Wednesday Afternoon Round Up
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After over a decade at the top of the game, Irish centre has decided to call time on his professional rugby career next month.
Downey arrived at Wasps on a loan spell from Glasgow Warriors in February 2015, as injury cover for Alapati Leiua, Chris Bell and Ben Jacobs. His contract at Wasps was then extended after he impressed in black and gold during his six appearances.
Looking back on his time in the game and most recently at Wasps, Downey said: "I've really enjoyed every moment of being a professional player and have been lucky to have represented some great teams along the way. Being involved with a Wasps side who are now back at the top table, is great to be part of. The squad is a tight group and can no doubt push on for titles in the coming year."
The 35-year-old retires as he prepares to embark on a new role in the financial world.
The Pretoria-based side has today announced two signings to their squad.
Jacques
Potgieter, who announced an early release from his Blue Bulls two-year
contract in the 2012 season, is back home in Pretoria and has signed a
two-year contract with the Bulls that has made him immediately
available for the remainder of their Super Rugby campaign.
Bulls
also secured prop Jacobie Adriaanse. The 30-year-old, who helped South
Africa win the 2003 Under-19 Rugby World Championship tournament, will
join the club from the Southern Kings.
Scotland international centre Richie Vernon has signed a new contract with Glasgow Warriors until May 2017.
"We've had a bit of success and we're a team moving in the right direction and trying to get better, so it'll be great to be a part of that for another year," said the 29-year-old.
The Stormers co-captain has suffered a hamstring injury which
will see him miss out on their Super Rugby derby match against the Bulls
at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
"He couldn’t run to his full potential. He was battling with it a bit in
the build-up to the game but we thought he would be able to play with
it," said head coach Robbie Fleck.
De Jongh has sustained a grade one hamstring strain but is likely to be
sidelined for only one week.