Tuesday Afternoon Round Up

Henry Thomas signs new three-year deal with Bath Rugby

Tighthead prop Henry Thomas has signed a new three-year contract with Bath Rugby.

“Henry is a very talented player, so we’re all thrilled he’s re-signed with the Club," commented Blackadder.

"He has a tremendous skill set and work ethic, and we can’t wait to see him back out on the field doing what he does best when he’s ready."

  

The prop started his rugby journey playing for Bath Minis at the age of six before eventually going on to sign professional terms with Sale Sharks in the 2010/11 season. He won seven caps with England during his spell with the Manchester-based club, before returning home to the West Country to sign a three-year deal with Bath ahead of the 2014/15 season.

Chris Farrell, JJ Hanrahan and James Hart sign for Munster 

Munster confirmed the signing of the 3 Irishmen via there Twitter and website on Tuesday and have all signed 2 year deals.

Farrell joins from Grenoble, while Harte moves from Racing 92 and Hanrahan returns from Northampton Saints after 2 seasons with the English club.

Munster made a further announcement that six senior players had signed contract extensions, these players are Dave Kilcoyne, Niall Scannell, Rory Scannell, Tyler Bleyendaal, Duncan Williams and Darren Sweetnam.

The Scannell brothers, Rory and Dave, have just recently being called into the Ireland 6Nations side, have extended their contracts to 2019 along with Bleyendaal, Williams and Sweetnam. Kilcoyne however has extended his stay to 2020

 

James Cronin injury blow for Munster

Munster will be without James Cronin due to a finger injury the prop sustained in the win over Racing 92 at the weekend.

The Irish province revealed that Cronin underwent surgery on Monday and will be side lined for approximately six to eight weeks.

Ed Slater suspended for 2 weeks

Leicester Tigers have suspended forward Ed Slater from playing for two weeks following an internal disciplinary hearing.

Club officials have reviewed an incident during the first half of Saturday's European Champions Cup match against Glasgow Warriors at Welford Road and have found second-rower Slater guilty of striking an opponent.

A club statement said: "Ed has been banned for two weeks and he will miss the cup ties against Northampton Saints and Saracens. He regrets his actions in the heat of a vital club match and will look forward to his return to action following his suspension."

Patrick Lambie to lead the Sharks

Sharks Head Coach Robert du Preez today announced that flyhalf Patrick Lambie, will captain the Cell C Sharks during the 2017 Super Rugby tournament.

“Pat’s talent, temperament and outstanding character makes him an automatic choice," commented Du Preez.

"He’s a natural leader, who provides great inspiration and motivation for our young players and he has all the qualities needed to be a great captain."

Warwick Tecklenburg retires from all rugby with immediate effect

Lions flanker Warwick Tecklenburg has decided to call it a day and have retired from all rugby with immediate effect and will focus on the family farming business.

“It has always been my dream to play professional rugby at the highest level. It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to play for the Lions and be part of such a great team and professional setup...

"It has always been my intention to join my family in the family farming business after rugby. It has been a very difficult decision to make but I feel the time is right for me to move on.

“Within the Lions system there is a wealth of talent and I am sure they will continue to go from strength to strength," said Tecklenburg.

The flanker joined the Lions in 2013 from the Bulls and immediately made a huge impression. He has 44 Super Rugby caps for the Lions and starred in 16 Super Rugby matches in 2016.

Will Boyde extends with Scarlets

Scarlets can confirm that 22-year-old flanker Will Boyde has extended his time at the region having signed his first senior contract.

Narberth-born Boyde progressed from Scarlets’ age grade on to a Development contract in 2014-15 whilst continuing to develop and impress with Principality Premiership side Carmarthen Quins.

His Scarlets debut came in the region’s Guinness PRO12 derby clash against Cardiff Blues in December 2014.

Jack Clifford & James Haskell not part of England training squad due to injury

Jack Clifford (Harlequins) and James Haskell (Wasps) will not fly to Portugal to join-up with England's RBS 6 Nations training squad.

Both players sustained injuries in their club games on Sunday and were due to arrive in Vilamoura yesterday but will instead stay in the UK to undergo further medical assessments after which a decision will be made on when they join-up with England.

London Welsh will not continue to play in the Greene King IPA Championship

London Welsh were not able to adhere to RFU critera in order to participate in the Green King IPA Championship. This comes after London Welsh RFC went into liquidation on 23 December 2016. 

London Welsh Amateur RFC will not be affected and will continue to be a voting member of the RFU.