Tuesday Round-Up

Return of the Badger: After much speculation in recent weeks, the Western Force have today confirmed the return of one of their favourite sons, Nick Cummins. Cummins, who made the tough decision to head for Japan after last year’s Super Rugby, in order to provide financial support for his father who had contracted cancer and also two other family members who suffer with mystic fibrosis, will return to Perth in time for the 2015 edition of Super Rugby. The man affectionately known as the Honey Badger across World rugby circles, has been released by Japanese outfit the Coca Cola Red Sparks in a loan deal which will also make him eligible for Wallaby selection for the 2015 World Cup in England.

Fijian Flyer to Bath: Reports emerging from West Country outfit Bath today, have confirmed the the club have acquired the services of Fijian scrum half Niko Matawalu from next season onwards. Matawalu, who has lit up the Guinness Pro12 competition in recent years with his exciting brand of rugby from the base of the ruck, will link up with head coach Mike Ford and the rest of his new teammates in time for the 2015 season. While the move is hugely positive for Bath fans up and down England, it may also signify the end of the club’s interest in Will Genia, with whom they had previously been heavily linked. 

Shock move for Cipriani: According to those in the know within French rugby circles, former England flyhalf and current Sale playmaker, Danny Cipriani, is a shock target for French rugby giants Toulon. The deal is highly circumstantial and only in its infancy at this stage, but nevertheless, the former London Wasp remains a definite option for Mourad Boudjellal’s wallet. The deal is heavily dependent on Cipriani’s England future, with the flyhalf set to sit down with Stuart Lancaster in the coming weeks to determine his role in the national setup, while Toulon would reportedly want Cipriani to retire from the international game. With Matt Giteau the first choice flyhalf, the only other cover at Ten for the reigning European and French champions is Frederik Michalak, who himself is rumoured to be on his way out of France and headed towards the Japanese Top League.

Ryan Sheady