Monday Afternoon Round Up

Swiel pens new Quins deal

Harlequins have announced that South African flyhalf Tim Swiel has committed his future to the London club.

Confirming the news John Kingston, Harlequins Director of Rugby, said: "Tim has really kicked on at the start of this season and has taken the opportunities presented with both hands.

"He has displayed a strong desire to be part of the group with his recent performances and I’m really pleased that I have managed to significantly extend his time at Harlequins."

Joining Harlequins in 2014 on loan from the Sharks, Swiel made his debut in what was then the LV Cup. Making ten appearances during his four-month loan spell, he returned to the Sharks following impressive performances against Leinster, at the Aviva Stadium, and Northampton Saints.

Returning to Harlequins on a full-time contract in the summer of 2015, the 23 year-old has since made 25 appearances, scoring 131 points.

Henson injury blow for Bristol

Bristol centre Gavin Henson is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after injuring his shoulder in Sunday’s loss to Sale Sharks at Ashton Gate.

“It is a serious shoulder injury which is a real shame,” said Andy Robinson.

“We really feel for him. It is a potential operation that is needed to the shoulder but we will find out more later.”

Losing Henson added to Bristol’s woes and their latest loss leaves them at the bottom of the Premiership table with just two points from their seven matches played.

Lambie to captain Springboks against Barbarians

Adriaan Strauss, who has led the Springboks in all of their nine Tests so far this year, will be rested for the Barbarians match, with Patrick Lambie taking over captaincy for the Wembley Stadium clash in London on Saturday. 

“Patrick was always part of the leadership group and part of the spine of the Springbok team,” said Coetzee.

“He has excelled as a leader at franchise level and has the respect of his peers. He understands the team culture and has a great understanding of the game and the way we want to play. I have no doubt that he will make a success of his appointment as captain for this match.”

Coetzee will name the Springbok match-23 on Thursday afternoon.

Sharks new signings and re-signings

As the Sharks begin pre-season training, Head Coach Robert du Preez, has announced new signings and re-signings for the new season.
 
Commenting on the new signings, du Preez said: “The new players who have joined us will ensure that we have much needed depth in certain positions.We welcome them to our family and we look forward to their positive contributions going forward.
 
“Clement Poitrenaud brings with him a wealth of experience at both international and club level. He is a good acquisition for us and he will provide great mentorship and be a calming influence on the young and exciting, fullbacks in our team, who are relatively inexperienced.

New signings:

Clement Poitrenaud (1 year)

Enoch Mnyanga (2 years)

Jacques Vermeulen (3 years)

Jeremy Ward (2 years)

Johan Deysel (2 years)

Kobus van Wyk (3 years)

See full list of re-signings here