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The sabbatical deal that could see experienced Wallabies follow Michael Hooper to Japan

Matt Toomua. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Either Dane Haylett-Petty or Matt To’omua could join Michael Hooper on a Japan sabbatical, but not both, in a deal worked out with Rugby Australia and the Melbourne Rebels.

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RA announced on Wednesday that Wallabies skipper Hooper would take up a six-month playing deal in Japan in 2021 to top up his current contract, which was hit hard with a 30 per cent cut in the COVID-19 interim player pay agreement in April.

It means that the NSW Waratahs will be without their biggest star for most of the next Super Rugby competition, with Hooper, who has 99 Test caps, to return in time for next year’s internationals.

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Tom Horton interview – Waratahs v Rebels week nine

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Tom Horton interview – Waratahs v Rebels week nine

The same deal has been offered to a select group of Australian players, including fullback Haylett-Petty, who has played 33 Tests, and playmaker To’omua (47).

Rebels coach Dave Wessels said he had been in discussions with the pair about their plans.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CEQmTAkFhx3/

He said it was agreed that they both wouldn’t go in 2021.

“The way it works is that both of them can’t go together so if one did decide to go, they’d have to alternate years,” Wessels said on Thursday.

“Both of them are pretty big parts of our team and both of them are pretty committed to staying at this stage and we’re obviously hopeful it plays out that way.

“But I think dependent where things end up with the pay deal going forward they may have to make other decisions.

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“If they did decide to make a change for a few months then we’d understand that.”

He said he was torn about the model of the agreement, which rewards veteran players, given the impact on the Rebels.

“It’s a hard one for me because I want those players to be part of our group. Dane’s our regular captain and when he’s not playing Matt is the captain so I want to keep both of those guys.”

Rugby Union Players’ Association (RUPA) boss Justin Harrison said it was a way to reward players and still keep them in Australia.

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“What we’re seeing is an innovative approach to player contracting and this is a pragmatic solution for the game in Australia both at a club and national level,” Harrison said.

– Melissa Woods

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R
RedWarrior 1 hour ago
Records show All Blacks' greatest rugby adversary is now Ireland

Foster was literally whinging about the TMO in the Ireland series in the presser AFTER the RWC final. NZs whinging about the final itself was apparently picked up by Voyager 2 which was near the asteroid belt. What about the whingefest and crybabies after O'Mahony's legendary sledge (during the match) on Sam Cane?


I often hear talk about NZ players being poisoned or similar nonsense during the 1995 final. NZ boast that they are 'superstars' and 'humble heroes' on their own website. You gave England the same treatment in 2002-2003, calling them arrogant just because they beat you. They told the rest of us then what you were like, we should have listened. I would give as much credence to a NZ supporter disliking us, as I would to Krusty the clown saying the same thing. Let's just say your judgement may not be the best.


Regarding 2016, as the referee had basically let NZ away with cheating their way to victory via filthy dangerous play and fouling he was hardly going to pull Sexton up when clearly trying to stop a grounding. NZ always leave the boot or arm in to hurt a try scorer but that seems to be invisible to you entitles lot.


BTW NZ have literally being whinging and crying about Ireland since Soldier field. You are just very bad losers. We will be delighted to be shot of you on Friday. I hope we do so with a win, so that you rethink your philosophy of mocking opponents and spectators you've just beaten.


After the match last Saturday the internet was full of Kiwi supporters basically abusing English folk. Where is your national honour? Where is your national integrity?

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