2015 Squad Contract Renewals

[Buddha Handy]

Good pick up if it confirmed but anyone other than Fox Sports:

Iain Payten, Jamie Pandaram The Daily Telegraph August 14, 2014 11:00PM

The same eligibility loophole is being looked at by the ARU to help solve a shortage of locks following the recruitment of Steve Mafi to the Western Force.

Sydney-raised Mafi was cut by the Waratahs in 2010 for being too light but went on to become a big name in the UK premiership for powerhouse outfit Leicester. He won the Tigers’ Players’ Player award in 2012, and has played Tests for Tonga.

Ironically recruited by the man who axed him at NSW — Michael Foley — Mafi, 24, will be a foreign import in Perth on a two-year deal but it is understood ARU types are looking into the Olympic loophole to get him switched from Tonga to the Wallabies in 2016.

It is believed after such an Olympic eligibility jump, unions may be able to apply to the IRB to make the switch permanent and applicable to Test rugby.

But Mafi would need to wait until early 2016 and need Australia to play in the Oceania qualifier. And then get a game.

If all that fails, Mafi will become eligible for Australia in June, 2017.

Sounds like the McMeniman replacement Foley wanted!

Now we need the outside backs he also mentioned.

[Pitythefool]

Rumors of Horne??

[valzc]

Would love to see Rob Horne coming in!

[Alison]

I tweeted the Force this morning with the link that Gaffa posted. No reply from them as yet! Don't know why they are so coy at making new signing announcements! It's annoying getting it from the press first!

[todd4]

Maybe it's just a 'Genia' at this stage.

[AndyS]

None of it makes much sense to me. If he has played for Tonga, he is locked to Tonga and three years is irrelevant. There is a window of opportunity with the Sevens, but that assumes the IRB sign off on the switch and he is allowed to play. But then if so, all of next years tournaments are part of Olympic qualification and should count; no need to wait for the Oceania qualifier. And if he is then Australia eligible, how is he a foreign import? The whole article sounds like rubbish, but hopefully there is something underneath it.

[Buddha Handy]

The way I read it is that the possibility of playing for the wallabies is the hazy part but the signing for the Force is a done deal. Whether that means he is a marque and we are now allowed 3 or if he is a foreign development player I don't know

[Moono74]

The Force may want to space announcements out over the course of the off season to maintain interest and keep membership renewals ticking over by having a steady stream of good news stories?

It may also be a case of just keeping a low profile over here in the West, flying under the radar and letting results speak for themselves.

Regardless I hope the article is accurate and Mafi is locked in with the Force.

[GAFFA]

A tweet from the force about 20mins ago

"@westernforce: Looking for something to get you through to the end of the working week #SeaofBlue? We've got something for you! Stay tuned! #BELONG"

[GAFFA]

Steve Mafi signs for 2 years.
http://www.rugbywa.com.au/article/st...z-link-force-0

[Timbo]

Steve Mafi signs for 2 years.
http://www.rugbywa.com.au/article/st...z-link-force-0

I like the cut of his jib!

[James]

related to Alfi?

Maybe. Definitely related to Sam Wykes. First cousins I think. Was really disappointed he went to the UK- John Mitchell was very interested in him back around 2009. Very excited!

[WFDom]

Happy fu@kin days!

Think those few games before the test break this year proved where the depth of a quality playing squad comes in to being able to make the finals. Plenty of cover in the collision department now.

Quality prop & a couple of backs now then. Anyone else heard who the NZ winger we were interested in is?

Lovin' you work Foles!

[sandgroperrugby]

Great news a mobile lock forward flanker. Big unit hopefully less injury prone than MMM. Now for that outside back, gee I wish oconnor wasn't a tool he is on the field what we need.

[chibi]

Likewise for Giteau.