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Irish confirm Premiership deal for Billy Meakes
By Online Editors
Australian centre Billy Meakes has agreed to link up with London Irish on a short-term contract until the end of January 2021. Having spent three seasons with Gloucester between 2013 and 2016, Meakes is familiar to the Gallagher Premiership surroundings.
“We are very happy that Billy has agreed to come on board until the end of January,” said Declan Kidney, the London Irish director of rugby.
“Injuries to Terrence Hepetema and Matt Williams have left us short in the centre position, so we are delighted that we are able to bring in Billy, who has a lot of experience of playing in the Premiership.”
Meakes explained: “I really enjoyed my time playing in the Premiership previously, so I’m really looking forward to getting back over to England, this time with London Irish. The club is about to go into an exciting period with the move to the new stadium, and I am grateful for the chance to be a part of it.”
The 29-year-old, who made 15 Super Rugby appearances in 2020 for Melbourne Rebels, was part of the Australia U20s squad at the 2011 Junior World Championships, helping them to a third-place finish. He also represented Australia 7s during the 2011/12 IRB Sevens World Series.
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Latest Comments
The way Ratima has been treated he needs to look OS. Same with Perofeta and Love, Hothem too. Razor is a token coach. Gives debuts but very few mins. Also DM too. Just go earn millions elsewhere DM as all you get in NZ is bagging.
BB is coaches favourite and I say let him have BB right thru to the next 2 or maybe even 3 World cups.😁😁 Have JB outside him at 12...That just works so well.
Go to commentsIt certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
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