Tuesday Afternoon Round Up

Isa Nacewa Confirmed as Leinster Rugby Captain

Leinster Rugby Head Coach Leo Cullen has this morning confirmed that Isa Nacewa had been selected as Club Captain for the 2016/17 season.

The former Fiji international scored nine tries in 23 games upon his return to Leinster last season but missed out on a place in the PRO12 Final against Connacht due to an arm injury.

Nacewa was initially appointed Club Captain last season on a temporary basis when Kevin McLaughlin was forced to retire from the game after only one round of the PRO12.

Hougaard injury concern for Boks

Scrumhalf Francois Hougaard is an injury doubt ahead of the Springboks’ Rugby Championship opener against Argentina in Nelspruit on Saturday.

He injured his knee in South Africa’s 7-5 semi-final loss to Great Britain and will undergo a scan to determine the severity of the injury, after which coach Allister Coetzee will make a decision regarding his replacement.

Cameron Clark gives Waratahs a boost

Australian Men’s Olympic Sevens representative, Cameron Clark has signed with the Waratahs until the end of 2018.

“Cam has had a hugely successful career in Sevens already. He looks a dangerous and threatening player with ball in hand so I’m looking forward to working with him,” Waratahs head coach Daryl Gibson said.

“He’s looking for a challenge back in 15s and will no doubt add to the competition for spots next season."

Munster lose Saili for 4 months with injury

All Blacks centre Francis Saili has been ruled out for up to four months because of a shoulder injury.

He initially suffered the injury last season and will miss the opening months of the Pro12 as well as the first two rounds of the Champions Cup.

Moala ruled out of Rugby Championship test with knee injury

New Zealand center George Moala has been ruled out of Saturday's Rugby Championship test against Australia after suffering a knee injury in training.

The All Blacks say Moala will now being out for several weeks.

Cameron Neild commits to Sale Sharks

Sale Sharks have announced that Cameron Neild has signed a new four-year deal at the club.

Neild joined the Sharks academy set-up in 2013 straight from Manchester Grammar School. Having begun as a hooker, a switch to the back row marked another stage in Neild's development.

Coetzee set for January return

New Ulster recruit Marcell Coetzee hopes to take the field for Ulster in January as he recovers from an ACL injury.

"Ulster will take over on 1 October and if all goes well I'm aiming at mid-January to start playing again," said Coetzee.

"I'm disappointed that I'll not to be able to make my debut earlier but I'd rather be 100% fit before I return to action rather than 70%."