Friday Morning Round Up

Kotze signs for Bulls

The Blue Bulls have confirmed the signing of midfielder Johnny Kotze until the end of October 2018.

He is currently playing for Western Province and represented Stormers in the Super Rugby competition in the last couple of seasons.
 

The Bulls also confirmed contract extensions to locks RG Snyman and Jannes Kirsten signed on until 2018 and 2019 respectively. 

Carter Rokocoko and Imhoff test positive

On the evening of this year's Top 14 final, the French doping agency took urine samples, with  the samples of 3 Racing players: Dan Carter, Joe Rokocoko & Juan Imhoff revealing traces of corticosteroids.

"We have been aware of the issue for a few weeks. Our understanding and assurances we've had are all the documents around TUEs (Therapuetic Use Exemptions) were in place," said Simon Porter, Carter's manager.

The FFR has received the French doping agency's report on the Racing trio & has 40 days to determine if the use of TUEs "was justified".

Xavier Bigard, member of the AFLD (French doping agency) said: "For a sport as physical as rugby, we're talking more about maintaining the health of the athlete rather than looking to enhance performance. When an analysis result comes back unusual, the player should not necessarily be sanctioned."

Wood decides to retire

Former Gloucester loosehead prop Nick Wood has announced his retirement from rugby, saying he is pleased to end things on his own terms.

Wood did not have his contract renewed at the Cherry and Whites ahead of this season and played close to 300 games for the Kingsholm side.