Rugby Banter Page Weekly Round Up

Monday 27th October:

Wales Consider Playing George North at Centre:

Should Jonathan Davies’ shoulder injury rule the Clermont centre out of Wales’ opening Autumn test against Australia, then Wales’ head coach Warren Gatland will consider moving behemoth winger George North into the centre.

North played in the centre against Australia in the corresponding fixture last season and Wales’ assistant coach Rob Howley would have no hesitation in starting North at thirteen again, describing the 22 year old as “not a bad outside centre”

Antonie Claassen called to French Training Squad:

South African-born back row forward Antonie Claassen has been called up to France's three-day training camp, ahead of next month's international Tests.

The 30-year-old Racing-Metro forward replaces Clermont captain Damien Chouly for the camp - from Monday to Wednesday.

Tuesday 28th October:

Genia Keeping His Options Open:

Will Genia remains open to the prospect of linking up with Sam Burgess at Bath next season but it won't distract him from his Wallabies spring tour duties.

The 26-year-old halfback has been strongly linked with a move to the English rugby club after next year's World Cup.

Asked whether he would use his time in the UK to further explore the possibility of move, Genia said in London on Tuesday: "We'll wait and see."

Chiefs Retain Smith as Assistant Coach:

After speculation that he could leave the franchise after his contract expired, the Chiefs have confirmed that assistant coach Wayne Smith has agreed to extend his deal. 9

The former All Black mentor had been off contract and there was a question mark whether he would recommit for a further year.

However, Chiefs head coach Dave Rennie confirmed that Smith will be part of their 2015 Super Rugby campaign

Wednesday 29th October:

Paul James To Re-sign with Ospreys:

Wales international Paul James is looking forward to rejoining Ospreys next year after agreeing a two-year deal with the Welsh region.

The 32 year old spent nine years with the Swansea based side before signing for Bath in 2012.

Thursday 30th October:

Racing Coach Disappointed with Lydiate failure:

Racing Métro coach Laurent Travers has expressed his disappointment over the early departure of Wales flanker Dan Lydiate.

Lydiate's stint with the Parisian club has been hugely unsuccessful and he will now return to play in Wales following the November Tests.

"This is a failure, not only on the part of the player but also the coach because I have not been able to do what it takes to get him to play. That failure is also my fault," Travers told Rugbyrama.

Friday 31st October:

Edinburgh Actively Seeking Additions to their pack:

Edinburgh Rugby coach Alan Solomons has revealed that talks have taken place with BT Murrayfield bosses about a transfer swoop to bolster his injury hit squad.

While making it clear no deals are imminent – the Guinness PRO12 takes a two-week break for internationals after tonight’s visit to Leinster – the veteran South African focused on the back row as an area of concern and, when questioned about possible moves, said: “Loose forward-wise we are looking at seeing what we can do.