Tuesday Afternoon Round Up
- 5517
Ben Marshall to retire from rugby based on medical advice
Connacht Rugby has today announced that Ben Marshall is to retire from professional rugby based on medical advice following a concussion injury.
“Unfortunately, my time as a player has come to an end earlier than I would have wished," commented Ben on the news.
"It has been a difficult time not being able to play since the injury but having had some time away from the game, I can appreciate how fortunate I’ve also been in my career."
“...I am looking forward to continuing in my financial studies and the new career path that is ahead of me, but I will always be appreciative of the lessons that Willie (Ruane) and Pat (Lam) taught me during my time at Connacht Rugby.”
The 26-year-old joined Connacht Rugby at the start of the 2015/16 season. He was unfortunate with injuries during that campaign meaning his game time was limited to five appearances.
He scored his first try at the Sportsground in the European Challenge Cup win over French side Brive in November 2015.
NRL star Ben Barba has switched codes to join Toulon for the remainder of their season.
“Ben Barba will arrive in Toulon next week,” read a statement on Toulon’s website.
Barba has played 168 matches since making his NRL debut in 2008, scoring 99 tries and winning the Dally M medal in 2012.
Johnny Sexton ruled out of Ireland’s Six Nations opener
Lewis Evans renews Dragons contract
Newport Gwent Dragons have announced that skipper Lewis Evans has renewed his contract.
Evans, who made his debut for the Dragons in 2006 against the Scarlets, is now approaching his 200th appearance.
The Dragons Academy product becomes the sixth Dragon's player to extend his contract with the club, the other include Hallam Amos, Rynard Landman, Brok Harris, Nic Cudd and Ed Jackson.
Faletau and Charteris to miss Wales' opener
Bath forwards Taulupe Faletau and Luke Charteris have both been ruled out of Wales' 6 Nations Championship opener against Italy after failing to recover in time from knee and hand injuries respectively.
Wales assistant coach Robin McBryde confirmed the news, saying: "It’s too early for Faletau this week.
"There’s good competition in the back row. We’re in a healthy place at the moment. Whoever gets the nod, I’m sure he’ll perform on the day. Faletau will be in contention for England."
Lovejoy Chawatama signs for London Irish
London Irish have secured the services of former England Students tight-head Lovejoy Chawatama from London Welsh until the end of the season.
The Zimbabwe-born front-rower, 24, joined Welsh at the start of this term and made 13 appearances for the club including a Championship outing against Irish back in October.
Rougerie extends his Clermont stay
36-year-old Aurelien Rougerie has extended his already 19-year stay at Clermont by a further deal, the French side announced on Tuesday.
Rougerie, a 76 cap French international, captained Clermont to their only French title in 2010 and 7 years down the line does not look ready to hang his boots up.
Ngatai still suffering from concussion symptoms
One test All Blacks centre Charlie Ngatai is still suffering from concussion symptoms with no timetable set for his return, Waikato Chiefs coach Dave Rennie said on Tuesday.
"He's had a few setbacks over the last period of time and there's a bit of light at the end of the tunnel, but we're not going to rush that," Rennie said.
"What tends to happen if you push things a little bit too much you go backwards a bit. So it’s been a frustrating time for him."
The 26-year-old has been sidelined since last May when he suffered a head knock in the Chiefs Super Rugby match against the Otago Highlanders.
7 Canadian Rugby legends to be inducted into Rugby Canada Hall of Fame
Al Charron, Gareth Rees, Rod Snow, Robert ‘Ro’ Hindson and Gillian Florence will be inducted into the player’s wing while Robert Spray and Mike Luke will be the first inductees into the builder’s category.
“We are very pleased that Rugby Canada has approved the seven nominees who had been recommended to be inducted into the Rugby Canada Hall of Fame,” said Barry Giffen, Past President and chair of the Ways and Means Committee.
“This inaugural group of inductees are examples of the commitment and success of individuals who have contributed significantly to Rugby Canada’s foundation of world class standards and success.
“It is hoped that this initial group of individuals will set the standard for all future Hall of Famers.”
The seven inductees will be celebrated at the annual Rugby Canada Awards Dinner on March 9 in Vancouver, BC, ahead of the HSBC Canada Sevens at BC Place March 11-12.
