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Wallaby Lachlan Swinton set to leave Australian rugby for Europe – report
By Finn Morton
In the wake of the Wallabies’ disasterclass at the Rugby World Cup and the resignation of former Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan, another wave of bad rugby news is reportedly on its way Down Under.
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NSW Waratahs enforcer Lachlan Swinton is set to say au revoir to Australian rugby after inking a deal with French club Bordeaux, according to a report out of Australia.
The Roar understands that the hard-hitting blindside flanker will leave Australia after Super Rugby Pacific 2024 after signing a lucrative deal with Top 14 club Bordeaux.
It’s been reported that the Wallaby was “offered an extended deal” with both the Tahs and Rugby Australia, but Swinton turned it down in favour of a deal worth more than $500,000 in France.
Swinton’s departure to France would be a tough blow for Australian rugby amidst reports that other rising stars are being targeted by NRL clubs.
Wing Mark Nawaqanitawase, who has risen to superstar status after debuting on last year’s end-of-season tour, reportedly met with the Sydney Roosters last week.
Nawaqanitawase, 23, is considering a stunning code switch after signing a short-term deal with Rugby Australia and the Waratahs earlier this year.
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“I would have liked more,” Nawaqanitawase told The Sydney Morning Herald. “I’d love to stay here as long as I can.
“With certain circumstances, we had to agree on something. The one-year (contract extension) was the best thing at the time.
“Hopefully (I can) win a Super Rugby title with the Tahs and hopefully win a World Cup.
“In a perfect world, I’d like to stay (in rugby) but there’s always a but. There’s obviously other things out there that might interest me.”
Rising star Max Jorgensen, who was included in Eddie Jones’ World Cup squad but failed to take the field, has also been mentioned in a report as the ARLC commission considers a radical salary cap exemption for NRL clubs going after athletes from other codes.
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The writer here ignores the fact that, following on from not taking the penalty kick, the All Blacks did manage to score a try a few minutes later. Not directly from the penalty awarded, but it is speculation to say that had they opted to take the koi they would have won. Even if they kicked it, which was no guarantee, they would still be trailing and would have had to start again at half-way.
Go to commentsI would be surprised if Sales Opoku Fordjour and Northampton’s Tommy Freeman are not in the team, Anthony Watson is also one that could go on the wing. One thing I must say is that the front 3 will get destroyed against a team like South Africa.
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