Monday Evening Round Up

Leolin Zas signs for Sharks

 The Sharks have confirmed the signing of Western Province and Stormers wing Leolin Zas from the start of the 2018 Super Rugby season.

22-year-old Zas represented SA U-20 in 2015 and he played for South Africa 'A' last year. 

Etzebeth ready to lead Springboks in tour-opener

Springbok coach Allister Coetzee has confirmed that Eben Etzebeth, who sustained an ankle niggle during a recent training camp, will lead the Springboks against Ireland in the first of four Tests on tour, which also includes matches against France, Italy and Wales.

Blitzboks boosted by Sikhumbuzo Notshe arrival

Loose forward Sikhumbuzo Notshe has boosted the Springbok Sevens squad ahead of the World Rugby Sevens Series.

The 24-year-old is on loan from Western Province and will be available for selection for the first four tournaments of the new 2017/18 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, before returning to the Stormers in mid-February for Super Rugby.

Johann van Graan to link up with Munster at the end of the month

It has been confirmed that incoming Munster Head Coach Johann van Graan will link up with the province on November 20 in time for the club's return to PRO14 action.

The Springbok assistant coach will be released from his duties with the national side at the end of the Test games against Ireland and France on November 11th and 18th respectively.

Ross Ford out of Scotland's autumn series with injury

Scotland and Edinburgh hooker Ross Ford has been ruled out for four months with a pectoral injury.

Ford picked up the injury during training last week and a scan revealed the 33-year-old will need surgery that will rule him out until the run-up to the Six Nations.

Rhodri Williams signs for Dragons

Dragons have confirmed the signing of scrum-half Rhodri Williams from Bristol Rugby.

The scrum-half has made 27 appearances for Bristol and has also made three appearances for Wales since his debut versus Tonga in 2013.

Gael Fickou to replace the injured Remi Lamerat

Toulouse centre Gael Fickou has been called up to the French squad as a replacement for injured Remi Lamerat.

Lamerat was ruled out on Saturday along with Antoine Guillamon, who will be replaced by La Rochelle prop Mohamed Boughanmi.

Rieko Ioane in doubt for France Test

All Blacks wing Rieko Ioane could be ruled out of Saturday's Test against France in Paris after it was revealed that he has the mumps.

This is the second such case in the world champions' squad after Crusaders centre Jack Goodhue also suffered the illness recently and it forced him to delay his departure from New Zealand.