Wednesday Morning Round Up

August 21, 2019
2254
Ultimate Rugby

27-man Leinster squad selected for Canada trip

The Leinster Rugby travelling squad for Saturday's friendly against the Canadian Men's team has been named by head coach Leo Cullen.

Leinster Rugby Academy players Ryan Baird, Harry Byrne and Martin Moloney have been named in the 27-man squad.

Second-row Baird made his senior debut last season off the bench against Ulster at Kingspan Stadium and is now in his second year in the Leinster Academy. Full squad

Paul Gabrillagues slapped with 6-week ban

France second-row Paul Gabrillagues appeared today before an independent World Rugby disciplinary committee having been cited for alleged foul play in the test match between France and Scotland, in Nice on Saturday, 17 August, 2019.

The Disciplinary Committee viewed footage with various angles of the incident in which Gabrillagues, in the 16th minute of the match, allegedly made contact with the head of an opponent contrary to Law 9.20 – "a player must not charge into a ruck or maul". Full story

John Afoa agrees new Bristol Bears contract

Bristol Bears have today confirmed that John Afoa has committed to the club for a further season, extending his time at Ashton Gate until 2021.

The 35-year-old was named in the Premiership team of the season after a remarkable maiden campaign for the Bears.

🤳 "I've got a text!"

This world class operator isn't going anywhere 😍

UP THE BEARS! 🐻 pic.twitter.com/UgsE7ehGU1
— Bristol Bears (@BristolBears) August 20, 2019

France names team to face Scotland

France have made four changes to their team to face Scotland in Edinburgh on Saturday.

Guilhem Guirado, who has recovered from injury, makes his return to the starting squad.

Felix Lambey is joined by Sébastien Vahaamahina, with the third change in the forwards seeing the return of Arthur Iturria.

Thomas Ramos slides in at fullback.

Van Velze re-appointed Warriors captain

Number eight GJ van Velze has been re-appointed Worcester Warriors’ captain for the 2019/20 season.

Van Velze is in his second spell as captain of the Gallagher Premiership club having led Warriors from 2014 to 2017 and regained the captaincy last season from Donncha O’Callaghan.

Under van Velze’s leadership last season Warriors equalled their most Premiership wins in a season – nine – reached the semi-finals of the Premiership Rugby Cup and the quarter-finals of the European Challenge Cup.

Angus Blyth signs long-term deal with Reds