Rugby Banter Page Weekly Round Up

Monday 1st December:

Chiefs Utility Back, Marshall, To Join Gloucester:

Chiefs and Tasman utility back Tom Marshall is reportedly close to inking a deal to join Gloucester in England's rugby Premiership.

The 24-year-old has sought a release from his provincial contract with Tasman so he can go offshore for the start of the next northern hemisphere season. He would see out his commitments with the Chiefs in 2015.

Medard Extends Toulouse Contract:

France international flier Maxime Medard has signed a four-year contract extension with Toulouse, the club announced Monday.

The 28-year-old, whose versatility sees him capable of operating at wing or full-back, has spent his entire professional career with the record four-time European champions.

Medard has played 213 times for his home-town club, scoring 74 tries in the process.

Tuesday 2nd December:

Auckland Lock, Whetton, Joins Leicester Tigers:

With an injury crisis in the engine room, Leicester Tigers have agreed to sign Auckland lock Jack Whetton until the end of the season, joining his compatriot Brad Thorn in the English midlands.

Whetton, 22, played for the Brumbies in last season’s Super Rugby Competition.

Scarlets Sign Versatile Auckland Back, Hadleigh Parkes

Scarlets have announced the signing of former Auckland utility back, Hadleigh Parkes.

The 27 year old, who is equally adept in the centres or at full back, has previously worked under Scarlets’ coach, Wayne Pivac and will add quality to a backline stretched by injuries.

Speaking on the signing, Pivac, who has previously coached Parkes whilst in New Zealand, highlighted Parkes experience as key factor in his signing

“Hadleigh will add some strength and depth to the backline having played Super Rugby in both South Africa and New Zealand as a midfield back and outside back’’ said Pivac

Wednesday 3rd December:

Anthony Foley Wants O’Mahony To Extend Munster Stay:

Amid reputed interest from Top 14 sides, Munster boss Anthony Foley says he is pushing for a "good deal" to ensure Ireland flanker Peter O'Mahony stays at Thomond Park.

O'Mahony's two-year joint deal with Munster and the Irish Rugby Football Union expires next summer and the 25-year-old is currently locked in talks over an extension.

Thursday 4th December:

Jean de Villiers Undergoes Knee Surgery:

South Africa captain Jean de Villiers says he is desperate to be fit for next year's World Cup after undergoing reconstructive surgery on his left knee.

De Villiers, 33, dislocated his kneecap in the 12-6 defeat by Wales in Cardiff on Saturday and early estimates suggested he would be out of action for at least eight months.

"My focus will now be on the arrival of our third child in the coming days," De Villiers said. "'Thereafter it will be about recovering as soon as possible so I can start with my rehabilitation. I will do everything in my power to get to England."

Gloucester Announce Halaifonua Signing:

Subject to a visa being granted, winger David Halaifonua will become the fourth Tongan, joining Sione Kalamafoni, Aleki Lutui and Sila Puafisi, at Gloucester.

"David will bring something different to what we already have at the club and provides some cover for the loss of James Simpson-Daniel and, more recently, the departure of Tom Isaacs," Gloucester rugby director David Humphreys said.

Friday 5th December:

Mouritz Botha To Leave Saracens & Join Sharks:

Saracens' England international lock Mouritz Botha is to leave the Premiership club and join South African Super Rugby franchise The Sharks.

Saracens said they had "reluctantly released" the 32-year-old South Africa-born Botha, who will join the Durban-based Sharks from January 1.

Ireland Officially Announce 2023 Rugby World Cup Bid:

An All-Ireland bid for the 2023 Rugby World Cup has been given the green light this morning by the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU).

High-level political leaders were present at a special unveiling ceremony at The Royal School in Armagh, including Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson. 

"I am delighted to formally announce the Government's support, in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Executive, to formally back the IRFU's bid to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup," said Kenny, whose Government have been considering the bid over the last 12 months.