Top Stories From This Week

A quick look at the week's top stories:

Walters leaves Boks

Revered strength and conditioning coach Aled Walters has parted ways with the Springboks after a significantly successful stint culminating in a World Cup triumph. He said his decision was heavily influenced by the effect of COVID-19 on the world at present.

Fergus McFadden Hangs Up His Boots

After a long and successful career including 34 appearances for Ireland and 184 for Leinster, Fergus McFadden has decided to retire from the game.

Super Rugby Aotearoa

Rugby fans the world over will be licking their lips at the prospect of the new Super Rugby Aotearoa initiative. The competition will involve all five of New Zealand's Super Rugby franchises going head-to-head over the next 10 weeks. All games will be played behind closed doors. The commencement of the competition hinges on Monday's announcement by the Prime Minister regarding the country going into Level 2 lockdown regulations.

Brumbies To Hit The Training Pitch

The Brumbies plan to return to training on Monday following the ACT provincial government's decision to relax certain existing regulations. The training will still be subject to social distancing rules with no more than 10 individuals per session.

Pat Lam confirms Semi Radradra and Kyle Sinckler can play for Bristol this season and how they could line up

With the 2019/20 Premiership season set to resume at some date beyond July 1, Bristol Bears are set to benefit the most with Kyle Sinckler and Semi Radradra's contract dates set to start by then making them available to Pat Lam.

In a major boost to Bristol Bears' Premiership title aspirations, Director of Rugby Pat Lam has revealed that their three marquee summer signings Semi Radradra, Kyle Sinckler and Mitch Eadie can play this season, providing it runs beyond July 1.

That means flying Fijian back Radradra, England prop Sinckler and backrower Eadie will be able to don Bears shirts, despite having represented Bordeaux Begles, Harlequins and Northampton, respectively, this campaign.

Mike Tyson offered $1m to come out of retirement and face SBW

 

ike Tyson has reportedly been offered $1 million to fight former New Zealand All Black Sonny Bill Williams in Australia.

Tyson went viral last week when he posted a video of himself working on the pads, displaying that trademark speed and power and has since been offered $1 million to step into the ring with former All Black star Sonny Bill Williams.

The 53-year-old former undisputed heavyweight champion has recently revealed last month that he is training for a return to the boxing arena to take part in four-round exhibition fights for charity

 

Six Nations won't be moved says World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont

 

Recently re-elected World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont, has revealed that there could be two consecutive months of international action under plans for a new global tournament.

Beaumont is keen to resurrect plans for an annual competition, possibly with promotion and relegation, which were dropped last year, but stressed the Six Nations would not be expected to change dates or format.

Japan set to become a Tier 1 Nation

 

Japan are set to become a Tier One Nation according to a report by Japanese publication Nikkei.com.

According to the report by the Nikkei,  Bill Beaumont has made a promise to the Japan Rugby Association to make Japan a Tier One Nation.

This would be the first time an Asian country will become a Tier 1 Nation and it would come with benefits such as favourable test matches and a better allocation of funds.

SA Rugby to consider rescheduling Lions tour

The British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa is set to go ahead as schedule as it stands, but the dates may change.

  

SA Rugby has admitted it is considering the possibility of rescheduling the British and Irish Lions tour due to the impact of the coronavirus.

Warren Gatland's Lions are due to visit South Africa next July and August for a tour that will feature three Tests against the world champions.

However, the outbreak of COVID-19 could have a knock-on effect on that tour, with Northern Hemisphere countries facing up to the possibility of missing out on revenue from internationals that may have to be scrapped later this year.

All Blacks loose forward and Chiefs Captain Sam Cane has been named as the new Captain of the All Blacks

All Blacks loose forward and Chiefs Captain Sam Cane has been named as the new Captain of the All Blacks.