‘Kolisi-like’ Leota handed historic Rebels captaincy honour

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Rob Leota will make history as the first home-grown Melbourne-born captain after the Rebels confirmed his appointment on Thursday.The Wallaby embodies the 'Burn Boys' culture, an ever-growing group of Victorian-born players making their mark on World Rugby.This was reflected in last year's Bledisloe at Marvel Stadium, with Leota one of eight Wallabies either currently playing for the Rebels or born and bred in VictoriaIt shows how much the Rebels and coach Kevin Foote rate the 25-year-old when you consider Leota won't be available until May after he ruptured his Achilles during that defeat, with Brad Wilkin to lead the team in his absence.“If you look at Siya Kolisi and what he does in South Africa, he’s a spiritual warrior on the field but off it, he’s a very charismatic social guy,” Foote told rugby.com.au“That’s what I ask (Rob) to be…be that special guy and the bonder off the field and on the field be that warrior.“Obviously, we’ll miss him for the front end of the season but hopefully get him at the back. All the boys are behind him and want to play for him which is very special.”Leota is joined by fellow Victorian-bred International and Wallaroo Ash Marsters as club captains, with the Rebels' Super W side eager to build momentum after their impressive 36-12 trial victory over the Brumbies.“I’m proud to lead this awesome group in 2023,” said Marsters in a statement.  “We got a great, young, energetic group, that’s always trying to compete at training, plus a few older heads who bring a lot of experience, so that’s going to set our team up for a successful season ahead.  “While I'm leading, I’ll be aiming towards helping girls with aspirations to get in the gold jersey from Melbourne and that will be great.” Leota is the perfect example for the next generation of talent coming through the system as the first homegrown player to sign a Super contract with the Rebels, approaching the position with a relaxed but focused mindset.“For me, I’m a bit more relaxed,” Leota said when asked about his leadership style.“I like to have a bit more of a joke off the field and I think that’s important to not take it too seriously but I think as soon as we get on the paddock and train/play, it’s about being able to switch on and put in the work.“I think it’s important to have fun and connect with the team but when we get across that line, I’m big on putting my body on the line for the team and attack whoever comes in our way and does at us.”Wilkin and fellow vice-captain Reece Hodge will provide support as the club continues to build ahead of next Saturday's potential clash with former captain Michael Wells and the Western ForceClick Here: cheap adidas originals shoes

Super Rugby Pacific: Fijian Drua terminate Vinaya Habosi’s contract after alleged assault – report

The Fijian Drua have terminated the contract of winger Vinaya Habosi ahead of the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season. 

The Fijian international allegedly assaulted his partner last week, leading to the termination of his contract.

High-level breach

Habosi was a breakout star in the Drua’s first season in Super Rugby Pacific, scoring five tries and assisting two in his eleven matches for the side.

The 23-year-old’s standout debut season in Super Rugby earned him higher honours as he debuted for the Fiji senior team.

He made his Test debut during the Pacific Nations Cup, scoring in the 36-0 win over Tonga.

Habosi went on to feature for the Flying Fijians in their Autumn Nations Series campaign against Scotland and Ireland last November.

However, he will not turn out for the Fijian Drua this season after the side terminated his contract with immediate effect.

The Fijian Drua today confirmed that player Vinaya Habosi has had his contract terminated with immediate effect, due to a high-level breach of the Club’s Code of Conduct,” the club said in a statement.

The decision was made after careful consideration, and full due process was accorded to Vinaya throughout the process. The Fijian Drua will not comment further on this matter.

Alleged assault

According to Mai TV Fiji, Habosi’s contract was terminated after a complaint against the winger was lodged at the Namaka Police Station.

It is reported that he is alleged to have assaulted his partner, with Mai TV adding that the incident happened last week.

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The winger has reportedly signed a deal to join Racing 92 after the Rugby World Cup, and it is also unclear what impact this will have on his contract with the Top 14 outfit.

Fijian Drua kick off their Super Rugby Pacific campaign away to Moana Pasifika on February 25.

PLAYER RATINGS | Marseille 1-1 Rennes

Marseille drop their first home points of the season as Guendouzi scored in both ends to earn a point against Rennes. In what was a frantic first half of action at the Stade Vélodrome, Marseille went behind to a Guendouzi own goal after some smart play between Bourigeaud and Traoré on the wing created a low-crossing chance which was inadvertently turned in by the former Arsenal man. Whilst Rennes looked in the ascendency for periods of the first half, Marseille came out the blocks quickly with a higher intensity – which ultimately saw Matteo Guendouzi atone for his earlier own goal by scoring a flicked header in the 52nd minute. Whilst the home side pushed in the second half, they couldn’t press home the advantage against a resolute Rennes defensively, who also looked good on the counter attack. 

MARSEILLE – (1, Guendouzi)

Lopez, 6

Mbemba, 6

Balerdi, 6

Kolasinac, 6

Clauss, 6 – A usual busy performance from Johnathan Clauss, who played with an intensity that has become expected of him in recent weeks. He couldn’t quite be as effective in terms of crosses and chance creation, but his general build up play was positive.

Rongier, 5

Veretout, 6

Tavares, 7 – After a disapointing display against Frankfurt in midweek, the Arsenal loanee looked threatening in Ligue 1 once for Marseille – although he once again frustrated with minor mistakes, they were overshadowed by what was a generally good attacking display, and physical display. 

Guendouzi, 7 – Whilst the own goal in the first half was harsh on a generally satisfactory performance, he livened up in the second half and scored that header early on to atone for his earlier misfortunes. Over than that, his performance was energetic in the second period – he would have been disappointed to come off the pitch in the latter stage of the game, and looked as if he wanted to contribute more later on for his side.

Harit, 7 

Sanchez, 6 – Whilst useful in Marseille’s build-up play, he offered very little in terms of shots on target for his side, and had to drop deep often in order to collect the ball from midfield. Service towards him was often lacking, as it was during the Frankfurt game.

Others: Under 6, Payet 4, Papa Gueye 5

RENNES – (1, Guendouzi OG)

Mandanda, 6 – It was a emotional return to the Stade Vélodrome for Steve Mandanda, who was applauded by both ends of Marseille’s ultras – his performance was satisfactory, being dependable when called upon. 

Truffert, 7 

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Theate, 7

Rodon, 6

Traoé, 7 – It was his 200th appearances for Rennes, and played well Great driving ball for the assist to Guendouzi’s own goal, combined really well with Bourigeaud on the right side in the first half and did his defensive duties well. However, his attacking runs were not as effective in the second period but he started to combine well with Doku in the latter periods of the game. 

Tait, 6 

Ugochukwu, 5

Doué, 6

Bourigeaud, 7

Terrier, 7  – A constant threat for Rennes on the counter attack and did well when Rennes looked on top in the first half and periods of the second half. 

Gouiri, 5 – Looked lost against Marseille, struggling to get on the ball or threaten Marseille’s backline at all, needs some work to fill the hole left by Gaëtan Laborde’s departure to OGC Nice. 

Others: Kamaldeen 6, Majer 6, Doku 7, Kalimuendo, 5

Cédric Bakambu set to leave Marseille for Olympiacos

RMC Sport report tonight that Marseille striker Cédric Bakambu is set to join Olympiacos, as initially revealed by La Provence, with the Greek transfer window reaching its close tonight.

The Congolese forward, who is under contract with Marseille until 2024 after joining midway through last season, will join on a free transfer.

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The 31-year-old was ostensibly not in the plans of new manager Igor Tudor, having not even been registered for the team’s Champions League squad. In the league, he has only made three substitute appearances. Overall, he has scored 4 goals for the club in his 24 appearances.

His departure allows Marseille to free up space on the wage bill given their spendthrift summer and abundance of options for the forward position, having brought in the Colombian Luis Suárez, and Alexis Sánchez.

The former Sochaux and Villarreal man will link up with another ex-Marseille man in Greece in Mathieu Valbuena, who has played for the reigning league champions since 2019.