Weekly Round Up
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Townson signs on for Ealing
Ealing Trailfinders have announced that they have signed Glen Townson till the end of the season.
The second row has joined from Aviva Premiership side Bristol after 112 appearances for the side.
He hails from Morecambe and played his junior rugby for Vale of Lune. He also captained the England U18 side and took on new teammate Will Harries when England U18 took on their Welsh counterparts in 2005.
Enrique Pieretto suspended for 7 weeks
Argentina prop Enrique Pieretto appeared before a disciplinary commitee for charges of stamping on an opponent in the Autumn International match between England and Argentina at Twickenham on Saturday, 26 November 2016.
The Disciplinary Committee determined that Pieretto's actions had been intentional and that they merited a nine-week playing suspension due to the seriousness, but the commitee further determined there were no aggravating factors and his playing suspension be reduced by two weeks.
The prop was therefore suspended from playing rugby for a total of seven weeks, and is free to play again on Monday, 20 March 2017.
Jared Payne out for 3 months
Ireland and Ulster centre Jared Payne is expected to be out for 3 months after he took a heavy knock to the rib cage in the first half of Ireland's 27-24 win over Australia last weekend.
He is set to miss the away games against Scotland (February 4) and Italy (February 11) as well as the home fixture against France on Saturday, February 25.
Combrinck out for 4 months
Ruan Combrinck underwent an operation on his right shoulder yesterday after sustaining a fracture in his shoulder joint in the Springbok match against Wales.
"Great success today. Thanx for the support!! All went well...," Ruan posted on his Twitter.
He will be out of action for approximately 4 months.
Orioli cuts ties with Toulon
After a 15-year stint with Toulon, hooker Jean-Charles Orioli has announced that he will end his association with the club at the end of the season.
“It is with a heavy heart that I will be leaving Toulon at the end of the season… thank you for everything! 15 great years in red and black,” said the 27-year-old on his Twitter.
Orioli came through the club’s academy, and has been part of their Champions Cup and Top 14 victories.
Robinson returns to Cardiff Blues
Cardiff Blues have signed former Welsh international Nicky Robinson as injury cover with Jarrod Evans facing up to 10 weeks on the sidelines with a broken jaw.
The 34-year-old will come out of retirement after hanging up his boots at the end of last season, bringing his 15-year professional career to an end.
“It’s good to bring a player of Nicky’s experience back to BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park," said Blues boss Danny Wilson.
"His quality is undeniable, he has a wealth of experience from his time with the Blues, the English Premiership and the international game and plenty of leadership qualities," he concluded.
Robinson is already in training with the region and is available for selection this weekend.
Geldenhuys withdraws from international Rugby
Italy lock Quintin Geldenhuys has announced his retirement from international rugby after a 67-cap career.
The South Africa-born, who is on the books at Italian side Zebre, played his 67th and final game for Italy in this weekend's defeat to Tonga.
"I came to Italy in 2005 and I will always be grateful to the country and all of Italian rugby for what they have given me," said Geldenhuys.
"Wearing the blue jersey and taking part in two World Cups was not something I imagined I'd be doing when I arrived to play for Viadana, and captaining the country that adopted me was a huge privilege," he added.
Geldenhuys said he will now focus on helping Zebre, who play in the Pro12 league along with fellow Italians Treviso, and spend more time with his family.
Springboks drop to 6th in rankings
Following their 27-13 defeat in Cardiff, the Springboks have dropped one position below Wales to sixth in the latest official World Rugby rankings.
The loss means the Springboks have equalled their lowest ever position since the rankings began in October 2003.
Top 15 in the latest World Rugby rankings:
1. New Zealand 94.78
2. England 89.84
3. Australia 86.97
4. Ireland 84.62
5. Wales 82.55
6. South Africa 81.79
7. Scotland 80.67
8. France 80.13
9. Argentina 79.91
10. Fiji 76.46
11. Japan 74.22
12. Georgia 74.14
13. Italy 72.47
14. Tonga 71.94
15. Samoa 71.25
Semi Radradra signs for Toulon
Toulon has confirmed the signing of NRL star Semi Radradra on a one-year deal with a one-year option.
Radradra made his international debut for Australia against New Zealand in the Anzac Test in May 2016.
The 24-year-old is currently contracted to the Eels until the end of 2017, having been repeatedly linked with French rugby over the past 12 months.
He will link up with Toulon next season.
Elliot Daly receives 3-week ban
England wing Elliot Daly has been banned for 3 weeks for tackling opponent in the air against Argentina.
Daly was shown a red card in the fifth minute of Saturday's 27-14 victory at Twickenham after colliding with Leonardo Senatore, which resulted in Senatore landing on his head.
"Elliot made a judgement error. We all make them," head coach Jones said.
"He has to bounce back, he has no choice, mate. What is he going to do, sit in the corner and feel sorry for himself and never play rugby again?
"No one holds any recrimination against him and I don't understand the questioning on this. I have probably had five words with him saying just get on with it, there's nothing else to say."
Daly has been suspended from playing rugby for a total of three weeks, up to and including Sunday 18 December 2016.
