Wednesday Afternoon Round Up

Pocock back for Brumbies

The Brumbies have named their side to face the Highlanders at GIO Stadium on Friday, with David Pocock's return giving them a major boost.

Pocock has recovered from a fractured eye socket sustained during the first Test against England and will return following six weeks off the field.

Treviranus extends contract with London Irish

London Irish has confirmed that experienced back-row Ofisa Treviranus has signed a two-year contract extension.

He captained Samoa during the 2015 Rugby World Cup, and has made 85 appearances since joining the club in 2011.

Monde Hadebe banned for doping

The Sharks’ Super Rugby-capped hooker Monde Hadebe has been banned from rugby for four years for a steroid-related doping offence.

He tested positive for two forbidden forms of steroid, Khalid Galant, Chief Executive Officer for the SA Institute for Drug-Free Sport, confirmed.

Cooper signs three-year deal with ARU

Quade Cooper has signed with Australian rugby for the next three years but will delay any call on rejoining the Reds until the head coach saga is finalised.

The 58-Test Wallaby is rebuilding his fitness for Wallabies camp next week after a month’s holiday in Europe following his 15-game stint with French club Toulon.

Ospreys extend Paul James

Wales loose-head prop Paul James has signed a contract extension to keep him at Ospreys until 2018.

James, 34, began his career at Neath before joining Ospreys when Welsh regional rugby was formed in 2003.

Force sign Matwijow

The Western Force will add to their second row depth with the signing of Reds lock Ben Matwijow on a one year deal.

Matwijow will ply his trade for Taranaki in New Zealand’s ITM Cup before making the journey west to link up with Force.

Bulls sign two more players

Bulls coach Nollis Marais’ was given a boost when two more significant signings were confirmed.

Supersport.com can confirm that the Bulls have signed standout Kings’ hooker and captain Edgar Marutlulle for the coming season as well as Boland and former SA under-20 flanker Shaun Adendorff.

Teichmann confirmed as new Sharks CEO

Former Sharks and Springbok skipper Gary Teichmann has now been confirmed as the new CEO of the Sharks.

Smit will leave his post as CEO in October, with Teichmann's role effective November 1, 2016.