Thursday Morning Round Up

January 24, 2019
1194
Ultimate Rugby

Steve Tew Hopes Schmidt Hasn't Retired For Good

Schmidt’s statement - that he will take a break from rugby - didn’t surprise New Zealand Rugby CEO Steve Tew but it didn’t deter him from keeping Schmidt on the radar in the future.

Speaking to Stuff Tew said: “We’ve always kept in touch with as many of our coaches around the world and here in New Zealand as we can,” Full Story

Watson absence 'an opportunity' for Scotland hopefuls, says Townsend

Scotland will be without Hamish Watson when their Six Nations campaign begins on February 2.

Gregor Townsend hopes someone in his Scotland squad will step up to the plate in the absence of the injured Hamish Watson. Full Story

Coles commits to New Zealand and Hurricanes until 2021

After agreeing to remain in New Zealand, Dane Coles was lavished with praise by Steven Hansen and John Plumtree.

The All Blacks hooker, who has 60 caps to his name, had been linked with a move to Japan but has underlined his desire to stay put. Full Story

Maro Itoje commits his future to Saracens

Saracens have confirmed that Maro Itoje has committed his future to the club until the summer of 2022. Full Story

Read Close To Revealing His Post World Cup Plans

All Blacks looseforward and captain Kieran Read is close to revealing his post Rugby World Cup playings plans.

The test centurion is tipped for a big money move to Japan with Toyota Verblitz, coached by former Springboks boss Jake White, understood to be frontrunners. Racing 92 seemed a possible destination at the end of last year, but talks look to have broken down.

FULL STORY

Will Greenwood stuns everyone with his French

Former England International Will Greenwood stunned the crowd at the launch of the 2019 Six Nations when he brilliantly translated France Women captain Gaelle Hermet's answer to a question.

Brian O’Driscoll: The All Blacks can’t match Ireland’s midfield

Speaking on the Off The Ball, former Ireland centre Brian O'Driscoll compared the current Irish midfield to that of the All Blacks.

When asked if Ireland's Ireland's midfield is as good as that of the All Blacks, the former Irish captained said: 'I think we are better than them'. Full Story

From front row to four in a row - Best takes on Farrell at Connect 4

Connect 4.@RoryBest2 v @owen_faz in an epic game.
Post-match analysis from Joe Schmidt.#GuinnessSixNations #TeamOfUs #Connect4 pic.twitter.com/VKOlG4UFBa
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) January 23, 2019