Rugby Banter Page weekly round up

Monday 11th May:

Edinburgh Sign Waratahs Powerhouse Winger Naiyaravoro

Waratahs powerhouse winger Taqele Naiyaravoro has agreed to leave the reigning Super Rugby Champions and join Edinburgh Rugby at the end of the season.

Naiyaravoro is fast becoming one of the star wingers in Super Rugby and his rampaging, powerhouse runs have been compared to those of All Blacks legend Jonah Lomu.

Naiyaravoro declined to comment on reports he had signed with Edinburgh, but Waratahs CEO Greg Harris said the Fijian-born powerhouse had a contractual obligation to the Scottish team.

"He's got a contractual obligation to Edinburgh," Harris told Australian Associated Press.

"Obviously the Waratahs would be very keen to retain his services, but it's dependent upon a number of factors which we have no control over.

"If those circumstances change, then we'll work from there."

Italian Federation Looks To Keep Clubs In Pro 12:

The President of the Italian Rugby Federation, Alfredo Gavazzi, claims that Zebre and Treviso will not be expelled from the Pro 12, as suggested, due to owing the other Pro 12 unions 1.5M.

Gavazzi has suggested a mediation plan between the Italian, Welsh, Scottish and Irish Unions and is confident that a resolution can be reached.

"I 100% exclude any kind of expulsion as we're equal partners and there are contracts in place," he told the Il Mattino di Padova newspaper.

"I met the other unions' CEOs on 28 April, and I presented them my mediation proposal," Gavazzi added.

"I think it's a good one. We will have an answer over the next few days."

There had been suggestions that London Scottish and London Welsh may replace the Italians teams in the Pro 12 if a solution failed to be reached.

Tuesday 12th May:

Blues Confident Of Luring Crusaders Coach Matson:

According to reports in New Zealand, Tabai Matson- The Crusaders’ assistant coach- will join The Auckland Blues from 2016.

During The Crusaders bye week last week, Matson was spotted talking to both Blues board members and players, which sparked increased conjecture that he will swap the Crusaders for the Blues.

Wallabies Announce Test Match Against USA In Chicago:

Australia will play the United States in Chicago on September 5 in preparation for the Rugby World Cup in England.

The Wallabies' match at Soldier Field, home of the NFL's Chicago Bears, will be the highlight of a two-week Stateside tour.

The match will be Australia's first Test in the USA in almost 40 years and just the fourth time the Wallabies have played on American soil.

Wednesday 13th May:

Julian Salvi To Sign For Exeter Chiefs:

Exeter Chiefs have announced the signing of the Leicester flanker Julian Salvi.  The 29-year-old Australian- who has spent four seasons with The Tigers- had been linked with the Top 14 side Stade Français but has instead opted to remain in the Premiership and join the Chiefs.

Salvi will be the third ex Leicester player in Exeter’s squad next season, alongside Geoff Parling and Thomas Waldrom.

Jonathan Joseph Claims Double Award At RPA Awards:

Bath's Jonathan Joseph claimed a double at the Rugby Players' Association (RPA) awards on Wednesday when he was named Players' Player of the Year and England Player of the Year.

The 23-year-old outside centre has been in imperious form this season and has been in integral part in Bath’s climb to second place in the English Premiership and scored four tries for England during the Six Nations as Stuart Lancaster's side finished runners-up to Ireland.

"I'm extremely honoured to win both of these prestigious awards, especially given the immense quality amongst the other nominees," Joseph said in a press released issued by the RPA.

Thursday 14th May:

Cardiff Blues Fly Half To Join Doncaster:

Cardiff Blues have confirmed that their English born fly-half Simon Humberstone will leave the club at the end of the current PRO12 season to join Doncaster Knights.

Humberstone has made 14 appearances, scoring 69 points, after making his debut in 2013 against Worcester Warriors in the LV= Cup.

"I'd like to say a massive thanks to everyone at Cardiff Blues for a fantastic spell and helping develop me as a player to this point in my career," explained Humberstone.

Waisake Naholo Looking To Renege On Clermont Deal:

Highlanders winger Waisake Naholo is attempting to renege on the two year deal he signed with French giants Clermont, amid rumours that his sterling form this season has prompted to All Blacks to consider selecting him.

Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph has confirmed that Naholo is looking to renegotiate the deal with Clermont that was announced in February.

"It's clear that we really want to keep him. His decision was made prematurely, before the start of the year," Joseph said.

"Waisake's really keen to stay now so I'm hoping we're going to be successful over the next few weeks

Friday 15th May:

Welsh Rugby Union To Spend £5m Refurbishing Millennium Stadium Seats:

The Millennium Stadium is to be fitted out with new seats at a cost of up to £5m, Welsh Rugby Union chairman Gareth Davies confirmed.

“We will be replacing the seats at a cost of £4m to £5m over the next two to three years,” said Mr Davies.

The central Cardiff arena has in the last couple of years undergone extensive refurbishment and modernizations to its hospitality boxes and also seen a new £3.1m Desso hybrid pitch installed.