Weekly Round Up
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Richie Gray ruled out of Scotland's Six Nations finale with Grant Gilchrist set to start
Edinburgh lock Grant Gilchrist will earn his first Scotland start of the Six Nations against Italy on Saturday after Richie Gray failed to recover from a hamstring strain.
Gray was named in Vern Cotter's starting lineup on Thursday, but ut Scottish Rugby announced that the 27-year-old has failed to fully recover from a muscle problem picked up during last weekend's 61-21 defeat to England at Twickenham.
Gilchrist, who is Edinburgh's co-captain, has earned 15 caps for his country since making his debut in 2013.
Two Top 14 clashes put off due to Paris clubs merger row
Two Top 14 matches set for this weekend are being postponed due to a dispute over a proposed merger of rugby clubs Racing 92 and Stade Francais, the LNR rugby union league said after crisis talks on Friday.
"The LNR bureau has taken the unprecedented nature of the situation into account and decided, exceptionally, to push back until later this weekend's matches between Castres Olympique and Stade Francais and between Montpellier Rugby and Racing 92," it said in a statement.
Stade Francais players voted overwhelmingly for strike action and refused to train or play against Castres this weekend or other matches this season.
After several hours of crisis talks involving those two, players and the rugby authorities on Friday, a further meeting was scheduled on the disputed merger next Monday evening.
New dates for the postponed fixtures will be announced on Monday, said the LNR statement, which spoke of "the shockwave and emotion" caused by the tie-up plan.
Stade Francais players, who see the merger as an outright takeover by Racing 92 were due to meet without the rugby authorities on Friday to discuss their position, a representative of the players' union said.
"By this decision, the NRL wants to give every opportunity to dialogue in a calm climate and to preserve the equity of the Top 14," the LNR said in a statement.
Bristol Rugby sign Jack Cosgrove and Sione Faletau ahead of 2017/18 season
Bristol Rugby have confirmed the signing of 130kg Tongan international Sione Faletau and English Qualified Edinburgh prop Jack Cosgrove ahead of the 2017/18 campaign.
Tighthead prop Faletau – who has three caps for Tonga - makes the switch from Yorkshire Carnegie having previously represented Canterbury and Counties Manukau in the ITM Cup.
Former Scotland U20 prop Cosgrove arrives from Edinburgh in the PRO12. The 22 year-old has made nine appearances for Scotland U20s, including the RBS Six Nations and Junior World Championship.
“We’re pleased to be able to bring two really talented props into our environment next season,” Head Coach Mark Tainton said.
“Sione is a powerful front-rower who has made a significant impact with Yorkshire Carnegie this season. Jack is a young loosehead who has cut his teeth in the PRO12 and we’re excited about his quality.
“Both players were impressed that there’s a clear understanding about what we want to achieve and they’re eager to be a part of that.”
Kerr-Barlow signs for La Rochelle
Chiefs half-back Tawera Kerr-Barlow will leave New Zealand at the end of 2017 to join French club La Rochelle.
The 25-test cap All Black signed a three-year deal with Top 14 leaders La Rochelle, where he will link up with former All Blacks Victor Vito and Jason Eaton.
Kerr-Barlow has made 70 appearances for the Chiefs in Super Rugby since debuting against the Brumbies in 2011.
World Rugby announces historic agreement on long-term calendar
World Rugby has released details of the post-2019 global calendar, which it says will increase matches between Tier One and Two nations by 39 percent.
As part of the new calendar, the June Test window will be shifted to July, while it also includes provision for Tier One tours to the Pacific Islands, Japan, Canada, USA, Georgia and Romania.
- July window to take place in the first three weeks of the month, comprising three tests (with the exception of the year after Rugby World Cup when SANZAAR unions will host two-test series)
- July window will enable Super Rugby to be completed before the tests, while promoting optimal preparation time for tests
- November window to move forward one week (first three weeks)
- Rugby World Cup window cemented within the calendar, kicking off one week earlier in the second week of September
- Optimised calendar and window certainty will support the continued growth of the professional club competitions
It was also said that rankings of Tier Two nations will determine if emerging teams at the time are provided with Tier One opportunities based on merit.
The shift will apply from 2020 to 2032 and Rugby’s governing body say that player welfare was behind the changes to the current format.
A statement said: “A major priority for World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont following his election in May 2016, the optimised 2020-32 schedule sets new standards by prioritising rest periods, promoting equity for the sport’s emerging powers and harmonising the relationship between the international and domestic games.”
Beaumont said: “Agreement on an optimised global calendar that provides certainty and sustainability over the decade beyond Rugby World Cup 2019 represents an historic milestone for the global game.
“But more than that, this agreement has player welfare and equity at heart, driving certainty and opportunities for emerging rugby powers and laying the foundations for a more compelling and competitive international game, which is great for unions, players and fans.
“This process has been complex and there was no silver bullet. Compromise has been achieved by all stakeholders in the spirit of collaboration and I would like to thank my union and professional league colleagues for their full contribution and commitment to reaching an agreement that will ultimately benefit the whole game.”
World Rugby insist the changes will aid the development of the club game alongside international rugby.
Pat Lambie sidelined for six to eight weeks
Lambie, who captained the Sharks, left the field early in the Super Rugby match against the Waratahs when he suffered an injury to his back during a tackle in Durban at the weekend.
Team doctor Alan Kourie said it is difficult to say exactly how long the approximate length of recovery will be.
"Lambie is to undergo further scans, but his return is estimated at six to eight weeks," Kourie said.
Philip van der Walt suffered a fractured cheekbone in a clash of heads and he will not be available this weekend's encounter with the Kings.
He will be reassessed next week to determine his availability.
Hooker Franco Marais and fullback Clement Poitrenaud will undergo further tests to determine their availability for this weeks' match.
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Racing 92 and Stade Français Paris merge
Racing 92 and Stade Français Paris have confimed that they will merge together to form one club.
This merger will come into effect from next season with a new club being formed that will preserve the roots of Racing 92 and those of the Stade Français Paris, while increasing the means of both clubs.
The merger will only affect the senior side and will not impact the amateur sectors, like schools rugby.
Racing 92 and Stade Francais players that may be affected by the merger
Munster trio extend deals as Jean Deysel signs short term
With Jean Kleyn already ruled out due to a neck injury, Munster Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus has called on the services of Sharks lock Jean Deysel on a three-month loan.
The 32-year-old, who has made seven appearances for South Africa and over 70 Super Rugby appearances, will join the province later this month, subject to being granted a valid work permit.
In addition, the club can also confirm two-year contract extensions for back row Jack O’Donoghue and wingers Ronan O’Mahony and Alex Wootton until at least June 2019.
O’Donoghue has won over 50 caps for his native province in just his second season with the senior squad, reaching the half century milestone in January’s win over Connacht at the Sportsground.
O’Mahony leads the way as Munster’s leading try scorer this season, crossing the whitewash on no less than nine occasions in twenty appearances.
Progressing from the academy ranks last summer, Wootton has made six competitive appearances to date, including his first start against Zebre in October and his first try against Treviso in November.
Ulster lose Marcell Coetzee through injury
Ulster have lost South African flanker Marcell Coetzee through injury following their 62-21 victory over Zebre.
It is unclear how long the flanker will be side-lined for but Ulster will it will be a short stint on the side-lines as the flanker has made a huge impact following his debut last month.
Further scans will be done on Monday, to confirm the extent of the injury.
Coetzee currently has 28 caps for the Boks, but given SA Rugby's new policy regarding overseas based players, he would have to play in all three Tests against France in June to be considered for Bok selection beyond that series and up until 2019.
Jean-Luc du Plessis ruled out for four to six weeks with a groin injury
Stormers have today confirmed that flyhalf Jean-Luc du Plessis has been ruled out with a groin injury.
The 22-year-old underwent scans on Monday, which revealed that he has a bone stress injury and won't be available for four to six weeks.
Frank Halai to join Top 14 side Pau next season
Frank Halai will join the Top 14 side in the summer following two seasons in the black & gold.
Halai, who was capped by the All Blacks in 2013 and previously represented New Zealand 7s, joined Wasps from the Auckland Blues ahead of the 2015/16 season.
Halai made a big impact during his first season in England, scoring 12 tries in 25 appearances. He has added two tries in his 16 appearances this season.
Wasps’ Director of Rugby Dai Young said: “We will all wish Frank and his family the best when he moves to France next season and I’m sure he will do a really good job for Pau.
Exeter sign Australian scrum-half Nic White & James Freeman
Exeter Chiefs Head coach Rob Baxter has today confirmed the signing of experienced Australian international scrum-half Nic White and back-row forward James Freeman on two-year deals.
White, who has won 22 caps for the Wallabies, will move to the Sandy Park outfit from French Top 14 club Montpellier and play in the Premiership next season.
Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter said: 'I just think when a player of Nic's quality becomes available - and he shows an interest in coming to the club - you have to act quickly...
''He will add a real sense of direction and game understanding to us, which I know is going to be important moving forward.''
Reflecting on signing Freeman, Baxter added: ''A bit like Nic, James ticks a lot of boxes for us.
''We keep a very close eye on the Championship. I have watched a lot of James' games in detail, and again even before we met him, we saw that he had a lot of the qualities and the potential we think to do well in the Premiership.''
Freeman, who having started out in Worcester’s Academy arrives in the Westcountry having enjoyed playing stints with Loughborough University and, more recently, Jersey.
Exeter Chiefs Vs Leicester Tigers
Milner-Skudder sidelined with a foot injury
Hurricanes fullback Nehe Milner-Skudder will be out of rugby for at least six weeks with a fractured foot.
Milner-Skudder suffered the injury during the second half of his team’s Super Rugby match against the Chiefs in Hamilton on Saturday night.
“It’s disappointing, but these things happen in rugby,” Milner-Skudder said. “All I can do is focus on the rehab and making sure I do everything right to get back on the field. The encouraging thing is the medical staff don't believe there will be any long term issues. It was just a freak accident.”
Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd said it was impossible to put an exact time frame on when Milner-Skudder would be back on the park.
“That all depends on how quickly he heals, so it’s just speculation at this point, but the sooner the better.”
Neil Jenkins & Graham Rowntree join British & Irish Lions coaching staff
Confirming the news, Rowntree said: “I am honoured to be asked to tour with the British and Irish Lions again and I really am thankful to Harlequins, John Kingston and David Ellis for allowing me to go.
Wales' Jenkins will, along with fellow coaches Steve Borthwick, Graham Rowntree, Andy Farrell and Rob Howley, complete the team headed by Warren Gatland.
Jenkins said: "It is a huge honour to be asked to be part of the 2017 British & Irish Lions Tour. The Lions is a special and unique side and I am fortunate to be heading on my fifth Tour.
"I am excited to be joining up with a very experienced, successful coaching team for what is going to be a huge challenge against the World Champions.
Vern Cotter announced as Barbarians Coach for upcoming Tour
It has been announced that Vern Cotter will coach the Barbarians for the upcoming tour against Ulster Rugby at Kingspan Stadium on Thursday 1st June.
"It will be a tremendous honour for me to guide the Barbarians into this series," commented Cotter.
"The history of the team speaks for itself and I'm sure we'll have another two excellent games in store both in London and Belfast.
"We have already started putting together a world-class selection of players for the tour that will no doubt attract huge crowds for both games. As the club season comes towards its conclusion we will begin to release the names of those involved.”
The 55-year-old New Zealander is currently head coach of the Scottish national team, where he has overseen Six Nations championship wins over Ireland and Wales in recent weeks.
The Baabaas will also play England at Twickenham on Sunday 28th May.
Geduld ruled out of remainder of World Series
Springbok Sevens playmaker Justin Geduld has been ruled out of the remaining four tournaments of the World Rugby Sevens, after picking up a foot injury at the Las Vegas Sevens earlier this month.
Geduld underwent surgery on Wednesday and will be out of action for at least six months, according to Springbok Sevens team doctor, Leigh Gordon.
The squad will assemble again on Wednesday, 22 March, to start their preparations for the Hong Kong tournament from 7 to 9 April, which will be followed by the Singapore Sevens on 15 and 16 April.
Quintin Geldenhuys leave Zebre
Quintin Geldenhuys contract at Zebre has been cancelled by mutual consent, as the he returns to South Africa for family reasons.
Geldenhuys spent 5 seasons with Zebre winning an Italian Cup and one Italian Super Cup.
He made 78 appearances for Zebre including 19 as captain, as well as 50 European Cup appearances.
He also made 67 appearances for the Italy nation side.
Exeter Chiefs duo sign new deals
Back-row forward Don Armand, together with lock Jonny Hill, have both been handed new two-year contracts by Exeter Chiefs that will extend their stay in Devon until at least the summer of 2019.
“Don has been with us a while now, and is an exceptional back-row or back-five forward,” said Rob Baxter of the former Stormers forward who joined the Chiefs in 2013.
“He has been in exceptional form for us over the last two or three seasons in the Premiership, and he is a key leader and key member of our squad, so we are really pleased he is going to extend his stay with us over a lengthy time..."
“Jonny is a young man who has now broken through into the frontline first-team squad,” said Baxter on Jonny Hill.
“You can see him becoming a very important member of the back five of the scrum for us.
Gavin Henson signs for Dragons
Newport Gwent Dragons have announced that Gavin Henson has committed his future to the Welsh Region.
Henson, who is a former Wales and British and Irish Lions player, will join Dragons this summer on a 2-year contract.
After signing his contract, Henson commented: “I have really enjoyed my time here at Bristol but when the opportunity came along to join the Dragons and return to Wales, I couldn’t say no.
"I still have loads to offer and I know what Kingsley wants from me. I’m especially looking forward to pitting myself against the current Welsh players, and hopefully becoming a catalyst and mentor for the tremendous talent that is in the Dragons squad.”
Dragons Head Coach, Kingsley Jones added: “This is a hugely important signing and exactly what we need to complement our existing squad.
Raphael Ibanez to leave Bordeaux
Raphael Ibanez will leave Bordeaux at the conclusion of the current season, following some poor results.
"It is understandable that after five years at the head of the team I notice a shortness in transmission to the players. It is said that "love lasts three years", for me it will have lasted five years with this team! I am proud to have contributed to the development of this club which I hope will grow in the years to come, "he said in a statement.
Ibanez has been at Bordeaux since 2012 and will complete the season at Bordeaux before departing.
Bernard Jackman leaves Grenoble
The former Ireland hooker joined Grenoble in 2011 as an assistant coach, before moving up the ranks and eventually becoming head coach.
Jackman is reportedly meeting with club president Eric Pilaud on Tuesday afternoon, with his contract up at the end of the season, reports suggest that Jackman will not be offered a contract extension and will seek an immediate release.
Forwards coach Aaron Dundon and coach Mike Prendergast are expected to stay on as temporary coaches until the end of the season.
Grenoble have been in the Top 14 since the start of the 2012-13 season, after gaining promotion from the Pro D2.
Jackman is one of Ireland's most respected coaches and may return to Ireland in a bid to work with one of the provinces.
He has links with Connacht and Leinster having played for both.
Ian McKinley extends with Treviso
Ian McKinley was forced to retire from professional rugby in 2011 after losing the sight in his left eye following a training-ground accident.
McKinley subsequently made a return to playing in Italy, wearing specially-designed rugby goggles to protect his working eye.
Having impressed over the course of 21 appearances this season, including eight starts in the Pro12, Treviso have now opted to extend McKinley’s contract into the 2017/18 season.
Carter and Penberthy extend Ealing Trailfinders deals for 2017-18
Halfbacks Luke Carter and Aaron Penberthy have penned extensions to their existing deals to keep them with Ealing Trailfinders for the 2017-18 season.
Carter, who is a former Rosslyn Park number nine, has played 23 matches so far in the Greene King IPA Championship and British and Irish Cup and has scored three tries.
Cornish native Penberthy previously played for Pirates and Jersey Reds and then moved to Spanish champions Silver Storm El Salvador. The 24-year-old only stayed for a short period before he returned to the Championship with Ealing Trailfinders.
Harlequins sign Lewis Boyce
Harlequins have confirmed the signing of Yorkshire Carnegie loosehead prop Lewis Boyce for 2017/18 season.
20 year-old Boyce has made 22 appearances for the Championship side having made his debut against Rotherham in 2014.
The former England U20 and 2016 Junior World Cup finalist will be in familiar company at Harlequins having previously played alongside Sam Aspland-Robinson, Joe Marchant, Stan South and Charlie Piper.
Confirming the news, Harlequins Director of Rugby, John Kingston said: “Lewis is an extremely exciting prospect who has the potential to reach the very top of the game.
“Having secured his services after competing with a number of interested parties, I’m looking forward seeing the development which he will undoubtedly make under the expert guidance of both Graham Rowntree and Adam Jones.”
Commenting on the news, Boyce added: “I’m really excited about joining Harlequins next season; they’re an excellent club with quality players throughout the team.
Waratahs & Brumbies to Play for the new Dan Vickerman Cup
Saturday’s clash between the Waratahs and Brumbies will carry added significance this year, with the introduction of the Dan Vickerman Cup.
A well respected and much loved player of both the Waratahs and the Brumbies, the clubs wanted to honour him as part of the annual grudge match.
Waratahs Rugby CEO, Andrew Hore, said the Dan Vickerman Cup will add further weight to what is already expected to be a tough battle between the sides.
“Dan was one of those team mates who was admired by all that knew him and I know both sides will be wanting to take home the Dan Vickerman Cup. It is another way for the rugby community to recognise Dan’s contribution to rugby,” said Hore.
“The clash between the Tahs and Brumbies is always a feature on the Super Rugby calendar and we are looking forward to hosting them on our turf in what we expect to be a very physical match up,” he said.
Brumbies CEO Michael Thomson commented: “The Brumbies against the Waratahs is always one of the highlights of the season and the conception of the Dan Vickerman Cup will only add to the spectacle.
“There have been several epic clashes between the clubs down the years and the rivalry has built into a healthy respect. Dan was an instrumental figure at both teams and the introduction of this trophy is a fine way to honour his memory.”
Matt Challinor re-signs for Knights
Doncaster Knights have confirmed that Club-Captain Matt Challinor has re-signed for another season at Castle Park.
The 2017/18 season will be Challinor's eighth season with the Knights having joined from rivals Rotherham Titans back in 2010.
The 32-year Challinor has made over 180 appearances as a Knight meaning that his latest deal could see him join Glen Kenworthy and Dougie Flockhart in the Knights 200 club.
Challinor is the fifth Knight to sign a contract extension in the past two weeks, following new deals for Alex Shaw, Mat Clark, Paul Jarvis and Michael Heaney.
Director of Rugby Clive Griffiths says offering Chall a new deal was a no-brainer and is ecstatic to have the Knights hard man back on board.
