Rugby Banter Round-Up

Monday 6^th October:

Te’o Could Represent England

Sam Burgess will soon complete his highly publicized move to English Rugby Union with Bath imminently, he may, however, soon be joined in representing the Red Rose at international level by a former Rabbitohs team mate, Ben Te’o.

Te’o, who will also cross codes to join three times European Champions Leinster, is eligible to represent England through his London born mother and, although he admits he hasn’t given the prospect too much thought, the former Samoa League representative stopped short of ruling out the opportunity.

Burgess’ Union Debut To Be Delayed

Meanwhile, the aforementioned Burgess’ debut for Bath will be delayed as the 25 year old sustained a cheek-bone injury during his Rabbitoh’s side’s Grand Final victory last week.

It is estimated that Burgess will miss between six and eight weeks.

Tuesday 7^h October:

Bayonne Sign Three Players, Including Sam Whitelock’s brother, Adam

Former New Zealand 7’s representative Adam Whitelock, currently a centre for Canterbury, will join French side Bayonne in October.

Whitelock will be Bayonne’s third signing in recent weeks, following the Basque sides capture of Argentinian front row Benjamin Macome and Australian centre Lalakai Foketi.

Wasps Set For Move To Coventry

On Tuesday it was confirmed that Wasps would move from their home, Adams Park, in High Wycombe 140K north to the Ricoh Arena in Coventry.

The Coventry City Council, as part of a thirty million pound takeover of the Ricoh Arena, agreed to sell their controlling stake in the Arena Coventry Limited, ACL, the company which runs the stadium.

Wasps plan to build a training centre in Coventry as part of the move.

Wednesday 8^th October:

Italy Name Fijian and Kiwi In Their Autumn Series Squad

Italy have named naturalized Italian citizens, Kelly Haimona-born in New Zealand- and Samuela Vunisa-born in and a former Fijian representative up to U23 level-, both who play for Treviso, in their squad for their Autumn Series which sees the Azzuri face off against Argentina and South Africa.

Japan Move Ahead In Race To Enter 18^th Super Rugby Franchise

After offering to host games in Singapore, the home of their rivals for the 18^th Super Rugby berth when the League expands in 2016, Japan have moved ahead in the race to enter a Japanese club into Super Rugby by negating the time teams have to travel.

The new side would be pooled in one of the two African conferences, and hosting games in Singapore, a ten hour flight from Johannesburg, would save a team eight hours in time as a flight to Tokyo would take eighteen hours.

Thursday 9^th October:

Chiefs Sign Taranaki Duo

After impressing in the ITM Cup, the Chiefs have announced that they have clinched the double signature of Taranaki prop, Mitchell Graham, along with his team-mate, centre cum winger, Seta Tamanivalu, on two year deals.

London Irish Loan Lock Toolis From Edinburgh

To cover for their injured incumbent locks, Sean Cox and Nic Rouse, London Irish have confirmed that they have signed lock Alex Toolis on loan from Edinburgh .

Toolis, who had a stint on loan at the Exiles last season, has joined Irish on a short team deal.

Friday 10^th October:

Strauss Returns to Leinster Team, After Five Months Out

After five months out of action with a hamstring injury, Richardt Strauss has been named in the Leinster team for their Pro12 clash away to Zebre.

The South African born Iris h international will be hoping that he can belatedly throw his name into the hat for the upcoming Irish Autumn Series squad.

John O’Sullivan