Rugby Banter Page weekly round up

Monday 25th May:

Wasps Agree Deal For Veteran Back Row George Smith:

Wasps have announced the signing of 111 time capped Wallaby George Smith from Lyon.

Smith, 34, will be the newly Coventry based sides marquee signing for next season and Wasps’ Director of Rugby, Dai Young, has welcomed the signing of the Australian, putting particular onus on the experience that the former Queensland Reds’ flanker will bring to his squad.

‘George Smith is one of the greats of his generation. To be able to add a player of his international experience and quality is a real coup for Wasps.

‘George has been there and done it. As a player, he has that hard, abrasive edge you need in a team,’ said Young.

David Strettle Linked With Clermont Auvergne Move:

Saracens winger David Strettle will join Top 14 giants Clermont Auvergne after this year’s Rugby World Cup, according to reports in France.

After a period of international exile, Strettle-31- has earned a recall to the English National Squad but his imminent move to Clermont will see his international aspirations disappear after the World Cup.

Tuesday 26th May:

Headbutt citation could end Hartley’s World Cup Prospects:

England hooker Dylan Hartley could see his World Cup prospects damaged after the New Zealand born Northampton Saints hooker was cited for an alleged headbutt on Saracens’ hooker Jamie George that elicited a heated response from the Saints’ players.

Referee Greg Garner nor the television match official deemed the incident bad enough for Hartley to be punished during the game, but, nonetheless, Hartley has been summoned before the Premierships citing commissioner to explain his actions.

Hartley, who is no stranger to disciplinary hearings, has missed a total of 50 weeks of Rugby through suspensions.

NZRU Announce New Four Year Deals For Retallick and Savea:

The New Zealand Rugby Union have announced that their key players, Julian Savea and Brodie Retallick, have signed four year deals to extend their respective stays with the Union until 2019.

Savea, the Hurricanes winger, and Retallick, the Chiefs lock, are seen as vital components of not only the All Blacks’ present but future and the NZRU’s Chief Executive, Steve Tew, is pleased the duo haven’t followed the lead of Charles Piutau and Colin Slade and defected overseas to sign lucrative contracts.

"I don't think anyone would take anything away from two of our centurions (McCaw and Carter) but if these two fulfil their potential, they'll join that elite club too," Tew said.

"Julian and Brodie are two of our finest players with huge futures in front of them. If things go according to form and fitness and selection, they'll play in two more World Cups."

Wednesday 27th June:

Wales’ Jonathan Davies Will Miss World Cup Through Injury:

Wales have been dealt a significant blow ahead of the World Cup with the news that centre Jonathan Davies will miss the Rugby World Cup due to injury.

The British and Irish Lions centre has ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament playing for Clermont Auvergne.

Davies will undergo surgery in the coming days and will be out for six-to-seven months.

Sanzar Boss Quits For Role With Argentinian Union:

Sanzar rugby boss Greg Peters is stepping down from his position in order to move to Argentina and manage their major moves on to the international scene.

Peters’ remit will include overseeing Argentina's introduction into an expanded Super Rugby competition next year.

The New Zealander is well known within Argentinian Rugby circles, having been at the helm of Sanzar for the Puma's inclusion to the Rugby Championship.

Thursday 28th June:

New French Coach To Be Named On Sunday:

Philippe Saint-Andre's successor as France coach will be announced on Sunday following a vote on Friday by the French Rugby Federation, according to reports in France.

The official announcement will come the day after the Top 14 play-off clash between Oyonnax and Toulouse, whose long serving manager, Guy Noves, is considered the big favourite to get the France job.

A secret ballot will be held on Friday by senior officials at the French Rugby Federation (FFR).

Other candidates, as well as Noves, include Bordeaux-Begles manager Raphael Ibanez, former Montpellier manager Fabien Galthie and even Clive Woodward, the coach of England's 2003 World Cup-winning side.

Cardiff Blues Eye Matthew Morgan Move As Bristol Fail To Win Premiership Promotion:

Cardiff Blues will contemplate a move for Matthew Morgan following high spending Bristol’s failure to gain promotion to the Aviva Premiership.

The talented Welsh international is likely to attract the attention of a number of clubs with the West Country outfit having suffered an agonizing defeat to Worcester in a dramatic Championship play-off final.

Morgan is under contract for another year and Bristol have made it clear they want their contracted employees to stay on board, amid much debate over the future of coach Danny Wilson, also reputedly a target for the Blues.

But there are suggestions they would grudgingly be willing to negotiate if a club came in and a player - or coach - definitely wanted out.

Friday 29th May:

Paul O’Connell Set To Sign Two Year Post World Cup Deal With Toulon:

Following months of incessant media speculation in both Ireland and France, it now appears that legendary Ireland, Lions and Munster lock Paul O’Connell will join Toulon on a two year deal after the World Cup.

O’Connell, 35, has made no secret of his aspirations to experience rugby life outside of the Munster ‘bubble’ and the reigning European Champions have earmarked O’Connell as the idyllic candidate to replace retiring locks Ali Williams and Bakkies Botha.

Ten Players To Leave Northampton Saints At The End Of The Season:

Defeated Premiership semi-finalists Northampton Saints have confirmed the departures of 10 players from their squad ahead of a major squad restructuring.

Among those leaving Franklin's Gardens are forwards Samu Manoa and Salesi Ma'afu to three-time European champions Toulon, together with Phil Dowson (Worcester), Alex Day (Cornish Pirates), Joel Hodgson, Tom Ryder (both Yorkshire Carnegie), Will Hooley (Exeter) and Dom Waldouck (London Irish).

John O’Sullivan