Monday Afternoon Round Up

Toulon sign Alesana Tuilagi

Toulon have signed Samoan winger Alesana Tuilagi to cover for injured fellow veteran Vincent Clerc, who has been ruled out for 5 months after rupturing his left Achilles tendon.

The 35-year-old Tuilagi, one of six rugby-playing brothers including England international Manu, was an integral part of the Leicester team that won the Premiership in 2007, 2009 and 2010.

He also previously played for Newcastle Falcons and Japanese club Shining Arcs de Chiba.

Ulster confirm John Cooney signing from Connacht

Ulster have just confirmed another new signing - scrumhalf John Cooney will join the club from Connacht on a two-year contract and will move to Kingspan at the end of the season. 

Director of Rugby, Les Kiss, said:

"Having searched domestically and abroad for the best available Irish-qualified scrumhalf, John was undoubtedly our number 1 target and we're delighted that he'll come on board from this summer.

"...He is a great talent; threatening in attack, strong in defence, has a good kicking game and excellent game management skills. I think he will really suit the style of play that we will play next season, with a strong mobile pack and an exciting backline."

The 26-year-old started his career with Leinster, making his competitive debut in September 2011 in an away fixture versus Ospreys. He then made his European bow later that season when Leinster beat Ulster in the 2012 Heineken Cup Final.

He made 27 appearances for the RDS club before moving to Connacht for the 2014-15 season, where he has amassed 30 caps.

Bath Rugby contract extensions for front row duo

Bath Rugby has announced that hooker Ross Batty and prop Max Lahiff have signed contract extensions that will see them both remain at the Club for at least a further two seasons.

Batty is one of the longest serving players currently in the Bath squad, having joined from Rotherham Titans in 2010.

Since his debut, he has made over 130 appearances for the club.

Fellow front row Lahiff has been a first team regular since his arrival from Australia at the start of 2015.

Sean Cronin to miss Six Nations with a Grade Two hamstring

Leinster have confirmed that Sean Cronin has been ruled out for ten weeks with a Grade Two hamstring tear and will miss the Six Nations.

Cronin suffered the damage in the Pro12 clash against Zebre ten days ago.

“It’s quite a significant hamstring injury,” Stuart Lancaster said this afternoon.

“It’s a real shame for him as he’s actually playing great rugby but it’s a good opportunity for us to get him right and make sure we don’t get a recurrence of this because it must be hugely frustrating for him.

“He’s got himself into great form and now he’ll miss the Six Nations. He went to push-off and accelerate around the corner and saw it go. He’s deeply disappointed but he’ll be back a better player.”

Cronin’s unavailability will open the door for the likes of Niall Scannell, Dave Heffernan and James Tracy to push for a place in Schmidt’s squad behind captain Rory Best.

Ulster confirm Arno Botha signing

Ulster Rugby has today announced the capture of South African international Arno Botha, who will move to Belfast following the conclusion of the 2017 Super Rugby campaign. He will join the Province on a two-year deal.

"Arno was tipped to be a future Springboks captain from a young age but his career was somewhat curtailed by injuries after he made his international debut in 2013," commented Director of Rugby Les Kiss on Botha's arrival.

"His leadership and abrasiveness will be key attributes for us over the next couple of seasons. He is very aggressive in attack and his ability to get over the gainline will be especially good for us."

Botha captained South Africa U20s in the 2011 World Championships in Italy and was also named as their Player of the Year after a string of impressive performances.

The 25-year-old has made 46 Super Rugby appearances for the Bulls.