Thursday Afternoon Round Up

EP Kings confirmed in Currie Cup

The South African Rugby Union has today confirmed that the Eastern Province Kings will play in the Premier Division of the Currie Cup after R20m support package from the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality.

“We’ve worked very hard in the last few weeks to find a solution to the challenges in Eastern Province,” said SA Rugby CEO Jurie Roux.

“We are very grateful that the Metro has pledged their support and we’re confident that they will be able to assist with procuring additional sponsors for the Kings."

EP’s scheduled fixture against Griquas in Kimberley on Saturday has been postponed in consultation with the hosting union. EP will play their first game in round two on 13 August.

Former All Black Glen Osborne now a cop

44-year-old Osborne, who played 19 tests for the All Blacks between 1995 and 1999, has today graduated with his recruit wing from the Royal New Zealand Police College in Porirua.

"Since I was a kid I always wanted to be in a black jersey, and I did that, but now I'm in a blue one," said Osborne.

Osborne will begin life as a constable in his hometown of Whanganui after a 10-day break and says he expects no favours because of his All Black background.

Tompkins secures Saracens future

England Saxons centre Nick Tompkins has signed a three-year deal to remain at Allianz Park.

Tompkins, who has made 35 appearances for Saracens since his debut at 17 years old, was part of the victorious England Saxons tour of South Africa earlier this summer and is one of a number of players to have put pen to paper to remain at the English and European champions.

Willie Le Roux signs for Wasps

Wasps today confirmed that Springbok Willie Le Roux will join the club during the 2016/17 season from the Japanese side Canon Eagles.

“When we were looking to replace Charles Piutau, who is up there in the world’s top two or three international full backs, Willie was certainly in that level of international company," said Wasps’ Director of Rugby Dai Young.

The 26-year-old fullback has won 37 caps for South Africa and was a World Player of the Year nominee in 2014, having also been voted SARPA Players’ Player of the Year in 2013.

Ospreys appoint Commercial Manager

Ospreys have appointed Huw Warren as Commercial Manager at the Liberty Stadium.

Huw previously worked in 7s rugby, establishing tournaments and working for a leading global brand Ultimate Rugby Sevens.

He joins the region ahead of the new season from Premiership side Bath, where he held the post of Business Development Manager, leading the sponsorship platform and working with global brands such as Dyson and Red Bull.

Rebels secure Japan's Amanaki Mafi

The Melbourne Rebels have secured Japan’s number 8 Amanaki Mafi for the next Super Rugby season.

Mafi, who has made four appearances for Japan & scored two tries at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, is currently playing with the NTT Communications club in Japan and will join the Rebels squad at the end of the Top League Season.

Underhill goes under the knife

Young Ospreys flanker Sam Underhill will miss the opening months of the 2016/17 season after it was confirmed he will undergo shoulder surgery later this week.

Chris Towers, Medical Performance Manager at the Ospreys, commented:

"Sam suffered a high grade AC joint injury in training last week, since when he has had scans and we’ve consulted with a specialist at Spire Cardiff.

"The initial prognosis is that he can expect to be sidelined for a period of around four months."