Tuesday Round-Up
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Tuesday Round-Up
James Johnston leaves Wasps
Wasps have confirmed that Samoan prop James Johnston has left the club. The former Harlequins and Saracens player failed to make a cap for Wasps.
Johnston, who has 14 caps for his country, was injured with Samoa during the build-up to the Rugby World Cup and subsequent injuries mean he hasn’t been able to train fully or play a first team game during his five months with Wasps.
Wasps’ Director of Rugby Dai Young said: “It is unfortunate that James has not been able to train regularly since joining the club, as we were really looking forward to seeing the impact he could make in a Wasps’ shirt.
"Unfortunately for both parties, this couldn’t happen and he leaves with our very best wishes for his next steps.”
Guirado named France captain
Toulon hooker Guilhem Guirado has been named as the new France captain following the retirement of Thierry Dusautoir.
Guirado, 29, was informed of the decision by new France head coach Guy Novès last weekend.
"I made it official at the end of the afternoon," Novès told L'Equipe.
"I discussed it with [France forwards coach] Yannick Bru and gathered information from his time at Perpignan. He is the right person at the right time. I discussed it with him on Sunday."
Guirado made his first cap for France against Italy back in 2008 and has gone on to win 38 caps, scoring two tries in the process. At club level Guirado joined Toulon in 2014 after nine years with Perpignan.
Novès also hinted that Guirado could lead France through to the next Rugby World Cup in 2019.
"In principle, if the role suits him and he doesn't struggle under the pressure of the captaincy, then he could lead us for the next four years," he said.
"He's the captain now and I hope he is a success."
