Wednesday Round-Up

Thomson on way: New Zealand World Cup winner Adam Thomson will link up with Australian franchise the Reds ahead of Super Rugby 2015. Having made his debut in the competition over 8 years ago, Thomson has gone on to represent the Highlanders on over 65 occasions, scoring 21 tries in the process. In the past two season, Thomson has plied his trade in japan’s Top League, with the Canon Eagles. Capable of playing across three different positions, Thomson still genuinely craves the competitive nature of Super Rugby and will bring an added edge to the Reds lineup come the start of next season. Read coach Richard Graham was singing Thomson’s praises at his most recent press conference, stating that he believes the former All Black is one of the game’s finest operators in the air in the modern game. Standing at over 110kg and just under 2m in height, Thomson will bring a physical presence to the ever growing Reds squad as they look to mount a serious title challenge.

Whitelock to France: Top 14 outfit Bayonne have completed the signing of Super Rugby veteran Adam Whitelock on a two-year deal. Whitelock, who operates across multiple positions in the backline, but has looked most comfortable in the centre, will link up with his new teammates upon the close of the domestic ITM Cup competition in New Zealand. A crusader, Whitelock plies his trade with the Canterbury outfit this year and will be looking to bring his current side to the climax of New Zealand’s domestic competition before heading off to pastures new. At 27, Whitelock has signed an initial two year contract with the Top 14 outfit, with the option of extending it by a further year she he and the club need fit. Whitelock becomes the third signing for Bayonne in recent weeks, after the arrival of both Benjamin Macome and Lalakai Foketi.

Ryan Sheady