Tuesday Afternoon Round Up

Sanchez free to face England

Argentina have been handed a boost ahead of England clash as fly-half Nicolás Sánchez was found not guilty of striking at his hearing.

Sanchez was cited for allegedly striking an opponent in his team’s defeat to Scotland at Murrayfield.

“The Committee concluded that although Sanchez had committed an act of foul play, he had done this as part of an attempt to free himself from the illegal grasp of an opponent and that in any event, it would not have warranted a red card – no sanction was imposed.”

Warriors sign Canada fly-half Braid

Warriors have signed 26-year-old Canada fly-half Connor Braid until the end of the season.

Braid has been capped 21 times by his country, with his latest coming last weekend in Canada's clash with Romania. 

Head Coach Carl Hogg said: "With recent injuries to Ryan Lamb and Tom Heathcote, we're delighted Connor is able to come in and bolster the side in the number ten position.

"He has plenty of experience in goal-kicking while his versatility across the backline will also be of great benefit.”

The versatile back, who can also play in the centre or the back three, will join up with the squad following Canada's match with Samoa on Friday.

Liam Williams signs for Saracens

Liam Williams has signed for English club Saracens after turning down lucrative offer from the Wales Rugby Union.

The 25-year-old full-back is believed to have signed a two-year deal with the Premiership side and will join them for next season.

Liam won his 37th Wales cap last weekend during the 33-30 victory over Japan in Cardiff.

Sexton and Henshaw to miss Australia game

Ireland pair Johnny Sexton and Robbie Henshaw have been ruled out of Saturday's game against Australia in Dublin because of injury.

Fly-half Sexton picked up a 'minor' hamstring injury in the bruising weekend defeat by New Zealand while centre Henshaw suffered concussion.

Eben Etzebeth to return home

Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth will miss for the Outgoing Test against Wales on Saturday after suffering a concussion against England two weeks ago.

Etzebeth had to leave the field in the first half at Twickenham after he clashed with an English opponent, and he did not play against Italy in Florence as part of the return to play protocol.

“We won’t call up a replacement because we currently have sufficient cover in that position with Pieter-Steph du Toit, Lood de Jager and Franco Mostert,” explained Springbok coach Allister Coetzee.

“There are also some utility forwards who can provide extra cover if needed.”

The Springbok team to face Wales on Saturday will be named on Thursday.

Launchbury out for 2 weeks

England lock, Joe Launchbury has been ruled out of the matches against Argentina and Australia after being banned for two weeks for a ‘reckless’ kick to the head of Fiji centre Asaeli Tikoirotuma in last Saturday’s game at Twickenham. 

The Wasps second row pleaded guilty and was suspended from playing rugby for a total of two weeks, up to and including Sunday 4 December 2016.