Rugby rumour mill: Eddie Jones being lined up to replace Michael Cheika and Stuart Hogg could be off to France

Sport360 staff 13:29 07/03/2018
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  • Eddie Jones could be making a shock move back to Australia, Vern Cotter wants Stuart Hogg in France and Chris Boyd is linked with bringing a couple of All Blacks to the Saints.

    It’s all in today’s Rugby Rumour mill.

    Ben Franks could be off to the Saints

    Ben Franks could be off to the Saints.

    JEREMY THRUSH/BEN FRANKS

    New Northampton coach Chris Boyd is already eyeing up a couple of All Blacks to join him at the Saints.

    According to The Rugby Paper, Boyd is looking to sign former All Blacks and Hurricanes duo, lock Jeremy Thrush and prop Ben Franks.

    Thrush, who played over 100 games for the Hurricanes, comes off contract with Gloucester at the end of the season while 47-Test All Black Franks is currently playing for London Irish and also comes off contract this year.

    Eddie Jones could be heading home

    Eddie Jones could be heading home.

    EDDIE JONES

    According to Foxsports in Australia, England coach Eddie Jones is being lined up to replace Michael Cheika as Wallabies boss.

    Cheika has vowed to step down if he doesn’t win the 2019 Rugby World Cup, which seems unlikely, and Rugby Australia will start searching for his successor this year.

    Jones is contracted to England through to 2021 but the 58-year-old has a break clause in his contract, dependent on England’s performance at RWC 2019.

    Is Johan Goosen set for a shock comeback?

    Is Johan Goosen set for a shock comeback?

    JOHAN GOOSEN

    The Racing 92/Johan Goosen saga has taken a new turn. The former Springbok fly-half suddenly retired from rugby at the age of 24 at the end of 2016, leading to Racing threatening to take him to court over not fulfilling his contract with the club.

    But now, according to Sport24, Goosen, capped 13 times for South Africa, is allegedly being bought out of his Racing contract for €1.4-million by Montpellier owner Mohed Altrad, starting in July.

    Vern Cotter would love to have Stuart Hogg in France

    Vern Cotter would love to have Stuart Hogg in France.

    STUART HOGG

    The Scots and Lions full-back is one of the most exciting runners in the game and no-one knows that better than former Scotland coach, Vern Cotter.

    Cotter, now head coach of Montpellier, has reportedly offered a seven-figure sum to the Glasgow Warrior to bring him to France.

    It’s a move that, if it came off, would make 25-year-old Hogg the highest paid British player in the Top 14.

    Patrick Osborne could be on the move again

    Patrick Osborne could be on the move again.

    PATRICK OSBORNE

    Another player being eyed up by Northampton is the Fijian winger Patrick Osborne,  according to The Rugby Paper.

    Former Super Rugby wideman Osborne, 30, is currently playing for Japanese side Kubota Spears.

    Chris Boyd knows Osborne well from his stints with the Crusaders, Chiefs and Highlanders.

    Osborne has six caps for Fiji, the last coming in the summer against Samoa. The Saints have already confirmed the signing of Fijian-born Wallabies winger Taqele Naiyaravoro from the Waratahs ahead of next season.

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