Wednesday Afternoon Round Up

Favaro set to leave Glasgow

Glasgow flanker Simone Favaro is set to leave the PRO12 club at the end of the season after they decided not to offer him a new contract.

"It was an imposed decision, and I really thank you (Glasgow) for everything," Favaro said on Twitter.

"We loved each other and I'll always respect all of you."

Favaro has played 28 times for Warriors in two seasons and was voted the club's player of the season last campaign.

Saracens bring in Fa'atiga Lemalu on short-term deal from Sunwolves

Saracens have signed Samoan vice-captain Fa'atiga Lemalu on a short-term deal from Japanese Super Rugby side Sunwolves.

The lock-forward joins the team with immediate effect to bolster their second-row options after it was confirmed that Saracens’ England man George Kruis will be rule out for 12-weeks with a knee injury.

“Fa’atiga is an international lock forward entering the prime of his career,” said Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall.

“With the unfortunate injury to George Kruis we are very happy to have the opportunity to bring in a player of his ability into the set-up. It’s a new challenge for him and he is excited to have the chance to test himself in the Aviva Premiership and Champions Cup.”

Lemalu made his full international debut for Samoa against Tonga in 2012 and has won 18 caps for the Pacific Island nation.

Hammett steps down from Tasman role

The Tasman Rugby Union are on the lookout for a new assistant coach following Mark Hammett's decision to remain full-time with the Highlanders.

"He's decided that he's unavailable and we've had to accept that," said Tasman chief executive Tony Lewis.

"It's with great regret, he was very popular with the [Tasman] team and Leon. 

"He was very keen to come back and get himself involved, but once he's got down there, he's realised the enormity of the Highlanders job… he just doesn't think he can commit for 14 weeks [with Tasman]."

Hammett joined Tasman in 2015 on a two-year deal when he was part of head coach Leon MacDonald's coaching staff for the 2016 provincial season.

He was also the Sunwolves head coach in last year's Super Rugby competition, but subsequently signed a deal to be the Highlanders' assistant coach until 2019.

Nathan Fowles signs new two-year deal with Edinburgh

Edinburgh have announced that scrum-half Edinburgh has signed a new two-year deal with the club, having joined in 2015 from Sale Sharks. 

Folwes has made 25 appearances for Edingburgh so far and looks to add to his tally and had this to say on signing his deal:

“I feel that the club is moving in the right direction and there’s a lot to look forward to in the next few years. I’m delighted to be staying."

“We’re developing well as a team, in the way we want to play the game and the speed we want to play at, which is exciting for the players and fans."

Rory Sutherland extends stay at Edinburgh until 2019

Edinburgh have confirmed that Scottish front rower, Rory Sutherland, has extened his stay at the club until 2019.

Rory joined the capital club on a Academy contract in 2014 and graduated the following season.

He made his debut for Scotland in 2016 when he came off the bench against Ireland in the Six Nations and has made two appearance other appearances.

Heffernan & Cannon commit to Connacht

Connacht Rugby and the IRFU have confirmed two-year contract extensions for senior players Dave Heffernan and James Cannon.

Mayo-born Heffernan has featured in every game for Connacht so far this season, bringing to 75 the total appearances for his home province.

While Second row James Cannon has also agreed terms on a deal to stay at the Sportsground until at least the summer of 2019.

Commenting on the latest deals, Head Coach Pat Lam said:

“I have really enjoyed being witness to the phenomenal growth that Dave has made as a player and a person over the past four years in the senior set up. He is the consummate professional and I have no doubt that he will do everything possible when it comes to reaching the next level in his career and achieving great things.

“We’ve all been really impressed with the work that James has put in on and off the field since he arrived in September. It’s fantastic that he has enjoyed his first season here and sees the opportunity to grow as a player with Connacht.”

Connacht squad update ahead of Cardiff Blues

Ahead of Sunday’s PRO12 round 14 game away to Cardiff Blues, the Connacht Rugby medical team have provided the following update:
 
Ronan Loughney, Eoghan Masterson and Stacey Ili have all recently returned to full fitness.
 
Update:
 
Conor Carey (foot) is continuing his recovery from his foot injury and will return to play in mid-March.

Ivan Soroka (knee) is progressing well following minor knee surgery and is due for a return in early March.
 
Andrew Browne (ankle) is continuing his rehabilitation from ankle surgery and will return to play in the next few weeks.

Marnitz Boshoff (shoulder) is progressing well in his rehabilitation and will return to play in mid-March.
 
Both Bundee Aki (ankle) and Eoin Griffin (chest) are continuing their rehabilitation and are due to return to play in the next few weeks.

Cian Kelleher (hamstring) is progressing well and is due to return in the coming weeks.
 
Josh Rowland (knee) is undergoing rehabilitation under the supervision of the medical and fitness team and will return to play in mid-March.
 
Darragh Leader (hand) is progressing well and due to return in March.