Tuesday Afternoon Round Up

Hawkins joins Bristol on loan

Rob Hawkins has joined Bristol Rugby on a short-term deal as injury cover for Marc Jones, confirms the official Bristol website.

Jones sustained a knee injury in the pre-season loss to Wasps and is facing three months off the field.

Hawkins has represented Bath, Leicester and Newcastle Falcons in the Premiership and linked up with the first team squad for training on Monday.

Scarlets lose Evans to injury

Wales prop Rob Evans has been ruled till December as the Scarlets loose-head recovers from wrist surgery.

After thoughts that the 24-year-old would recover in time to take the field for Wales in the Tests against Australia, Argentina, Japan and South Africa, Scarlets head coach Wayne Pivac has confirmed Evans will not be available to play until December, with Scarlets signing Luke Garrett from the Newport Gwent Dragons as loan cover.

He suffered the injury during the Six Nations and had an operation to repair a tendon.

Mogg ruled out for 6 weeks

Montpellier full-back Jesse Mogg is set for a 6-week absence after picking up an injury last weekend against Bordeaux-Bègles.

The former Brumbies star suffered a tear in his hamstring and is now expected to be out for between four to six weeks.

Aled Brew leaves Newport Gwent Dragons

Newport Gwent Dragons confirm that Aled Brew is leaving the Region with immediate effect.

Following his return from Biarritz Olympique, the former Wales International wing has struggled with injuries during his latest spell with the Dragons.

Dragons Head Coach, Kingsley Jones commented: “This is a decision that suits both parties and will hopefully allow Aled to gain a fresh start and more game time at another club."

With limited opportunities due to his injuries, Brew leaves by mutual consent.

Sir Gordon Tietjens steps down as Sevens coach

Legendary sevens coach Sir Gordon Tietjens has decided not to seek a new contract after 22 years at the helm of the All Black Sevens team.

Sir Gordon said he had taken some time to think about his options following the recent Olympic campaign and felt the time was right for a fresh challenge.

“I love the sevens game and I’m immensely proud of what I’ve achieved and what all our players have been able to achieve in my time with the team,” he said.

“We were all incredibly disappointed with our results in Rio, but we have to acknowledge just how far sevens rugby has come. It’s become intensely competitive and the Olympics proved just how tough it is to win at this level these days. I’m sure lessons will be learnt and I wish my successor all the best for the Sevens Series ahead and for the Tokyo Olympic Games.

“I’ve loved my time in sevens and I aim to still be involved in some capacity. I’m now working through what those next steps are."

Sir Gordon has led New Zealand to four Commonwealth Games gold medals, 12 World Rugby Sevens Series titles and two Rugby World Cup Sevens titles, becoming the most successful coach of all time in the abbreviated form of the game.

Chris Alcock signs with Brumbies for 2017

The Brumbies have boosted their 2017 playing roster with the signing of flanker Chris Alcock on a one-year deal.

The 28-year old made his Super Rugby debut in 2010 for the Waratahs before moving to Western Force in 2013, playing 31 matches for the Perth-based franchise, with his final match being against the Brumbies at GIO Stadium in the final round of the 2016 Super Rugby regular season.