Tuesday Afternoon Round Up

Geldenhuys signs for Kings

Highlanders prop Ross Geldenhuys is heading back to South Africa to join the Southern Kings ahead of the Super Rugby season.

“I’m enjoying my rugby at the moment and I hope to cement a starting berth at the Southern Kings, as I’ve really enjoyed playing in the run-on team for Tasman this year,” Geldenhuys commented.

“I know I still have a number of seasons left in me and I’m excited to be returning to South Africa.”

The veteran has been with the Highlanders for the last two seasons but was not re-signed by incoming head coach Tony Brown for 2017.

James Horwill commits to Harlequins

Harlequins have announced that former Australian captain James Horwill has extended his contract with the Club until at least the summer of 2020.

Confirming the news Harlequins Director of Rugby, John Kingston, said: “From the moment James joined Harlequins 18 months ago, he has shown himself to be both a world class player and an outstanding leader.”

“His infectious enthusiasm and drive illustrates exactly why he captained Australia on 16 occasions and he has proved a shining example to the rest of the squad..."

Horwill joined Harlequins in September 2015 from the Queensland Reds, a side he played for over 100 times and captained to the 2011 Super Rugby title.

Connacht trio extend contracts with the club

Connacht Rugby have confirmed two-year contract extensions for senior players Denis Buckley, Jack Carty and Quinn Roux.

Commenting on the latest deals, Head Coach Pat Lam said: "These re-signings are another big boost for Connacht Rugby...Obviously developing and retaining Connacht-born players like Denis (Buckley) and Jack (Carty) is a huge part of our vision of ‘Grassroots to Green Shirts’ and we value the commitment to their home province massively..."

Buckley and Carty are both products of the Connacht Academy and have racked up 103 and 67 appearances respectively for their home province and have both represented Ireland at underage level with Buckley making the 2015 Emerging Ireland tour to Georgia.

Roux, who initially came to Connacht on a loan deal from Leinster, is currently in his third season at the Sportsground. He has played in 42 games and last June made his international debut for Ireland during the Summer Tour to South Africa.