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![Not allowed!](images/buttons/up_dis.png)
ROCKY ELSOM will not be seen in the Waratahs jersey next season, as NSW has withdrawn its offer to the Wallabies captain.
The Herald has been told that Waratahs officials decided on Wednesday they could not meet Elsom's demands without financial assistance. It is understood Elsom, who had been negotiating with at least two high-ranking Waratahs officials for most of this season, had been offered about $200,000 by the Waratahs.
Elsom's contract would have been boosted further by a considerable ''top up'' from the Australian Rugby Union, with the overall package making him one of the three highest-paid Wallabies.
The Waratahs' offer withdrawal enhances the chances of Elsom again heading to Europe after the World Cup, but ARU officials were last night confident the Test blindside breakaway will stay within the Australian Super Rugby ranks for another season.
The ARU have completed their deal with Elsom, which includes them finding him another Australian province.
Elsom, who has decided to leave the Brumbies and was interested in rejoining the Waratahs, is keen to stay in Australia. While he may go to the Queensland Reds, there is a high-profile European club pursuing him, which is not surprising considering the Test skipper became a cult hero at Leinster in 2008-09.
So popular was Elsom at Leinster that fans started a ''Rocky'' chant, as in the Rocky movies. During his European stint, Elsom was named Leinster rugby player of the year, achieving an unprecedented 70 per cent of the popular vote. He was also voted European player of the year after Leinster won the Heineken Cup.
The NSW about-turn on Elsom will have a major effect on recruiting. It may result in popular back-rower Ben Mowen being offered a revised contract after an original offer was pulled. Other back-rowers have also been concerned about the ramifications of Elsom joining.
There is also a growing belief Waratahs captain Phil Waugh will stay at the province, and the extra funds could be used to keep him at Moore Park, especially as he will not receive an ARU top-up. Waratahs players have been told the province's negotiations with Elsom was affecting what could be offered to others. But Waugh's future plans are also a major recruitment issue.
In New Zealand, Crusaders and All Blacks captain Richie McCaw's passion for flying has paid off for his province. The Crusaders, formidable Super title contenders, were unsure how they would get to Wellington for tomorrow night's match against the Hurricanes because of the Chilean volcano plume.
McCaw, a qualified pilot, used his contacts to arrange a 67-year-old Douglas DC3 plane to take the team to the North Island today. The plane can fly at a lower altitude than modern jets. However, some of the team management and the team luggage will travel by road, and then take the ferry across the Cook Strait from Picton, at the top of the South Island.
''Nothing ceases to amaze me this year,'' Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder said yesterday. ''Richie came through for us with his ties with the DC3 Trust. It may take a little longer than usual, but it's a better alternative than the bus and ferry.''
McCaw is able to fly the plane, but Trust officials said he was unable to because the flight will involve fare-paying customers - his teammates.
The plane is based at an aviation museum, and is used occasionally for air shows and scenic flights.
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/su...#ixzz1PTi3r47K
And who in their right mind in New Zealand would knock back McCaw if he asked for a favour?
Generally speaking you aren’t learning much if your lips are moving!!!
Waratahs have pulled out of the race for Elsom because they want to spend their $$$ on JO'C.
There are a few backrowers on the market and that just happens to be the one position that we don't need. Some more centres and wingers would be nice
Elsom is luggage
Sharpie for wallaby captain 2011
Higgers for 6
Controversy corner