Tuesday Evening Round Up
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Rhys Patchell extends Scarlets stay
Scarlets Rugby have confirmed that outside half Rhys Patchell has put pen to paper on a new contract keeping him in West Wales for the next few years.
Patchell has made 34 regional appearances since joining ahead of the 2016-17 season. He started all of his 21 competitive games in his debut season at the region and to date has amassed 274 points.
Launchbury signs new contract at Wasps
Wasps captain and England lock Joe Launchbury has signed a new contract with the club.
The 26-year-old succeeded Matt Mullan and James Haskell as Wasps’ skipper last season and ended his first campaign at the helm by leading the team out at Twickenham, then going within a few seconds of lifting the Premiership trophy.
Head Coach Alex Codling commits to Ealing Trailfinders
Ealing Trailfinders can today confirm Head Coach Alex Codling has signed a contract extension, keeping him at the club until at least 2020.
The former England international joined the club at the end of the 2015/16 season, and has helped transform the Trailfinders in to a top end Championship side.
Maro Itoje In Doubt For England Six Nations Opener
Saracens and England forward Maro Itoje is in doubt for England's Six Nations opener against Italy after suffering a fractured jaw against Harlequins.
Itoje was taken to hospital after the game for scans following his early departure from the Premiership fixture with blood pouring from his mouth.
It is understood that he has undergone an operation to correct the issue and he is set to see a second specialist on Thursday to determine the length of recovery.
Jordi Murphy to leave Leinster for Ulster next season
Ireland international Jordi Murphy will leave Leinster at the end of the season after a seven-year spell with the province, The Irish Times reports.
The 26-year-old backrow will join Ulster, linking up again with former Leinster's forwards’ coach Jono Gibbes, who was the province's forwards coach for six seasons.
Gloucester will install a hybrid pitch at Kingsholm at the end of the 2017-18 season instead of an artificial surface after consulting players and staff.
Varsity Cup introduce 'PowerPlay' rule for the 2018 edition of the tournament to encourage more exciting, attacking rugby
Power Play! A new rule to be introduced to the @varsitycup in 2018 will allow team captains to remove any two nominated backline players from the opposition for a period of three minutes. What do you make of this decision? 🤔 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/TBXn09gJKO
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) December 5, 2017
Northampton have suffered a blow as Alex Waller sustained a broken forearm during last Friday's clash with Newcastle at Franklin's Gardens.
The Brumbies have spent the off-season shoring up their defence
Mallinder frustrated at Saints run
Bulls Bloopers 2017, Take 1