Friday Round-Up

Metro’s Lydiate disappointment: Racing Metro boss Laurent Travers has been quick this week to express his disappointment at the exit of Welsh international back row forward, Dan Lydiate. After a largely unsuccessful time in the French capital, Lydiate has often been played out of position on the open side of the scrum, where he lacks the ability over the ball of a gut instinct openside, Having been a largely unused substitute amongst the realm of the galacticos , there had been serious murmurings surrounding the future of a trio of stars in the shape of Jamie Roberts, scrum half Mike Phillips and back-rower Dan Lydiate. In an attempt to keep his Rugby World Cup chances alive with Wales next September, Lydiate has opted to return home with Swansea based outfit the Ospreys in the driving seat for his signature. Head coach Laurent Travers later went on to reiterate that the decision of Lydiate to leave, is a shocking indictment of the educational and sporting model. According to reports in the media, Lydiate is set to be offered one of the new dual contract agreements with the Welsh Rugby Unio, having made an agreement with the respective regions almost 3 months back.

Romain out: Toulon head coach Bernard Laporte will be scratching his hair out this morning, as news filters through of a suspension for the giant second row, Romain Taofifenua. Having attended a disciplinary hearing already this week, the giant Toulon man remained seating as the questions came pouring in. Taofifenua was originally cited by match Citing Commissioner, Peter Larter, after the rampaging centre was accused of kicking Ulster centre Stuart Olding in the head . Despite being clarified as a red card within the clash, experts outside of the game of rugby suggest that a more stringent ban may have been more cost effective. The lock forward will become available once more On the 17th of November.

Ryan Sheady