Thursday Afternoon Round Up

Enrique Pieretto suspended for 7 weeks

Argentina prop Enrique Pieretto appeared before a disciplinary commitee for charges of stamping on an opponent in the Autumn International match between England and Argentina at Twickenham on Saturday, 26 November 2016.

The Disciplinary Committee determined that Pieretto's actions had been intentional and that they merited a nine-week playing suspension due to the seriousness, but the commitee further determined there were no aggravating factors and his playing suspension be reduced by two weeks.

The prop was therefore suspended from playing rugby for a total of seven weeks, and is free to play again on Monday, 20 March 2017.    

Jared Payne out for 3 months

Ireland and Ulster centre Jared Payne is expected to be out for 3 months after he took a heavy knock to the rib cage in the first half of Ireland's 27-24 win over Australia last weekend.

He is set to miss the away games against Scotland (February 4) and Italy (February 11) as well as the home fixture against France on Saturday, February 25.

Combrinck out for 4 months

Ruan Combrinck underwent an operation on his right shoulder yesterday after sustaining a fracture in his shoulder joint in the Springbok match against Wales.

"Great success today. Thanx for the support!! All went well...," Ruan posted on his Twitter.

He will be out of action for approximately 4 months.

Devin Toner signs deal to remain at Leinster

Leinster have today announced that Devin Toner has signed a three year contract with the IRFU which will see him remain at Leinster until at least June 2020.

Devin made his senior debut for Leinster against the Border Reivers in January 2006 and has since made 187 appearances for Leinster scoring 3 tries.

Harlequins sign Samoa International Elia

Harlequins have confirmed to have signed Samoan International Elia Elia on a short term contract with immediate effect.

Jackson signs new Dragons deal

Ed Jackson has signed a new deal with the Newport Gwent Dragons despite interest from the Premiership.

“When I first signed for the Dragons I saw it as an opportunity for a new challenge," said Jackson.

"...Originally my thoughts were to look to move back into the Aviva Premiership afterwards, but since joining I have enjoyed it a lot more than I first anticipated. It feels like there is a proper rugby community in Gwent, which is very infectious and I have really enjoyed that aspect of it.”

The 27-year-old, who has previously played for Bath Rugby and Wasps, will remain with the Men of Gwent until 2019.

James Hook returns to Ospreys

Ospreys have announced that James Hook has signed a deal that will see him returning to his home region at the end of this season.

The 31-year old Ospreys centurion has signed a three-year contract and will head back to the Liberty Stadium six years after leaving to experience life in the Top 14 with Perpignan.

Wallabies team to face England

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has made four changes ahead of the clash against England at Twickenham Stadium in London.

Kane Douglas returns to the starting fifteen for just the fifth time in 2016, while Lopeti Timani, Sefanaia Naivalu and Nick Phipps have all earned a recall.

See full team here

England squad to face Australia on Saturday

England head coach Eddie Jones has made two changes to his side to play Australia in Saturday’s final match of the Wealth Series at Twickenham Stadium.

Nathan Hughes (Wasps) starts his first game for England at number 8 replacing Billy Vunipola (Saracens) who was injured during last weekend’s victory over Argentina. Marland Yarde (Harlequins) returns to the right-wing in a starting side which contains 607 caps while the bench remains unchanged.

See full squad here