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Young Waikato star set to lose Connacht contract
By Online Editors
Waikato winger Sevu Reece is set to lose his contract with Pro14 Irish Club Connacht, reports the Irish Examiner.
The 21-year-old Fijian admitted his guilt during a court case where he was on trial for domestic abuse. As a result, Connacht is believed to have decided to withdraw the contract for Reece who was announced as a new signing in May.
The former age grade rep had originally signed a two-deal to commence following this year's Mitre 10 Cup. Connacht and the IRFU have been following the developments after Reece was questioned about the incident in July. Yesterday the two organisations released a statement advising they are investigating the incident.
"Connacht Rugby and the IRFU are aware of media reports concerning Sevu Reece and his recent court appearance,” said Connacht Rugby in an official statement.
“We are currently seeking to clarify information around the situation prior to commenting further on the matter.”
Reece was granted a discharge without conviction over the domestic violence incident but according to the Irish Examiner, the scrutiny that has enveloped Irish Rugby over the last year following Ulster's rape case played a part in the decision to terminate the contract.
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There are a number of commercial avenues that arise from having a draft. Draft day in itself is a large commercial event that draws huge revenues from broadcasters and sponsors.
The context you added is “rugby’s current interest levels” but I don’t see how interest levels wouldnt be stimulated by a draft if it was done correctly. We already have fairly robust player movement in Super Rugby - a draft is really just adding in some structure and showmanship to the whole thing.
Your suggestions for a draft make sense - I would set the pathways alongside the U20s programs (min age of 20) but I wouldnt cap it, I would also allow players to come from any pathway - club, university and provincial competitions.
Go to commentsI know JGP and Lowe never played for the All Blacks but they were both multi year super rugby players. At the time Lowe was closer to ABs but I’m sure JGP would’ve made it at some point.
Either way those examples are terrible. Born, grew up and went though a development system where they became professionals. The barrier to represent another nation should be higher. Maybe the 5 year rule stops it, let’s see.
With the stand down, wonder if you could make it tier 1 > tier 2 only for switching? I’m guessing that’s the whole intention rather then say Sotutu going to England or Hodgman going ABs > wallabies.
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