Monday Afternoon Round Up

Injury blow for Toulon

Toulon wing Vincent Clerc has been ruled out until the end of the year due to injury.

35-year-old Clerc, who joined the club from Top 14 rivals Toulouse during the off-season, suffered an injury in the pre-season and has had an operation on his right Achilles tendon.

Wallabies and Springboks trade places in the World Rankings

South Africa has gone down one place in the World Rugby Rankings after defeat to Australia in the third round of the Rugby Championship.

The Wallabies' 23-17 victory sees them gain a rating point as a result and move on to 85.02 points in the rankings, while South Africa drop to fourth place on 84.30.

World Rugby Rankings
Previous position in brackets

1(1) New Zealand 96.30
2(2) England 89.49
3(4) Australia 85.02
4(3) South Africa 84.30
5(5) Wales 82.49
6(6) Ireland 81.67
7(7) Argentina 81.44
8(8) France 80.75
9(9) Scotland 80.44
10(10) Fiji 75.49

Adeolokun extends his stay at Connacht

Connacht Rugby have announced the contract extension of Niyi Adeolokun. The 25-year-old wing, who is currently in his third season with the province, has signed a new contract that will see him play at the Sportsground until at least the summer of 2019.

The Nigerian-born Adeolokun has featured in 19 games last season and scoring one of three Connacht tries in the PRO12 final win over Leinster.

Jason Woodward agrees Bristol Rugby switch

Bristol Rugby have secured the signing of Jason Woodward from the Super Rugby champions, the Hurricanes.

Jason has made 43 appearances in Super Rugby for Melbourne Rebels and the Hurricanes, grabbing 252 points.

He represented New Zealand U20s, helping the team to the 2010 IRB Junior World Championship title in Argentina.

Tiatia named Sunwolves coach

Sunwolves have confirmed that Filo Tiatia has been appointed as the team’s head coach for two Super Rugby seasons.

Tiatia was former head coach Mark Hammett’s assistant coach in charge of the forwards in their debut season.

The twice capped former All Black has played and coached Toyota-Verblitz between 2002-2006 during which time he played 57 matches for the side.

He was also an assistant coach with the Ospreys (who he also played for) and the Japan national side and has built a good reputation for his coaching skills and development of players in wide age grade.

Permanent Falcons deal for Dominic Waldouck

Newcastle Falcons have agreed a permanent deal for Dominic Waldouck following a successful trial.

Waldouck, who is a former England Saxons centre, already has more than a century of Premiership appearances under his belt after previous spells with Wasps, Northampton Saints and London Irish.

He spent most of the summer playing for American side Ohio Aviators in the USA's inaugural Pro Rugby competition, joining Newcastle in August on an initial month's trial.

Homer and Clark promoted to senior squad

Bath’s Max Clark and Will Homer have been promoted from the Academy to the senior squad for the 2016/17 season, the Club have announced.

“They’re two very impressive young men who’ve come up through the Bath Rugby Academy pathway,” said Director of Rugby Todd Blackadder.

“It’s testament to the system we’ve got in place here that they’re able to slot in seamlessly in our first team alongside some very experienced international players. It’s the sort of progress we want to build on here at Bath.”

The duo entered the Senior Academy set-up in the 2014/15 season, joining from two rival Dorset schools (Homer from Sherborne, and Clark from Bryanston).

Tendai Mtawarira issued a Citing Commissioner Warning

Springbok Tendai Mtawarira has been issued with a Citing Commissioner Warning for dangerously tackling around an opponents neck.

Mtawarira grasped Wallaby No.8, David Pocock by the neck in attempting to clear him out during the 21st minute of The Rugby Championship match between Australia and South Africa played at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane on Saturday 10 September, 2016. 

Joe Moody cited

Joe Moody of New Zealand has been issued with a Citing Commissioner Warning for a dangerous tackle.

Moody made contact with Argentine No.4 during the 39th minute of The Rugby Championship match between New Zealand and Argentina played at FMG Stadium, Hamilton on Saturday 10 September, 2016.