Wednesday Evening Round Up

March 06, 2019
1755
Ultimate Rugby

John Dobson confirmed as new Stormers Coach

The Stormers have confirmed that John Dobson will replace Robbie Fleck as the Stormers head coach at the end of the 2019 season.

Fleck’s contract will expire at the end of October with Dobson reportedly turning down roles within South Africa and abroad to stay at the franchise.

World Rugby outlines Nations Championship concept

World Rugby has moved to clarify the organisation’s position on the merits and structure of a Nations Championship concept in advance of key meetings in Dublin next week. Read more

Six Nations: Ireland Squad Update

A 37 man squad has been named ahead of Ireland’s Six Nations game against France in Aviva Stadium on Sunday.

The squad reconvened at their Carton House base in Maynooth on Monday night following last week’s mini camp in Belfast, which also included an open training session at Queen’s University..

Ross Byrne, who was capped on the summer tour to Australia is named in the squad which also sees the return of Connacht scrumhalf Kieran Marmion.

Robbie Henshaw has withdrawn from the squad due to injury while Dan Leavy is still absent. Full squad

England U20s team to play Italy in Six Nations

England U20s head coach Steve Bates has named his side to play Italy in the fourth round of the U20 Six Nations Championship at Bedford’s Goldington Road on Friday.

Bates has made three changes to the starting XV who faced Wales in Colwyn Bay.

James Scott comes into the second row in place of Alex Coles, while Rus Tuima gets a first U20 start having been named at number eight with Tom Willis switching to blindside flanker.

Tom Seabrook comes in at outside centre, replacing the injured Connor Doherty while Willis will captain the side for a second-successive match.

'The merger is off the table' - Scarlets release some facts and a timeline on merger talks

On Wednesday Scarlets released a statement to their fans confirming that a merger is not on the cards following Ospreys' statement on Tuesday.

The Professional Rugby Board (PRB) was formed recently to discuss plans for a radical change to regional rugby in Wales, which could see the introduction of a side in the north of the country and one fewer team in the south.

Earlier on Tuesday, Ospreys chairman Mike James resigned from his post over what he described as "catastrophic" proposals, describing talks that had been christened "Project Reset" as "Project Inept". Read more

Van Der Sluys leaves Exeter Chiefs

Wilhelm Van Der Sluys has bid farewell to Exeter Chiefs, bringing to an end his two-season association with the Premiership club.

The South African-born forward says goodbye Sandy Park before jetting back to his homeland to take up a contract offer with Super Rugby outfit, the Lions. Full story

Commentate the Classics: Wales v Scotland (2010)