Tuesday Afternoon Round Up
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Boks add Mbonambi to squad after 'miscommunication'
South Africa have added hooker Bongi Mbonambi to their preparation camp after "miscommunication" saw him initially miss out on the squad.
Mbonambi wasn't named in the squad announced by head coach Allistair Coetzee, but has today been added to the squad with a "miscommunication between members of the management" blamed for his original omission.
Allardice apologises for homophobic slur
Chiefs lock Michael Allardice has apologised for a homophobic slur made at his team's end-of-season party at pools complex on Saturday.
Allardice was overheard shouting: "Here come the gays, here come the gays," by a man from Waikato, Brendan Barraclough.
"I was going to ignore it, but what if it was someone else that heard it," said Brendan.
"It's an awful thing to hear."
The Chiefs issued a statement today in which Allardice apologised for his comments.
Chiefs CEO Andrew Flexman said: "There is no defending those comments - they were out of character."
"He has learnt it the tough way what should be said in public, but he's a quality young man."
New Head of Athletic Performance appointed
The IRFU and Leinster Rugby have today confirmed that Charlie Higgins has joined the province as Head of Athletic Performance.
The 43-year-old joins Leinster from Super Rugby where he was Head of Athletic Performance with the Western Force and replaces Dan Tobin who has joined Gloucester Rugby.
Warriors sign Samoan international Faosiliva
Harlequins have today announced that both Winston Stanley and Charlie Walker have committed their future to the Club.
“I am absolutely delighted that both Charlie and Winston have seen fit to extend their contracts," said Harlequins Director of Rugby, John Kingston.
“I have no doubt that these two talented and valued backs have major roles to play going forward."
After making his senior club debut against Gloucester Rugby in September 2011, Walker has since made 52 appearances, scoring 23 tries.
Stanley, who is now in his second season with Harlequins, joined from Super Rugby side, the Highlanders.
Rhodes commits to Saracens
Saracens flanker Michael Rhodes has signed a new deal to remain with the club until 2019.
“I have really enjoyed playing in England and in Europe so far, and I’m looking forward to making some more memories alongside some great people,” Rhodes commented on his extension.
The 28-year-old, who has made 27 appearances for Saracens, played a key role in the club’s double winning campaign and was a starter in the Premiership and European Champions Cup finals.
Glen Jackson to referee Super Rugby final
Glen Jackson has been appointed to referee the 2016 Super Rugby Final between the Hurricanes and Lions at Westpac Stadium, Wellington on Saturday 6 August.
