Wednesday Afternoon Round Up

March 22, 2017
3828
Ultimate Rugby

Alun Wyn Jones sidelined for at least 6 weeks

Ospreys medical staff have confirmed that Alun Wyn Jones has suffered a shoulder injury from Wales last 6 Nations match against France at the weekend.

The Wales second-row has been ruled out for 6 weeks and misses the European clash against Stade Francais.

Following scans and orthopaedic consultation, he will undergo an initial six week period of rehabilitation.

Newport Gwent Dragons change name to Dragons

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has announced its intention to take over the Newport Gwent Dragons (NGD) region, both on and off the field.

The WRU already owns 50% of the region, but with Dragons struggling to find external investment, the WRU has moved in to formally become the region’s owners.

Wales Online reports that there are plans to change the club’s name to ‘the Dragons.’

The deal includes the purchase of Rodney Parade with the WRU stating that it plans to make ‘required investments’ to the stadium and its pitch

WRU Group Chief Executive Martyn Phillips said about the agreement:

“All parties recognise that from an NGD perspective significant improvement is required on and off the pitch and that it is now time to take a different approach.”

“This investment is equally designed to safeguard Newport RFC and its rich history at Rodney Parade and provides a long term programme where we focus on putting in solid foundations to ensure a sustainable and successful team in the region."

George Nott signs Sale extension

Sale Sharks have confirmed that flanker George Nott has signed a 5-year extension with the club.

The 21-year-old flanker played a big part in England's U20 World Championship last summer and was named in the team of the tournament.

Director of Rugby Steve Diamond said: "Signing Notty on a 5-year deal is great news for the club. The drain on players coming through our successful Academy system and then moving south has come to an end. We reached the Academy final this season for the first time ever and we are currently in the process of signing many of those players up long term too."

On signing his five-year deal George Nott said: "I am delighted to have signed my new deal. Sale Sharks is where I want to play my rugby and am looking forward to helping the club achieve their ambitions in the years ahead."

WP Nel signs new 3 year deal with Edinburgh

Edinburgh Rugby have confirmed that South African born prop WP Nel has signed a three-year deal that will see him stay at the club until at least May 2020.

Nel joined Edinburgh in 2012 on a three-year deal, which was subsequently extended and he has represented the club on 102 occasions.

He has since been awarded 15 Scotland caps – including appearances in all the national side’s Rugby World Cup 2015 and 2016 6 Nations matches – scoring two tries in the process.

On penning a new deal with Edinburgh Rugby, Nel said: “I’m delighted to be staying at Edinburgh for another three years. It’s an awesome club and I’m looking forward to continuing to play here.

“These are exciting times for everyone involved and I feel that everything is moving in the right direction. It’s been great to see a lot of young talent coming through this season and hopefully I can help with their development in the coming years."

Luther Obi to leave Bulls

The Blue Bulls Company have confirmed that an agreement with winger Luther Obi has been reached to end his contract with the club.

Obi, a former Junior Springbok, was first signed with the club in late 2015.

He played in two matches for the union in the Currie Cup Qualifiers last year, but due to injury, his playing time was limited.

Sam Aspland-Robinson and Calum Waters re-sign with Harlequins

Harlequins have confirmed that Academy members Sam Aspland-Robinson and Calum Waters have committed their futures to the Club.

Confirming the news, Harlequins Academy and Global Development Director Tony Diprose said:

"It’s great news that both Calum and Sam will be continuing their development here at Harlequins. It was fantastic to see Calum scoring at Exeter Chiefs on his senior debut earlier this month as a reward for his hard work this season on developing his game.

“Equally Sam has been excelling and been a stand out player for England in the U20s Six Nations. Like many success stories from the Academy, both players have bright futures and I look forward to seeing them achieve further success in a Harlequins shirt."

20-year-old winger Aspland-Robinson joined the Elite Player Development Group in 2013 and played for the Club in the historic 150th Anniversary match against the Maori All Blacks in November.

While Former Brighton College student Waters joined Harlequins in May 2015 aged 18.

Bristol Rugby hooker Rob Hawkins set to retire

Bristol hooker Rob Hawkins is to retire at the end of the season.

The 33-year-old initially quit last year but was persuaded to join Bristol as injury cover.

But after 14 appearances and two tries for the Premiership side, he has decided to retire for a second time.

"I thought my time in professional rugby had ended last year when I originally retired," said Hawkins. "But I was delighted to be have been able to contribute to Bristol this season."

Hawkins began his career at Bath and spent seven seasons at the Recreation Ground before moving to Leicester in 2010.

He was a member of the side which won the Premiership title in 2013, and then played for Newcastle from 2014 until the end of last season.

Kieran Davies commits future to Nottingham

Prop Kieran Davies has committed his future to Nottingham Rugby for at least another year, after arriving at The Bay from Exeter Chiefs in the summer of 2015.

The imposing and dependable front rower made 22 league & cup appearances in his first season at the club. An injury picked up in February's trip to Richmond then cut short Davies' 2016/17 campaign, but not before featuring a further 16 times in a Nottingham jersey.

Bedford Blues name five more signings for next season

Bedford Blues have continued their preparations for the 2017/18 season with two new signings along with the retention of three members of the current squad.

Ealing Trailfinders prop Alex Penny and Wasps hooker George Edgson will join the Blues season, Edgson has been on loan with the Blues.

Winger Dean Adamson, fullback Elliot Clements-Hill and back rower Justin Blanchet have all extended their contracts to next season.

Speaking about the new signings and retained players, Blues Director of Ruby Mike Rayer said: "It is a pleasure to be able to welcome Alex and George to Goldington Road for the 2017/18 season. Alex has plenty of Championship experience behind him and has always gone really well against us. George knows us very well from his time on loan and has demonstrated what a talented player he is with a huge future ahead of him.

"It is also great to have secured Dean, Elliot and Justin's services for another Championship season. All three have made huge contributions throughout the campaign and are very much a part of the future of the club. We have a lot of work to do before next season begins and everyone is excited about what lies ahead.”

Alex Penny trades Ealing for Bedford Blues

Alex Penny is set to move on from Ealing Trailfinders at the end of the season and join Championship rivals Bedford Blues.

"We'd like to thank Alex for all his efforts over the past season,” Ealing Trailfinders Director of Rugby Ben Ward said. "He was an important part of the squad that won promotion back to the Championship and then kept us there.

"We'd like to wish Alex all the best for the future and look forward to seeing him in the future with Bedford Blues.”

Penny joined Ealing Trailfinders for the 2014-15 season from Henley Hawks and he helped the team to the National 1 title.

This season he has been in 19 match-day squads and has scored one try, against Bedford Blues in October.

Bernard Foley returns to face Rebels

Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson has shuffled his backline to face the Rebels on Friday, with Reece Robinson the only back line player who has not been moved to the bench, shuffled into another position or sitting out completely.

Bernard Foley returns to team having missed the opening 4 fixtures due to concussion, he slots in at fly-half and will link up Jake Gordan who replaces Nick Phipps who has been poor so far this season.

Israel Folau is moved back to fullback, while fellow Wallaby Rob Horne takes his position at outside centre. Irae Simone falls out of the starting 22 and is replaced by David Horwitz. Andrew Kellaway shifts to the left wing.

Ned Hanigan comes in for Jack Dempsey as the only change to the pack that faced the Brumbies.