Thursday Afternoon Round Up

Harlequins sign George Naoupu from Connacht

Harlequins have today confirmed that former Connacht Number 8 George Naoupu will join the club for the upcoming season.

Naoupu joined Connacht in 2009 and earned positive reviews in his first season, and his skills attracted Japanese side Kobe Steelers, for which he made appearances for a year before coming back to Connacht.

Whiteley out of semi-final clash

The Lions will have to be without regular captain Warren Whiteley and replacement scrumhalf Ross Cronje for their Highlanders clash on Saturday.

Whiteley, who sustained a shoulder injury in the Test series against Ireland in June, damaged his calf muscle in their quarterfinal win over Crusaders last week.

Ruan Ackermann will step into the No.8 jersey and Kriel will pose as captain.

Robertson re-commits to Waratahs

The Waratahs have today announced the re-signing of 21-year-old prop, Tom Robertson commits to the club for a further two seasons until 2018.

Robertson made his first Super Rugby appearance earlier this year, scoring a try for Waratahs on his debut.

Evans agrees new Sale Sharks deal

All Blacks lock, Bryn Evans, has agreed a new three-year deal with Sale Sharks.

Bryn joined Sharks from Biarritz before the start of last season after playing three seasons in the Premiership with London Irish.

Bath confirm coaching structure

Bath have officially confirmed Todd Blackadder as the new director of rugby, and Tabai Matson as Head Coach.

Blackadder and Matson will arrive at Bath in the next few weeks after the end of the 2016 Super Rugby season.

Digby Ioane signs for the Crusaders

35 Test Wallaby international, Digby Ioane, has signed with the Crusaders for next season and will look to close in on 100 Super Rugby appearences with the NZ franchise.

Ioane, noteably with Stade Francais but currently at Honda Heat and has 86 Super Rugby caps to his name