Wednesday Afternoon Round Up

Aled Brew signs short term deal with Bath

After cutting ties with the Dragons yesterday by mutual consent, Wales international Aled Brew has been picked up by Bath on a short term deal.

Director of Rugby, Todd Blackadder, commented: “Aled is an international standard winger, so we are very pleased that he’s joined the Club. He was looking for a fresh start, and will give us some more experience and add to the depth within the squad.”

The 30-year-old has made over 100 appearances for Newport Gwent Dragons throughout his career, as well as earning seven caps for his country.

Brew was also a member of the Wales team that won the World Cup Sevens in Dubai in 2009.

Elstadt and Willemse return for WP

Flank Rynhardt Elstadt and hooker Mike Willemse will both start for Western Province against the Golden Lions on Friday.

Elstad was on the sidelines with an ankle injury, whilst Willemse has been recalled from the Eastern Province Kings where he was on loan.

Western Province: 15 Cheslin Kolbe, 14 Werner Kok, 13 EW Viljoen, 12 Johnny Kotze, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Robert du Preez, 9 Jano Vermaak, 8 Kobus van Dyk, 7 Jurie van Vuuren, 6 Rynhardt Elstadt, 5 Chris van Zyl (captain), 4 Jan de Klerk, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Mike Willemse, 1 JC Janse van Rensburg.
Replacements: 16 Neil Rautenbach, 17 Alistair Vermaak, 18 JP Smith, 19 Jacques Vermeulen, 20 Eital Bredenkamp, 21 Dewaldt Duvenage, 22 Scott van Breda.

Gatland confirmed as Lions coach

Warren Gatland has been re-appointed British and Irish Lions coach ahead of the tour to New Zealand next year. The backroom staff will be announced on dec 7th.

Gatland, who takes the role up with immediate effect, became the first coach in 16 years to win a series back in 2013 after the 2-1 series defeat of Australia and will lead the Lions once more, this time against his own country.

The Lions travel to New Zealand at the end of May and are aiming to become just the 2nd side to win a test series against the world's number 1 side.

The former Ireland boss will manage the Lions in 10 games, which includes three tests against the All Blacks, a game against the Maori All Blacks and matches against each of New Zealand's five Super Rugby franchises.

Rob Howley named Wales head coach in Gatland absence

Just moments after Warren Gatland was announced British and Irish Lions head coach, Rob Howley is expected to take over as Gatland’s temporary replacement as Gatland will stand down and shift his attention to the Lions tour.

"I’m delighted, proud and extremely excited to be named Wales Head Coach for this period," said Rob.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of being Head Coach in 2012 and 2013 and I’m excited to have the challenge once again and I would like to thank the WRU for this opportunity."

Martyn Phillips, Wales Rugby Union CEO says they considered Gatland's replacement options domestically and overseas, and eventually determined that Rob represents the optimum appointment for Wales.

"Rob’s experience and relationship with the Regional coaches affords the opportunity for a joined up approach, which will be of an important benefit for the game in Wales."