Monday Afternoon Round Up
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Worcester Warriors have announced that British & Irish Lion Donncha O’Callaghan has signed a new deal with the Club.
O’Callaghan, 38, captained the side for the first time in January against Enisei-STM in the European Challenge Cup, and was soon handed the armband by new Director of Rugby Gary Gold in the Premiership, leading Warriors to a memorable win over Saracens in February.
Since taking over the captaincy, O’Callaghan’s Warriors have been on a remarkable run which has seen them rack up 17 points in seven games, including wins over Bristol Rugby and Bath Rugby.
“Donncha is a phenomenon," said Director of Rugby Gary Gold.
"He must be one of the most professional rugby players in the world and the manner in which he prepares for matches, mentally and physically, is an outstanding example for any young player.
“We are delighted he has agreed to remain with the Club next season.”
Karl Dickson to retire at the end of the season
Harlequins scrum-half Karl Dickson has announced that he will retire from at the end of the current season.
On announcing the news, the 34-year-old said: “It is with a heavy heart that I have decided to hang up my boots at the end of the season. The time is right for me and I feel very lucky to be able to make this decision on my own terms.
“I am able to look back at my playing career with great pride and I will cherish the memories that Harlequins has given me, both on and off the field.
Read the full article here
Connacht sign Gavin Thornbury
Connacht Rugby announced the signing of Irish second row Gavin Thornbury on a two-year deal.
23-year-old Thornbury recently spent six months in New Zealand where he initially joined club side Border.
Read the full article here
Andre Esterhuizen suspended for 6 weeks
Andre Esterhuizen was found guilty of lifting a Player from the ground and either dropping or driving that Player's head and/or upper body into the ground and has been suspended for 6 weeks.
Read the full report here
Schickerling and Van Dyk to join Stormers in NZ as injury cover
Lock JD Schickerling and loose forward Kobus van Dyk will join the Stormers in New Zealand as injury cover.
Both Dan du Plessis and Cobus Wiese are on their way home due to shoulder injuries sustained against the Crusaders in Christchurch and will be surgically assessed in Cape Town.
Read the full injury report here
Finlay Christie suspended for three weeks
Chiefs half-back Finlay Christie has been suspended for three weeks after stamping on an opponent during a Super Rugby match at the weekend.
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Read the full article here
Super Rugby Top Performers Round 9
Sam Cane
The Chiefs finished their tour off with a hard-fought victory over the Western Force on Saturday. The Chiefs uncharacteristically only scored one try in a match that Force defence can be proud of.
Co-captain Sam Cane had another solid evening in a Chiefs jersey as he made 13 tackles and won 2 turnovers for his side. He also was a solid ball carrier for the Chiefs making just shy of 5 metres per carry.
Read the Full article here
Social Media Round Up:
After another thrilling round of #SuperRugby we picked our top performers from the weekend's round 10 action π https://t.co/t0PYVEc3cn pic.twitter.com/qtOimlejoW
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) April 24, 2017
Donncha O'Callaghan has signed a new deal with Worcester βοΈ
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) April 24, 2017
94 caps for βοΈ
6N Grand Slam 2009
4 caps for B&I π¦
π https://t.co/GqEUePJUu6 pic.twitter.com/Kti7PRXhfR
7οΈβ£1οΈβ£ - the total number of kicks from hand in Dublin between Munster (34) & Saracens (37) in an intense battle for territory πͺπ» pic.twitter.com/9MrNjR7ElT
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) April 24, 2017
Camille Lopez became the 2nd player in history to drop two goals in a European semi since Ronan O'Gara's double against Toulouse in 2003 π― pic.twitter.com/jxOSVUGCp5
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) April 24, 2017