Welsh union link to Johns

[DE LIONCOURT]

Welsh union link to Johns
Sportal



The Welsh Rugby Union has expressed interest in Australian rugby league halfback Andrew Johns.

The Newcastle and New South Wales halfback comes off contract with the Knights at the end of this season sparking speculation of a move to union.


Johns would qualify to play for Wales through his Welsh-born grandfather.

The Australian Rugby Union has denied reports it is poised to make an offer to sign the 29-year-old, who is returning after a lengthy break due to a neck injury.

Some reports suggest Johns would like to play at the 2007 Rugby Union World Cup, while others suggest he isn’t even a great fan of the rival code.

"It seems logical that we should explore the possibility of getting him to play for and in Wales," former NRL boss and current Wales Rugby Union chief executive David Moffett told BBC Online.

"His brother, Matthew, considered playing for Wales in the 2000 Rugby League World Cup and Andrew actually spoke to the Welsh team when they were in Australia a few months ago for the Rugby Union World Cup.

"He talked then about his Welsh links, which go back to his grandfather. He was a miner in the Rhondda Valley who emigrated to Newcastle, Australia last century."

 

[Terminator]

Nup. nay never.

 

[SaintKnightUK]

Absolutely no chance. The standard of Union in Wales is a joke anyway. He may sign with an English side and play for Wales but I very much doubt it. He only has two options
Stay with the knights
Come to the Saints!!

 

[DE LIONCOURT]

Welsh want Joey


January 17, 2004

THE Australian Rugby Union may deny a desire to recruit more rugby league stars, but the code's tentacles are still reaching to secure Andrew Johns with Wales joining the chase for his services.


A formal expression of Welsh interest in Johns' services has been made to the champion Newcastle Knights rugby league halfback's management.

The approach came directly from Welsh Rugby Union chief executive and former NRL boss David Moffett this week to Johns' manager John Fordham on Thursday.


But Fordham said there was no discussion of specific details relating to a proposed deal in the out-of-the blue approach. Johns, 29, would qualify for Wales because of links going back to his grandfather who was a miner in the Rhondda Valley and emigrated to the steel city of Newcastle in Australia.


"David said: 'We would love to have him here in Wales.' He then said as former NRL chief executive he knew first-hand what value he would be to union," said Fordham.


After the telephone call Fordham emailed Johns to inform him of the development.


Fordham and Johns, currently off contract with the Newcastle Knights, are scheduled to meet with team management next week during the rugby league World Sevens to negotiate a new contract.


The Welsh offer, while preliminary, confirms Johns is still seen as a commodity by the 15-a-side game. He has given no indication, however, that he is prepared to switch codes.


This week before contacting Fordham, Moffett told the Welsh media: "It seems logical that we should explore the possibility of getting him to play for and in Wales."


 THE Australian Rugby Union has formally begun its search for two assistant Wallaby coaches to work under head coach Eddie Jones.


The advertised positions have been vacated by Ewen McKenzie and Glen Ella who worked with Jones up to an including the World Cup.


McKenzie, who was the Wallabies' coaching co-ordinator, is now head coach of the NSW Waratahs. Ella, who was assistant Wallaby coach, has accepted an offer to be Italian coach John Kirwan's assistant.


Ella agreed to terms this week on a deal that will take him up to the end of the Six Nations.


He will leave for Italy, where he will be based in Treviso, on January 31.


Italy's first game is on February 15 against World Cup champions England at Stadio Flaminio in Rome.


"It's a new challenge and something different after the Wallabies. Hopefully I will be able to have some impact," said Ella.


"They are very passionate about their rugby. It will also just be great to be involved in the Six Nations tournament which is huge over there."


Ella said Italy's goal would be to "win a couple of games".