Tuesday Afternoon
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Orioli cuts ties with Toulon
After a 15-year stint with Toulon, hooker Jean-Charles Orioli has announced that he will end his association with the club at the end of the season.
“It is with a heavy heart that I will be leaving Toulon at the end of the season… thank you for everything! 15 great years in red and black,” said the 27-year-old on his Twitter.
Orioli came through the club’s academy, and has been part of their Champions Cup and Top 14 victories.
Robinson returns to Cardiff Blues
Cardiff Blues have signed former Welsh international Nicky Robinson as injury cover with Jarrod Evans facing up to 10 weeks on the sidelines with a broken jaw.
The 34-year-old will come out of retirement after hanging up his boots at the end of last season, bringing his 15-year professional career to an end.
“It’s good to bring a player of Nicky’s experience back to BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park," said Blues boss Danny Wilson.
"His quality is undeniable, he has a wealth of experience from his time with the Blues, the English Premiership and the international game and plenty of leadership qualities," he concluded.
Robinson is already in training with the region and is available for selection this weekend.
Geldenhuys withdraws from international Rugby
Italy lock Quintin Geldenhuys has announced his retirement from international rugby after a 67-cap career.
The South Africa-born, who is on the books at Italian side Zebre, played his 67th and final game for Italy in this weekend's defeat to Tonga.
"I came to Italy in 2005 and I will always be grateful to the country and all of Italian rugby for what they have given me," said Geldenhuys.
"Wearing the blue jersey and taking part in two World Cups was not something I imagined I'd be doing when I arrived to play for Viadana, and captaining the country that adopted me was a huge privilege," he added.
Geldenhuys said he will now focus on helping Zebre, who play in the Pro12 league along with fellow Italians Treviso, and spend more time with his family.
Connacht squad update