Rugby Banter Page weekly round up

Monday 6th April:

Blues Centre Saili Sings For Munster:

Blues and New Zealand capped centre Peter Saili has signed for Irish province Munster on a two year deal, which begins at the end of the current Super Rugby season.

Saili, 24, has been capped twice by New Zealand and Munster will hope that he adequately fills their troublesome centre position. Saili is the second Blues player to sign for an Irish club in recent weeks after his teammate Charles Piutau announced he will join Ulster in July 2016.

Muliaina To Face Internal Review Over Assault Arrest:

After being arrested over alleged sexual assault allegations, All Blacks centurion Mils Muliaina will be under internal scrutiny from his club, Connacht, as they launch an internal review into the Samoan born full backs alleged assault in Cardiff last month.

Muliaina, 34, was arrested after Connacht’s Challenge Cup Quarter Final defeat against Gloucester last weekend before being subsequently released from police custody on bail.

Muliaina, via his representatives, denies any wrongdoing and the investigation will continue and he has been prompted to return to Wales to assist police with their review.

Tuesday 7th April:

Tom Croft Pens New Leicester Tigers Deal:

Injury ravaged England and Leicester Tigers flanker has been handed a new deal, in a move that Tigers Director of Rugby Richard Cockerill admits is a risk.

Cockerill and Leicester, however, are banking regaining the world class level which saw become a pillar of the Lions pack on their 2009 tour to South Africa.

"Tom has clearly had some poor luck injury-wise but, when he is fit, he is a world-class player and is still a relatively young guy," said Cockerill. "He will stay with us.

"Is it a risk on my behalf? Yes. But that's life, isn't it.

Colin Slade Offered Lucrative Contract To Play In France:

Versatile World Cup winning All Black Colin Slade has been offered upwards of €500,000 per season to join newly promoted French side Pau, according to French publication Midi Olympique.

Slade, 27, sees his New Zealand contract expire at the end of the current season and Pau have the pull of their coach, Simon Mannix, being a former All Black himself.

Wednesday 8th April:

Worcester Warriors To Sign Chiefs Winger Bryce Heem:

Worcester Warriors have announced the signing of Chiefs winger Bryce Heem, 26.

Heem, a former New Zealand Sevens player, impressed in last season’s ITM Cup with Tasman Makos to the extent that he earned a Super Rugby chance with the Chiefs, but, after only one season, Heem believes the time is right to move to England.

"I am really looking forward to joining Warriors and linking up with my new team-mates in England," said Heem

"I am excited about the prospect of joining a club which is progressing rapidly and I look forward to being a part of the side and playing a role in the long-term success."

Legendary All Black Brad Thorn Announces Retirement:

Legendary All Black lock Brad Thorn has announced his retirement from Rugby aged 40.

Thorn, who won 50 caps for the All Blacks, and was part of the 2011 New Zealand World Cup winning squad, is pleased he managed to reach his target of playing top level Rugby up until the age of 40.

"My goal was to play top-level rugby at 40 and to play well, and I've done that," Thorn told BBC Radio today.

Thorn, currently of the Leicester Tigers, has won several Tri-Nations titles with New Zealand, the 2008 Super Rugby title with the Crusaders and the 2012 European Cup crown with Irish province Leinster, as well as having a decorated career in Rugby League.

Thursday 9th April:

Chiefs Afeaki Announces Retirement Due To Prevalence Of Concussions:

Upon medical advice after a spate of concussions, Chiefs prop Ben Afeaki, 27, has announced his retirement from all forms of Rugby.

The once capped All Black, who last played over a year ago, believes the decision to retire was easy, but admitted he’ll miss Rugby.

"It was definitely black and white," Afeaki said. "The risk of getting another head knock and having long-term symptoms obviously outweighed the benefits of playing."

UIster Sing London Welsh Duo:

Ulster have announced the signing of London Welsh’s Irish qualified duo, Peter Browne and Paul Rowley.

Browne, formerly of Newcastle Falcons and Harlequins, is primarily a lock but can also play in the back row and is eligible for Ireland through his father.

Scrum half Rowley, 26, born in Limerick and formerly of the Munster academy, moved to England in 2011 to join Championship side Plymouth. Last season, has made seventeen Premiership appearances for the relegated London Welsh so far this season.

Friday 10th April:

Jamie Roberts Linked With England Move:

According to Jamie Roberts’ ex team-mate Nicky Robinson, the Lions and Wales centre is likely to join an English club for next season.

Currently of Racing Metro in France, Roberts was linked with a return to Cardiff Blues to sign a dual Welsh contract.

Robinson, however, believes Roberts is destined for England.

"Knowing Jamie he would probably like to experience something a bit different," Robinson said.

"There's probably a part of him that would maybe enjoy the bright lights of a another big city and I don't think you could blame him for that.

"To be able to play in the [English] Premiership would be something he'd enjoy; he's obviously enjoyed playing in France and to come to a big English club and to try himself there would be good."

Isa Nacewa To Return To Leinster:

Isa Nacewa, 33, has reportedly agreed to complete a sensational return to Leinster, two years after retiring from rugby.

The New Zealand born utility back- capped once for Fiji- won three Heineken Cups with Leinster, had been working as a 'mental skills coach' with his former Super Rugby side the Blues but is expected to return as a player only.