Weekly Round Up

Springbok legend Joost van der Westhuizen loses battle to Motor Neuron Disease

The J9 foundation, the charity founded Joost van der Westhuizen, has formally confirmed the passing of the Springbok rugby legend at 14:28 (South Africa time) today.

The 45-year-old ex-scrumhalf has been fighting with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a form of Motor Neurone Disease (MND), since 2011. He recently required an oxygen tank to assist his breathing on occasion and was rushed to hospital early on Saturday morning in critical condition.

A member of the victorious 1995 World Cup Rugby winning side, van der Westhuizen had a long and celebrated rugby career. Before joining the national side, he spent his entire club career at the Super Rugby side Blue Bulls, debuting in 1992.

A unusually tall scrum half (6 ft 1 ins or 185 cm), van der Westhuizen was largely credited with the Springboks’ success in 1995. His ambitious and aggressive tackles prevented many an opposition try and his talent for spotting even the tiniest gaps in their defence made for a true rugby legend. He played in 89 Test matches for the Springboks and scored 38 tries before retiring from rugby in 2003.

 

Apart from 89 Tests, Van der Westhuizen played a further 22 tour matches for the Springboks for a total of 111 appearances in Green and Gold. He scored 56 tries in total for the Springboks, which was finally overtaken by Bryan Habana in 2014. He also captained the Boks in 10 Tests.

Van der Westhuizen first experienced the symptoms of the debilitating disease towards the end of 2008. He was formally diagnosed in 2011 and given a maximum of two years to live.  

When asked how he kept going after his diagnosis, van der Westhuizen replied: “I had a choice. Either I stay at home and die or I live my life.”  

And so he did. He dedicated his remaining years to his children, Jordan (13) and Kylie (10), and to his non-profit project called J9, which helps those living with Motor Neurone Disease.

 

“Joost will be remembered as one of the greatest Springboks – not only of his generation, but of all time,” said Mr Mark Alexander, President of SA Rugby.

 

Vincent Debaty signs for Oyonnax

Oyonnax Rugby have announced the signing of Belgian born, French international prop Vincent Debaty for the next two seasons.

Debaty weighs 115kg and is 1.90m tall making him a real asset going forward for Oyonox and having played in a World Cup and represented France over 30 times he brings much needed exprience with him.

He is joining Oyonnax from Clermont, after 9 seasons, where he played 114 Top 14 matches and 46 times in European competitions.

Jamie Cudmore commented on the move saying:

"The Belgian will bring us all his power and his punch in the pack of forwards and I am very glad to find him for this new adventure.  Today he joins the Oyomen with the desire to bring his professional experience of the highest level."

  

France officially launched its bid to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup

On Thursday France officially launched its bid to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup with French Rugby Federation (FFR) revealing 19 potential host cities and an environmentally friendly transport plan.

France, who last hosted the tournament 10 years ago, will compete with Ireland and South Africa for the 2023 hosting rights. The FFR are playing catch-up on their rivals, however, as their bid had largely lain dormant until Bernard Laporte was elected the federation's president in Dec. 2016 and reaffirmed their desire to challenge.

Rory Hughes signs new Glasgow contract

Scotland international winger Rory Hughes has signed a new contract with Glasgow Warriors until 2019.

Hughes has played 24 times for the Warriors with three tries to his name.

“It was an easy decision to stay in my home city and continue to play for my home club," he commented.

“I’ve been enjoying my rugby this season, especially playing at Scotstoun with the boys in front of the crowd and although my injury has set me back I’m eager to get back out on the pitch soon."

The Glasgow-born winger has two caps for Scotland, with his most recent coming in the win over Georgia at Rugby Park in November and he has also represented Scotland 7s.

Brandon Thomson off to Glasgow

Stormers flyhalf Brandon Thomson will be joining Glasgow Warriors on a two short-term loan.

The 21-year-old will be cover at flyhalf, with Finn Russell away with Scotland and Peter Horne currently sidelined with an ankle injury.

Thomson has made six Super Rugby appearances for the Stormers, making his debut in 2016 and scoring 26 points to date.

Gert Small, Stormers Director of Rugby said it is a great opportunity for Thomson to gain experience of European rugby. 

“Brandon will be exposed to different conditions and playing styles in Europe which can only make him a better player.

“We wish him well on his short stay in Glasgow and look forward to seeing what impact this has on his game,” he said.

Ken Owens commits to Scarlets

Wales hooker Ken Owens has committed his future to the Scarlets after signing a new contract with the region in December.

 

"I signed with the Scarlets back in December and I am happy to be playing my rugby in Wales for the foreseeable future," said Owens.

 

"I want to put it to bed so I can concentrate on the rugby," he concluded.

Owens is preparing for the Six Nations match against England at the Principality Stadium on Saturday.

Slipper confirmed as Reds captain

Reds Head Coach Nick Stiles has confirmed that seasoned prop James Slipper will remain captain for the 2017 Super Rugby season. This will be Slipper's third consecutive season as captain since the departure of James

Horwill from the Queensland side. He will be assisted by a leadership group that consists of Quade Cooper and Stephen Moore, as well as Samu Kerevi and Sam Talakai.

Slipper has represented the Reds a total of 91 times and earned 86 Test match caps for Australia.

 

The Reds kick their 2017 Super Rugby Campaign off at home against The Sharks on 24 February 2017.

Le Roux released from France squad

South African born Flanker, Bernard Le Roux, has been released from international duty with France, ahead of their Six Nations match against Scotland. 

Le Roux was called into the French side as injury cover for Raphael Lakafia but did not feature in their opening game against England.

He will be available to Racing Metro this weekend as they face Bayonne.

Saracens bring in Fa'atiga Lemalu on short-term deal from Sunwolves

Saracens have signed Samoan vice-captain Fa'atiga Lemalu on a short-term deal from Japanese Super Rugby side Sunwolves.

The lock-forward joins the team with immediate effect to bolster their second-row options after it was confirmed that Saracens’ England man George Kruis will be rule out for 12-weeks with a knee injury.

“Fa’atiga is an international lock forward entering the prime of his career,” said Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall.

“With the unfortunate injury to George Kruis we are very happy to have the opportunity to bring in a player of his ability into the set-up. It’s a new challenge for him and he is excited to have the chance to test himself in the Aviva Premiership and Champions Cup.”

Lemalu made his full international debut for Samoa against Tonga in 2012 and has won 18 caps for the Pacific Island nation.

Hammett steps down from Tasman role

The Tasman Rugby Union are on the lookout for a new assistant coach following Mark Hammett's decision to remain full-time with the Highlanders.

"He's decided that he's unavailable and we've had to accept that," said Tasman chief executive Tony Lewis.

"It's with great regret, he was very popular with the [Tasman] team and Leon. 

"He was very keen to come back and get himself involved, but once he's got down there, he's realised the enormity of the Highlanders job… he just doesn't think he can commit for 14 weeks [with Tasman]."

Hammett joined Tasman in 2015 on a two-year deal when he was part of head coach Leon MacDonald's coaching staff for the 2016 provincial season.

He was also the Sunwolves head coach in last year's Super Rugby competition, but subsequently signed a deal to be the Highlanders' assistant coach until 2019.

Nathan Fowles signs new two-year deal with Edinburgh

Edinburgh have announced that scrum-half Edinburgh has signed a new two-year deal with the club, having joined in 2015 from Sale Sharks. 

Folwes has made 25 appearances for Edingburgh so far and looks to add to his tally and had this to say on signing his deal:

“I feel that the club is moving in the right direction and there’s a lot to look forward to in the next few years. I’m delighted to be staying."

“We’re developing well as a team, in the way we want to play the game and the speed we want to play at, which is exciting for the players and fans."

Rory Sutherland extends stay at Edinburgh until 2019

Edinburgh have confirmed that Scottish front rower, Rory Sutherland, has extened his stay at the club until 2019.

Rory joined the capital club on a Academy contract in 2014 and graduated the following season.

He made his debut for Scotland in 2016 when he came off the bench against Ireland in the Six Nations and has made two appearance other appearances.

Heffernan & Cannon commit to Connacht

Connacht Rugby and the IRFU have confirmed two-year contract extensions for senior players Dave Heffernan and James Cannon.

Mayo-born Heffernan has featured in every game for Connacht so far this season, bringing to 75 the total appearances for his home province.

While Second row James Cannon has also agreed terms on a deal to stay at the Sportsground until at least the summer of 2019.

Commenting on the latest deals, Head Coach Pat Lam said:

“I have really enjoyed being witness to the phenomenal growth that Dave has made as a player and a person over the past four years in the senior set up. He is the consummate professional and I have no doubt that he will do everything possible when it comes to reaching the next level in his career and achieving great things.

“We’ve all been really impressed with the work that James has put in on and off the field since he arrived in September. It’s fantastic that he has enjoyed his first season here and sees the opportunity to grow as a player with Connacht.”

Ben Smith commits to New Zealand through to 2020

All Blacks Vice-Captain Ben Smith has inked a major deal with New Zealand Rugby, which will see him play his rugby in New Zealand through to 2020.

"It's been an interesting few months as we have worked through what was best for my family and career over the next few years.  In the end we are happy with our decision to stay in New Zealand," Smith said.

"Obviously, the All Blacks, the Highlanders and Otago are three teams that I really enjoy playing for, and I'm pretty excited about a few of the opportunities and challenges we'll have over the next few seasons." he added.

30-year-old Smith made his Test debut in 2009 and the fan favourite has scored 27 tries in his 60 Tests to date, was nominated for five national and international awards, including international Player of the Year in the All Blacks' unbeaten 2013 season, was a key part of the All Blacks Rugby World Cup-winning team in 2015, co-captained the Super Rugby champion Highlanders team the same year, and is a Super Rugby centurion.

Keegan Daniel ruled out for 12 weeks with a hand injury

Sharks loose-forward Keegan Daniel is expected to miss around 12 weeks of Super Rugby after he sustained an injury playing against the Cheetahs.

The Sharks played the Cheetahs in a pre-season friendly at the King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi. While the Sharks beat the Cheetahs 37-7 they have paid a price for the victory.

Shortly before half time in the match loose-forward Keegan Daniel had to leave the field with an injury to his right forearm. Scans determined that he had a fractured radius and he underwent an operation on Saturday morning.  He is expected to be out for approximately 12 weeks.

Conbeer progresses from Scarlets Academy

Scarlets have announced that Wales Under 20s impressive try-scorer Ryan Conbeer progresses from the region’s Academy on to a development contract.

Saundersfoot born Conbeer was handed his senior debut against Bath Rugby in the Anglo-Welsh Cup in November at only 17 years of age.

His senior debut came on the back of impressive in the Principality Premiership with Llanelli RFC and in the British and Irish Cup campaign with Scarlets Premiership Select, scoring a try against Richmond RFC in the fifth round.

Conbeer will graduate from the region’s Academy this summer.

Tom Varndell commits future to Bristol Rugby

Tom Varndell has committed his future to Bristol Rugby until the end of the 2017/18 campaign.

“I’m delighted to extend my contract with the Club – there’s a great deal of momentum with us at the moment and everybody wants to keep pushing forward,” Varndell commented.

 "I want to continue to represent Bristol in the top flight in the fantastic surroundings at Ashton Gate. We have a job to do to keep this Club in the Premiership and I’m confident that we can achieve that with the quality and belief we have here.”

 Varndell has notched five tries in seven Premiership outings, earning player of the month in December 2016

  

Dave Lewis signs for Harlequins from Exeter Chiefs

Harlequins have confirmed today (Monday 6th February) that scrum-half Dave Lewis will join the Club from the 2017/18 season after signing from Exeter Chiefs.

“Dave is an extremely experienced Premiership operator,” said John Kingston, Harlequins Director of Rugby. “He is perfectly suited to the type of game we like to play.

“On top of that, he is an extremely personable guy who will fit into, and enhance, the environment that we are looking to build within the squad.”

Born in Manchester, Lewis progressed through the Exeter Chiefs Academy system and joined Gloucester Rugby in 2007.

Spending six years with the Cherry and Whites, he made 88 appearances, before returning to Exeter in 2013.

In his four years with the South-West side, he has made 79 appearances.

Glasgow Warriors sign Huw Jones from the Stormers

Scotland international Huw Jones will leave Newlands at the end of 2017 to join Glasgow Warriors on a two-year deal.

 “It felt like the time was right to join Glasgow, having enjoyed my time in Cape Town playing Super Rugby. Obviously playing for Scotland, it makes a lot of sense to be playing in Scotland and I was ready to make the move,” Jones said.

 The athletic midfielder started his professional career in Cape Town after coming through the amateur ranks, playing Club Rugby for False Bay and University Rugby for UCT before making his mark for both Western Province and the Stormers.

 The 23-year-old is committed to the Stormers and Western Province for their respective 2017 Super Rugby and Currie Cup campaigns.