Rugby Banter Page weekly round up

Monday 12th December:

Ben Franks To Join London Irish Post World Cup, Per Reports:

Versatile All Blacks prop Ben Franks is tipped to join British club London Irish after this year's World Cup.

Reports in the British media have linked the 30-year-old to a shift north as part of what is expected to be an exodus of ageing All Blacks stars after their attempt to defend the World Cup in England in September and October.

Quade Cooper Resigns With ARU:

Queensland Reds fly half Quade Cooper has agreed to sign a one year extension with the Australian Rugby Union that will see him commit to his nation until beyond next year’s Rugby World Cup.

Tuesday 13th December:

Brian Smith To Leave London Irish:

London Irish have confirmed that their Australian born Director of Rugby, Brian Smith, will leave the club and return to Australia “for family reasons”

Exiles forwards coach Glenn Delaney will take on the role of interim head coach between now and the end of this season.

Northampton Announce Kieran Brookes Signing:

Aviva Premiership champions Northampton have announced the signing of England prop Kieran Brookes.

Brookes, who has won six caps, will move to Franklin's Gardens from Newcastle in time for next season.

The 24-year-old also spent two seasons with Leicester during his career, while additional representative honours include appearances for England Saxons and England Under-20s.

Wednesday 14th December:

Former Kiwi’s Sevens Player Declares For England:

Former New Zealand sevens player Warwick Lahmert has a chance for another crack at the world series - this time in another colour.

Lahmert has secured a sevens contract with the England team and is in the squad, hoping to earn selection for the upcoming tournaments in Wellington and Las Vegas.

The former Paraparaumu College and Waikanae player played five tournaments for the All Blacks Sevens in 2012-13, before dropping out of the squad.

Thursday 15th December:

Saili Released From Blues Contract Ahead of Top 14 Move:

Back row forward Peter Saili has ended his contract with New Zealand Rugby and the Blues, taking up a contract at an undisclosed French club later this month.

New Zealand Rugby's general manager of rugby Neil Sorensen said agreement had been reached to end Saili's contract immediately.

Duane Vermuelen Denies Toulon Rumours:

There is no truth in reports that Toulon have won the race for services of in-demand Springbok star Duane Vermeulen.

The latest rumours to emerge from the French and British media claim that the European champions, Toulon, have secured his signature.

French magazine L'Equipe claimed this week the 28-year-old loose forward has "finally accepted the contract proposed by [Toulon owner] Mourad Boudjellal".

However, this has been dismissed as "absolutely not true" by the player's agent, Stephan Weyers.

Friday 16th December:

McSharry Extends Connacht Stay:

Connacht and the IRFU have announced that centre Dave McSharry has signed a new deal that will tie him to the Sportsground in until at least the end of 2016/17.