Wednesday Afternoon Round Up

Rebels retain assistant coach Craig McGrath

Melbourne Rebels assistant coach Craig McGrath has signed a two-year contract extension which will see him remain at the club until the end of 2018.

McGrath will continue his role as the club’s Super Rugby defence coach, Melbourne Rising assistant coach and head coach of the Rebels U20s development program having joined the club as a Development Coach in 2014.

Cavubati joins London Scottish on loan

Warriors lock Tevita Cavubati has returned from injury and will join London Scottish on loan for their match with London Welsh on Christmas Eve at Old Deer Park.

The Fijian, who has made 17 appearances for Warriors, has not featured since picking up an injury in October's home clash with Sale Sharks.

The loan deal is for one game.

Scarlets announce departure of CEO

Scarlets have confirmed that Darran Phillips will be stepping down as CEO of the region at the end of December. 

Phillips, who became CEO of the Scarlets in 2014 following his time as a Director of global fund manager Threadneedle Investments in the City of London, said: “I have very much enjoyed my time at the Scarlets and it’s been a pleasure to have been working back in Wales.” 

The Scarlets will not look to replace the CEO position and a new Executive Management Team has already been established. Jon Daniels continues to head up all rugby matters with Phil Morgan, previously Finance Director, assuming responsibility for all commercial and business operations matters as COO.

Maks van Dyk citing complaint dismissed

Maks van Dyk of Toulouse was cited for striking an opponent in the 66th minute of his club's European Rugby Champions Cup match against Zebre Rugby.

An independent Disciplinary Committee heard evidence and submissions from the EPCR Disciplinary Officer and determined that Van Dyk had committed an act of foul play, but found that the offence did not warrant a red card.

The citing complaint was therefore dismissed and Van Dyk is free to play.

Western Province liquidation update

"Western Province Rugby was placed into final liquidation by the Western Cape High Court this morning.  The allegations levelled against Western Province were found to have no merit and its opposition based on fraud and an abuse of the court process was dismissed

The judge also found that the genuine intention of the Union in bringing the liquidation application was the best interests of Western Province Rugby’s creditors.  

The liquidators, now duly authorised by the High Court, have taken full control of the business of Western Province Rugby and will ensure that the winding-up is proceeded with in the best interests of all of its creditors, employees, players and other stakeholders.” 

USA Rugby denies PRO Rugby allegations

After news broke out yesterday that PRO Rugby alerted all of its players that they’re being terminated, USA Rugby has today denied any and all allegations purported by PRO Rugby.

In yesterday's statement, PRO Rugby owner and CEO Doug Schoninger assigned blame to USA Rugby, alleging that the national governing body didn't sufficiently protect PRO's exclusive sanctioning rights:

"As some of you may or may not know, we have been having serious issues with the cooperation and the enforcement of our agreement with USA Rugby. We have been actively trying to resolve our issues with USA Rugby for over four months and, unfortunately, it appears that USA Rugby will not honor the commitments they made to us.

Because of this, we are notifying all presently agreed players of PRO Rugby that we are exercising the Voluntary Termination clause in your contract (section 5(b)). We are hopeful, but with no assurances, that we will be able to resolve all issues with USA Rugby prior to end of the termination clause period. We will keep you up to date with any progress or news as it becomes available.

Please remember, until the end of the termination clause you are still an employee of PRO Rugby and all duties and obligations should be adhered to.

I am very sorry that we were forced to take this action and we are trying to do everything we can to ensure that PRO Rugby, its players, coaches, and employees are all treated fairly."

While players should be paid while they're still employed over the next 30 days, most were contracted for 12 months and will lose out on money they've already earned.

USA Rugby CEO Dan Payne said their policy is to "not speak to disputes in the media, and will have no further comments regarding this particular issue at this time."

The league year officially ends March 13, 2017, leaving contracted players light more than two months' pay. 

George Earle suspended for eight weeks

George Earle of Cardiff Blues has been suspended for eight weeks for making contact with the eye area of the Bath Rugby flanker, Tom Ellis, in the 44th minute of the European Rugby Challenge Cup match against Bath Rugby.

An independent Disciplinary Committee found that the offence was at the low end of World Rugby's sanctions and selected 12 weeks as the appropriate entry point. One week was then added to the sanction in accordance with World Rugby's memorandum on contact with the eyes and/or eye area.

Taking into account Earle's clean disciplinary record and his apology to Ellis following the match, the Committee decided to reduce the sanction by five weeks before imposing an eight-week suspension.

Earle is free to play on Monday, 13 February 2017. Both the player and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.