Badger to extend BaaBaas stay?
Nick Cummins wants to spend some more time with the Barbarians, after starring in their thrilling 36-40 loss to his former Australia teammates, Australia, at Twickenham at the weekend.
The Wallaby wing, who is affectionately known as the Honey Badger and scored a try at Twickenham, would like to extend his stay in England by playing for the invitational side in their match against the Combined Services in Bath on November 11.
That match falls on what is Remembrance Day in both Britain and Australia – the annual commemoration to remember service personnel killed in action, which this year has added significance given that 2014 represents the centenary of the start of the First World War.
However, Cummins will require the permission of his Japanese club, West Red Sparks, if he is to take part in the match against a team made up of players from Britain's Army, Navy and Air Force.
"I'd love to play against the Combined Services," said Cummins, who was due to end his Barbarians involvement against English giants Leicester on Tuesday.
"It's a special game because I've heard stories from my grandparents about the war and all that, and what they went through," added the 27-year-old after Saturday's thrilling contest at Twickenham.
"So it would be great to be a part of that game. I've enjoyed every minute of being with the Barbarians guys. So I will need to speak to Coca-Cola about the Combined Services one," explained Cummins, who has put his 15-cap Australia career on hold to take up a club contract in Japan because of family health reasons.
"So far it's been one of the best weeks I've had in rugby because it's all so laid back and real fun.
"Their [the Barbarians] attitude is right up my street. They want to train hard but also enjoy themselves and it shows in the rugby.
"I enjoyed my try. I was busting for a bit of meat against the Wallabies and, yeah, outstanding!"
But Cummins said he faced an uncertain in terms of whether he returns to Australia to try to regain his place in the Wallabies set-up.
Cummins acknowledged that changing his mind and deciding to opt out of his Japan club contract to fulfil a dream of playing at next year's World Cup in England was only part of the issue.
"I would have to make the [Australia] squad first," he said. "I can't just roll in their and expect to play.
"They have enough blokes in there doing well so right now nothing has changed."
Source: AFP
