Tuesday Afternoon Round Up
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Pat Lambie sidelined for six to eight weeks
Lambie, who captained the Sharks, left the field early in the Super Rugby match against the Waratahs when he suffered an injury to his back during a tackle in Durban at the weekend.
Team doctor Alan Kourie said it is difficult to say exactly how long the approximate length of recovery will be.
"Lambie is to undergo further scans, but his return is estimated at six to eight weeks," Kourie said.
Philip van der Walt suffered a fractured cheekbone in a clash of heads and he will not be available this weekend's encounter with the Kings.
He will be reassessed next week to determine his availability.
Hooker Franco Marais and fullback Clement Poitrenaud will undergo further tests to determine their availability for this weeks' match.
Fraser Brown cleared for Italy clash
Fraser Brown appeared today before an independent Disciplinary Committee, having been cited by an independent Citing Commissioner for dangerously tackling an opposition player, during the 6 Nations match between England and Scotland at Twickenham on Saturday, 11 March 2017.
The player accepted that he had committed an act of foul play but argued that it had not warranted a red card.
The committee found that the act of foul play would have not have warranted a red card, and so the citing complaint was not upheld and no sanction was imposed.
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Bernard Jackman leaves Grenoble
The former Ireland hooker joined Grenoble in 2011 as an assistant coach, before moving up the ranks and eventually becoming head coach.
Jackman is reportedly meeting with club president Eric Pilaud on Tuesday afternoon, with his contract up at the end of the season, reports suggest that Jackman will not be offered a contract extension and will seek an immediate release.
Forwards coach Aaron Dundon and coach Mike Prendergast are expected to stay on as temporary coaches until the end of the season.
Grenoble have been in the Top 14 since the start of the 2012-13 season, after gaining promotion from the Pro D2.
Jackman is one of Ireland's most respected coaches and may return to Ireland in a bid to work with one of the provinces.
He has links with Connacht and Leinster having played for both.
Gavin Henson signs for Dragons
Newport Gwent Dragons have announced that Gavin Henson has committed his future to the Welsh Region.
Henson, who is a former Wales and British and Irish Lions player, will join Dragons this summer on a 2-year contract.
After signing his contract, Henson commented: “I have really enjoyed my time here at Bristol but when the opportunity came along to join the Dragons and return to Wales, I couldn’t say no.
"I still have loads to offer and I know what Kingsley wants from me. I’m especially looking forward to pitting myself against the current Welsh players, and hopefully becoming a catalyst and mentor for the tremendous talent that is in the Dragons squad.”
Dragons Head Coach, Kingsley Jones added: “This is a hugely important signing and exactly what we need to complement our existing squad.
Jean-Luc du Plessis ruled out for four to six weeks with a groin injury
Stormers have today confirmed that flyhalf Jean-Luc du Plessis has been ruled out with a groin injury.
The 22-year-old underwent scans on Monday, which revealed that he has a bone stress injury and won't be available for four to six weeks.
Carter and Penberthy extend Ealing Trailfinders deals for 2017-18
Halfbacks Luke Carter and Aaron Penberthy have penned extensions to their existing deals to keep them with Ealing Trailfinders for the 2017-18 season.
Carter, who is a former Rosslyn Park number nine, has played 23 matches so far in the Greene King IPA Championship and British and Irish Cup and has scored three tries.
Cornish native Penberthy previously played for Pirates and Jersey Reds and then moved to Spanish champions Silver Storm El Salvador. The 24-year-old only stayed for a short period before he returned to the Championship with Ealing Trailfinders.
Milner-Skudder sidelined with a foot injury
Hurricanes fullback Nehe Milner-Skudder will be out of rugby for at least six weeks with a fractured foot.
Milner-Skudder suffered the injury during the second half of his team’s Super Rugby match against the Chiefs in Hamilton on Saturday night.
“It’s disappointing, but these things happen in rugby,” Milner-Skudder said. “All I can do is focus on the rehab and making sure I do everything right to get back on the field. The encouraging thing is the medical staff don't believe there will be any long term issues. It was just a freak accident.”
Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd said it was impossible to put an exact time frame on when Milner-Skudder would be back on the park.
“That all depends on how quickly he heals, so it’s just speculation at this point, but the sooner the better.”
Harlequins sign Lewis Boyce
Harlequins have confirmed the signing of Yorkshire Carnegie loosehead prop Lewis Boyce for 2017/18 season.
20 year-old Boyce has made 22 appearances for the Championship side having made his debut against Rotherham in 2014.
The former England U20 and 2016 Junior World Cup finalist will be in familiar company at Harlequins having previously played alongside Sam Aspland-Robinson, Joe Marchant, Stan South and Charlie Piper.
Confirming the news, Harlequins Director of Rugby, John Kingston said: “Lewis is an extremely exciting prospect who has the potential to reach the very top of the game.
“Having secured his services after competing with a number of interested parties, I’m looking forward seeing the development which he will undoubtedly make under the expert guidance of both Graham Rowntree and Adam Jones.”
Commenting on the news, Boyce added: “I’m really excited about joining Harlequins next season; they’re an excellent club with quality players throughout the team.
Italy announce team to face Scotland
Italy head coach Conor O'Shea has made 4 changes to his starting line-up that lost 18-40 to France last weekend.
Leonardo Ghiraldini is replaced by Ornel Gega at hooker, while Dries van Schalkwyk drops to the bench with George Biagi taking his place in the starting XV.
Maxime Mbanda replaces Simone Favaro at flank, while Parisse captains the side from no.8.
The only change in the backline sees Tommaso Benvenuti replace Michele Campagnaro at outside centre.
