News in Brief
McKenzie takes Queensland helm
Scrum.com
October 9, 2009
Ewen McKenzie takes control of the Reds for 2010 season
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- The Queensland Rugby Union have opted for former NSW Waratahs and Stade Francais coach Ewen McKenzie to lead the Reds for the next three Super 14 seasons.
McKenzie was preferred to a return for ex-Reds man John Connolly, who has also coached the Wallabies. The Reds position has been vacant since Phil Mooney was sacked earlier this year.
"Ewen has a proven track record as a head coach and as someone who can deliver a quality rugby program. He also gets results," QRU chairman Rod McCall told the Australian.
"We were fortunate that such a high quality candidate was available and can start preparing for 2010 straight away."
- Gloucester hooker Olivier Azam has appealed against the 12-week ban handed to him for kicking Saracens skipper Steve Borthwick. His appeal will be heard on Ocotber 13. Borthwick remains on the sidelines after receiving treatment at a specialist eye hospital.
- Cardiff Blues skipper Paul Tito has expressed his sympathy for their opening Heineken Cup opponents Harlequins. The Kiwi lock feels sorry for the player who are still being hounded by the press in the aftermath of the 'Bloodgate' scandal.
"Obviously, whatever's gone has gone for them - and I am sure they just want to get out and play some rugby," said Tito, as he prepared for tomorrow's Cardiff City Stadium clash. "They can't do anything about it, and I feel sorry for them actually. Every time I pick up a newspaper or see a television report, people are still going on about it.
"The best thing they [Quins] can do is get out there in the Heineken Cup and show everyone what they are made of. I am sure we will see a very determined Harlequins team this year in Europe."
- Worcester Warriors face an injury crisis in the wake of their upset loss to Montpellier in the opening game of the European Challenge Cup.
Regulars Matt Mullan (hamstring), Marcel Garvey (hand), Dale Rasmussen (chest), Graham Kitchener (shoulder) and Shaun Ruwers (leg) are all in doubt for Worcester's secound round game next weekend, at the very least, after coming off the field during their 22-17 defeat at Sixways.
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1. Max Verstappen ()
