrade their squad ahead of the next Pro14 season.
The 23-year-old said he knows nothing about the move and that he is still happy to stay with the Cheetahs, who have him on a contract until next October.
While Jaer did begin his professional career with the Kings in 2014, it will be surprising to see him return to Port Elizabeth, as he currently commands a starting role in the Cheetahs lineup, and has formed a strong on-field combination with wing Rabz Maxwane.
Pocock comeback delayed again
David Pocock will have to wait another week before making his return from a calf injury.
Pocock has made just three appearances this season and will sit out his seventh successive game when the Brumbies face the Blues on Saturday.
Following the Blues match, the Brumbies have five games left this season, leaving Pocock with little time to get back to his best form before the shortened Rugby Championship.
Photo: Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images
