Wednesday Morning Round Up
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Jesse Kriel snubs UK interest to sign Japanese deal
Following the news that Handre Pollard will leave the Bulls at the end of the season while RG Snyman is set to miss the 2020 season while off in Japan, the Bulls have been dealt yet another blow with former Springbok head coach Allister Coetzee luring the Springbok back to Japan to join the Canon Eagles.
Ronan O’Gara weighing up his options with multiple offers on the table
Former Ireland standoff Ronan O’Gara has denied reports that he has already signed a contract with Top 14 side La Rochelle and has stated that there are several offers on the table.
Reports in France on Monday said that O'Gara was set to join the Top 14 side as backs coach on a three-year deal.
O’Gara has opened up on his coaching future and has ruled out a move to Munster https://t.co/NdYydBV6yL
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) May 15, 2019
Carter laughs off recall speculation and backs current eligibility rules
Former All Black flyhalf Dan Carter has laughed off speculation that he will return to the All Blacks for the 2019 Rugby World Cup, after his name was thrown into the conversation following Damian McKenzie's injury.
The former Crusader believes New Zealand still has enough resources to maintain the strict regulations that states players must be playing in New Zealand Rugby to be selected for the All Blacks.
Pollard off to France with Steyn returning
Following reports that he will be enticed with a £1m-a-season (R20 million) deal in France, Blue Bulls have confirmed that Springbok flyhalf Handré Pollard has agreed terms with Montpellier.
The Blue Bulls also confirmed that Morne Steyn will re-join the club for the 2020 Super Rugby season. Steyn is still the all-time points-scorer for the team (1449) and played in 124 matches for the Bulls.
Pollard will leave the Bulls at the end of the #SuperRugby season and link up with Montpellier after the #RWC2019 in Japan.https://t.co/KFQ9gwufgz
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) May 14, 2019
Jack Goodhue headlines trio of Crusaders penning new deals
The Crusaders have announced a trio of re-signings made for the 2020 Super Rugby season with All Blacks midfielder Jack Goodhue headling the signings.
Goodhue joins lock Mitchell Dunshea and flanker Billy Harmon in re-committing to the franchise for next season.
Ulster sign Highlanders' Back Faddes
Ulster Rugby has confirmed the signing of Super Rugby star Matt Faddes for next season. The 27-year-old has represented his home province Otago since 2011 and is currently playing for the Highlanders franchise, with whom he has scored 19 tries in 43 Super Rugby appearances.
Rebels get double playmaker boost for Bulls clash
The Melbourne Rebels have been given a double playmaking boost for their Super Rugby clash with the Bulls on Friday.
Incumbent flyhalf Quade Cooper has passed his concussion tests and is fit for the clash while Matt Toomua has joined the franchise a week early and features on the bench for the side who are currently placed second in the Australian conference.
Uelese to play with 'little' brother in return for Melbourne Rising
James Marshall backed for starting role against the Jaguares
The experienced James Marshall will start at first five-eighth in the absence of Beauden Barrett who is on the second of his All Black rest weeks while Du'Plessis Kirifi will start at openside flanker.
Full Hurricanes line up to face the Jaguares
Sale Sharks sign du Preez Twins
Sale Sharks have confirmed the signing of 23-year old Du Preez twins Jean-Luc & Daniel on loan deals this season with the pair set to return to South Africa to play for the Sharks in the 2020 Super Rugby season.
Dragons confirm Dean Ryan as their Director of Rugby
The Dragons have announced the appointment of Dean Ryan as Director of Dragons Rugby.
The 52-year-old will take up his new role this summer from the RFU, where he has been Head of International Player Development since 2016.
Under Dean Ryan, @gloucesterrugby lifted the Challenge Cup in 2006 before reaching the Premiership Final in 2007, also finishing top of the table in 2008https://t.co/2qNQqYV9ce
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) May 14, 2019