Tuesday Round-Up

Mixed bag for Leinster: Leinster head coach Matt O’Connor received rather mixed news on the injury front for his side yesterday, as news regarding both Rhys Ruddock and Sean O’Brien came through. After the weekend’s narrow victory over Harlequins, it was revealed that Ruddock had sustained a broken arm, with the 24 year old now expected to spend up to six weeks on the sidelines, allowing for a minimum absent period of four weeks. Having started for Ireland in the November International wins, Ruddock has been impressive throughout the season to date and will be sorely missed. Elsewhere, Leinster fans will be jumping for joy at the sight of one Sean O’Brien back in training with the wider squad yesterday. Although he remains a while away from returning to game time, O’Brien’s return comes at a vital time.

Hansen staying put: The New Zealand Rugby powers that be have this morning confirmed that head coach for the All Blacks, Steve Hansen, has put pen to paper on a contract extension. Hansen’s new deal as the conductor of the All Blacks will run beyond next year’s showpiece event in England, along with the British and Irish Lions Tour of New Zealand in 2017. As the first coach to be handed a contract extension beyond a Rugby World Cup, New Zealand Rugby are putting a huge amount of faith in Hansen. With a record of 38 wins from 42 Test matches since taking over at the helm from Graham Henry, it’s hardly surprising.

Ryan Sheady