Wednesday Round Up

Jone Qovu Nailiko suspended for two weeks

La Rochelle second row, Jone Qovu Nailiko, has been suspended for two weeks following an independent Disciplinary Hearing.

Nailiko was cited for striking the Gloucester player, Richard Hibbard, in the 45th minute of the match in contravention of Law 10.4 (a).

He is free to play on Monday, 8 May.

Former England forward Dean Schofield set to retire

Yorkshire Carnegie second row Dean Schofield has confirmed he will retire from the game at the end of the current season ahead of the start of the Championship play offs this Friday.

Capped twice by England on their 2007 summer Tour of South Africa, the second rower was part of the England Saxons squad for the 2009 Churchill Cup.

Read about what he had to say about the decision here

Luca Morisi extends his stay with Benetton Rugby

Benetton Rugby has announced that Luca Morisi has agreed on a contract extension with the club.

Morisi made his mark with club side the Crusaders before he was called into the Italy national squad for the 2012 Six Nations and made his debut against England.

Luca now has racked up 48 appearances for Benneton and had this to say on the announcement of the renewal: "I am happy that the club has confirmed to me that despite my difficult time, fortunately, I can say to be in a large corporation. I can not wait to be able to repay all the trust they have given me and finally find the continuity that I miss."

Omar Mouneimne joins Warriors as a Defence & Kicking Coach

Warriors have recruited Omar Mouneimne as Defence & Kicking Strategy Coach.
 
The South African has been assisting as a consultant at Sixways but will make a permanent move to the Club at the start of next season. 
 
Simon Cross now becomes Breakdown Coach while the arrival of Mouneimne sees him reunited with former colleague Gary Gold, whom he spent time alongside at Super Rugby outfit the Sharks.

Full story here

Ross Chisholm and Charlie Mulchrone commit to Harlequins

Harlequins have confirmed that Ross Chisholm and Charlie Mulchrone have re-signed for the Club.

Ross Chisholm is a versatile back three player who has made close to 80 appearances for the Club since his debut in 2009. The 26 year-old has scored 17 tries.

Mulchrone joined Harlequins ahead of the current season from Worcester Warriors and has made 15 appearances for the Club since his debut against Wasps.

See what Harlequins Director of Rugby John Kingston had to say here

Injury forces Andy Short to retire

Warriors Academy graduate Andy Short has been forced to hang up his boots at the age of 26 due to a recurring hip injury.

"As I hang up my boots, I will be leaving the game behind with a heavy heart but looking forward to whatever life brings me next," commented Short.

"My time in the game has been a rollercoaster, with ultimate highs and painful lows, but I wouldn't change a thing.

"Thank you to everyone I have met along the way, playing the sport I love. I will look forward to following the success of my hometown Club with immense pride in the forthcoming seasons."

Short, who rose through the Warriors ranks, made his debut back in 2010 before moving to Bristol Rugby in 2013 where he spent two seasons.

Dane Haylett-Petty and Ben McCalman ruled out for the Force

Western Force duo Dane Haylett-Petty and Ben McCalman have been ruled out following the injuries they picked up against the Chiefs on the weekend.

Haylett-Petty is set to miss at least a month after tearing his hamstring, while McCalman has been ruled out indefinitely while he battles an ongoing shoulder issue.

Other injuries Western Force injuries here