Wednesday Afternoon Round Up

Lopeti Timani signs through to the end of 2019

Wallabies backrower Lopeti Timani has re-committed to Australian Rugby after signing a two-year extension with the ARU and the Melbourne Rebels.

The 26 year-old made his Qantas Wallabies debut last year against Argentina in Perth, before going on to play six Tests in a breakout season where he imposed himself as a formidable backrow force.

Having already signed until the end of the 2017 season, Timani’s extension sees him through to the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

Brumbies sign Hawera

Brumbies have announced the completion of the signing of fly-half Wharenui Hawera from Southland.

“We are delighted that Wharenui has signed on for the 2017 Super Rugby season,” Head Coach Stephen Larkham commented.
 
“He has a tremendous skill-set and excellent pace and will provide plenty of competition for the number ten jersey alongside our other options in that position. His attitude in training has been superb and he is settling well into the environment.”

New Zealand born pivot Hawera joins the club fresh off a tremendous season with the Stags in the Mitre 10 Cup where he contributed 64 points.

Sam Underhill set to join Bath

Sam Underhill is set to leave Ospreys at the end of this season to join Aviva Premiership outfit Bath until 2018.

Underhill captained England at U18s level and was on the books of Gloucester as a teenager, making his debut for the Cherry & Whites at 17.

He has made 24 appearances for the Ospreys and will move to Bath this summer.

Owen Williams to join Gloucester Rugby from 2017/18

Gloucester Rugby have confirmed yet another signing, with the recruitment of fly-half Owen Williams for next season.

"I'm delighted that Owen will be joining Gloucester at the end of the season and I'm sure the supporters will look forward to his competition with Billy Burns for the fly-half starting spot," said Director of Rugby David Humphreys.

"Top teams throughout Europe have two quality no 10's and Owen's experience with Leicester in both the Premiership and Europe will add some real quality and depth to a key position in our playing squad."

Williams will join the Cherry and Whites from Leicester Tigers, the club who he joined from the Scarlets in 2012.  He has made 81 appearances to date for the Tigers, scoring 574 points in his time so far in the East Midlands.

Disciplinary Hearing: Aaron Penberthy

Aaron Penberthy of Ealing Trailfinders was charged for a tip tackle during the Greene King IPA Championship match between Jersey RFC and Ealing Trailfinders on 1 January 2017.

The player pleaded guilty at a disciplinary hearing to the charge and is banned from 3 January – 23 January 2017.

Tim Swinson signs new Glasgow deal

Scotland second-row Tim Swinson has signed a new three-year contract with the club keeping him at Scotstoun until May 2020.

“I’ve signed for three years because it’s a great club to be at and there is a good buzz around the place," commented Tim on the new deal.

The 29-year-old has 25 Scotland caps and has forged a strong second-row partnership alongside Glasgow co-captain Jonny Gray, scoring two tries in 12 outings this season.

Joe Marler injury update

Harlequins can confirm today that Joe Marler has suffered a fracture to his lower left leg and is set to miss the start of the Six Nations in February.

He will undergo a period of rehabilitation and is expected to be fit to play again in four to five weeks.

Rugby League's Semi Radradra to join Toulon

The Parramatta Eels Rugby League Club have announced that Semi has accepted an offer to play rugby union for the Toulon Rugby Club for the 2017/2018 European rugby season, with an option for a second year being the 2018/2019 season.

"In early December 2016 the Parramatta Eels indicated our wish to keep Semi at our Club by making a very attractive offer to Semi for the 2017 (upgrade of existing contract), 2018 & 2019 NRL seasons," said the club in a statement on their website.

"The offer from Toulon was substantially higher than our Club’s offer. We look forward to Semi being a most productive member of the 2017 Parramatta Eels playing squad and then we wish Semi well in his rugby union venture with Toulon."

Radradra, who has been training with the Eels this week, has scored 60 tries from 68 matches since making his debut for the Eels in 2013. He represented Australia last year.

Richard Barrington & Brad Barritt Disciplinary Hearing

The charges against Sarcens' Richard Barrington for dangerous charging, and team-mate Brad Barritt for dangerous tackling were heard in London last night.

The case against Barrington was dismissed and is free to play again with immediate effect. Barritt pleaded guilty and was given a three-week suspension. He is free to play again on Tuesday 31st January.

The RFU Disciplinary panel said: "Following very careful analysis, the panel found that Mr Barrington had not committed the act of foul play alleged. The incident arose out of the specific dynamic of Mr Parling falling unconscious into what would have otherwise been a legitimate contact by Mr Barrington.

"In line with the new sanctions a mid-range entry of six weeks was imposed on Mr Barritt reduced to three weeks in light of mitigation including his guilty plea."

Barrington was sent off by referee Ian Tempest in the weekend's Aviva Premiership match between Saracens and Exeter Chiefs for making contact with the head of Geoff Parling of Exeter Chiefs.

In the same incident, Brad Barritt tackled Geoff Parling dangerously, making contact with his head and was subsequently cited by the citing commissioner.