Manager bewildered as All Blacks drop Lomu
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Jonah Lomu's manager, Phil Kingsley Jones, said he is bewildered at the decision to drop the wing for Saturday's Test against Samoa. The New Zealand player will instead line up for Wainuiomata against Tawa in the Second Division of Wellington's premier club competition. The All Black coaches Wayne Smith and Tony Gilbert have picked Jeff Wilson in Lomu's place.
"I'm gobsmacked," Kingsley Jones said. "He doesn't need a rest, he wants to play. He's jumping out of his skin to play. Doesn't this game count, or is he not playing well enough? I don't know the answers to those questions. In the UK they laugh at us that we don't want him in the team and we don't use him properly."
In Scotland, Finlay Calder could be set to resume his coaching role at Gala for the next two seasons. The former Scotland international resigned after the Scottish Rugby Union proposed a third professional team in the Borders region. But, following a members' meeting to discuss the SRU proposal, the club insist that they cannot support the suggested amendments to the game.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments