Thursday Morning Round Up
- 2512
Pat Lam adds further firepower to Baabaas squad
Bristol Bears coach Pat Lam has added a further four test internationals to his Barbarians squad to face England on June 2.
2⃣X Former All Blacks 🇳🇿
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) May 16, 2019
1⃣X Los Puma 🇦🇷
1⃣X Fijian 🇫🇯https://t.co/RMVpTvQ3CU
Sam Cane returns for the Chiefs following neck break
The Chiefs have welcomed back franchise co-captain Sam Cane ahead of their Super Rugby clash with the Blues at Eden Park on Saturday.
Brad Weber will continue to captain the side from halfback. Angus Ta’avao will start at tighthead in his 100th Super Rugby match, shifting Nepo Laulala to the bench.
In-demand Wales prop commits to Ospreys
Sought-after Wales prop Nicky Smith has signed a new long-term deal with the Ospreys.
Smith had been linked with Welsh rivals Cardiff Blues along with Premiership clubs such as Gloucester and Sale Sharks.
Connacht announce signing of Australian 7s international John Porch
Connacht Rugby have announced the signing of Australian Sevens international John Porch ahead of the 2019/20 season.
The speedy winger was recruited into the sevens programme by Andy Friend, while he was Head Coach of the Australian Sevens team in 2015.
Waisake Naholo returns for the Highlanders
The soon to be Exile is set to return from injury via the bench this weekend https://t.co/cTV7DeF0Aw
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) May 16, 2019
"He has no idea what my salary is in France" - Shaun Edwards hits back at Wayne Pivac's money claims
Shaun Edwards has hit back at claims by incoming Wales coach Wayne Pivac that his decision to leave the national team's staff is financially motivated.
Edwards has been heavily linked to taking a position with France amid reports he was not offered the four-year contract without a break clause that he wanted to remain with the Welsh Rugby Union.
Four Hurricanes re-sign for 2020
Experienced loose forward Reed Prinsep has extended his contract through until at least 2021. The 26-year-old, who has captained the Hurricanes in 2019, has made 39 appearances for the Hurricanes since he made his debut against the Sunwolves in 2017.
Powerful lock Kane Le'aupepe, first five Jackson Garden-Bachop and Jonah Lowe have all penned new deals.
Goerge Smith set for a coaching role in Japan
George Smith is returning to Suntory @sungoliath as defense coach.
— Rich Freeman (@FreemanrugbyJPN) May 16, 2019
Tai McIsaac is new forwards coach.
No word yet on who will be new head coach.@rugbyjp @rugbyJPN_ @RugbyAUS pic.twitter.com/Bw6egZR4Bh
Match official appointments for pre World Cup tests
World Rugby has announced the match official appointments for the 63 confirmed men's international matches on the road to Rugby World Cup 2019.
All 23 of the match officials selected for Japan 2019 will be in action over a busy and important period of preparation for Rugby World Cup teams and the match officials.
Ikitau & Lolesio Commit to Brumbies
Brumbies Academy graduates Len Ikitau and Noah Lolesio have signed new contracts to extend their stay with the club. Ikitau has signed until the end of 2021 whilst Lolesio will be with the Brumbies until 2022.
