Thursday Morning Round Up

Dave Ward suspended for three weeks

Harlequins player, Dave Ward, has been suspended for three weeks following an independent Disciplinary Hearing arising from his club's Champions Cup, Round 2 match against Wasps at the Ricoh Arena.

The Committee upheld the citing complaint and determined that offence warranted a red card. The Committee found that the offence was at the low end of World Rugby's sanctions and selected four weeks as the appropriate entry point.

Highlights: Benetton v RC Toulon

Leon Brown extends Dragons stay

Leon Brown has committed his future to the Dragons by signing a long-term contract.

This news comes the day after the 20-year old was named in the Wales Autumn International squad for the upcoming 2017 November test series.

“I didn’t look elsewhere – I wanted to sign here and keep playing my rugby at my home Region,” said Brown.

Highlights: Clermont Auvergne v Northampton Saints

Wallabies squad to face the Barbarians

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has named Israel Folau on the wing in what will be his last game of 2017, with Karmichael Hunt to play fullback against the Barbarians.

Test veteran Nick Phipps will captain the Wallabies in the absence of Michael Hooper, with Allan Alaalatoa and Samu Kerevi to be his deputies at Allianz Stadium in Sydney.

Youngsters loving Barbarians stint

"I want to go that one step further" - Tasman captain Alex Ainley