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Racing 92 have finally issued a statement regarding the absent Leone Nakarawa
By Liam Heagney
Racing 92 have confirmed they have “provisionally laid off” Leone Nakarawa following the Fijian player's failure to report for club duty in France following the World Cup in Japan.
It has been claimed that Nakarawa is still in Fiji building a house for his family. However, he was not given permission for an extended leave of absence and has now been struck off the Racing playing roster ahead of their Champions Cup campaigns which starts next Sunday at home to defending champions Saracens.
In a brief statement published on the club’s website, Racing said: “Racing 92 have provisionally laid off Leone Nakarawa and summoned him to an interview prior to a possible sanction. The club will make no further comments about this decision.”
The second row - one of the highest earners at Racing - was part of the Fijian side eliminated from the World Cup when beaten by Wales on October 9, but he has since failed to report back for club duty with the Parisians.
Nakarawa played in all four of his country’s pool matches at the finals in Japan and was expected to pitch up in France for training in the last week of October. However, there has been no sign yet of a player regarded to be one of the best in the world in his position.
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Despite a Pacific Rugby Welfare tweet last week insisting the club knows what Nakarawa is up to in Fiji, the situation has not played out well with the Parisians.
Prior to last weekend’s Top 14 derby win over Stade Francais, boss Laurent Travers said: “He [Nakarawa] must resume. We have news, yes, the players have had. I think the club too but now, for the moment he is not present at Racing 92. We do not know more.”
All the French-based players who were with countries eliminated at the end of the pool stages of the World Cup were generally due to be back training with their clubs by Monday, October 28, except in the case of injury.
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So you don’t think 2023 WC to 2027 WC with a few RCs and >80% rate along the way would stack up? Three world cups in a row?
We finished 2023 with 85% and a World Cup. On track for 80% in 2024 plus an RC.
Rassie’s the only guy who has any hope of getting close to that AB record.
What was Henry’s record up until 2011? Everyone knows how great the ABs were between 2007 and 2015. But there was a period of building that got them there that seems to get overlooked.
Rassie and Nienaber took a 7th ranked team to number one. Henry inherited the All Blacks. Much easier job.
Go to commentsWatch volley ball if you want a speed game. Part of the appeal of rugby is set plays. Stopping the clock while the ball is in touch is the only change needed. I am from Victoria, having escaped the trauma of living in Brisbane amongst you nuff nuffs!
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