Friday Evening Round Up

Adam Coleman ruled out of Test vs England with Blake Enever to debut

The Wallabies have been forced into a late change after Adam Coleman was ruled out with a thumb injury.

The lock failed a final fitness test on Friday morning, with 26-year old Blake Enever straight into the starting side and set to debut against England on Saturday.

Scarlets confirm the signing of Steve Cummins

Scarlets have announced the signing of Australian lock Steve Cummins from Super Rugby franchise Melbourne Rebels.

Cummins moved to Melbourne in 2015 for his first Super Rugby debut and though contracted to Melbourne Rebels until after Super Rugby 2018 both clubs agreed his early release.

CONFIRMED: Barclay to leave Scarlets

Scarlets have confirmed that Scottish international back-row John Barclay will leave the region at the end of the season to join Edinburgh Rugby.

Barclay, 31, joined the Scarlets ahead of the 2013-14 season, from Glasgow Warriors, and he’s gone on to 96 appearances to date for the region becoming a cornerstone of the pack as well as captaining the side on numerous occasions.

Steve Diamond cops 6-week stadium ban

Sale Sharks Director of Rugby Steve Diamond appeared before an independent disciplinary panel last night charged with conduct prejudicial to the interests of the game contrary to RFU Rule 5.12.

 
Following the match Sale Sharks v Exeter Chiefs on Friday 27 October 2017, Diamond gave a broadcast interview during which he allegedly failed to respect the authority of the match referee, Craig Maxwell-Keys.

Chairman of the panel Ian Unsworth QC said: “The panel was disappointed that Mr. Diamond was before them once again charged with acting in a way which undermines the values of the game.  The comments made in the post-match interview clearly and obviously undermined the referee and were an attack upon his character, competence, and integrity. Those comments struck at the heart of the game’s core values. The game is built upon respect. There must be respect for officials.
 
“The panel made it clear that the continuing behaviour of Mr. Diamond is unacceptable and, if it continues, may lead a future panel to consider deducting points from Sale Sharks.”

Dick Muir returns to Sharks coaching role

The Sharks have announced the appointment of Dick Muir, the former Springbok and Sharks player and coach.  He will join the Sharks coaching team as a consultant responsible for the team’s attack and backline play for the 2018 rugby season.

Mees Erasmus becomes a Brumby

The Brumbies have announced the signing of promising young prop Mees Erasmus on an EPS contract for 2018. Hear from Erasmus and his new coach Dan McKellar at the press conference today.

Winners' mindset strong for Hodge

Reaction from the Rugby World Cup 2023 host selection announcement

Ultan Dillane on Ireland v Fiji