Thursday Afternoon Round Up
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Shane Williams returns to Ospreys
Ospreys legend, Shane Williams, has linked up with the region once again, almost four years after his final appearance in the famous shirt, accepting an ambassadors role.
The flying winger, whose 57 tries in 141 games remains an Ospreys record, 20 more than the next on the list, signed off after the 2012 Guinness PRO12 Final in Dublin.
“Everybody knows that I’m an Osprey through and through," commented Shane.
"I was given my chance to play professionally at Neath and then was at the Ospreys from the start of regional rugby, enjoying nine great years.
“Since retiring, through Star Multifuels, I’ve learned the importance of good business networking opportunities, which makes this new role doubly satisfying. Not only am I back with the Ospreys, I can also enjoy the fantastic corporate side of the business, which has always led the way.”
Alo signs permanent Warriors deal
Giant tighthead prop Biyi Alo has signed a permanent deal to remain at Sixways.
Alo, who joined the Club as injury dispensation cover for the 2016/17 season, has made nine appearances including his first Premiership game for Warriors in their New Year's Day win over Harlequins.
"Biyi arrived at Sixways as cover but quickly established himself within the squad," commented Head Coach Carl Hogg.
"He has taken his opportunities within the European Challenge Cup and Anglo-Welsh Cup and that in turn has seen him rewarded with Premiership selection which is a testament to the work ethic that Biyi has shown."
Elia Elia extends his time with Harlequins
Harlequins can confirm today (Thursday 26th January) that Samoan international hooker Elia Elia has extended his short-term contract and will remain with the Club for the remainder of the current season.
Confirming the news, John Kingston said: “I am delighted that we have extended Elia’s contract.
“In his short time here he has made a big impression and I have no doubt he will be pressing the existing hookers for regular game time.”
The 20 year-old former Crusaders development member has been capped three times by Samoa and has been with Harlequins since early December.
Rebel sign Japanese winger Kentaro Kodama
The Melbourne Rebels have signed Japanese international winger Kentaro Kodama for the 2017 Super Rugby season.
Kodama will go from opponent to teammate with the 24-year-old expected to line up for the Panasonic Wild Knights against the Rebels on the opening day of the Brisbane Global Rugby Tens before he joins the Super Rugby club at the end of the two-day tournament.
Glasgow Warriors confirm Haupeakui departure
Worcester Warriors have confirmed that Langi Haupeakui has officially left the club, citing ‘family reasons’ for his decision not to return to Scotland following the holiday break.
Ireland Women's Squad announced for 2017 Women's Six Nations
Head Coach Tom Tierney has named the Ireland Women's squad for the Women's Six Nations Championship 2017.
The side includes five uncapped players – up front props Ilse Van Staden (Cooke and Ulster) and Ciara O'Connor (Galwegians and Connacht) will be hoping to win their first Ireland caps during the course of this year's Women's Six Nations, as will backs, scrum-half Ailsa Hughes from Railway Union and Leinster, out-half Jemma Jackson from Cooke and Ulster and wing Eimear Considine, from UL Bohemians and Munster, who has been capped for the Ireland Women's 7s.
Ireland Women's 2017 Six Nations Squad
Forwards:
Elaine Anthony (Highfield / Munster)
Anna Caplice (UL Bohemians / Munster)
Ciara Cooney (Railway Union / Leinster)
Ailis Egan (Old Belvedere / Leinster)
Paula Fitzpatrick (St. Mary's College / Leinster)
Orla Fitzsimons (St. Mary's College / Leinster)
Nichola Fryday (Tullamore / Connacht)
Ciara Griffin (UL Bohemians / Munster)
Leah Lyons (Highfield / Munster)
Claire Molloy (Bristol / Connacht)
Cliodhna Moloney (Railway Union / Leinster)
Heather O'Brien (Highfield / Munster)
Ciara O'Connor (Galwegians / Connacht)*
Ruth O'Reilly (Galwegians / Connacht)
Lindsay Peat (Railway Union / Leinster)
Marie-Louise Reilly (Old Belvedere / Leinster)
Ilse Van Staden (Cooke / Ulster)*
Backs:
Niamh Briggs (UL Bohemians / Munster) Captain
Eimear Considine (UL Bohemians / Munster)*
Mairead Coyne (Galwegians / Connacht)
Aine Donnelly (Old Belvedere / Leinster)
Mary Healy (Galwegians / Connacht)
Ailsa Hughes (Railway Union / Leinster)*
Jemma Jackson (Cooke / Ulster)*
Niamh Kavanagh (UL Bohemians / Munster)
Claire McLaughlin (Cooke / Ulster)
Alison Miller (Old Belvedere / Connacht)
Jenny Murphy (Old Belvedere / Leinster)
Sene Naoupu (Ayslesford Bulls)
Nora Stapleton (Old Belvedere / Leinster)
*denotes uncapped player
Their first home game will be against France in Donnybrook on Sunday, 26th February. They will then take on Wales in the Cardiff Arms Park, on Saturday 11th March – the morning after Ireland Men play Wales at the Principality Stadium.
