Tag: Rugby

The Blue Bulls have confirmed that Boom Prinsloo will be retiring from rugby with immediate effect after a mutual agreement between both parties.

The 29-year-old was born in Bloemfontein and is another proud product of Grey College. He represented the Free State Cheetahs in 51 Super Rugby matches and 37 Currie Cup matches, before making the move to Loftus. He went on to represent the Blue Bulls in eight Currie Cup matches, captaining on four occasions.

Xander Janse van Rensburg, High Performance Manager of the Blue Bulls Company, thanked Prinsloo for his contributions.

“Boom will always be remembered as an unsung hero. A man that put in the hard yards and represented the #BullsFamily with absolute distinction, and seldom got the credit he deserved from the rugby public,” he said.

“Besides being a tough-as-nails old school flanker, he also played a major leadership role both on and off the field in mentoring his younger team mates. We would like to sincerely thank him for his outstanding efforts, and would like to wish him all the best as he embarks on the next phase of his life.”

“It’s never easy making a decision like this,” said Prinsloo.

“I have dedicated my life to this beautiful game, and there’s no doubt that I feel a little mix of emotions. Having said that, I also realise that it’s a good time for me to move on, and embrace the next chapter of my life. Thank you to everybody that has contributed to my career and given me the opportunity and privilege to play this beautiful game.”

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Edinburgh prop Pierre Schoeman has been given a four-week suspension after appearing before an independent disciplinary panel on Wednesday.

A disciplinary panel convened in Neath to consider the red-card decision against the player resulting from the Round Four PRO14 fixture against Leinster on September 22, 2018.

The player was shown a red card by referee Dan Jones under Law 9.12 – A player must not physically or verbally abuse anyone. Physical abuse includes, but is not limited to, biting, punching, contact with the eye or eye area, striking with any part of the arm (including stiff-arm tackles), shoulder, head or knee(s), stamping, trampling, tripping or kicking.

The incident occurred in the 71st minute of the fixture at the RDS Arena in Dublin when referee Dan Jones deemed the player to have committed an act of foul play against an opponent (No 20, Dan Leavy).

The Disciplinary Panel, comprising of Simon Thomas (Chair), Roger Morris and Nigel Williams (all Wales), concluded that there was an act of foul play of striking the head with the forearm which carries a mid-range entry point (six weeks).

A ban of six weeks was reduced due to mitigating circumstances, the player’s acceptance of the red card and behaviour throughout the hearing. As a result the player will be banned for a period of four weeks and can return to play from midnight on Sunday, October 21.

The player was reminded of his right to appeal.

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The Reds have strengthened their coaching team for 2019 and beyond with the appointment of Super Rugby Championship-winning coach Jim McKay as their new attack coach.

McKay, who has coached at an elite and international level for 24 years, will return to Ballymore in October after signing a two-year deal that’ll see him at the Reds through 2020.

Queensland Rugby Union Interim CEO David Hanham said: “We’ve been focused on ensuring we have the best coaches with experience and proven success surrounding Brad Thorn that can continue to develop the quality playing talent that is coming through the Queensland system.

“Jim is very well known to Queensland’s rugby community through his four years with the Reds as Senior Assistant Coach, including during the winning 2011 Super Rugby campaign.

“I know Jim can’t wait to get back to Ballymore and bring his wealth of experience to the Professional Rugby Department as we prepare for the 2019 Super Rugby season.”

McKay, who has an overall career 76 per cent winning coaching-record, first came to the Reds in 2010 as Ewen McKenzie’s senior assistant coach and lived up to his reputation for having one of the best attacking minds in the game.

He played a major role in shaping the Reds’ highly-acclaimed attacking structure of play and in just his second year in Queensland, helped the Reds to a Super Rugby title in 2011. In that same year, the Reds broke their Super Rugby season try-scoring record with 45 tries in 16 regular season game – a record which had stood since 1996.

McKay said he was excited about returning to Ballymore and working alongside Brad Thorn to develop the current young Reds squad.

“I’m both proud and humbled to be back at Ballymore – I have a strong connection here and I am extremely passionate about Queensland and the Reds,” he said.

“I’ve got to know Brad over the past year and I’m looking forward to working with him.

“Queensland has a proud rugby history and heritage and I am motivated to help enhance the rugby program and reconnect with the strong broader Queensland rugby community.”

He departed Ballymore in 2013 and followed McKenzie to the Wallabies where he worked as the Australian attack coach.

During his 15 months with the Wallabies, McKay assisted to steer the side to seven straight wins that included four wins on a Spring Tour which hadn’t been achieved since 2008.

He was also a part of the coaching staff when the Wallabies recorded their first clean-sweep of France in a three-Test series and oversaw Australia score 15 tries in the 2013 Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup, which was more than double of that in the corresponding matches the previous year.

Following his departure from the Wallabies in 2014, McKay had a stint as a coaching consultant with the Worcester Warriors that saw the side secure promotion back into the Premiership.

McKay was then appointed assistant coach for Tonga at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, before becoming head coach of the Kobe Steelers in the Japan Top League in 2016.

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Sharks head coach Robert du Preez has made just one change to his starting line-up for their top-of-the-table clash with Western Province.

Saturday’s Currie Cup showdown at Newlands sees the unbeaten sides face off in their penultimate fixture of the regular-season campaign.

In team news, Jacques Vermeulen comes into the XV in place of Luke Stringer in the number six shirt, with the latter moving to the bench.

Speaking of the replacements, Leolin Zas has come onto the bench for Sbu Nkosi, who is with the Springboks for their clash with Australia.

Sharks: 15 Curwin Bosch, 14 Kobus van Wyk, 13 Jeremy Ward, 12 Marius Louw, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Robert du Preez, 9 Louis Schreuder, 8 Daniel du Preez, 7 Tyler Paul, 6 Jacques Vermeulen, 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 Gideon Koegelenberg, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Chiliboy Ralepelle (c), 1 Juan Schoeman
Replacements: 16 Akker van der Merwe, 17 Coenie Oosthuizen, 18 Ruben van Heerden, 19 Luke Stringer, 20 Cameron Wright, 21 Leolin Zas, 22 Aphelele Fassi

Date: Saturday, September 29
Venue: Newlands
Kick-off: 14:00 local (13:00 BST, 12:00 GMT)
Referee: Ben Crouse
Assistant referees: Egon Seconds, Divan Uys
Television match official: Shaun Veldsman

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The Sunwolves have announced that Tony Brown will take over the team’s coaching reins from Jamie Joseph for the 2019 Super Rugby season.

Brown, who was the team’s attack coach in 2018, will be assisted by Scott Hansen, who continues in his role as an assistant coach for the Sunwolves.

Former head coach Joseph, due to his increased duties with Japan ahead of the Rugby World Cup, will continue to support the Sunwolves in his role as Team Japan 2019 Director of Rugby.

Commenting on his appointment Brown said: “It is a great honour to be involved in the Sunwolves coaching team as in 2018 I believe the team and club made significant improvements both on and off the field.

“Keeping continuity and building on 2018 is the most important thing for us in 2019 and while I am moving up to a new role the management team is still largely together and it allows Scott, myself and the rest of the management to take the Sunwolves forward and into a position to challenge the best teams in the competition.”

Japan Super Rugby Association CEO, Yuji Watase, said: “With the upcoming Rugby World Cup it would be difficult for Jamie Joseph to work as both head coach of the Sunwolves and the Japan National Team.

“We would like Jamie to focus on the National Team next season and we have appointed Tony Brown as the Sunwolves head coach. Tony is a top class attack coach and both the Sunwolves and the Japan National Team continue to benefit from his coaching. Jamie and Tony have worked closely for a number of years and we are confident there will be continuity in approach and vision.

“Furthermore, Scott Hansen will lead the team as acting Head Coach when Tony Brown is periodically called away from the Sunwolves to help with World Cup preparations. I’m confident Scott and Tony will work well together, supporting each other, in leading the team.”

Joseph said: “I would like to thank the Sunwolves for the opportunity to be their head coach in 2018. My time with the players and staff helped us prepare the national team well for the June Test series against Italy and Georgia.

“However, in a World Cup year my core responsibility is to prepare the National Team, especially as Japan is hosting the tournament. Tony being at the helm as Head Coach will allow us to continue the hard work we invested last season, as well as prepare any players also in the national team for the World Cup.

“It is going to be a great year.”

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Wallabies centre Reece Hodge has admitted to being frustrated with his side’s inconsistency with ball in hand, despite possessing quality backs.

It is likely that Kurtley Beale and Matt Toomua will again line up in the 10 and 12 shirts against South Africa, with Hodge outside them at 13.

Last time out against Argentina the Wallabies were 23-19 losers as their attack failed to fire on the Gold Coast, which has ultimately cost them any chance of winning the Rugby Championship and left Hodge desperate for an improvement in form when they run out in Port Elizabeth.

“It’s frustrating, that’s the word that sums it up,” Hodge told Rugby Australia’s official website.

“We all know what we can produce on our day but consistent is what’s killing us at the moment, both within the game and game-to-game.

“We are capable of some brilliance and ultimately our goal is to produce that.

“We haven’t done that (for 80 minutes) this season but it’s an opportunity to show what we’re really capable of.”

Beale and Toomua recently took over the 10-12 axis with Bernard Foley providing impact off the bench, something Hodge feels is working well.

“(They are) three world class players… a lot of their game is based on how well they communicate with the team and how well they direct the team around the paddock,” the centre said.

“(Beale and Toomua) are starting to build a good combination there.

“I’d say it’s a rotating combination between the three and they all bring a hell of a lot to the squad.

“It’s exciting to think of the possibilities in terms of the opportunities they can create for us as an outside back group.

“It’s up to us to finish it off.”

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Click:Plastic bag machine

Taniela Tupou’s elevation to Australia‘s side is one of four personnel changes to the starting team in a pivotal Test against South Africa.

Lukhan Tui (family) and Pete Samu (knee injury) both remained in Australia, with Ned Hanigan replacing Tui at blindside flank on Saturday.

Skipper Michael Hooper returns from a hamstring injury to start at openside and David Pocock is back at eight for the Port Elizabeth clash.

There is no specialist flanker on the bench but lock Rob Simmons can provide cover should the Wallabies require it.

Adam Coleman is the final change to the starting XV, teaming up with Izack Rodda in the second-row.

Coleman came off the bench for the Wallabies on the Gold Coast a fortnight ago but will start in Port Elizabeth, pushing Rory Arnold back to the bench.

As expected, Michael Cheika has opted to stick with the playmaking duo of Kurtley Beale and Matt Toomua in a backline that is unchanged from that which went up against the Pumas.

This Rugby Championship clash will also mark Scott Sio’s 50th Test appearance.

Australia: 15 Dane Haylett-Petty, 14 Israel Folau, 13 Reece Hodge, 12 Matt Toomua, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Kurtley Beale, 9 Will Genia, 8 David Pocock, 7 Michael Hooper (c), 6 Ned Hanigan, 5 Izack Rodda, 4 Adam Coleman, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Scott Sio
Replacements: 16 Folau Faingaa, 17 Sekope Kepu, 18 Allan Alaalatoa, 19 Rory Arnold, 20 Rob Simmons, 21 Nick Phipps, 22 Bernard Foley, 23 Jack Maddocks

Date: Saturday, September 29
Venue: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth
Kick-off: 17:05 local (16:05 BST, 15:05 GMT)
Referee: Jérôme Garcès (France)
Assistant referees: Wayne Barnes (England), Matthew Carley (England)
Television match official: Graham Hughes (England)

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There are two games scheduled in the PRO14 on Friday as Edinburgh face Benetton Rugby at Murrayfield while Cardiff Blues play host to the Cheetahs.

Edinburgh v Benetton Rugby

Edinburgh head coach Richard Cockerill has named a full-strength XV ahead of their vital PRO14 encounter against Benetton at Murrayfield.

Eight international stars return to the starting XV, with nine changes in total to the team that faced Leinster in Dublin last weekend.

In the backline, Scotland caps Blair Kinghorn, Matt Scott and Henry Pyrgos are all reinstated, while former New Zealand U20 captain Simon Hickey gets the nod at fly-half following a replacement appearance from the bench at the RDS Arena last weekend.

In the pack, captain Stuart McInally returns at hooker alongside experienced tighthead prop, WP Nel. Grant Gilchrist makes his fourth appearance of the season in the second-row, while Hamish Watson and Fijian internationalist, Bill Mata – who missed the last two fixtures due to injury – feature in the back-row.

Meanwhile, Benetton will be looking to bounce back after last week’s 27-10 loss to Ospreys and name Jayden Hayward at full-back with Ratuva Tavuyara and Luca Sperandio on the wings.

Tommaso Iannone and Luca Morisi will be the centres while the half-backs are Dewaldt Duvenage at scrum-half and Tommaso Allan at fly-half.

Up front Cherif Traore and Marco Riccioni pack down either side of hooker Luca Bigi while Marco Fuser and captain Dean Budd are the locks.

Finally, the back-row sees Sebastian Negri, Marco Barbini and Robert Barbieri completing the XV chosen by head coach Kieran Crowley.

The teams:

Edinburgh: 15 Blair Kinghorn, 14 Dougie Fife, 13 Chris Dean, 12 Matt Scott, 11 Duhan van der Merwe, 10 Simon Hickey, 9 Henry Pyrgos, 8 Bill Mata, 7 Hamish Watson, 6 Magnus Bradbury, 5 Grant Gilchrist, 4 Ben Toolis, 3 WP Nel, 2 Stuart McInally (c), 1 Allan Dell
Replacements: 16 Ross Ford, 17 Rory Sutherland, 18 Murray McCallum, 19 Fraser McKenzie, 20 Jamie Ritchie, 21 Nathan Fowles, 22 Jaco van der Walt, 23 Juan Pablo Socino

Benetton Rugby: 15 Jayden Hayward, 14 Ratuva Tavuyara, 13 Tommaso Iannone, 12 Luca Morisi, 11 Luca Sperandio, 10 Tommaso Allan, 9 Dewaldt Duvenage, 8 Robert Barbieri, 7 Marco Barbini, 6 Sebastian Negri, 5 Dean Budd (c), 4 Marco Fuser, 3 Marco Riccioni, 2 Luca Bigi, 1 Cherif Traore
Replacements: 16 Engjel Makelara, 17 Derrick Appiah, 18 Simone Ferrari, 19 Federico Ruzza, 20 Marco Lazzaroni, 21 Edoardo Gori, 22 Ian McKinley, 23 Ignacio Brex

Venue: Murrayfield
Kick-off: 19:35 BST (18:35 GMT)
Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)
Assistant referees: Elgan Williams (Wales), Keith Allen (Scotland)
Television match official: Andrew McMenemy (Scotland)

Cardiff Blues v Cheetahs

Cardiff Blues boss John Mulvihill has made three changes for their PRO14 showdown with the Cheetahs at Cardiff Arms Park.

Following an impressive bonus-point triumph over Munster, Mulvihill’s men will be determined to secure back-to-back wins as they put their campaign back on track.

All of the changes come up front with Scott Andrews starting at tighthead prop, Rory Thornton returning at second-row and Olly Robinson coming into the back-row.

Josh Turnbull reverts to the back-row with Mulvihill selecting a fast and mobile XV to take on the South African outfit.

Steven Shingler returns to the replacements and is set for his first PRO14 appearance of the season, while Sion Bennett returns to the first-team squad for the first time since last November.

“It is vitally important that we back up what was a really good performance and result against Munster with another win against the Cheetahs on Friday night,” said Mulvihill.

“We have selected a side to suit our game-plan but also to ensure players are managed sufficiently, to get through the season, and that others are given opportunities.”

Meanwhile, Cheetahs head coach Franco Smith has made just one alteration to his run-on side which drew with Ulster in Bloemfontein last weekend.

Ryno Eksteen comes into the starting line-up at full-back where he replaces the injured Malcom Jaer. This means Daniel Maartens is the new face on the replacements bench as backline cover.

Smith is happy that he is able to keep changes to his matchday squad to a minimum.

“It’s good to have continuity, which is an important factor for team to grow,” he said.

“With continuity we can learn from mistakes and grow for form a good base. This tour is important to give the next step towards winning and doing better away from home. Cardiff offers a big challenge. They are well prepared and we expect a fast game on the artificial ground.”

The teams:

Cardiff Blues: 15 Matthew Morgan, 14 Owen Lane, 13 Rey Lee-Lo, 12 Willis Halaholo, 11 Jason Harries, 10 Gareth Anscombe, 9 Tomos Williams, 8 Josh Turnbull, 7 Ellis Jenkins (c), 6 Olly Robinson, 5 Rory Thornton, 4 George Earle, 3 Scott Andrews, 2 Kristian Dacey, 1 Rhys Gill
Replacements: 16 Kirby Myhill, 17 Brad Thyer, 18 Dillon Lewis, 19 Macauley Cook, 20 Sion Bennett, 21 Lloyd Williams, 22 Steven Shingler, 23 Garyn Smith

Cheetahs: 15 Ryno Eksteen, 14 William Small-Smith, 13 Benhard Janse van Rensburg, 12 Nico Lee, 11 Sibhale Maxwane, 10 Tian Schoeman, 9 Tian Meyer (c), 8 Niell Jordaan, 7 Junior Pokomela, 6 Gerhard Olivier, 5 Jean-Pierre Du Preez, 4 Walt Steenkamp, 3 Johannes Coetzee, 2 Joseph Dweba, 1 Ox Nche
Replacements: 16 Jacques Du Toit, 17 Charles Marais, 18 Günther Janse van Vuuren, 19 Justin Basson, 20 Stephan Malan, 21 Daniel Maartens, 22 Shaun Venter, 23 Louis Fouche

Venue: Cardiff Arms Park
Kick-off: 19:35 BST (18:35 GMT)
Referee: George Clancy (Ireland)
Assistant referees: Joy Neville (Ireland), Gwyn Morris (Wales)
Television match official: Jon Mason (Wales)

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Vereniki Goneva is back for Newcastle Falcons as they play host to Wasps in their Premiership clash at Kingston Park Stadium on Friday.

The reigning Premiership player of the season returns after two weeks out through injury, Samoan international Sinoti Sinoti coming back onto the other wing after missing last week’s visit of Exeter Chiefs.

Fijian international Tevita Cavubati comes in at lock in the only other change from the side which became the first this season to take a losing bonus point from the unbeaten Chiefs, and the first to prevent them from scoring a four-try bonus point.

USA international Paul Mullen could be set for his Premiership debut after being named among the replacements, the tighthead having scored for Newcastle’s second-string during their 54-13 home Shield win over Leicester Tigers on Monday.

Meanwhile, Wasps director of rugby Dai Young hands first starts of the season to Ben Morris, Joe Simpson and Marcus Watson.

There are six changes to the starting 15 from Saturday’s win against Sale Sharks.

New signing Morris replaces Nathan Hughes, who is named among the replacements alongside Elliot Daly and Dan Robson, the trio having been involved in England’s training camp this week. Morris joins captain Ashley Johnson and Nizaam Carr, who moves to number eight, in the back-row.

Simpson swaps in for Robson, to form the half back partnership with Lima Sopoaga. Outside them Juan De Jongh replaces Daly, having passed his HIA protocols, to partner Michael Le Bourgeois in the centres.

Watson returns from illness last week to replace Christian Wade on the wing and is joined in the back three by Josh Bassett and Rob Miller, replacing Willie Le Roux who is on Springbok duty.

Tom Cruse rotates with Tommy Taylor and is joined by an unchanged prop pairing of Zurabi Zhvania and Will Stuart in the front-row. Behind them Will Rowlands and James Gaskell form the lock partnership for the second week in a row.

Daly, Hughes and Robson are joined on a powerful bench by Taylor, Ben Harris, Kieran Brookes, Kearnan Myall and Billy Searle.

Form: Newcastle Falcons have won just one of their last six Gallagher Premiership Rugby matches. Newcastle have lost their last three matches at Kingston Park since beating Sale there on 13th April. Wasps only defeat so far this season was at home to Exeter in round 2 whilst their only defeat away from home since April was in last season’s semi-final at Saracens. Wasps are unbeaten in their last ten fixtures with Falcons in Gallagher Premiership Rugby since May 2012, a sequence which includes one draw at Kingston Park in February 2015.

The teams:

Newcastle: 15 Simon Hammersley, 14 Vereniki Goneva, 13 Chris Harris, 12 Johnny Williams, 11 Sinoti Sinoti, 10 Toby Flood, 9 Sonatane Takulua, 8 Mark Wilson, 7 Will Welch (c), 6 Gary Graham, 5 Tevita Cavubati, 4 Calum Green, 3 Logovi’i Mulipola, 2 George McGuigan, 1 Adam Brocklebank
Replacements: 16 Santiago Socino, 17 Sami Mavinga, 18 Paul Mullen, 19 Will Witty, 20 Callum Chick, 21 Sam Stuart, 22 Joel Hodgson, 23 Tom Penny

Wasps: 15 Rob Miller, 14 Marcus Watson, 13 Juan De Jongh, 12 Michael Le Bourgeois, 11 Josh Bassett, 10 Lima Sopoaga, 9 Joe Simpson, 8 Nizaam Carr, 7 Ben Morris, 6 Ashley Johnson (c), 5 James Gaskell, 4 Will Rowlands, 3 Will Stuart, 2 Tom Cruse, 1 Zurabi Zhvania
Replacements: 16 Tommy Taylor, 17 Ben Harris, 18 Kieran Brookes, 19 Kearnan Myall, 20 Nathan Hughes, 21 Dan Robson, 22 Billy Searle, 23 Elliot Daly

Date: Friday, September 28
Venue: Kingston Park
Kick-off: 19:45 BST (18:45 GMT)
Referee: Karl Dickson
Assistant referees: Peter Allan, Hamish Smales
Television match official: Sean Davey

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The match officials for this week’s action have been confirmed, with Jerome Garces refereeing the Springboks v Wallabies clash in Port Elizabeth.

Rugby Championship

South Africa vs Australia
@ Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth
Referee: Jérôme Garcès (France)
Assistant referees: Wayne Barnes (England), Matthew Carley (England)
Television match official: Graham Hughes (England)

Argentina vs New Zealand
@ Estadio Vélez Sarsfield, Buenos Aires
Referee: Mathieu Raynal (France)
Assistant referees: Jaco Peyper (South Africa), Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa)
Television match official: David Grashoff (England)

PRO14

Cardiff Blues vs Cheetahs
@ Cardiff Arms Park
Referee: George Clancy (Ireland)
Assistant referees: Joy Neville (Ireland), Gwyn Morris (Wales)
Television match official: Jon Mason (Wales)

Edinburgh vs Benetton
@ Murrayfield
Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)
Assistant referees: Elgan Williams (Wales), Keith Allen (Scotland)
Television match official: Andrew McMenemy (Scotland)

Scarlets vs Kings
@ Parc y Scarlets
Referee: Sean Gallagher (Ireland)
Assistant referees: Mark Patton (Ireland), Simon Rees (Wales)
Television match official: Sean Brickell (Wales)

Munster vs Ulster
@ Thomond Park
Referee: Dan Jones (Wales)
Assistant referees: Ian Davies (Wales), Nigel Correll (Ireland)
Television match official: Brian MacNeice (Ireland)

Connacht vs Leinster
@ Sportsground
Referee: John Lacey (Ireland)
Assistant referees: Andrew Brace (Ireland), Kieran Barry (Ireland)
Television match official: Simon McDowell (Ireland)

Zebre vs Ospreys
@ Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi
Referee: Frank Murphy (Ireland)
Assistant referees: Eddie Hogan-O’Connell (Ireland), Vincenzo Schipani (Italy)
Television match official: Alan Falzone (Italy)

Glasgow Warriors vs Dragons
@ Scotstoun
Referee: Stuart Berry (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Mike Adamson (Scotland), Dunx McClement (Scotland)
Television match official: Neil Paterson (Scotland)

Premiership

Newcastle Falcons vs Wasps
@ Kingston Park
Referee: Karl Dickson
Assistant referees: Peter Allan, Hamish Smales
Television match official: Sean Davey

Saracens vs Bath
@ Allianz Park
Referee: Tom Foley
Assistant referees: Roy Maybank, Anthony Woodthorpe
Television match official: Geoffrey Warren

Bristol Bears vs Northampton Saints
@ Ashton Gate
Referee: Luke Pearce
Assistant referees: Dean Richards Jonathan Healy
Television match official: Trevor Fisher

Exeter Chiefs vs Worcester Warriors
@ Sandy Park
Referee: Ian Tempest
Assistant referees: Matthew O’Grady, Robert Warburton
Television match official: Claire Hodnett

Gloucester vs Harlequins
@ Kingsholm
Referee: JP Doyle
Assistant referees: Steve Lee, Simon McConnell
Television match official: Keith Lewis

Leicester Tigers vs Sale Sharks
@ Welford Road
Referee: Craig Maxwell-Keys
Assistant referees: Adam Leal, Paul Dix
Television match official: Stuart Terheege

Top 14

Toulouse vs Castres
@ Stade Ernest Wallon
Referee: Romain Poite
Assistant referees: Ludovic Cayre, Bruno Gabaldon
Television match official: Éric Gonthier

Stade Français vs Racing 92
@ Stade Jean Bouin
Referee: Alexandre Ruiz
Assistant referees: Pierre Brousset, Patrick Pechambert
Television match official: Éric Briquet Campin

Perpignan vs Montpellier
@ Stade Aimé Giral
Referee: Tual Trainini
Assistant referees: Thomas Charabas, Sébastien Hebert
Television match official: Denis Grenouillet

Agen vs Pau
@ Stade Armandie
Referee: Laurent Cardona
Assistant referees: Nicolas Datas, Laurent Breil
Television match official: Patrick Dellac

Bordeaux-Bègles vs La Rochelle
@ Stade Chaban-Delmas
Referee: Maxime Chalon
Assistant referees: Laurent Millotte, Éric Soulan
Television match official: Philippe Bonhoure

Lyon vs Grenoble
@ Matmut Stadium Gerland
Referee: Pascal Gaüzère
Assistant referees: Julien Castaignède, Arnaud Blondel
Television match official: Sébastien Minery

Clermont vs Toulon
@ Parc des Sports Marcel Michelin
Referee: Adrien Descottes
Assistant referees: Cyril Lafon, Jean-Claude Labarbe
Television match official: Laurent Sclafer

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