Tuesday Round-Up

Lydiate to Ospreys: According to reports emanating out of the Welsh Rugby press circles, back rower Dan Lydiate is set to link up with the Ospreys as early as next week, having been released from his contract with Racing Metro some weeks back now. Leaving by mutual consent at the back end of October, after struggling to settle in and nail down a slot in the Parisian club’s backrow, Lydiate has been in sensational form for Wales in the Autumn, reviving some of his finest performances in a red jersey. Although the new legislation under Wales’ Dual Contract system states that any returning player be offered first to his former Welsh club, it is believed that such details have been ironed out between Lydiate and the Dragons in an amicable fashion. Lydiate has become just the second player to be signed to a dual contract by the Welsh Rugby Union, following on from skipper Sam Warburton.

Castro under investigation: Toulon tight head prop forward, Martin Castrogiovanni, is currently being investigated by the ECPR following a heated clash at Welford Road over the weekend. In the immediate aftermath of a clash the reigning European champions lost 25-21, Castro launched an expletive laden attack on Leicester Tigers’ boss Richard Cockerill and the club itself, suggesting it is beginning to lose some of its infamous identity. While he has since apologised for the volume of profanities contained in his tirade, the Italian prop maintains the same theme in his message, feeling disrespected by the club he spent 7 years with. Also under investigation by European Rugby’s governing body, is Delon Armitage, after he was accused of directing insults at members of the Welford Road crowd during the game.

Ryan Sheady