A day after Jarryd Hayne revealed he was "open to big-money offers from rival codes, including French rugby," National Rugby League Head of Football Brian Canavan said that "we’ll do everything in our powers to keep Jarryd in the game." Hayne, who has an option in his favor to remain with the Titans in '18, said that there had been interest from French rugby, "and for me it’s the timing of it, and whether I want to chance my arm at it" (Sydney DAILY TELEGRAPH, 2/7).
The publication of "a highly anticipated report" into British Cycling, which examined allegations of sexism and bullying, is "likely to be delayed until next month" to give individuals a chance to respond. The report, described by two sources as being “thorough” and “admirable,” was to be published next week after being discussed by UK Sport’s board last Wednesday. The timetable will be delayed "by at least a fortnight" while lawyers make sure "there is no possibility of a legal challenge." It also means the report is "likely to be redacted in places to ensure there is no threat of libel action from those criticised by others in the report" (London GUARDIAN, 2/7)
Basketball ACT CEO Michael Haynes wants to "revive Canberra's link" to the National Basketball League. Haynes is "keen to grow the sport in the capital on the back of record participation numbers." Basketball ACT is also close to finishing construction of its million-dollar three-on-three courts at its Belconnen HQ. Basketball's "boom has prompted talks to re-launch an NBL presence in the capital but forming links with existing teams instead of reviving the Canberra Cannons, who went bust 13 years ago." Any plans to "lure" NBL clubs to Canberra would also "hinge on the future of the AIS Arena," with the Australian Sports Commission considering a "radical transformation" of Canberra's premier indoor venue (THE AGE, 2/7).
The pilot year for the School of Tennis project "has proved to be such a success in growing the game" that Tennis Scotland and the Tennis Foundation have announced that "six additional schools will be joining the programme for 2017" (SCOTSMAN, 2/7).
Exec search firm Odgers Berndtson has entered the world of esports. Its new esports division will find an exec or board member for esports-related business such as leagues, teams, sponsors and games publishers. The new team will work out of the London office, but will also work in the U.S. and Asian markets (ESPORTS PRO, 2/6).
