Wednesday Afternoon Round Up

Dwayne Peel to join Ulster as Assistant Coach ahead of the 2017/18

Dwayne Peel has been revealed as the latest addition to the Ulster backroom team for next season.

The former Wales and British and Irish Lions scrum-half has agreed a two-year deal to take up a role as an assistant coach with the province.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time with Bristol Rugby – both as a player and a coach – and it’s a Club that I have a close affinity to," said Peel.

“I’d like to thank Mark [Tainton] and the coaching team for the support that they have shown me. As a young coach, I’m looking forward to a new chapter in the PRO12 with Ulster.

“Until May, my focus is on Bristol Rugby and working with the players to ensure we retain our top flight status.”

Peel made twenty appearances as a player for Bristol, before joining the coaching staff at the beginning of the season.

Kebble set to join Glasgow Warriors

Stormers prop Oli Kebble will join the Glasgow Warriors at the end of the 2017 season on a two-year deal.

"Oli has come a long way in his time with us and leaves us a rounded player who has a lot to offer," commented Director of Rugby Gert Smal on Oli's departure.

The 24-year-old former Junior Springbok made his Stormers debut in 2014 and has since earned 34 Vodacom Super Rugby caps.

He is contracted to Western Province Rugby until the end of the 2017 season and will head to Scotland once he has concluded his commitments in Cape Town.

Sidney Tobias joins Zebre Rugby

South African hooker Sidney Tobias has signed for Zebre Rugby until the end of the 2016/17 season from Griquas Rugby.

Tobias made his debut for Griquas in the 2012 season against the Eagles in George.

He was included in the Western Province's squad for the 2009 Vodacom Cup but didn't make any appearances.

Greig Laidlaw ruled out of 6 Nations with ankle injury

Scotland captain Greig Laidlaw has been ruled out of the remainder of the 2017 RBS 6 Nations with an ankle injury.

A scan confirmed that he sustained ligament damage midway through the first-half of last week's encounter with France.

The 58-times capped scrum-half will see a specialist later this week.

Jack Roberts joins Cardiff Blues

Cardiff Blues have confirmed the signing of Jack Roberts from Leicester Tigers for the 2017/18 season.

The Welsh centre has enjoyed rich form at Leicester but returns back to Wales to further his career with Cardiff.

“I’m really looking forward to joining Cardiff Blues. It’s an exciting place and I’ve taken a big interest in their games this season."

 
Roberts will add depth and compete with Rey Lee-Lo, Willis Halaholo, Garyn Smith and Harri Millard for a centre spot next season.

Trio join Chiefs as injury cover

The Chiefs have brought in prop Aidan Ross, scrum-half Jonathan Taumateine as injury replacements for Mitchell Graham and Brad Weber respectively. Matiaha Martin joins the squad as the Chiefs add some depth at lock ahead of Super Rugby.

Aidan Ross is a 21 year prop who joins from Bay of Plenty, meanwhile Johnathan Taumateine, 20, and Martiaha Martin join from Counties Manukau.