Monday Round-Up

Etzebeth en route: According to reports emerging out of both South African and French rugby outlets, Springbok second rower Eben Etzebeth could well be on his way to the French and European champions, Toulon. With news of Bakkies Botha’s imminent retirement at the end of season, becoming common knowledge last week, Etzebeth would be viewed as a direct replacement for the enforcer in Toulon’s star studded pack of forwards. 23 year old Etzebeth had previously been linked with a move to Stade Marcel Michelin and Clermont Auvergne, but it is now understood that he has his sights set on a move to Toulon to link up with the ever growing South African contingent in the South of France. With 33 Springbok caps to his name, it would be expected that Etzebeth would leave current club the Stormers, following the close of next year’s Rugby World Cup in England.

Not so happy Castro: Toulon and former Italian tight head prop Martin Castrogiovanni launched an incredible tirade against his former head coach Richard Cockerill yesterday, in the immediate aftermath of his side’s defeat at the hands of Leicester. After a seven year spell at the club, yesterday marked Castrogiovanni’s first return to Welford Road and he made the most of it, launching an attack against Cockerill to the media. According to Castro, head coach of the Tigers Cockeriill muddied his name, claiming that he left for monetary purposes, something the Italian vehemently denies. Continuing in his speech, Castro goes on to claim Cockerill had not given him the respect of a face to face meeting when the decision was made, claiming that the club is no longer the proud place it once used to be.

Ryan Sheady