Rugby Banter Page weekly round up
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Monday 8th June:
Brive Announce Signing of Scarlets Forward Snyman:
Top
14 club Brive have added to their ranks ahead of next season by signing South
African second row forward Johan Snyman from The Scarlets.
The South African, who won the Under-19 World Cup in 2005, is an experienced
campaigner and has also played in 16 European competition matches since 2012.
The 29-year-old came up through the system at the Sharks, decamping to the
Lions and finally Welsh side Llanelli Scarlets.
Wyatt Crockett Signs New All Blacks Deal Until 2019
Wyatt Crockett has become to the latest New Zealander to commit his future to the All Blacks by signing a new contract which will see the Crusaders prop remain in New Zealand until at least 2018.
With 36 tests since his debut in 2009, Crockett has ascended to a role of prominence within the All Blacks squad.
The 32-year-old said he didn't hesitate to stay in New Zealand, signing on until the end of the 2018 season.
"Canterbury, the Crusaders and the All Blacks have been my teams since day one. I can't imagine ever pulling on the jersey for any other teams, so I always knew that I would be playing out my rugby career here," Crockett .
"I have been living my dream playing footy here and I feel so privileged to be able to continue living that dream for the next few years at least.
Tuesday 9th June:
Connacht Appoint New Forwards Coach:
Connacht have announced the appointment of a new forwards coach, promoting Jimmy Duffy from their underage structure .
Duffy, who has been working as Elite Player Development Officer in the fertile Connacht Rugby Academy since 2011, will join the province's coaching team from the start of pre-season, 29th June.
Duffy is well versed in the traditions of Connacht Rugby and has been the head coach of Connacht Rugby's U-20s for the past four seasons. He has also been assistant coach to Nigel Carolan with the Connacht Eagles and, previously for seven seasons, with Ireland U-18s.
"It is a new challenge for me and one I am hugely looking forward to," said Duffy.
"There is real ambition and belief in Connacht Rugby and the current squad. I want to make my contribution and support Pat and the rest of the management team in taking the next step forward."
Manu Tuilagi Linked With Move To Toulouse:
Leicester and England centre Manu Tuilagi is a target for French Top 14 giants Toulouse, according to reports in France.
Tuilagi, who will miss the upcoming World Cup due to a conviction for assaulting a female police officer, will risk ending his England career if he moves permanently to France as the England head coach, Stuart Lancaster, has been steadfast in his refusal to pick exiled English player.
Despite being contracted to Leicester until 2017, the French broadcaster RMC has reported that “contact has been established between the English international and the chairman of the Stade Toulousain, Rene Bouscatel.”
Wednesday 10th June:
Racing Metro Confirm Name Change:
Top 14 heavyweights Racing Metro have confirmed they have changed their name and will henceforth be known as Racing 92.
Club president Jacky Lorenzetti revealed the side would lose the 'Metro' from their name as part of changes to their longstanding relationship with the US Metro sports club.
"We had to undo the legal relationship with the US Metro and we wanted to keep the number 92, to confirm our presence in the Hauts-de-Seines," Lorenzetti said.
Clermont Winger Nakaitaci Will Miss Top 14 Final:
Clermont winger Noa Nakaitaci will miss Saturday's Top 14 final against Stade Francais because of a knee injury, according to reports in France.
La Montagne newspaper reports the Fiji-born winger sustained a partial knee ligament rupture in his side’s 18-14 win over Toulouse in the semi-final last Saturday.
Thursday 11th June:
Chiefs Sign Crusaders Prop Laulala:
The have signed 23 year-old Crusaders tight-head prop Nepo Laulala for the next two years of Super Rugby.
The Samoan born props form for the Crusaders has prompted the Chiefs to make the move and the Hamilton based sides coach, Dave Rennie, is delighted to have sealed Laulala’s signing.
"Nepo is a powerful and explosive tight-head who has made a big impression over the past couple of seasons. He's a good man with high aspirations who we believe will make a positive contribution in our environment, said Rennie.
Danny Wilson Announces Departure From Bristol:
Danny Wilson has departed Bristol Rugby by mutual consent, the Club confirmed on their official website today.
The Forwards Coach agreed a three-year deal in the summer of 2014, but has been released from his contract following amicable talks with Bristol’s Director of Rugby, Andy Robinson.
“We thank Danny for his efforts and commitment to Bristol Rugby over the past season,” Director of Rugby Andy Robinson told Bristol’s official website
“Danny has worked hard with our pack of forwards and the improvements we have made in that area is clear. We wish him the best of luck in his future career.”
Friday 12th June:
Grenoble Confirm Five New Signings:
Top 14 side Grenoble have continued their recruitment apace by announcing five new signings for the 2015/2016 season.
Castres prop Paea Fa'anunu, Worcester second row James Percival, former Highlanders back Steven Setephano, Lyon centre Fabrice Estebanez and Colomiers winger Armand Battle have all been signed have all been signed and added to the earlier captures of Gilles Bosch, Walter Desmaison and Lucas Dupont
Salesi Ma’afu Joins Toulon:
Toulon's summer rebuild has continued with the capture of former Australia prop Salesi Ma'afu on a two-year deal.
Ma'afu becomes the second Northampton player to sign for the reigning European Champions for next season, following Samu Manoa’s move to the south of France.
The tighthead prop joined Saints two years ago and helped the club to the Premiership title in his first season.
Ma'afu, who won 14 caps for the Wallabies- including being a part of their 2011 Rugby World Cup squad- said he was delighted to seal a move to a club of Toulon’s stature, and also claimed the heavy Australian presence at the Mediterranean club helped sway his decision.
Speaking to the European champions' official website, Ma'afu said: "Toulon is a great club that has won many titles and this is a huge challenge for me.
"The fact that there are several Australians already here, such as Matt Giteau, Drew Mitchell and Quade Cooper - helped me make my decision. It was part of it but not essential
