Tuesday Afternoon Round Up

Damian McKenzie commits future to Chiefs

The 21-year-old re-signed with the team, extending his stay until the end of the 2018 campaign

"I'm really pleased with my decision to sign on with the Chiefs for another two years. I've enjoyed the shift up to Hamilton and my time with the Chiefs," McKenzie said.

"The team environment is one of a kind and the wider organisation has been very helpful with my transition and career so far."

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie was delighted to hold onto McKenzie, saying he was as good as any player in Super Rugby.

"We're absolutely fascinated that Damian's committed here long-term. He's an impressive young man - competitive and resilient with a skillset to rival anyone in the competition," he said.

The fullback has added two years to his existing two-season contract with the Chiefs until 2018.

Harlequins sign Scottish International Ruaridh Jackson

Harlequins has confirmed today that Scottish fly-half Ruaridh Jackson will join the London club ahead of the 2016/17 season.

Commenting on the announcement, the 28 year-old said: “I'm extremely excited to be starting a new challenge with Harlequins, a club with a great history, tradition and one that plays in a style that is similar to my rugby philosophy."

Confirming the news, Harlequins’ incoming Director of Rugby John Kingston said: “I’m really excited that Ruaridh will be joining us next season - his style fits the way we play perfectly and he will provide excellent competition in a key position for us.

“Throughout his career he has shown that he can perform at the highest level and we are looking forward to adding his expertise next season.”

The fly-half joins Harlequins after two seasons with Wasps, a side he made 17 appearances for, scoring 72 points.

Pat Lambie set to return for Sharks




Patrick Lambie will make his comeback against the Hurricanes in Saturday’s Super Rugby match at Kings Park.

Lambie, the appointed captain for the season, injured shoulder ligaments in the pre-season tour to France and has not played since, but he says he is “fit and hungry to play just as soon as selected.”

“It was extremely disappointing to yet again suffer injury early in the season but the rehab has been done and I am 100% ready to play.

“I have been taking contact for the last two weeks in training against the Currie Cup team and before that was doing everything but take contact. So I am in the starting blocks,” said Lambie.

Nic Groom leaving Stormers for Northampton Saints




Stormers stalwart Nic Groom will be leaving at the end of the season to join English Premiership side, the Northampton Saints.

The 26-year-old double Currie Cup winner, who has also played in 59 Currie Cup matches for Western Province, has spent his entire professional career at Newlands having come through the Western Province Rugby Institute.

“Leaving Cape Town and the Stormers is going to be tough and a big change, but I'm looking forward to embracing new experiences both on and off the field. I have many happy memories playing in Cape Town; it's where it all started for me.

“I'm extremely excited to be joining up with Northampton next season,” Groom said.

Stormers Director of Rugby Gert Smal said that the scrumhalf still has a big role to play for the Stormers before he leaves:

"In consultation with Stormers coach, Robbie Fleck, and Western Province coach, John Dobson, we decided to give Nic the opportunity to play for Northampton, but he still has a big role to play in the rest of our Super Rugby campaign.

"We would like to wish Nic all the best for his future, he has been a stalwart at Newlands and we appreciate the contribution he has made here both on and off the field.

"We will keep a close eye on the scrumhalves we have in the system, and if necessary we will look at recruiting another scrumhalf," he concluded.