Monday Round-Up

Pocock handed warning: Former Australian skipper and open side flanker David Pocock has been issued with a formal written warning by the powers that be in Australian rugby circles, following his arrest on Sunday. An advocate for multiple social challenges throughout his life, Pocock was arrested after chaining himself to a digger for ten hours in protest over the establishment of a proposed coal mine in New South Wales’ Leard Forest. With the matter now in the hands of the New South Wales police force and out of the hands of the Australian Rugby Union, Pocock’s case is now subject to legal proceedings, with a decision due in the coming weeks. In the meantime, the seemingly perennially injured Pocock will return to pre-season training with the Brumbies ahead of the beginning of next season’s Super Rugby campaign.

Toulon confirm clash: Reigning European champions, Toulon, have confirmed that they will take on South African outfit the Sharks in a friendly encounter in February. Having been initially proposed by former Springbok World Cup winner and Sharks stalwart John Smit late last week, the game has now been officially confirmed by the French club for February 5th at Stade Felix Mayol. According to organisers of the game, SL Events, talks had been ongoing between the two clubs, in advance of the publicity gained this week. The first weekend in February also marks the opening round of the European Six Nations tournament, leaving Toulon with a highly depleted squad to take on the Sharks, although Smit’s men will still be in the midst of their pre-season training ahead of the Super Rugby season. The clash of the two sides will also pit maverick flyhalf Frederic Michalak against his former club, as he lines out for Toulon.

Ryan Sheady