Friday Afternoon Round-Up

Antonie commits to Racing 92

Antonie Claassen has today confirmed his contract extension with Racing 92 until 2019.

The 31-year-old began his career with the Bulls in Super Rugby before moving to Brive and Castres.

He is the son of former Springbok, Wynand Claassen.

Dean Ryan to join RFU

Former Worcester and Gloucester coach Dean Ryan is to join the RFU in August as head of international player development.

The 50-year-old, who was capped four times by England during his playing days, will work under director of professional rugby Nigel Melville.

TJ Ioane signs new Sale Sharks deal

27 year old Samoan International TJ Ioane has signed a new three year deal with Sale Sharks.

“TJ has been a revelation since he joined us. He is an uncompromising player who gets through a massive workload in every game he plays,"  said Director of Rugby Steve Diamond describing the Samoan flanker.

Wallabies squad for Rugby Championship

Michael Cheika has named the 36-man Wallabies training squad for the Rugby Championship.

After Toulon agreed to release Matt Giteau for the Rugby Championship, he is now free to join the Wallabies squad in camp next week.

See complete squad here: http://bit.ly/2ahW9aR

Nick Easter forced to retire for Quins

Former England No 8, Nick Easter has retired from playing to shift his focus on his new role as Harlequins defence coach.

"I am determined to address the cultural malaise that led to “the wheels coming off and staying off” last season," said Easter.

Wycliff Palu calls time on Wallabies career

Wycliff Palu, who has made 57 appearances for the Wallabies after his debut in 2006, has called time off on his international career as he moves his playing days to Japan.

The 34-year-old Palu had been a solid No.8 with the Waratahs since making his Super Rugby debut in 2005, gathering 135 caps for the side. He had intentions of leaving the Super Rugby franchise at the end of the 2015 season after signing a contract with Japanese side Toyota Verblitz.