Thursday Evening Round Up

Marcus Smith signs first senior professional contract

Harlequins have secured the signature of one of England's most promising young talents with Marcus Smith signing his first senior professional contract with the club.

The 18-year-old has had a breakthrough season with the club following an increase in game time following the injury to Demetri Catrakillis. Full story

George Whitehead loaned to Stormers

The Stormers have secured a loan deal with Griquas flyhalf George Whitehead.

WP Rugby confirmed the agreement to Netwerk24 on Wednesday after the player joined the Stormers’ pre-season training squad. Full story

Latest Munster contract news

Munster Rugby have confirmed a number of contract updates including extensions for Billy Holland, Stephen Archer and Kevin O’Byrne.

The senior trio of Holland, Archer and O’Byrne have all put pen to paper recently while academy players Liam O’Connor, Fineen Wycherley and Calvin Nash have also committed to the province. Read more

OFFICIAL: Wasps sign Lima Sopoaga

The All Blacks have confirmed that Highlanders flyhalf Lima Sopoaga has signed a three-year deal with Premiership side Wasps. 

Sopoaga, who has played 16 Tests for the All Blacks scoring 55 points, confirmed that he would leave New Zealand, at the end of the 2018 season, in a farewell message on Instagram.

PRO14: Top Plays (Round 13)

Skills and Hits of the Week from Round 13 of the Premiership

Nick Phipps is back at preseason training this week