Monday Afternoon Round Up

England Rugby squad update

The 34 players who took part in England's training camp in Portugal got together yesterday (Sunday 29 January) to prepare for England's RBS 6 Nations encounter with France at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday 4 February. 

Further medical assessment confirmed that Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby) has a slight muscular strain to his hamstring which will require a rehabilitation period of 3 –4 weeks. Working in conjunction with medical staff at Bath Rugby, Watson will remain with England for his rehabilitation.

Head coach Eddie Jones commented, "It's disappointing news for Anthony and for England, but we know he'll rehab diligently to get himself right to go as soon as he can. We're confident he'll be in the mix later in the championship.”

France call up Bernard Le Roux

South African born flanker Bernard Le Roux has been called into the France squad to replace injured Raphael Lakafia ahead of France's Six Nations opener against England.

It was intially reported that no replacement would be called in for Lakafia, but head coach Guy Noves decided that cover was needed.

Le Roux rejoins the squad having not represented France since March last year, against England.

Alapati Leiua signs for Bristol's 2017/18 season

Samoan international Alapati Leiua is set to join Bristol Rugby at the end of the season.

Leiua is the Club’s first confirmed new signing ahead of the 2017/18 campaign.

“We’re delighted to beat off interest from a number of clubs and capture Alapati’s signing. He’s a robust midfielder who can play in a number of positions in the backline. He’s versatile, with excellent hands and acceleration,” Head Coach Mark Tainton commented.

“Alapati was a standout performer for the Hurricanes in Super Rugby and made a similar impact in his first season with Wasps – he will be a fantastic addition to the Bristol Rugby squad.”

The powerful centre – who arrives from Wasps – has made thirty appearances for the Premiership outfit.

Alex Dunbar pens new Glasgow deal until 2019

Alex Dunbar has signed a two-year deal with Glasgow Warriors that keeps him at the club until May 2019.

Dunbar made his debut for the Warriors against Ulster in December 2009, and since then has made 94 appearances for the 2014-15 PRO12 winners.

Pollard to lead Bulls

Handre Pollard will be captaining the Bulls into the Super Rugby season.

The fly half, who spent last season injured, is no stranger to a leadership role having been part of the Bulls leadership group for the last few seasons now.

Pollard will be taking over while regular captain, Adriaan Strauss, is set to miss the first few games while he recovers from surgery.

Giteau to leave Toulon for Japan

Matt Giteau announced on Instagram today that he will be leaving French club Toulon at the end of the season to play in Japan. 

“I want to announce that at the end of this season I will leave to play in Japan," said the playmaker.

“Making this decision was the toughest of my rugby career but it is the best for my family to be closer to Australia."

Giteau also thanked the Toulon supporters in his farewell message:

“I also want to say a big thank you to the supporters Toulonnais who will remain in my heart for life. The time spent in Toulon was the best period of my rugby career. My main goal now is to win titles for this historic club."

The 34-year-old has played 103 Tests for Australia.

Racing 92 coaching duo sign two-year contract extensions

Racing 92 coach duo Laurent Labit and Laurent Travers have committed to the club until 2019, the club confirmed on their website today.

The duo of coaches said: "Nowhere else would we be able to exercise our profession in such favourable conditions. This long-term commitment will allow us to optimize our work, we who always have the ambition to win new titles, but also to reconcile this short-term goal with the preparation of the future of the club via its training center."

Arriving in 2013, Laurent Labit and Laurent Travers coached the club to be champion of France and reach the Europe.