Wednesday Afternoon Round Up

Herring and Trimble to assume Ulster Rugby captaincy

Ulster Rugby have announced that Rob Herring and Andrew Trimble will captain the squad during the upcoming season.

Herring joined Ulster in 2012 and has amassed 97 appearances for the Province, while Trimble's Ulster career began back in 2005 with a debut against Cardiff.

The experienced duo will replace Best, who had led both Ulster and Ireland since being appointed as national team captain in January this year.

Potgieter ruled out for three months

Worcester Warriors flanker Dewald Potgieter has been ruled out for three months after thigh operation.

“It had been four months since a bit of shoulder surgery sidelined me, and I was feeling pretty good and raring to go,” explained Potgieter.

"This latest setback will leave me hanging around for 12 weeks all in all.”

Potgieter joined Warriors in February from Japanese side Yamaha Jubilo and made four Premiership appearances, scoring a try at Falcons, before his shoulder injury struck.

He has undergone an operation to repair the tendon tear in his left thigh after damaging it during a running session.

Connacht centre Dave McSharry to retire

Connacht has today announced that centre Dave McSharry has been forced to retire from professional rugby due to a concussion injury.

McSharry joined Connacht in 2011 and made his debut that November in the PRO12 game against Ulster.

He went on to play 65 times for the province and was part of several victories including the Heineken Cup win in December 2013.

Gregor Townsend to take over from Vern Cotter as head coach

Scottish Rugby have today announced that Gregor Townsend is to replace Vern Cotter as Scotland head coach in June 2017.

Glasgow Warriors head coach Townsend has previously worked with Scotland as part of Andy Robinson's backroom staff.

The former Scotland fly-half won the Pro12 with Warriors in 2015.

Joe Launchbury named Wasps captain

England lock, Joe Launchbury has been appointed Wasps captain ahead of the 2016/17 season.

Launchbury is entering his seventh season at Wasps, having joined from Worthing in 2009 as a 19-year-old.

He has gone on to win 35 caps for his country, in addition to the 91 appearances for his club.

Hoskins steps down as SARU president

After being in the firing line with several provincial unions reportedly looking to replace him, Oregan Hoskins has now stepped down as president of the South African Rugby Union.

According to Netwerk24, at least 10 of South Africa’s 14 provincial unions wanted Hoskins to be removed from his post in an aim to include all the "bigger" unions in South Africa with Hoskins not fitting their vision.

McQuilkin to leave Leinster

Leinster Rugby Head Coach Leo Cullen has this morning confirmed that Leinster defence coach Kurt McQuilkin will be leaving Leinster ahead of the start of the new season to return home to New Zealand for personal reasons.

McQuilkin is a former Leinster player and captain and was also defence coach under Michael Cheika as part of the backroom team that brought a first ever Heineken Cup to the province in 2009.

Sam James extends Sale Sharks stay

Sale Sharks have today announced that Sam James has signed a new four year deal at the club.

The 22 year-old made his Premiership debut for the club back in 2014 against Northampton Saints. He scored seven tries in 24 appearances and helped the club to sixth place in the Premiership and secure a spot in the European Champions Cup.