Thursday Round-Up

PSA loses Lopez: French head coach Philippe Saint-Andre will have to plan for this weekend’s final round of Six Nations action, without the services of flyhalf Camille Lopez due to injury. The Clermont flyhalf has picked up a troublesome knee injury which is expected to keep him sidelined for an estimated four to six week period. Having suffered the injury during last weekend’s comfortable 29-0 victory over Italy in Rome, Lopez will now miss a string of vital domestic games in the French Top 14 as well as the climax to the 2015 edition of the Six Nations championship. With Lopez now out of the picture, it is widely expected that Stade Francais youngster Jules Plisson will get the nod in the ten jersey, having emerged from the bench in recent weeks. In place of Camille Lopez, Saint-Andre has brough in the services of Racing Metro halfback Maxime Machenaud, as his side look to end a disappointing tournament on some form of high as they travel to London to take on an England still in the running to be crowned champions.

Ricky to La Rochelle: Former Springbok scrumhalf Ricky Januarie has confirmed he will remain in France beyond his current contract with Lyon, but will be leaving the side who currently sit at the foot of the Top 14 table. Januarie, a World Cup winner with South African back in 2007 in France, will be linking up with La Rochelle on a two year contract which will most likely see him finish out his career in the Top 14. Currently third from bottom, La Rochelle still have a fight on their hands to guarantee their top flight status ahead of next season. Also coming to the club, is former club man Thomas Combezou. The 28 year old, who previously plied his trade at the club from 2008 to 2011, will be joining on a three year contract from Castres.

Ryan Sheady