Monday Round-Up
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Monday Round-Up
Goode signs for Newcastle Falcons
Former England fly-half Andy Goode has come out of retirement and signed a three-month deal with Newcastle.
The 35-year-old announced his retirement in September because of injury problems, just weeks after signing with London Irish
Falcons have also signed scrum-half Justin Booth, 21, on a three-month deal from New Zealand side Manawatu Turbos.
Goode and Booth will provide cover for Mike Delany and Ruki Tipuna, who are both injured and not expected to play again until the spring.
Both newcomers could make their debuts in the Premiership against Bath on 2 January.
"We're delighted to welcome Andy and Jamie to Kingston Park, although there is obviously disappointment that they come through injuries to Mike and Ruki," said Falcons director of rugby Dean Richards.
"With those two unavailable to us for the immediate future, the opportunity to bring in additional players of the quality of Andy and Jamie, to supplement what we already have here, was a great opportunity."
Patchell focused on Blues
Rhys Patchell says he will have no divided loyalties when Cardiff Blues face Scarlets in the Pro12 on New Year's Day.
The twice-capped 22-year-old Wales fly-half will join Scarlets on a two-year deal next summer.
Patchell's last-minute penalty gave Blues a dramatic 21-20 Pro12 win over Newport Gwent Dragons on Sunday.
"I'm a Blues player, Blues pay my wages and I will try as hard as I can until the end of the season," Patchell said.
"There's a lot of games to play and I'll be proud to pull on the jersey each and every time I'm selected to play for the Blues.
"It's a club that's been very good to me. When the time comes for me to play for Scarlets I'll start talking and having [media] interviews about that."
