Rugby Banter Page weekly round up
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Ireland flanker Tommy O’Donnell has been ruled out of next month’s World Cup after suffering a dislocated hip against opening warm-up opponents Wales on Saturday.
The 28-year-old Munster forward, who has won nine caps, was carried off during the second-half after producing an outstanding display as Ireland cruised to a 35-21 victory in Cardiff.
He spent Saturday night in hospital in the Welsh capital and subsequently underwent detailed medical checks.
Tuesday August 11th,
Guilford set to stay in New Zealand
Former All Blacks winger Zac Guilford has had a change of heart about playing Super Rugby for New South Wales Waratahs and is set to pull out of a one-year contract. Guildford, 26, is poised to exercise an out-clause in the deal he signed last week, having initially embraced the approach from new Waratahs head coach Daryl Gibson.
Horrell said “I am excited about our new season. We have some new coaches and new opportunities. I love playing for the Chiefs and I want to win another title with this group of top lads.
Horrell has play 49 matches for the Chiefs since making his debut in 2012 against Blues in Round two.
Naholo looked to be out of the World Cup after breaking his leg on debut against Argentina last month.He was ruled out for three months, but instead of accepting the All Black doctors' word, contacted an uncle in Fiji who specialises in traditional medicine and was told to return to the Pacific island.
Isei Naiova told the Fiji Times he applied traditional leaves known as kawakawarau on Naholo's leg for four days and when he removed them the injury was gone.
It is yet to be confirmed if Naholo's recovery will allow him to make New Zealand's Rugby World Cup squad.
Gatland cuts stars from squad
Warren Gatland cut 8 players from his World Cup training squad on Thursday including the experienced trio of Richard Hibbard, James Hook & Mike Phillips.
The trio have a combined total of over 260 caps between them and are seen as a big loss of experience to the squad.
Ospreys trio Nicky Smith, Rory Thornton and Dan Baker, Cardiff Blues' utility back Rhys Patchell and uncapped Newport Gwent Dragons back Jack Dixon all were victims of the cut also.
Friday August 14th,
Champions Cup fixtures drawn
The European Champions Cup fixtures have been announced for the 2015-16 season, with the first round having the champions Toulon at home to Bath, Leicester Tigers drawn against Stade Français, while last season’s Premiership winners Saracens playing Toulouse.
Leinster and Munster open their campaigns at home against Wasps & Treviso respectively with the tournament kicking off on the weekend of the 13th of November.
