Afternoon Round Up

Liam Messam to captain All Black Sevens

Messam will take over the captainship after Tim Mikkleson sustained an injury in Hong Kong and the decision was taken to rest former captain DJ Forbes.

Rumours abound over Dragons coach's 'illness'

The rumour mill has been working double time today as the rugby community try to make sense of what has been dubbed the "Lyn Jones saga".

Information available indicates that Jones sent Kingsley Jones an email to say he was sick on Friday and missed Dragon's Challenge Cup match against Gloucester. He was however spotted at Harlequins training on Thursday, sparking a number of rumours on a possible suspension and a pending move to replace Conor O'Shea.

More to follow as the story develops.

London Irish boss is confident that his squad will stay together

The Exiles have a crucial game this weekend the loss of which will mean their relegation from the Premiership.

"There are players who have contracts that enable them to exit if they wish and I'm confident that guys have bought into this club and what we are trying to achieve here," said Coventry.

"But we also know that internationals have to consider their careers because I'm not sure how many international players are picked out of the Championship."

"As a general rule, I'd like to think these guys are in it for the long haul and will fight their way through the good and bad times."