Wallabies snub league duo
ARU not interested in signing wantaway Gasnier and Williams
Last updated: 21st May 2008
The Australian Rugby Union are not set to launch big-money raids on rugby league for Mark Gasnier and Sonny Bill Williams.
Gasnier and Williams have both hinted at switching codes, with a number of clubs in France and Britain believed to be monitoring the situation.
However, despite helping secure the conversion of Mat Rogers, Wendell Sailor and Lote Tuqiri to union in the past, the ARU are no longer in the market for high profile signings.
ARU chief executive John O'Neill said: "We're just not interested in them, full stop.
"It's not about affordability. It's about concentrating our own investment dollars in our own backyard.
"We saw considerable benefits come out of Wendell, Lote Tuqiri, we're still seeing benefits out of Lote; he's having a great year, and Mat Rogers, but the investment dollars are now going back into the game."
Despite being put off splashing out millions on experienced league players, O'Neill has admitted that the ARU could still be tempted to pursue age-grade prospects.
"If we're going to concentrate our talent scouts anywhere, it will be on the (NRL's) under-20 competition," he said.
"I think the earlier you can pick up talent - where the skills in rugby league and rugby union are very similar - the better. We're moving away from that top end of the market and concentrating on getting in a bit earlier."
Williams has played rugby league for New Zealand, but it seems the All Blacks would also knock him back - with the NZRFU keen to avoid being used in a bidding war as a bargaining chip.
| Time | Fixture |
|---|---|
| Tri-Nations Series | |
| Saturday 5th July | |
| 08:35 | New Zealand vs South Africa |
Tri Nations Top 6
| Pos | Team | P | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Zealand | 4 | 13 |
| 2 | Australia | 4 | 9 |
| 3 | South Africa | 4 | 5 |
Features
Slick Rik
Join the Sky Sports Debate on the inclusion of Riki Flutey in the England elite squad.
Tri-Nations 2008
The full fixture schedule for the 2008 Tri-Nations series as New Zealand look to defend their title.
Fronting up
Miles Harrison on the new England backline and whether they can square the series with New Zealand.
Experts & Blogs
Latest Tri-Nations News
NZ v South Africa: Teams
Joe van Niekerk has got the nod for the No.8 jersey for the Tri-Nations opener against the All Blacks in Wellington.
Australia v France: Teams
Groin injury rules Australian lock Nathan Sharpe out of second Test against France in Brisbane.
Chabal predicts backlash
France can bounce back and level the Test series in Australia on Saturday, according to Sale forward Sebastien Chabal.
Smit set for physical battle
South Africa captain John Smit is looking for his players to stand up and be counted when they clash with New Zealand in Wellington.
Smith wary of de Villiers
Conrad Smith believes Jean de Villiers will be the man to stop if the All Blacks are to stop South Africa.
Comments
Robert Clay says...
ARU chief executive John O'Neill Is that because your not allowed to? I remember reading that you would be warned off. Well it really does not matter because they are not considering your team, now are they..! End of discussion
Posted 10:09 23rd May 2008
R Johnson says...
Why on earth any Rugby League player down under should want to play Rugby Union is beyond me.
Posted 17:33 21st May 2008
Add Comment*
All fields are required