Thursday Afternoon Round Up

Tom Varndell named Aviva Premiership Rugby Player of the Month for December

Bristol Rugby’s Tom Varndell has been named Aviva Premiership Rugby Player of the Month for December 2016, as judged by a panel of experts.

“The lad is flying again,” said Aviva ambassador Greenwood, “and his contribution to Jason Woodward’s try at Northampton Saints reinforces his outstanding skills from December.
 
“If Bristol are to escape then their master poacher needs to bag try after try – it looks like his nose for the try line is sniffing on full power.
 
“Tom is an absolutely lethal finisher. Control and awareness of his speed and power makes him so difficult to stop.”
 

Varndell has now scored 90 Premiership Rugby tries in his career, equal with record-holder Mark Cueto.

Winners in the 2016-17 season

December – Tom Varndell (Bristol Rugby)
November – Freddie Burns (Leicester Tigers)
October – Mako Vunipola (Saracens)
September – Jimmy Gopperth (Wasps)

Carl Kirwan commits future to Warriors

Warriors flanker Carl Kirwan has committed his future to the Club by signing a new contract to remain at Sixways.

“We’re delighted Carl has signed a new deal with the Club," commented Head Coach Carl Hogg.

“He shows tremendous professionalism and despite not being a regular in the side when he first arrived at Sixways, Carl used the resource around him to develop and ultimately earned his place in the first-team."

The 25-year-old previously played at London Welsh, whom he helped gain promotion to the Aviva Premiership in 2013/14, scoring eight tries in 24 appearances.

Exeter Chiefs sign Matt Kvesic

Exeter Chiefs have signed England international Matt Kvesic on a three-year deal.

“It’s a great move for me and one that I am very excited about,” said Kvesic. “Over the last few years the Chiefs have shown they are one of the top teams in the country. They reached the final last season and it looks like they’ll be in the top four again at least this season.

“For me, I just felt it was the right time to have a new challenge in my career and I think moving down to the Chiefs will maybe help re-ignite a few areas of my game. “

Having initially started his senior career at Worcester Warriors in 2009, Kvesic spent four years at Sixways before making the short trip down the M5 to sign for Gloucester ahead of the 2013/14 season.

Matt is Rob Baxter’s first capture ahead of next season and joins from Aviva Premiership rivals Gloucester.

Graham Kitchener re-signs for Tigers

Second-row forward Graham Kitchener has agreed a new contract to extend his stay at Leicester Tigers.

Kitchener is approaching 100 starts for the club since arriving from Worcester Warriors in 2011 and has been ever-present in the matchday squad in Aviva Premiership and European Champions Cup fixtures this season.

Peter Betham extends contract with Tigers

Australia international Peter Betham has committed his future to Leicester Tigers after agreeing terms on a new contract at Welford Road.

"Peter has shown his versatility by playing at wing and centre in his 18 months at the club and we believe we will see even more growth in his game on the back of his experiences here so far," commented Tigers head coach Aaron Mauger.

Betham has played at wing and centre in 46 appearances in a season-and-a-half since joining the club, starting all 13 Premiership fixtures in 2016/17.

Dom Barrow extends stay at Tigers

Leicester Tigers have agreed new contract terms with second rower Dom Barrow beyond the end of the 2016/17 season.
 

Barrow made his debut for Tigers last season and has made 28 appearances for the club since he arrived from Newcastle Falcons in 2015.

Will Evans agrees new terms at Tigers

 Leicester Tigers have agreed new contract terms with forward Will Evans.
 

"It's fantastic to stay at the club. I've supported this club ever since I was at school so all I've ever wanted to do is play for Leicester Tigers," said the 19-year-old.

"I hope to get a few more starts under my belt but I'm going to have to work hard in training and try to keep improving.”

Evans made his debut for the Tigers during last season, becoming the latest academy graduate to establish himself in the senior squad at Welford Road.