Ripia may go the Wallaby route
Fri, 02 Jul 2010 15:11
Frustrated by his lack of opportunities in New Zealand, Hurricanes flyhalf Willie Ripia is hoping a move to the Western Force will open doors to the international stage - and the Wallabies - for him.
It was reported on Friday that Ripia will almost certainly join the Perth-based franchise for the inaugural Super 15 season next year.
This follows on the news that the Western Force named Wallaby skills coach Richard Graham as John Mitchell's successor at the Force in 2012.
Ripia, 24, has been frustrated by a lack of opportunities behind Aaron Cruden at the Hurricanes and will sign with the Force as their 'emerging foreign player' if the Australian Rugby Union gives the go-ahead.
"The ARU needs to make an assessment that his ability is such that he could represent Australia if he stays the three years and qualifies via residency," Force Chief Executive Vern Reid told AAP.
"We've spent the last two days talking to Willie and showing him around.
"He seemed to enjoy being here.
"He played very well the last three weeks for New Zealand Maori against England and Ireland.
"So he's very keen to be part of this and clearly he would be a good solution for our number 10 spot."
The Force have been unable to find a long-term flyhalf since Matt Giteau left the franchise at the end of 2009.
Former Springbok André Pretorius was signed up for the 2010 campaign, but failed to play a game due to a serious pre-season hamstring injury, while efforts to lure Wallaby playmaker Quade Cooper were thwarted by the Reds.
In other player movements, scrumhalf James Stannard could return to the Force as back-up to Brett Sheehan in the wake of Justin Turner's serious knee injury, which could rule the 20-year-old out of action for up to 12 months.
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