Rugby Banter Page weekly round up

Monday 16th February

Timani Signs Two Year Extension with Melbourne Rebels

Melbourne Rebels have wasted no time in re-signing exciting second-rower Lopeti Timani until the end of the 2017 season.

The 24-year-old has impressed the Rebels with his versatility and his physicality over the past year, which was topped off when he scored the opening try of the Rebels' season in their 20-10 win over the Crusaders last Friday night.

Ellis Returns to ‘Saders:

Crusaders halfback Andy Ellis is back in camp with the Super Rugby franchise.

Ellis' stint in Japan has come to an end, with his side the Kobelco Steelers knocked out in the semifinals of the national competition.

Ellis is in attendance at today's Crusaders training, but is not taking part with the rest of the squad.

Tuesday 17th February:

Promotion & Relegation for Six Nations:

Relegation and promotion are “very unlikely” to be introduced into the RBS Six Nations, but in time the rugby tournament could grow to seven nations, according to the CEO of the competition. Six Nations Rugby CEO John Feehan has poured cold water on suggestions that the Six Nations would benefit if it introduced a promotion and relegation system. The proposal would mean the bottom placed nation would be relegated to Europe’s second tier, the European Nations Cup, whilst the top second tier nation would be rewarded with a spot in the Six Nations. Italy is currently bottom of the Six Nations and has finished at the bottom in 10 of 15 competitions it has been in. Italy is usually fighting it out with Scotland for the wooden spoon.

Wednesday 18th February:

Fekitoa commits to Highlanders for a further two seasons:

Following his 2014 breakout season for the Highlanders and All Blacks, Malakai Fekitoa has re-signed with New Zealand Rugby for two years, extending his contract until at least the end of 2017.

Fekitoa’s commitment is a major coup for both New Zealand Rugby and the Highlanders and he joins a growing list of current All Blacks who have recommitted beyond this year.

O’Mahony Signs Three Year Contract Extension With Munster and Ireland:

The IRFU and Munster are pleased to announce that Peter O'Mahony has signed a three year contract with the IRFU which will see him remain at Munster until at least June 2018.

Peter made his senior debut for Munster against Ulster in January 2010 and has since made 68 appearances for Munster scoring 10 tries.
 
He made his Ireland debut in the 42 – 10 win over Italy in February 2012.  The 25 year old has won 27 caps for his country and his last appearance for Ireland was in the 18 – 11 victory over France in the 2015 RBS 6 Nations Championship.

Thursday 19th February:

Hunt In Hot Water Over Alleged Drug Supplying

Code-hopping rugby union star Karmichael Hunt has been arrested on charges of supplying cocaine.

The charges against the Queensland Reds vice-captain follow an operation by Queensland's Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) and he was arrested on Thursday night.

Cuthbert Under Investigation Over Alleged Phone Throwing Incident:

Wales assistant coach Rob Howley has confirmed the team's management will speak to Alex Cuthbert over an incident in which he threw away a mobile telephone belonging to a member of the public.

The incident happened last December when Cuthbert was not under the jurisdiction of the Welsh camp but has only just come to light with footage of the altercation being posted on social media.

In the video, Cuthbert is shown to launch the phone down the street, much to the annoyance of the individual who angrily confronts him and calls him an abusive name.

"We're aware of it [the video] and all our players are reminded of their conduct in public," Howley said. "It happened back in December and he wasn't on Wales duty. It's a constant reminder to us all - and we are going to speak to Alex about that incident."

Friday 20th February:

Michael Swift To Hang Up Boots:

Connacht veteran Michael Swift has announced that he will hang up his boots at the end of the current season. Swift is currently on his way back from injury and is hoping to be fit in time for Connacht's Challenge Cup quarter final on the 3rd of April.