Thursday Afternoon Round Up

Ardie Savea re-signs with NZ Rugby & Hurricanes

All Blacks and Hurricanes loose forward Ardie Savea has inked a new two-year deal with New Zealand Rugby and the Hurricanes, recommitting through to 2018.

Pollard's amputation scare

After Springbok flyhalf Handre Pollard opted to have surgery on a shoulder that he had injured while playing club rugby in Japan, he picked up a shoulder infection that could have resulted in the amputation of his arm.

Lions sign Bulls lock

As they continue to fill up their squad with more depth for next season, the Lions have acquired the services of Bulls locks Marvin Orie, who has been a regular in the Bulls Super Rugby set-up this year.

Gloucester secure McAllister & Orr

Gloucester Rugby have boosted their front row with Paddy McAllister signing a new contract, while former Australian U20 prop Cameron Orr joins the club.

Waldrom and Williams sign new Chiefs deals

Forwards Thomas Waldrom and Harry Williams have committed their future to Exeter Chiefs by signing new deals that will keep them at the Premiership club until the 2017/18 season, with the head coach hinting new extensions to follow for his existing squad.

Joe Tomane surgery a success

 Tomane suffered the injury in club rugby last weekend after returning from an unrelated knee injury.

The 26-year-old went in the surgery room early today, and a tweet to his supporters followed several hours later: "Thank you for all your kind messages. Surgery was a success. Looking forward to the challenge ahead."

Road to Rio Count Down

Springbok 7s team for the Olympics