Payto & Panda: Super Rugby shambles could scupper Will Genia’s shock move to Melbourne Rebels

PAYTO & PANDA: Will Genia’s possible move to the Rebels could be over before it begins, Bill Pulver’s position at the top of the ARU is becoming even more unstable.

WILL Genia has been eyeing a sensational move to the Melbourne Rebels, but SANZAAR’s dithering on the future of Super Rugby could deliver the star No.9 back to Queensland.

Genia and his family like the idea of settling in Melbourne and his camp has held discussions with the franchise.

That’s why Rebels halfback Nick Stirzaker doesn’t have a new contract offer and back-up Ben Meehan is off to London Irish.

But with speculation rife that the Rebels are in the firing line in a possible revamped 15-team competition next year, the Reds could secure their former champion once again.

SANZAAR is sabotaging Will Genia’s return.

The Brumbies and Force would certainly be interested in Genia’s services but the key factor is whether Genia and his family would want to live in Canberra or Perth. Doubtful.

COUP: Genia returning to Australian rugby

The Rebels securing Genia would be their greatest signing to date, but how they can possibly offer him a firm contract offer now, without being certain they’ll be around next season, is impossible.

That uncertainty will work for Queensland, who have re-signed halfback Nick Frisby but are well aware of the on-field prowess and off-field marketing power Genia would bring.

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On the SANZAAR front, we can tell you that despite reports surfacing from South Africa that the Rebels, Cheetahs and Southern Kings will all be axed, no specific teams were mentioned by unions for cutting at the London meeting.

SPRINGING INTO ACTION

THE Wallabies spring tour schedule has almost been finalised. We can reveal that Australia will play Japan, Wales, England and Scotland, but are also trying to organise a match against the Barbarians.

There are some hurdles to clear with the Baabaas fixture, including whether it’s a midweek clash or tagged at the end of the tour.

But at least we now know who the Wallabies will face in the all important Test matches.

They start their tour against Japan on November 4 in Yokohama’s Nissan Stadium, venue of the 2019 World Cup final.

They’ll then face Wales at Millennium Stadium (November 11), England at Twickenham (November 18) and Scotland at Murrayfield (November 25).

PULVER’S UNCERTAIN FUTURE

THE question marks surrounding Bill Pulver’s future at the helm of the Australian Rugby Union continue to swirl and the ongoing Super Rugby mess isn’t doing him any favours as far as the Australian rugby community is concerned.

Pulver’s contract expires this year, after five years in the CEO hot seat, and he has informed the ARU board he wants to stay on for another three years.

Bill Pulver’s feeling the heat. Picture: Dylan Robinson

A decision on that could be coming sooner than you’d think. We understand Pulver’s contract expires in winter, meaning the search for any replacement would have to start soon.

On a related note, our sailing snouts tell us that following the move of former ARU deputy Matt Carroll to the position of AOC chief executive, Sailing Australia have targeted Pulver’s deputy Rob Clarke. Clarke would be among the contenders to replace Pulver.

DREW’S DUE BACK IN OZ

DON’T be surprised to see Drew Mitchell back in Super Rugby by July.

While the former Wallaby winger is still contracted to Toulon and playing out the season, he wants to return to Australia.

With the French season finishing in June, Mitchell could be on the park for an Australian outfit for the final two rounds of Super Rugby.

The Waratahs would be interested in Mitchell if they have injuries to outside backs, while the Brumbies are also short.