Rugby Banter Page Weekly Round Up

Monday 8th December:

Darren Cave Extends Ulster Contract:

The IRFU and Ulster Rugby are pleased to announce that Darren Cave has signed a new three-year contract that will see him remain at Kingspan Stadium until at least the summer of 2018.

The 27-year old made his debut for Ulster as a replacement against Border Reivers in April 2007 and has represented the province on 144 occasions, scoring 152 points. Internationally, Cave has won eight caps for Ireland, the most recent coming in Novembers clash with Georgia.

Stephen Moore Signs One Year Contract Extension With Brumbies & Australia:

Stephen Moore has committed his future to Australian rugby, the Wallabies captain signing a one-year contract extension that will take him through until 2016.

Moore, 31, has been ruled out of action since sustaining a knee injury in Australia’s opening  June Test against France in Brisbane. He is expected to return to full health to captain the Brumbies in 2015.

Tuesday 9th December:

Dan Lydiate Joins Ospreys:

Dan Lydiate has completed his move to the Ospreys on a dual contract agreement. The British and Irish Lions flanker joins Sam Warburton on a National Dual Contract, as WRU aim to reverse the haemorrhage of top talent to England and France.

The 26-year-old has been released by Racing Metro for an immediate return to Wales, and will start training with the Ospreys later this week.

Clive Woodward Excited By Sam Burgess:

Sir Clive Woodward has backed Sam Burgess to make a rapid transition to rugby union and earn a place in England's World Cup squad.

Rumour is abound that Burgess will be deployed at inside centre by Mike Ford and Woodward is very excited to see how Burgess adapts to the position.

"Next year is going to be one of the biggest years in English rugby history because of the home World Cup and Sam has an outstanding chance of making the squad for that," Woodward said.

"He's a great footballer, so there's no logical reason why he shouldn't play and it will be fun finding out what happens. He's a very good player.

Wednesday 10th December:

Toulon Sorry For Castrogiovanni Expletive Filled Outburst:

Reigning European club champion Toulon has apologised to Leicester for the behaviour of its players following last weekend’s defeat to the English side and pledged to open an internal investigation.

Toulon said on their website on Wednesday that it decided to open an investigation after Leicester complained about the behaviour of prop Martin Castrogiovanni and fullback Delon Armitage.

Thursday 11th December:

Quade Cooper Signs Wallabies Extension:

Wallabies playmaker Quade Cooper has recommitted to Australian rugby for another year in a deal that will take him through until the end of 2015.

The 26-year-old was among the standouts on the Wallabies' spring tour after missing several months following hip and shoulder surgery.

Teenager Williams Signs For Ospreys:

Teenage Utility Back Tom Williams has sealed his move from Newton RFC to Ospreys.

The back, who specialises at centre, earned international recognition after being called up to the Welsh under 18s squad - only for a broken leg to curb his progress.

Friday 12th December:

Hanrahan To Remain With Munster:

Despite speculation earlier in the week that he was poised to sign a lucrative deal with Northampton Saints, it has today emerged that JJ Hanrahan, the 22 year old fly half, is close to sign an extended contract with his province, Munster.

The Munster academy product from Castleisland is in the second and final year of his first professional contract with his native province and Northampton had offered him a considerable increase with a contract worth in the region of €190,000 per season. However, it now appears that the Northampton interest has prompted Munster to significantly improve their offer to Hanrahan.