Top Stories From This Week
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New Zealand Rugby confirm dates and schedule for Kiwi Super Rugby Aotearoa competition:
Super Rugby Aotearoa will kick off next month following today’s announcement that the country will move to COVID-19 alert level two on Thursday. New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has confirmed that the domestic form of Super Rugby involving the Blues, Chiefs, Hurricanes, Crusaders and Highlanders – known as Investec Super Rugby Aotearoa – will start on Saturday 13 June, allowing players four weeks to adequately prepare with contact training.
New American rugby set to be launched with HUGE financial backing:
The plan by the investors includes the recruitment of some of the world’s biggest names to a new league in the United States with Hilton Houghton, who represents South Africa captain Siya Kolisi, up in the mix.
Racing 92 Confirm Kurtley Beale's Arrival:
Racing 92 have confirmed the arrival of veteran Wallaby utility back Kurtley Beale following months of reports. In a video shared on their official Twitter account discussing their plans for the following season, Laurent Travers (General Manager of Rugby) accompanied by Yannick Nyanga (Sports Director) and Christophe Mombet (High Level Manager) confirmed that Beale will join the club in an undisclosed deal alongside fellow Wallabies man Luke Jones.
World Rugby Amend The Law That Allows A Player To Score Against A Post Protector:
World Rugby has announced that, with immediate effect, it will no longer be possible to score a try by grounding the ball against the post protector. The minor amendment to Law 8 was approved by the World Rugby Council during its special meeting held via teleconference on Tuesday and follows a recommendation by the international federation's Rugby Committee and specialist Laws Review Group.
Hadleigh Parkes one seven confirmed departures for Scarlets:
Head coach Brad Mooar, forwards coach Ioan Cunningham and eight members of the playing squad are to leave the Scarlets before training resumes. Following discussions with the coaching group and management, it has been decided that when the rugby group does return to Parc y Scarlets following the Covid-19 lockdown it will be with the coaches and players for the 2020-21 season.
Ben Smith set to follow Nehe Milner-Skudder in signing for the Highlanders for Super Rugby Aotearoa:
The Highlanders could welcome yet another World Cup winner and legend of the Super Rugby franchise with Ben Smith reportedly in talks to join the side for Super Rugby Aotearoa. The Highlanders confirmed the signing of former All Blacks wing Nehe Milner-Skudder on Wednesday but could add Ben Smith to their outside back ranks with the former All Black having left Top 14 club Pau already.
Julian Savea Leaves Toulon, Heads Back To NZ
All Black winger Julian Savea has cut ties with French Top14 side Toulon and will make his way home to New Zealand at the first opportunity.
Savea joined Toulon in 2018, failing somewhat to have the effect many hoped he would. He described his time in France as “bittersweet” and “not a pretty one either” yet concedes that "the highs definitely outweigh the lows." Full story
Arno Botha leaves Munster to rejoin Bulls
