Saturday Round-Up

Loan for Macken: English premiership outfit Gloucester have confirmed the short term signing of Leinster centre Brendan Macken until the close of the season. Joining the club on loan from the Irish province, Macken will provide temporary injury cover for a plethora of frontline players. With the likes of Shane Monahan, Henry Trinder and Rob Cook all in the medics office, Macken will provide much needed cover for a depleted back line contingent under the David Humphreys coached outfit. 23 year old Macken is a product of Leinster’s Academy system and a former student at the illustrious rugby school that is Blackrock College in the Irish capital. Having represented Ireland at both U20 and Emerging levels, Macken has failed to break into the Leinster team on a consistent basis and remains down the pecking order under Matt O’Connor, behind the likes of Ben Te’o, Fergus McFadden and Noel Reid. A talented young player, former Irish international David Humphreys is hopeful Macken can do a job for the West Country side, having been impressed by him during his Pro12 coaching days at Ulster.

Chiefs cruise to win: One of the biggest matches of the Super Rugby season to date took place today, with the Chiefs demolishing fellow New Zealand outfit the Crusaders in a 40-16 victory at home. Played out in front of a large home support in Hamilton, the Chiefs ran in five tries with moments of class dotted throughout the 80 minutes. Physically outmatching their opponents and bringing an added intensity to the game, the Chiefs were good value for their win from the first to last minute, opening the try scoring account through the impressive Sonny Bill Williams. From then on, despite the best efforts of Colin Slade from the tee for the visiting Crusaders, the home side put their foot on the gas and ran in tries courtesy of the likes of Augustine Pulu at scrumhalf, Charlie Ngatai and winger James lowe. A comfortable victory for the men from Hamilton and a clear sign of their Championship aspirations.

Ryan Sheady