The Waratahs have moved swiftly to cover their backrow depth after the departure of Wycliff Palu and Dave Dennis, signing Brumbies backrower Michael Wells.

Wells has commited to the Waratahs for the next two years having debuted for the Brumbies in round four against the Stormers earlier this year.

The inclusion of Wells adds to a promising group of young backrowers on the Waratahs list with Jed Holloway and Jack Dempsey enjoying breakout Super Rugby seasons in 2016.

Wells has international experience as well, having represented the Australian Sevens squad during the 2014/15 season before making the switch to the 15-a-side game.

Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson said he was looking forward to seeing the impact Wells would have at the Waratahs in the years to come.

“Michael is an excellent addition to our back row. He has earned valuable experience this year and will create further competition in our squad,” Gibson said.

“I spoke with Michael and he’s determined and keen to have a crack as he returns to his home state.

“He is the type of character and person we value in our team and will no doubt help add to the new energy of the team in 2017 and beyond.”

Wells will line up for Northern Suburbs in the Shute Shield final on Saturday, along with former Brumbies teammate Michael Dowsett.

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He’s yet to make his starting debut but Izaia Perese is already drawing comparisons to one of Queensland rugby’s favourite sons, Digby Ioane.

At 180cm and 91kg, Perese has a near identical frame to Ioane, who he will mark when he makes his run-on debut on Saturday night.

That’s not where the similarities end, though, as Perese’s power-packed game filled with dazzling footwork, surprising strength and fantastic finishes is reminiscent of the way Ioane helped carry the Reds to the Super Rugby title in 2011.

Ioane’s return to the Crusaders XV means Saturday night will be the ultimate baptism of fire for the 19-year-old, as there is no more explosive winger in world rugby.

“There are a lot of similarities isn’t there,” coach Nick Stiles said.“Digby’s want and fight through contact is something that has really set him apart from other wingers and when you watch Izzy play, he has exactly that.

“He’s so physical and intense with everything that it reminds you of a young Digby.

Perese lit up last year’s NRC and lead both tackle busts and line breaks en route to a Wallabies Spring Tour call up.

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“Obviously he’s a player with immense potential,” Stiles said.

“That was shown by his selection to go on the Wallabies tour as a development player when he hadn’t played a second of Super Rugby.

“That shows you what some coaches in Australian rugby think of him and I just liked when he came on against the Force, how he carried the ball with absolute aggression and intent to break tackles.A schoolboy star at Churchie in 2014, Perese spoke with a youthful joy when asked about the prospect of facing off with a childhood hero.

“I grew up and watched him (Ioane) play and went to a few of his games when I was a kid and I honestly thought he was a phenomenal player,” he said.

“I really think that some of how I play is similar to him but at the same time I would like to be recognised as myself, Izaia Perese.”

The slippery, weaving runs of Melbourne Storm star Billy Slater also shaped as an inspiration for Perese.

“I really looked up to Billy Slater – I thought he was an amazing player,” he said.

“I just admired how hard he worked off the ball and how he would just put his body on the line for the boys so I really admired Billy Slater since I was a kid.”

Jono Lance will make his return from injury in the Force’s opening 2017 trial on the Gold Coast next week.

Lance was a late inclusion in the team’s Brisbane Tens squad earlier this week and has worked his way back from a broken arm sustained in last year’s Wallaby XV match against the French Barbarians.

The Force have named a relatively strong lineup for the clash, including Wallabies fullback Dane Haylett-Petty and winger Luke Morahan, but 2016 Test debutant Adam Coleman is still out with a knee injury.

Captain Ben McCalman will be a major absentee from the cross-country trip, still recovering from thumb surgery.

New centre pairing Curtis Rona and Bill Meakes will have another chance to prove themselves, after a strong debut against the Spirit in their recent intra-club trial.

Meanwhile, Heath Tessman will start at hooker over Tatafu Polota-Nau as coach Dave Wessels manages his combinations leading into their first Super Rugby game, against the Waratahs.

The Force take on the Rebels on Monday at Bond University, kicking off at 6:30pm AEDT.

TEAM

Force starting team to take on Rebels 

1. Pek Cowan

2. Heath Tessmann

3. Shambeckler Vui

4. Matt Philip

5. Ross Haylett-Petty

6. Kane Koteka

7. Richard Hardwick

8. Brynard Stander

9. Ryan Louwrens

10. Jono Lance

11. Chance Peni

12. Bill Meakes

13. Curtis Rona

14. Luke Morahan

15.Dane Haylett-Petty

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Queensland Reds captain James Slipper will return home from the team’s tour of South Africa and Argentina immediately, after suffering a ruptured Achilles in his side’s loss to the Lions in Johannesburg on Saturday.

He will be replaced on the tour by prop Phil Kite, who trained with the squad throughout the pre-season.

Reds head coach Nick Stiles said: “It’s obviously really disappointing for James to suffer such a serious injury this early in the season. We’ll miss his contributions on the field, but knowing the sort of bloke he is, he’ll still be heavily involved from the sidelines.

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“We’re fortunate that we’ve got Stephen Moore in the side, who is the current Wallabies skipper. He will take over the captaincy in Slipper’s absence.”

Meanwhile Stiles won’t “sugarcoat” the 44-14 loss to the Lions but he will demand a better performance from his team.

That’s the message from the Queensland Reds coach after they slumped to a 1-3 record to start the 2017 Super Rugby season.

“Neither of us will sugarcoat that loss at all but when you’re playing the Lions with 14 men in the second half, the guys that came on, the young kids, put their hand up and had a crack,” he said.

“That’s good for us long term, definitely, but we need to get better in the short term as well.”

The reality of the Reds letting a pair of wins slide against the Force and Crusaders is now being fully realised, as they face another tough road test against the Jaguares in Argentina next week before returning home to host the Hurricanes.

“This competition is that tough that when you’ve got an opportunity to win a game you have to win it,” Stiles said.

“(Against the) Crusaders, we were terribly unlucky not to win that.

“It changes your season this early to have those couple wins in the bank.”

An acid test fortnight awaits the reeling Reds, who will almost certainly be without Quade Cooper due to suspension and captain James Slipper if a snapped achilles is confirmed by scans tomorrow.

When asked about Cooper’s red card for a high shot on Rohan Janse van Rensburg, Stiles did not have any major qualms.

“He hit the shoulder, bounced up, had intent and the way they are refereeing it, it’s a red card.

“Referees, it’s difficult for them, it’s tough but that’s how it is.”

Lachlan Maranta, the former Brisbane Bronco, flew out to join the Reds on Sunday night as cover for Cooper who team officials are expecting to cop at least some sort of suspension for his high shot on van Rensburg,.

The Turkey international was the man taken to the Italian capital as a Serie A heavyweight sought to fill the void created by a deal with Liverpool

Cengiz Under has embraced the responsibility of filling Mohamed Salah’s shoes at Roma, with the Turkey international telling Goal that he is happy with the impact he has made in Italy.

After seeing a star forward lured away to Liverpool in the summer of 2017, those in the Italian capital scoured the market for a suitable replacement.

They invested just €13.4 million (£12m/$15m) in taking Under away from Istanbul Basaksehir.

Roma have seen a healthy return on that show of faith, with a highly-rated 21-year-old winger having delivered a steady stream of goals and assists in a role once occupied by Salah.

“It was very important for me that I was coming in to replace Salah as he did really well here,” Under told Goal when quizzed on the expectation which greeted his arrival.

“There was a lot of pressure but fortunately once I started scoring and became more involved – thanks to the help of all my team-mates – I really felt I was a part of the team.”

Under added on the progress he has made over the last 18 months: “The first six months were quite difficult because of the language and because I had to adjust.  Once I started scoring and I began playing better, I felt I like part of the team.

“In my first season I had some difficulties at the start but then I was able to show what I can do. This year I’ve got this injury problem. Having to sit on the sidelines for three weeks has got me down a bit but I hope to be back in action soon.

“Last year we reached the Champions League semi-finals and hopefully we can do as well again this year. In Serie A I hope we can finish among the top spots.”

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Under has not featured for Roma since January 19, but has three goals and five assists to his name in Serie A and the same tally of strikes in the Champions League.

He feels as though he has adjusted quickly to the demands of life in Italy, saying of the differences between the top tier in his native Turkey: “I think both are difficult and tough, like football generally.

“The main difference is that people give youth more of a chance in Italy. When I was in Turkey, we only had three or four Turkish players around the age of 20. It was thanks to the coach that I was able to emerge. We need to give young players more of a chance in Turkey.”

While Under was making a name for himself in Istanbul, he was seeking to mould his game on that of a World Cup winner.

He admits to being a big fan of a Manchester City playmaker who tasted global glory with Spain in 2010.

Asked to name his idol, Under said: “David Silva. I’ve always liked him.”

And among those he plays alongside at Roma, Under said of the pick of the bunch: “My favourite is Edin Dzeko because we have a really good understanding.”

Roma will be hoping to see that understanding deliver more rich rewards, with Under continuing to fill the void created by Salah’s departure as Dzeko remains a prolific option in a central striking role.

Just two years ago, Esera Chee Kam was looking down the barrel of an NRL career, playing with two brothers in Manly’s SG Ball team.

The teen and brothers Livingston and Michael, now a Wests Tigers centre,l were touted as rugby league’s next family dynasty, in the same vein as the Burgess family, growing up close but competitive.

Now the NSW Gen Blue outside centre is looking to follow in the footsteps of his idol Israel Folau and make his mark in rugby union.

Playing in the NSW Gen Blue program put him on a collision course with childhood hero Folau, a chance meeting one that still brings a smile to his face.

“Growing up as a little kid always following league, I’ve always followed Izzy Folau and just seeing him switch over to union was pretty cool,” he said.

“I got to meet him a few weeks ago and it was unreal.”

Chee Kam’s quietly-spoken nature belies his powerful build, that has made him a standout 13 in the national U20s competition this season and he has set lofty goals for his future in the code

“Just being around those (Super Rugby) guys seeing them at this level’s pretty cool and you just want to work hard and hopefully one day you get to be there, playing next to them,’ he said.

U20s coach Pat McCutcheon said Chee Kam was a tantalising prospect after just two years in rugby.

“You give him time and space and he’s really dangerous with the ball,” he said.

“He’s a little bit unsuspecting looking at him but he’s been exciting to watch.”

While he admits he was a Queensland Origin fan growing up, Chee Kam is all about NSW this weekend as he has his own taste of the bitter interstate rivalry.

“That’s one of the games everyone gets hyped up for, and that’s kind of like this week’s game so I’m pretty keen,” he said.

“To be honest, I didn’t think me and the boys would get to this stage, and I’m just really keen to rip in this weekend.”

They’ll be the underdogs against the all-conquering Reds U20s side that hasn’t dropped a game in two seasons of the Super U20s competition,, but that won’t worry them on Sunday.

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McCutcheon has held the team’s reins in his first year as a coach, and said the team’s growth had astounded him.

“They’ve got a really strong drive within them and you can step back and watch the group flourish and I think this year we’ve seen, we’ve set the environment for them and they just jump all over it,” he said.

A win against the powerhouse northerners would just breathe a little bit more confidence into this underdog side as well, McCutcheon said.

“It’s an opportunity for these young blokes to feel that passion and that rivalry. I think it’s great and I hope they tear them apart,” he said.

“To  go up there in their own backyard and really challenge them and knock them off and win the Super U20s in 2017 would be fantastic.

“I think it would build their confidence and give them a sense of belief that they can do it and they can achieve great things.”

Queensland will host the Super U20s final on Sunday at Ballymore, kicking off at 2pm AEST streamed LIVE on RUGBY.com.au.

RUPA has stepped up its efforts to campaign for the retention of five Australian teams, launching an online petition on Thursday afternoon.

The players’ association launched a petition on Thursday afternoon through the website strongerasfive.com, to campaign to the ARU to veto the possibility of axing a team.

A petition is close to the strongest action RUPA can take to try and protest the action, with the current collective bargaining agreement preventing industrial action.

As part of the current collective bargaining agreement, players have agreed not to take any organised action such as a strike, meaning the threat of any major player action would be minimal.

While the agreement allows for individual players to take action or protest initiatives of their own accord, they couldn’t walk off the job in disagreement.

Strikes are relatively uncommon in rugby, but just a fortnight ago the players from Top 14 side Stade Francais took strike action over a possible merger.

Players have been vocal about their desire to maintain five Australian Super Rugby teams as recently as this week with reports that the Force had already been chosen as the franchise to cut, should South Africa move to remove two of its teams.

RUPA boss Ross Xenos has been open about the threat of a player exodus to overseas with the current uncertainty surrounding a number of teams this week, with contract negotiations still paused on non-Wallabies players.

They do however have one potential bargaining chip should one team be axed, with final say over the structure of the NRC each season.

While Super Rugby contracted players are committed to play in the NRC, they could opt to hold off on approving the structure unless an affected provincial team is cut from the NRC as well.

That would mean, hypothetically, that the defending champions Perth Spirit could potentially be cut from the NRC if this week’s reports prove to be true.

RUPA could also play hardball with the use of players’ images and other rights should an Australian team be axed, but given the catch 22 situation that creates, that seems unlikely.

Xenos said RUPA was exploring its avenues when it came to possible action should its calls to retain five teams be unsuccessful.

“Obviously, all stakeholders in Australian rugby are awaiting SANZAAR and the ARU’s final position on the future of the Super Rugby competition,” he said.

“We have considered and are considering the options available to the players in order to protect their best interests in the long-term.”

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A new collective bargaining agreement is currently being negotiated, with that needing to be cemented this year.

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A potentially serious knee injury to Kyle Godwin has compounded a disastrous night of Super Rugby for the finals-bound ACT Brumbies.

The Queensland Reds snatched a 16-15 win over the Brumbies courtesy of a last-gasp Quade Cooper penalty in Friday’s clash at a dreary Suncorp Stadium.

It was just the sixth time the Reds have beaten the Brumbies in the competition’s history.

But aside from the mental blow as the Australian conference leaders approach the finals, the Brumbies have come away with four fresh injury concerns.

The biggest worry is centre Kyle Godwin, who came off in the second half with a knee issue, while winger Aidan Toua will also be sent for scans on his ankle.

“We’ve picked up a couple of bad ones there, which won’t be good for us,” coach Stephen Larkham said.

“KG doesn’t look good at this stage … a bit of damage to the knee there.

“He’s a pretty tough character and couldn’t play on.

“They had a bit of a look afterwards and thought maybe it’s not as good as they first thought.

“The fact (Toua) had to come off the field means there’s a little bit of damage there.

“It’s devastating for those boys to miss out if they are out for a significant amount of time.”

Flanker Chris Alcock also suffered a nasty gash to his thigh, one that prompted Brumbies officials on the sidelines to call for a doctor from the crowd to examine it.

He was later sent to hospital to have the cut cleaned up, but would appear to be in some doubt for next weekend’s clash with the Chiefs in Hamilton.

Wallabies lock Rory Arnold, meanwhile, was forced from the field with a shoulder “stinger” but Larkham was confident he would pull up well.

The Brumbies had just two players on their injury list before facing the Reds – long-term casualties Saia Fainga’a (foot) and Lausii Taliauli (knee) – while cancer survivor Christian Lealiifano was slated to play on Friday night but was a late withdrawal due to a hamstring strain.

Larkham said he was disappointed with how the Brumbies finished the match and their poor response to Queensland’s late surge.

The Brumbies led 15-6 midway through the first half but were helpless as the Reds piled on 10 unanswered points at the death.

“It was one of those games that just slipped away in the last five minutes,” Larkham said.

“They finished the game, we wanted to finish the game. They controlled it well.

“It’s something that we’ll learn from. The beauty is we get another opportunity to learn.”

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The Brumbies take on the Chiefs next weekend in their final regular season clash, before hosting a quarter-final in a fortnight.

All Blacks five-eighth Lima Sopoaga has confirmed he is leaving New Zealand to play rugby in the UK at the end of the year.

Unconfirmed reports on Wednesday suggested that the Highlanders No.10 would be heading to the Coventry-based Wasps side.

On Thursday, the 26-year-old announced he would be leaving New Zealand with a “heavy heart” at the end of the 2018 season to take up a contract in Britain.

“It was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make but is one I’m at peace with,” Sopoaga said on Instagram.

“I have loved every minute of being a professional footballer here in NZ. I’ve made life long friends and memories that I’ll cherish forever.”

Sopoaga thanked fans, teammates, coaches, family and friends who stood by him.

“So here’s to 2018, one last roll of the dice before I head off to experience life on the other side of the world. I’m ready,” he said.

Sopoaga recently fell to third in the All Blacks’ fly half pecking order, behind Hurricanes No.10 Beauden Barrett and Chiefs playmaker Damian McKenzie.

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A dark cloud may be hovering over the Western Force and Southern Kings, but it didn’t stop the two endangered franchises from producing a 12-try thriller in Sunday’s Super Rugby clash at nib Stadium in Perth.

Kings fullback Malcolm Jaer scored a hat-trick, but the Force overcame a 13-point deficit with just 15 minutes remaining to secure the 46-41 win.

The two teams played the exact style of rugby that fans love – fast and attacking and with plenty of spectacular running tries.

Force winger Alex Newsome scored a double to underline his credentials as a star in the making.
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Newsome’s second try was particularly special, with the 22-year-old smothering a kick, soccering the ball and then beating an opponent to touch down.

But the most spectacular moment of the match belonged to Kings flyhalf Lionel Cronje.

Cronje did his best Harlem Globetrotter impersonation by manoeuvring the ball 360 degrees around his body to confuse the Force defence, before dribbling a perfect ball for Jaer to collect for his third try.

That try gave the Kings a 38-25 edge with just 15 minutes to play, but the Force fought back through Newsome’s try and hit the lead in the 72nd minute courtesy of a penalty try following a dominant scrum.

However, the joy of the entertaining display could soon be replaced by utter despair for players and fans alike.

Both the Force and Kings entered the match facing the very real prospect of soon being cut from next year’s competition.

Those nerves were amplified when SANZAAR announced they would release a significant statement about the structure of the competition after the match.

A crowd of 8474 turned out for the contest, with some fans displaying ‘Save the Force’ banners and posters.

If Super Rugby reverts to a 15-team format next season, the Force, Kings and Cheetahs appear to be the three most likely teams to be axed. 

Result

Western Force 46

Tries: Jono Lance, Alex Newsome (2), Dane Haylett-Petty, Ben McCalman, penalty try.

Cons: Lance (2), Ian Prior (2).

Pens: Lance (2).

Southern Kings 41

Tries: Justin Forwood, Yaw Penxe (3), Malcolm Jaer, Makazole 
Mapimpi.

Cons: Lionel Cronje (4).

Pen: Pieter-Steyn de Wet.