Global Rugby News
GLOBAL RUGBY NEWS — TODAY
SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE
- Eddie Hearn, the boxing promoter, has placed Wallabies Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii on his radar, linking the code-hopper to a potentially lucrative career outside of the Super Rugby Pacific competition. Suaalii is expected to face Zac Lomax upon his return from hamstring issues, continuing his career after limited Super Rugby action this season.
- The New Zealand Under 20s opened their Rugby Championship campaign with a stunning comeback, beating Australia 34-29 in South Africa. After trailing by 12 points at halftime, the Kiwi squad staged a masterful rally, claiming the lead and never relinquishing it.
- The Junior Springboks came into Gqeberha having played a blistering first half, scoring six tries and putting up a 36-0 lead over Argentina. Despite a scrappy second half, the side put up a performance that prompted head coach Kevin Foote to praise their intent to play an “exciting brand” of rugby.
- Crusaders secured their place in the conversation for hosting the Super Round next year after the Super Rugby Pacific extravaganza in Christchurch. The success of the event has led Super Rugby Pacific chief executive Jack Mesley to express enthusiasm about the possibility of a three-year hosting deal.
- The English Premiership is undergoing coaching shake-ups as Leicester Tigers confirm the signing of Stormers coach Craig Childs. Childs, who previously worked within the Stormers set-up, will join the Premiership club to bolster the management team.
EUROPE
- Inside the Top 14, Nolann Le Garrec cemented his status as the man of the week, guiding La Rochelle to victory in Perpignan. He was instrumental in the win, scoring a notable try double and racking up 25 points against the UBB.
- A troubling injury blow for Lyon means deuxième ligne Mickaël Guillard would end his season after tearing his right posterior cruciate ligament while scoring against Castres.
- The Welsh team's aspirations for major silverware hit a roadblock after the Welsh Rugby Union declined a key request, leaving the club unable to lift the trophy following the Division Four West Central title win.
- Gloucester’s Tomos Williams returned in spectacular fashion, helping his side defeat the Exeter Chiefs 34-31 at Kingsholm. The Cherry and Whites captain ran the show in attack, proving a consistent thorn in Exeter's side.
- World Rugby has welcomed two veteran coaches, Dimitri Yachvili and Marcelo Bosch, onto the jury for the World Rugby Awards. These two former internationals will be responsible for selecting the nominated and winning athletes in the men’s XVs categories.
Transfers & Contracts
TRANSFERS & CONTRACTS
Callum Sheedy — Wales fly-half signed a new contract with Cardiff (BBC Sport). Tommaso Allan — Usap to Zebre de Parme. Tevite Veredamu — Left Usap to return to an old club in Nationale 2. Tommaso Menoncello — Left Trévise, reportedly heading to Toulouse.
Injury & Ban Tracker
INJURY & BAN TRACKER
Cobus Reinach (Stormers) — Sustained knee injury in Cape Town; Stormers coach John Dobson stated, "It looks like a ligament, possibly medial. Hopefully it’s not an ACL, but it’s serious enough to keep him out for a while."
Controversy Corner
CONTROVERSY CORNER
Exeter's Ethan Roots got shown a 20-minute red card by referee Matthew Carley after striking Gloucester hooker Jack Innard in the face with the clock in the red during the PREM Rugby clash on Sunday.