Thursday Evening Round Up

Ashton Hewitt re-signs for Dragons

Dragons have confirmed that Ashton Hewitt has today committed his future to the club by signing a new contract at the region.

Hewitt has joined Adam Warren, Lewis Evans and Matthew Screech in putting pen to paper on a deal to stay at Rodney Parade until at least 2021. Full story

Connacht announce two re-signings, two retirements and confirm departees

Connacht has announced that Hooker Shane Delahunt and centre Peter Robb have both extended their contracts with the Province ahead of the 2019/20 season.

Eoin Griffin has also announced that he will be retiring from rugby at the end of the current season. Griffin has made over 100 appearances for his native province, but his progress has been hampered by injury this season. Full story

Kitchener & Smith set for milestones as Leicester face strengthened Falcons side

Newcastle Falcons and Leicester Tigers will face off in a crucial battle in the race to avoid relegation on Friday. 

The Falcons have boosted by the return of the likes of Mark Wilson, Simon Hammersley and Andrew Davidson. The Tigers have also named a strong side with England Internationals Jonny May, George Ford and Manu Tuilagi all included in the backline.

Graham Kitchener and Matt Smith are set to make their 150th Premiership Rugby appearances for Leicester Tigers.

Rugby Australia and NSW intend to terminate Israel Folau's contract

Wallabies and Waratahs star Folau – a devout Christian – sparked outrage following a series of social media posts on Wednesday, delivering another anti-homosexual post.

Rugby Australia Chief Executive, Raelene Castle and NSW Rugby Union CEO, Andrew Hore have issued the following statement in relation to Israel Folau.

"...Israel has failed to understand that the expectation of him as a Rugby Australia and NSW Waratahs employee is that he cannot share material on social media that condemns, vilifies or discriminates against people on the basis of their sexuality. 

"Rugby is a sport that continuously works to unite people. We want everyone to feel safe and welcome in our game and no vilification based on race, gender, religion or sexuality is acceptable and no language that isolates, divides or insults people based on any of those factors can be tolerated..." Full statement

SBW blow for Blues

All Black and Blues centre Sonny Bill Williams is set to undergo knee surgery that will keep him out of action for at least six weeks.

The Blues revealed after training on Thursday that the 33-year-old second five-eight, who is bidding to feature in his third straight World Cup triumph with the All Blacks, faces at least six weeks on the sideline in the wake of "minor" arthroscopic surgery on his knee scheduled for Friday.

Brad Thorn recommits to Reds

The Queensland Rugby Union has confirmed Reds head coach Brad Thorn will remain at Ballymore through 2020.

 
Thorn’s contract extension will see him lead a world-class Reds coaching team alongside assistant coaches Jim McKay (attack) and Peter Ryan (defence) into next year’s Super Rugby season. Full story