Wednesday Evening Round Up

David Langley and George Thornton commit futures to Wasps

Wasps have announced that David Langley and George Thornton have been awarded new academy contracts.

The front-row pair both joined the black-and-golds last summer and have since appeared in the Anglo-Welsh Cup and A League. Full story

Munster trio re-sign with the club

Munster Rugby and the IRFU have confirmed that Dave O’Callaghan, Brian Scott and Ciaran Parker have signed contract extensions, while it has also been confirmed that Robin Copeland will depart the province at the end of the season. Full story

Riaan Swanepoel signs new 2-year deal at Montauban

Montauban Rugby have confirmed that centre Riaan Swanepoel has signed a new two-year deal to remain at the club for the next two seasons.

Swanepoel began his career during the 2006-2007 season in Vodacom Cup with the Natal Sharks, where he played 12 games and scored 8 points.

Jaco Kriel suffers another injury setback

The Lions Rugby Co. has announced that due to unforeseen circumstances the operation that Jaco Kriel underwent on his shoulder was unsuccessful and needs to be repeated on Thursday 8 March 2018. Full story

Sam Vesty to join Saints coaching team from 2018-19 season

Hot on the heels of his exit at Worcester Warrios, coach Sam Vesty will make a switch to Franklin's Gardens this summer after signing a deal at Northampton Saints.

The former Leicester Tigers and Bath Rugby utility back has been cutting his teeth at Sixways as a coach since retiring from playing in 2013 - progressing from Transition Coach to Backs Coach two years later. 

Six Nations: Townsend makes one change to face Ireland

In-form Edinburgh Rugby back Blair Kinghorn will earn his first start for the national team on the wing in place of Seymour, with Glasgow Warriors wing Lee Jones taking his vacated place on the bench.

Townsend has made one further change to the replacements bench, with Glasgow Warriors hooker Fraser Brown – who featured in all but two Scotland Tests last year – returning from injury to replace Scott Lawson.

Six Nations: Faletau to lead Wales v Italy

Taulupe Faletau will lead Wales for the first time as he returns to the starting line-up as captain, with fellow British & Irish Lion Justin Tipuric wearing six with Scarlets flanker James Davies making his international debut at openside.

Liam Williams moves to full-back as George North comes into the starting XV to form a back-three alongside Steff Evans.