Wednesday Evening Round Up

Gloucester sign Banahan from Bath

Gloucester Rugby has confirmed that experienced back Matt Banahan will switch West Country allegiances this summer, making the move from Bath Rugby.

Banahan has racked up over 250 appearances for Bath Rugby scoring 90 tries. His form in the Blue, Black and White has seen him pick up 16 caps for England, featuring in the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

Lima Sopoaga to join Wasps?

BREAKING: According to @TimesSport, @WaspsRugby have signed 16-times capped @AllBlacks playmaker Lima Sopoaga on a two-year deal from next season 🐝 #AllBlacks pic.twitter.com/27XUYlEdpv

— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) January 10, 2018

Marler to miss two 6 Nations matches

Harlequins front rower Joe Marler has received a 6-week ban after he appeared before an independent disciplinary panel on Tuesday evening after receiving a red card from referee Matt Carley during Saturday’s Premiership match against Sale Sharks. 

Meanwhile, TJ Ioane received a two-week ban for striking Marler with the arm in the same match. He also pleaded guilty to the charge and will be available to play again on 23 January 2018. Full story

Six Nations U23 XV To Watch Out For

Saints duo sign new deals

Northampton Saints have announced that first-team players Tom Collins and Lewis Ludlam have signed new deals to remain at Franklin’s Gardens.

Collins, 23, and 22-year-old Ludlam have both made huge progress since graduating from the Saints Academy, and are now valuable contributors to the first-team squad. Full story

Harlequins quartet sign new deals

Harlequins Rugby have announced that academy members Gabriel Ibitoye, Dino Lamb, Niall Saunders and Calum Walters have all extended their time at the club. Full story

New deal for Jonathan Evans at Scarlets

Scarlets have confirmed that scrum-half Jonathan Evans has signed a new deal keeping with the club.

Evans’ debut season at the Scarlets saw him make 24 appearances including appearances off the bench in both the Guinness PRO12 semi-final and final in Dublin. Full story

Annett signs new Warriors deal