Friday Evening Round Up

Jersey Reds confirm arrivals and departures ahead of 2018-19 season

Jersey Reds have confirmed three new players who will join the club this summer ahead of the 2018-19 season.

Aaron Penberthy has signed to return to the Reds after two seasons in London with Ealing Trailfinders. He is joined by fellow fly-half Brett Herron, who has signed from Ulster Rugby, and another Ealing player, prop Sam Rodman. Full story

Connacht Academy trio sign senior contracts

Connacht Rugby and the IRFU have announced that Academy players Cillian Gallagher, Conan O’Donnell and Peter Claffey have all signed senior professional contracts with the province for the 2018/19 season. Full story

Jersey Reds bolster backline with James Newey & Alex Dolly signing

James Newey, a 19-year-old centre, will be loaned to the Reds for the rest of the season from fellow Championship club Bristol. After winning Ireland under 18 honours in 2015/16, Newey signed a contract to join the Bristol Academy in June 2016.

Alex Dolly comes to Jersey on a short-term contract having spent most of the season playing for Fylde in National 1. Read more

Mark Hopley announced as Saints Academy Head Coach

Northampton Saints can today announce that assistant coach Mark Hopley will be moving into the vacant Head Coach position in the Club’s academy with immediate effect.

The 33-year-old came through the Saints Academy himself before making more than 50 appearances in the first team at Franklin’s Gardens. Full story

Tupou commits to Reds through 2020

Queensland Rugby have announced that prop Taniela Tupou has signed a contract extension with the Queensland Reds which will see him remain at Ballymore through 2020.

 
Tupou joined Queensland in late 2014 as an 18-year-old straight out of high school and has worked hard to establish himself as the Queensland Reds’ starting tighthead prop in 2018. Full story

McKenzie re-signs with New Zealand Rugby

All Blacks and Chiefs playmaker Damian McKenzie has signed a new deal with New Zealand Rugby, recommitting with the national body as well as his Chiefs club through until 2021.

The versatile 22-year-old, a favourite with fans, has played 12 Tests since making his All Blacks debut against Argentina in October 2016 and more than 50 games for the Chiefs since making his Super Rugby debut in 2015. Full story

CONFIRMED: Allister Coetzee new Cannon Eagles coach

Former Stormers and Springboks coach Allister Coetzee has been confirmed as the Canon Eagles' new head coach.

He will take charge of the Japanese Top League club ahead of the 2018-19 season. This is Coetzee second stint in Japan having coached the Kobe Steelers in 2015 before being appointed as the Springbok coach.

Telusa Veainu - Flats Player of Round 17