Thursday Afternoon Round Up

Salvi ruled out with bicep injury

Exeter have lost the services of flanker Julian Salvi for the rest of the year due to a bicep injury.

The 31-year-old Australian picked up the injury during the Chiefs' narrow Champions Cup loss to Ulster and needs surgery.

"We're still waiting to learn the full extent of it but it looks relatively serious," said head coach Rob Baxter.

"He does put in a huge contribution over 80 minutes, and that's probably what we'll miss the most. His biggest quality is his consistency. He turns up every week, and even when we've had some poor performances and even when some individuals within the side have played poorly, Julian's contribution has always been absolutely first rate," added Baxter.

Salvi joined the Chiefs in the summer of 2015 from Leicester and became a key part of the side that made last season's Premiership final.

Kriel & Du Plessis to miss end of year Springbok tour

Jaco Kriel sustained a grade two tear of his left MCL in Japan & will be out of action for approximately four weeks, so he will not be available for the end of year Springbok tour.

Experienced Jannie Du Plessis has withdrawn from the Springbok squad because of personal reasons. His wife will be giving birth to the couple's third child in early November. 

He was due to join the Springboks in London in two weeks' time to prepare for the Test against England at Twickenham on 12 November.

Due to Kriel and Du Plessis' absence, Springbok coach Allister Coetzee on Thursday confirmed that flank Nizaam Carr and prop Lourens Adriaanse will remain with the Springbok squad for the entire Tour as replacements.
 

“Jannie has a wealth of experience, he still has a lot to offer and he stays part of our plans. I want to wish him and his wife well as they are looking forward to welcome a third addition to their family.”

The Springboks will have their final training session on home soil on Friday morning before flying out to London in the early evening.

Michael Hooper wins second John Eales Medal

Waratahs Captain and Wallabies vice-captain, Michael Hooper has won the 2016 John Eales Medal after first claiming the title back in 2013.

The number seven beat out David Pocock by 107 votes to win the award, with his back row partner finishing second despite missing five Tests in 2016, with his World Cup domination propelling him up the leaderboard.

The 24-year-old was also voted the fan favourite for a remarkable fourth year in a row, with his award double answering some early season critics.

See full list of winners here

Gary Gold resigns for Sharks

After two years as Sharks' Director of Rugby, Gary Gold has requested the opportunity to pursue another avenue in his rugby career.

Commenting on his decision to step down, Gold said: “I have had an unbelievably enjoyable two years in Durban, with many highs and a few lows.  There is an exciting group of youngsters that are currently in the system, who have great futures ahead of them.”

 
“I look forward to the next challenge in my career and I would like to thank everyone at The Sharks for the great memories and the wonderful opportunity I was given to be at the helm of a fantastic team, the Cell C Sharks.”

Johan Snyman suspended for five weeks

Brive second row, Johan Snyman, has been suspended for five weeks after being cited in the European Rugby Challenge Cup, Round 2 match between Worcester Warriors and Brive.

Snyman was cited for a dangerous tackle on the Worcester Warriors player, Tom Heathcote, in the 49th minute of the match at Sixways Stadium in contravention of Law 10.4 (e).

Taking into account a one-week break in the TOP 14 match schedule, Snyman is free to play on Monday, 5 December 2016. Both the player and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.

Oliviero Fabiani suspended for nine weeks

Zebre Rugby hooker, Oliviero Fabiani, has been suspended for nine weeks after being sent off during the European Rugby Champions Cup, Round 2 match between Zebre Rugby and Connacht Rugby.
 
Fabiani plead guilty for biting Connacht second row, Quinn Roux, in the 29th minute of the match at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi in contravention of Law 10.4 (m).

The Committee initially selected 18 weeks as the appropriate entry point, but then decided to reduce the sanction to nine weeks due to Fabiani's timely guilty plea, expression of remorse and clean disciplinary record before imposing a suspension of nine weeks.

Fabiani is free to play on Monday, 9 January 2017. Both the player and EPCR have the right to appeal the decision.