Weekly Round Up
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Gaby Lovobalavu suspended for four weeks
Wasps centre Gaby Lovobalavu was this week suspended for four matches by an independent disciplinary panel for a dangerous tackle on Exeter Chiefs’ Sam Hill .
The incident happened in the final minute of last Sunday’s Premiership match.
Sinoti Sinoti extends with Newcastle Falcons
Newcastle Falcons have announced that hot-stepping winger Sinoti Sinoti has agreed a contract extension to remain at Kingston Park Stadium.
The 32-year-old has become a cult hero by virtue of his tackle-busting prowess and trademark evasion, with defenders up and down the land struggling to lay a hand on the man who has made 62 appearances for the Falcons since joining in January 2014.
Super Rugby Round two Highlights: Rebels vs Reds
The Melbourne Rebels got their Super Rugby campaign off to the perfect start as they cruised to a 45-19 home win over the Queensland Reds.
Super Rugby Round 2 Highlights: Highlanders v Blues
Aaron Smith and Rob Thompson were stand out performers for the home side but the Blues forced their way back into the game but ultimately surrendered all hope of winning the clash after conceding 14 points with a man in the bin.
Thursday News
Ireland change three to face Wales
Chris Farrell has been named at outside centre, replacing the injured Robbie Henshaw, while Tadhg Furlong and Iain Henderson have failed to recover in time for the fixture, with Andrew Porter and Devin Toner replacing them respectively.
Worcester Warriors sign Jersey Reds captain Scott van Breda
Both are likely to miss the remainder of the season after follow assessments confirmed that they would both require surgery.
Joe Launchbury (Wasps) will play in his 50th game for England having made his debut for his country against Fiji in 2012.
Ospreys Rugby has announced that James King is the latest player to extend his contract with the region, signing a new three-year deal.
The 27-year old, who has worn four, five, six, seven and eight for the Ospreys and has been with the region for 10 years and will continue to remain with the side until the end of the 2020/21 season.
Former French international lock Jocelino Suta has announced his retirement after he ruptured his Achilles tendon in training.
The powerful second rower represented France six times between 2012 and 2015. He made 11 appearances for Toulon this season and was one of the most respected players in the Toulon squad.
Wednesday News
Faosiliva pens new Worcester deal
The powerhouse Samoan international is yet another first-team star to put pen to paper on a new deal ahead of the 2018/19 campaign as Director of Rugby Alan Solomons continues to build stability and continuity within the Warriors squad.
Northampton Saints can today announce that Academy Coach Paul Diggin will be leaving the Club after 15 years at Franklin’s Gardens.
The 33-year-old has been a part of the Club’s furniture since his playing days, when he notched up 148 appearances and helped Saints claim numerous trophies along the way. Full story
Scotland centre Matt Scott has today penned a two-year deal to re-join his hometown club after two seasons in the English Premiership with Gloucester.
Capped 39-times for Scotland, the 27-year-old started his career with Edinburgh in 2011 and amassed 74 appearances for the capital club before moving south to join the Cherry and Whites.
Six Nations: Scotland name unchanged side for Calcutta Cup clash
Stockdale signs new Ulster deal
Ulster Rugby has confirmed that winger Jacob Stockdale has signed a new deal with the Province, which will keep him at Kingspan Stadium until the summer of 2020.
The 21-year-old has scored 17 tries in his 37 Ulster appearances thus far and has 8 in 13 games this season.
Brunel makes five chances to face Italy
A change at the back sees Hugo Bonneval link up with Benjamin Fall and Rémy Grosso. Mathieu Bastareaud also returns to the starting line up having missed the opening two games of the competition, replacing Remi Lamerat.
Lionel Beauxis and Maxime Machenaud retain their spots at flyhalf and scrumhalf respectively, while single change up front sees Paul Gabrillagues replace Arthur Iturria.
Sam Parry commits future to Ospreys
Ospreys Rugby have announced that Sam Parry has become the latest player to commit to the region, the fourth member of the senior squad to sign a new deal ahead of next season.
The hooker has put pen to paper on a two-year contract and he follows on from Welsh internationals Adam Beard and Owen Watkin, along with Olly Cracknell, in agreeing a new contract to stay at the Liberty Stadium.
Dragons receive double injury blow
Dragons have confirmed that Gavin Henson and Tyler Morgan face "extended spell on the sidelines" after the pair missed the 18-15 defeat by Benetton Rugby in the Pro14.
Scans earlier this week revealed Henson has a hamstring tendon injury, which is expected to keep him out for between 6 and 8 weeks.
Top Performers from Round 15 of the Premiership
Tuesday News
Six Nations: Gatland welcomes back three Lions for Ireland clash
Lions trio Leigh Halfpenny, Dan Biggar & Liam Williams return to the starting XV in place of Josh Adams, Rhys Patchell & Gareth Anscombe.
Fly-half Dan Biggar, who missed the opening Six Nations games against Scotland and England due to a shoulder injury, replaces Rhys Patchell in the number 10 shirt.
Worcester Warriors capture scrum-half Heaney and hooker Miller
Worcester Warriors have announced the signings of Doncaster Knights scrum-half Michael Heaney and London Scottish hooker Isaac Miller ahead of the 2018/19 season.
The English-qualified pair, who have penned one-year deals, are the latest players to sign after it was confirmed earlier this month that Cornell du Preez, Ashley Beck and Callum Black will be making the move to Sixways this summer. Full story
Will Davis to join Northampton Saints next season
Northampton Saints have today confirmed that loosehead prop Will Davis will join the Club from Ealing Trailfinders at the end of the season.
Davis was part of the Ealing side that won promotion after topping the National One table back in 2014/15, and has since gone from strength to strength as the Trailfinders transformed into Championship title contenders. Full story
Jamba Ulengo ruled out for 2 months after operation
Bulls wing Jamba Ulengo will be sidelined for up to eight weeks after a minor operation, confirms sarugbymag.
Ulengo injured his knee in last year's Currie Cup and has since had chronic issues with his tendon.
Super Rugby try of the week
Lions winger Aphiwe Dyantyi scored a brilliant individual try in his team's 26-19 victory over the Sharks in Johannesburg.
Beale growing as a leader
A stint in England for Wasps has left the returning Beale with some invaluable experience.
Monday News
Michael Le Bourgeois re-signs for Bedford Blues
Bedford Blues have announced that captain Michael Le Bourgeois has put pen to paper on a brand new deal that will keep him at Goldington Road until 2020.
Le Bourgeois joined the Blues in 2013 having moved from fellow Championship side Jersey Reds. Full story
Schmidt adds three to Ireland Six Nations squad
Niall Scannell, who partook in the 48hr training camp in Athlone, will again train with the squad following an elbow injury to Rob Herring in Ulster's game against Edinburgh.
John Cooney will also train with Ireland this week following the knee injury sustained by Luke McGrath in Leinster's game against Scarlets. Full story
Izaia Perese ruled out for six weeks with knee injury
Reds winger Izaia Perese is set to miss 6 weeks of Super Rugby after partially tearing the ACL in his right knee.
Perese suffered the injury in Queensland's clash with Fiji Warriors last Thursday.
Get to know #SuperRugby latest Superstar Aphiwe Dyantyi, he was told he was too small to play rugby and gave up the game after school before scoring on his Super Rugby debut this past weekend 💪 via @Grit_Sports
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) February 19, 2018
🎬| https://t.co/xX8aeVlLNF pic.twitter.com/IjrsXfI6Uy
Rugby Europe Round Up 🗞️
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) February 19, 2018
Spain take a step closer to Rugby World Cup 2019 🇪🇸
Georgia put 60 past Germany 🇬🇪
Russia back to winning ways 🇷🇺
📰| https://t.co/5vlgk38fD0 #REC2018 pic.twitter.com/QOhcPygsh1
Thomas Waldrom to join Wellington Lions in 2018
The Wellington Lions have confirmed that experienced Exeter Chiefs and former England back-row Thomas Waldrom will join them in 2018.
Waldrom, 34, made 80 appearances for the Wellington Lions before his move to the United Kingdom where he was a big part of the Leicester Tigers success for four seasons.
Leinster v Scarlets | Man of the Match James Lowe
Chris Robshaw reflects on a day that saw England train in front of 10,000 fans at Twickenham
