Rugby Banter Page weekly round up

Monday 2nd March

Tom Taylor Agrees to Bayonne Switch:

Canterbury and Crusaders utility back, Tom Taylor, has announced he will move to France to play for Bayonne at the end of this year.

Taylor ,25, says it's been a tough decision to leave, but it is a great opportunity for him and he is looking forward to the next chapter of his career.
 
“I have absolutely loved my time here at Canterbury and the Crusaders, especially being a Christchurch boy.

"I've grown up with these teams and it's certainly been a tough decision to leave my home town, but this is an exciting opportunity for the next part of my rugby career. I’ve been very lucky to have worked with some great players, coaches and management and would like to thank them for helping me become the player and person I am today. I would also like to thank everyone who has supported me over my playing career here.”

Tuesday 3rd March

SRU Abandon Plans to Lure League Star, Locke, to Union:

Former NZ Warriors full back Kevin Locke will not be playing rugby union for Scotland. The SRU had been given permission by Salford owner Marwan Koukash to talk to the 25-year-old and met with officials last week to discuss switching codes.

Despite agreeing a deal to secure the player’s release from his three-year contract at Salford, a spokesperson for the SRU confirmed on Tuesday evening that the player would not be making the switch.

An SRU spokesperson said: “We would like to thank the Salford Red Devils owner and chairman Marwan Koukash for his co-operation in allowing us the opportunity to speak to Kevin Locke.

“The Scottish RU has now dropped interest in Locke after failing to come to any positive decision regarding the possibility of him changing codes.

London Irish Appoint New Members to Coaching Ticket:

Aviva Premiership club London Irish have completed a successful raid on New Zealand Super Rugby assistant coaches.

Chiefs assistant coach Tom Coventry was announced as the club's new head coach in January and will take up the role when his New Zealand commitments are completed.

On Tuesday, London Irish confirmed they have also secured Blues assistant coach Grant Doorey and Hurricanes assistant Clark Laidlaw to work under Coventry.

Wednesday 4th March:

Reds Star, Hunt, Pleads Guilty to Drug Possession:

Reds star Karmichael Hunt has pleaded guilty to four charges of possessing cocaine.

Hunt was fined A$,500 but had no conviction recorded over cocaine charges that earlier forced his suspension from the Queensland Reds.

The 28-year-old has also received a six week rugby suspension and $30,000 fine from the Australian Rugby Union. While he was playing with the Suns in the AFL at the time of possessing the drug, Hunt said he would accept the penalty handed down.

Hunt pleaded guilty to four charges of possessing cocaine after purchasing 12.5 grams of the drug from September 1 to October 3 when he was playing for the Suns.

Thursday 5th March

Howley Agrees With Hansen’s Claims Over Boring Rugby:

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has growing support for his fears that rugby risks becoming boring if the domination of defence in the game isn't addressed.

Hansen hit the global headlines with an extensive interview in a Welsh newspaper where he expressed concerns for the entertainment value of the game if the current approach continued.

He has an ally in Welsh assistant coach Rob Howley, who told Walesonline.co.uk that his team had reservations about playing a wide game because it was "too high risk", leading to more kicking being employed.

Their voices, coming from either side of the equator, sound a worthy warning as rugby gets set for its showpiece event with the World Cup to be staged in England in September. 

"Having read the article by Steve, it's spot on in terms of everyone having a responsibility, players, coaches, the referees and touch-judges," Howley said.

Friday 6th March:

Wayne Barnes To Officiate 150th Game:

Tonight's crunch clash between Bath Rugby and Sale Sharks will not only prove hugely significant in terms of the Aviva Premiership Rugby season, but also in the career of referee Wayne Barnes.

While Bath and Sale lock horns at The Rec as the hunt for the semi-finals and European qualification intensifies, 35-year-old Barnes will become only the third referee to take charge of 150 Aviva Premiership Rugby matches, after Chris White (190) and Dave Pearson (171).