Wednesday Morning Round Up

Tana Umaga & Leon MacDonald to lead Blues in 2019

The Blues and New Zealand Rugby have today announced that Tana Umaga will have his role as Head Coach extended by a further 12 months to the end of the 2019 Super Rugby season.

The club also announced that Tasman Mako Head Coach and former Crusaders Assistant Coach, Leon MacDonald will join the Blues in 2019 as Assistant Coach. Full story

Perenara to captain Hurricanes against the Reds

Halfback TJ Perenara will return to the starting line-up for the Hurricanes and take over the captaincy against the Reds for their Super Rugby match at Westpac Stadium on Friday night.

Scarlets sign Angus O’Brien and Ed Kennedy

As the season draws to a close the Scarlets have added another two new recruits to their ranks for the forthcoming 2018-19 season in the PRO14 and European Rugby Champions Cup.
 
Fly half Angus O’Brien and loose forward Ed Kennedy, both 23, will join the Scarlets from Dragons and Australian side Randwick respectively. Full story

Rory Thornton the latest to commit to Ospreys

Ospreys Rugby have confirmed Rory Thornton as the latest player to sign a new contract.

The 23-year old second row has put pen to paper on a two-year deal with his home region, becoming the 12th player to recommit during 2018.

Ireland to face Italy in November at Soldier Field

Ireland will return to Soldier Field, Chicago on November 3 to face Six Nations rivals Italy, almost exactly two years on from their famous win over the All Blacks at the NFL venue.

The IRFU today confirmed that Joe Schmidt's Grand Slam winners will begin their November Test series in Illinois, the stadium is home to NFL franchise Chicago Bears. Full story

Russia replace Romania in Rugby World Cup

Russia will replace Romania as Europe 1 qualifier for the 2019 Rugby World Cup after a World Rugby inquiry into ineligible players saw Romania, Spain and Belgium handed points deductions for fielding ineligible players during qualification matches. The Bears join Ireland, Scotland, Japan and the play-off winner in Pool A. Full story