Tuesday Round-Up

Giteau worry: Fans of reigning French Top 14 and European Champions Cup winners Toulon, are waking to some bad news this morning, after it was confirmed that playmaker Matt Giteau will be out of action for the coming two months. Having endured an injury plagued season to date, Giteau has struggled for game time and will now undergo the knife to repair damage done to his adductor. Former Australian international utility back, Giteau has not featured in a Toulon jersey since the opening week of January, having previously sat out a prolonged period of tie with a troublesome hamstring injury. His latest struggle with his adductor, an injury which has slowed him all season when he has featured for Bernard Laporte’s men, is set to keep him out for between six to eight weeks following the completion of the surgery. While the injury comes as a blow to Laporte’s plans for the coming weeks, the men from the South of France remain well placed to finish in the play-off spots domestically, and should overcome Aviva Premiership outfit London Wasps in their Champions Cup quarter final scheduled for April 4th.

Kaino keen: Reports emerging out of New Zealand rugby circles today, are suggesting that back row forward Jerome Kaino is keen to sign a new contract to remain in New Zealand beyond this year’s Rugby World Cup in England. Kaino, who has previously spent two years playing in the Japanese Top League before returning to the All Blacks and Auckland Blues setup last year, is hoping to be offered a new deal by head coach Steve Hansen and the powers that be in New Zealand rugby. At 31, Kaino still has a lot to offer and may try to secure a six month sabbatical within his contract or at the very least, a late start to the 2016 Super Rugby season. With many a high-profile European based club on high alert, the New Zealand Rugby Union would want to move fast if they are keen on retaining the Kiwi’s services beyond the climax of this year’s showpiece event.

Ryan Sheady