Wednesday Morning Round Up
- 1976
Veteran Wallaby lock pens new deal
Wallabies lock Rob Simmons has extended his stay at the NSW Waratahs after signing a two-year extension with Rugby Australia and New South Wales Rugby Union.
The 30-year old is now in line to become just the 11th Australian Test centurion should he earn six more Wallabies caps.
Akira Ioane headlines a 26-man strong Maori All Blacks squad
Four new players have been included in the squad as well as a few players who missed out on the All Black squad https://t.co/1kcvtvMdvc
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) July 3, 2019
Māori All Blacks Head Coach Clayton McMillan said the squad named was an exciting mix of vast experience and new energy.
Having missed out on the All Blacks squad, the likes of hooker Nathan Harris, prop Tyrel Lomax, lock Tom Franklin, loose forward Akira Ioane and halfbacks Bryn Hall and Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi will all have another chance to show their wares heading into this year's World Cup in Japan.
All Blacks name 39-man squad for upcoming Rugby Championship
The All Blacks have confirmed a 39-man squad for the upcoming Rugby Championship matches against Argentina and South Africa.
The squad includes four debutants with the likes of Liam Squire, Waisake Naholo and Ma'a Nonu missing out.
Squad.
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) July 2, 2019
FULL STORY 👉🏽 https://t.co/yovdzz96c3 pic.twitter.com/YxkoZG2EBd
Revealed: Why Liam Squire missed the All Blacks squad
The All Blacks first-choice blindside flanker made himself unavailable, find out why and what Steve Hansen had to say about it 👇 https://t.co/7n8a7EtAw3
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) July 3, 2019
Highlanders flanker Liam Squire was a notable absentee from Steve Hansen's All Black squad for the Rugby Championship named on Tuesday, with the All Blacks' coach revealing that the hard-hitting flanker made himself unavailable for selection.
Seen as the All Blacks' first-choice No 6, the 28-year-old told Hansen that he didn't feel like he was ready to pull on the black jersey.
James O'Connor back in Wallabies training
James O'Connor has linked up with the Wallabies training squad following his early release from his Sale Sharks contract. The 44-test cap International is reportedly set to sign with the Queensland Reds.
Three South Africans set for Premiership switch
Leicester Tigers have confirmed the signings of Bulls flanker Hanro Liebenberg and Stormers centre EW Viljoen. The Tigers also confirmed the signing of former Munsterman Jordan Coghlan.
Bulls and Springbok winger Travis Ismaiel will join his Bulls teammate in the Premiership signing with the Harlequins for the 2020/21 season.
Staying with the Premiership, the Sale Sharks snapped up another test back rower with Mark Wilson joining the side on loan from Newcastle Falcons.
Tom James joins Scarlets on two-year deal
Scarlets have signed former Wales international wing Tom James on a two-year contract.
The 32-year-old will link up with the squad next week, continuing an impressive career in professional rugby.
Super Series results
🇫🇷🇨🇦 Fin du match. Les Bleues s'inclinent dans ce premier match à San Diego contre le Canada. #NeFaisonsXV #XVdeFrance #FRACAN #SuperSeries2019 pic.twitter.com/G8xDFK42eb
— France Rugby (@FranceRugby) July 2, 2019
Canada caused somewhat of an upset beating France 19-36 yesterday while the Black Ferns cruised to a 33-0 victory over USA.
