Tuesday Afternoon

Tuesday Afternoon

Orioli cuts ties with Toulon

After a 15-year stint with Toulon, hooker Jean-Charles Orioli has announced that he will end his association with the club at the end of the season.

“It is with a heavy heart that I will be leaving Toulon at the end of the season… thank you for everything! 15 great years in red and black,” said the 27-year-old on his Twitter.

Orioli came through the club’s academy, and has been part of their Champions Cup and Top 14 victories.

Robinson returns to Cardiff Blues


 

Cardiff Blues have signed former Welsh international Nicky Robinson as injury cover with Jarrod Evans facing up to 10 weeks on the sidelines with a broken jaw.

The 34-year-old will come out of retirement after hanging up his boots at the end of last season, bringing his 15-year professional career to an end.


“It’s good to bring a player of Nicky’s experience back to BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park," said Blues boss Danny Wilson.

"His quality is undeniable, he has a wealth of experience from his time with the Blues, the English Premiership and the international game and plenty of leadership qualities," he concluded.

Robinson is already in training with the region and is available for selection this weekend.

Geldenhuys withdraws from international Rugby

Italy lock Quintin Geldenhuys has announced his retirement from international rugby after a 67-cap career.

The South Africa-born, who is on the books at Italian side Zebre, played his 67th and final game for Italy in this weekend's defeat to Tonga.

"I came to Italy in 2005 and I will always be grateful to the country and all of Italian rugby for what they have given me," said Geldenhuys.

"Wearing the blue jersey and taking part in two World Cups was not something I imagined I'd be doing when I arrived to play for Viadana, and captaining the country that adopted me was a huge privilege," he added.

Geldenhuys said he will now focus on helping Zebre, who play in the Pro12 league along with fellow Italians Treviso, and spend more time with his family.

Connacht squad update

Ahead of Saturday's PRO12 round 10 game at home to Benetton Treviso, the Connacht Rugby medical team have provided the following update:
 
Tom McCartney, Denis Buckley, Nepia Fox Matamua and John Cooney all came through the Cardiff game last week with no ill effects following their recent return from injuries.
 
Craig Ronaldson sustained an injury to his thigh in the Cardiff game and is awaiting the results of a scan to determine the extent of the injury.
 
Matt Healy has been integrated fully into team training this week following his return from the hand injury sustained v Edinburgh.
 
Eoin Griffin has undergone surgery for a chest muscle injury sustained in a club game with Buccaneers RFC and is due to return in March 2017.
 
International players Finlay Bealham, Ultan Dillane, Kieran Marmion and Niyi Adeolokun are all on a week's break following their involvement with Ireland over the November Test Series.
 

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