Friday Round-Up

Reds turn to Slipper: Australian Super Rugby franchise the Queensland Reds have today confirmed that loose head prop forward James Slipper will be the club captain for the forthcoming domestic season. Slipper, who has established himself as one of the Wallabies most important players on the international scene in recent years, will be aided by two new vice captains in the shape of second rower and fellow Wallaby Rob Simmons, along with new club signing and rugby league convert, Karmichael Hunt. After lengthy discussions, Slipper takes over from former captain James Horwill, who agreed the time was right to step aside for a new branch of Reds leadership to emerge at the club. With the record as the club’s most capped captain of all time, with 69 appearances, Horwill will no doubt provide a wealth of experience for Slipper and his vice-captains to lean on. Having been named as the club’s player’s player of the year last year, Slipper commands both the respect and admiration of his teammates at Suncorp Stadium.

Bye Bye Peter: The Auckland Blues of New Zealand have today confirmed that loose forward Peter Saili has left the club and is due to take up a contract in France in the coming weeks. Saili, who has played over 70 games for the club since making his debut back in 2009, will head to France for a new adventure amidst a slight air of controversy. Having been heavily investigated last year on the grounds of an assault case, Saili’s record at the club was somewhat tainted and the Blues have opted to severe his contract with immediate effect. A quality Super Rugby player over the course of recent seasons, Saili would represent a shrewd signing for the likes of Top 14 outfits Grenoble or Bordeaux Begles.

Ryan Sheady