Thursday Evening Round Up

London Irish sign Franco van der Merwe

London Irish have completed the signing of South African second row Franco van der Merwe aahead of the 2017/18 Premiership Rugby season. Full story

Will Collier re-signs with Harlequins

One of England’s most promising scrummaging talents, Collier has made 108 appearances for Harlequins since his 2011 debut against Wasps in the special LV= Cup match in Abu Dhabi. Full story

Bath Rugby's Will Homer joins Yorkshire Carnegie on dual-registration

Homer, who has made 16 first team appearances for Bath, will go straight into the Yorkshire Carnegie squad for their opening game of the Championship season against London Scottish on Saturday. Full story

Highlights: Bay of Plenty vs Wellington

A great game of rugby as Wellington secure a 21 point victory over Bay of Plenty. The Wellington forward pack performed throughout the match, as Wellington lead 12-0 at half time despite Bay of Plenty's best efforts.

Niko Matawalu has re-joined Glasgow Warriors

Glasgow Warriors have confirmed that 32 cap Fiji scrum-half Niko Matawalu has rejoined the club having left Exeter Chiefs. Full story

Pumas Drop Lavanini

Argentina lock Tomas Lavanini's has been dropped from the Pumas squad for their Australasian tour after he received a red card against South Africa last week. Read more

Leinster Rugby caught up with backs coach Girvan Dempsey