Tag: Rugby

The Sharks secured a second successive Currie Cup final spot with a dramatic 33-24 win over the Lions at Kings Park, having led 18-3 at half-time.

The hosts were utterly dominant in the first half, controlling from first whistle to last. They controlled possession and often disrupted the Lions’ set pieces.

A late comeback from the visitors nearly knocked the wind out of their sails, but a combination of grit and luck saw the Durban-based side through.

Robert du Preez Snr’s side wasted no time getting on the front foot, with Pieter Jansen gifting them an attacking scrum with a crooked throw from a lineout.

The powerful Sharks forwards did their job before Lwazi Mvovo sucked several defenders in and offloaded to Dan du Preez for a simple finish in only the third minute of the game. The number eight’s brother, Robert Jnr, added the conversion.

In the 12th minute, the fly-half was handed another shot at goal due to a penalty for offside against Warren Whiteley. From under the sticks, he once again made no mistake.

Then, nine minutes later, the hosts scored a superb team try. Sibusiso Nkosi initiated the move, taking on three defenders before offloading to Marius Louw. The build-up continued and the winger was the man to finish off in the right-hand corner after receiving the final pass from Jacques Vermeulen.

The Sharks suffered a blow in the 27th minute when Lwazi Mvovo was stretchered off due to concussion, with Aphelele Fassi replacing him. However, it did little to derail their momentum.

Shortly afterwards, the dominant home forward pack won a penalty off the Lions’ put-in at the scrum. The Sharks opted to go for posts, with Rob du Preez slotting over from under the sticks as the clock struck 32 minutes.

The Lions put themselves on the board at last in the 35th minute after winning a penalty for a side-entry, with Elton Jantjies slotting over the three points.

The first half ended with Curwin Bosch missing a long-range penalty kick, but he got the second 40 minutes off to a great start. After the Lions allowed his kick-off to bounce, Vermeulen collected and once again gave the ball to Nkosi, who finished on the right.

The Lions scored their first try of the game in the 56th minute, with Lionel Mapoe the catalyst. The centre burst through a gap in the Sharks defence before stepping inside another opponent and offloading to Nic Groom for a simple finish. Jantjies added the extras and the game was back on.

Momentum was with the visitors, and the Sharks will have had hearts in mouths when Aphiwe Dyantyi intercepted a pass inside his own 22 and raced away. Astonishingly, Fassi caught him and won possession back only for Hyron Andrews to throw the ball straight into Skosan’s arms. From there, nobody could catch the winger, and Jantjies converted his 63rd-minute try.

However, four minutes later, the Sharks extended the lead back beyond a converted try after winning a penalty for offside against Chergin Fillies, which was popped over the sticks by Rob du Preez.

A stroke of genius from Jantjies put the Lions right back on the hosts’ heels in the 70th minute. His perfectly weighted cross-kick picked out Skosan on the right and the wing went in for his second try. The fly-half added the conversion to bring the Sharks’ lead down to two points.

However, a controversial decision from Marius van der Westhuizen swung the game firmly back into the Sharks’ hands. Whiteley was ruled to have knocked the ball forward in the lineout, and despite the Lions’ protests, Dan du Preez then powered through two tackles to score from a pick-and-go. Once again, Rob du Preez extended the lead to nine.

There was to be no last twist in the game and the Sharks held on for what was ultimately a well-deserved home victory. They will face the winner of the late game between table-toppers Western Province and the Blue Bulls in the final.

The scorers:

For Sharks:
Tries: D du Preez 2, Nkosi 2
Cons: R du Preez 2
Pens: R du Preez 3

For Lions:
Tries: Groom, Skosan 2
Cons: Jantjies 3
Pens: Jantjies

Sharks: 15 Curwin Bosch, 14 Sibusiso Nkosi, 13 Jeremy Ward, 12 Marius Louw, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Robert du Preez, 9 Louis Schreuder (captain), 8 Daniel du Preez, 7 Tyler Paul, 6 Jacques Vermeulen, 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 Gideon Koegelenberg, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Armand van der Merwe, 1 Juan Schoeman.
Replacements: 16 Mahlatse Ralepelle, 17 Mzamo Majola, 18 Coenie Oosthuizen, 19 Luke Stringer, 20 Jean-Luc du Preez, 21 Cameron Wright, 22 Leolin Zas, 23 Aphelele Fassi.

Lions: 15 Sylvian Mahuza, 14 Courtnall Skosan, 13 Lionel Mapoe, 12 Howard Mnisi, 11 Aphiwe Dyantyi, 10 Elton Jantjies, 9 Nic Groom (captain) 8 Warren Whiteley, 7 Pikkie de Villiers, 6 James Venter, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Rhyno Herbst, 3 Chergin Fillies, 2 Pieter Jansen, 1 Sti Sithole.
Replacements: 16 Tiaan van der Merwe, 17 Leo Kruger, 18 Danie Mienie, 19 Vincent Tshituka, 20 Hacjivah Dayimani, 21 Dillon Smit, 22 Shaun Reynolds, 23 Wandisile Simelane.

Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen
Assistant referees: AJ Jacobs, Jaco Pretorius
TMO: Christie du Preez

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Jaco Peyper will referee his fourth Currie Cup Final in seven seasons when Western Province host the Sharks at Newlands in Cape Town on Saturday.

Saturday’s final match of the season in the Currie Cup Premier Division will be the third consecutive Currie Cup Final appointment for the 38-year-old Peyper.

Peyper, who also took charge of the finals last year in Durban, and in 2016 in Bloemfontein, will be assisted by AJ Jacobs and Cwengile Jadezweni, while Shaun Veldsman will handle the Television Match Official duties.

Peyper’s first final was between the same two coastal sides, in 2012 in Durban.

Currie Cup Final – Western Province v Sharks

Referee: Jaco Peyper
Assistant Referees: AJ Jacobs, Cwengile Jadezweni
TMO: Shaun Veldsman

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World Rugby has revealed the shortlists for the Men’s and Women’s Sevens Players of the Year 2018 awards, which will be presented at the World Rugby Awards at the Salle des Etoiles in Monte Carlo on November 25.

The shortlists feature players from four nations, including three previous recipients of the prestigious award, with five of them having featured in the dream teams for the World Rugby Sevens Series 2018 or Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018.

The nominees for the World Rugby Men’s Sevens Player of the Year 2018 are: Perry Baker (USA), Ben O’Donnell (Australia) and Jerry Tuwai (Fiji).

The nominees for the World Rugby Women’s Sevens Player of the Year 2018 are: Michaela Blyde (New Zealand), Sarah Goss (New Zealand) and Portia Woodman (New Zealand).

Both shortlists were selected by players, match officials and commentators on the men’s and women’s World Rugby Sevens Series and Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018.

World Rugby Men’S Sevens Player Of The Year Nominees:

Perry Baker (USA): The oldest of the nominees at 32 and the 2017 recipient of this prestigious award, Baker was at his scintillating best in Las Vegas in March, scoring eight tries – six of them in the knockout stages – as USA tasted success on home soil for the first time. The Eagles flyer has always had electric pace and the ability to create something out of nothing, but now has the all-round game to go with his natural speed to make him even more of a lethal finisher. The crowd favourite scored 37 tries in seven events on the 2018 series, missing the finale in Europe due to injury before returning to help USA to sixth place at RWC Sevens in San Francisco.

Ben O’Donnell (Australia): Australia’s O’Donnell enjoyed a debut season to remember on the series in 2018, scoring 32 tries across nine rounds – including two in the Sydney Sevens final as the hosts secured a first Cup title in six years. Nominated for the Rookie of the Year award, O’Donnell was the Impact Player on three occasions and runner-up for the series accolade. A powerful runner with the ability to come off both feet, the 23-year-old is a constant threat to opponents with his work-rate and hunger to get his hands on the ball making him a key figure for Australia.

Jerry Tuwai (Fiji): Fijian playmaker Tuwai earns a nomination for the second year running after once again carving open defences at will with his vision and step, making the most of his diminutive frame to dart through gaps to create opportunities for himself or those around him. The 29-year-old led Fiji to five titles on the 2018 series, including four in a row from Vancouver to London, and scored 25 tries along the way to also earn a place in the Dream Team for the series. Fiji missed out on the overall series title by two points to South Africa, had to settle for silver in the Commonwealth Games and then finished fourth at RWC Sevens, but Tuwai always plays with a smile on his face.

World Rugby Women’S Sevens Player Of The Year Nominees:

Michaela Blyde (New Zealand): The youngest nominee at only 22, Blyde is in contention to win the award for the second year running after another impressive season with the Black Ferns Sevens that saw her named in the Dream Teams for both the series and RWC Sevens. The Impact Player of the Series for a second time in 2018, Blyde scored 37 tries across the five rounds – second only to team-mate Woodman – as New Zealand finished as runners-up after winning the Kitakyushu, Langford and Paris rounds. Blyde, blessed with electric pace and quick feet, scored another nine to help New Zealand claim back-to-back RWC Sevens titles in San Francisco, including a hat-trick in the final against France. The season also saw her win an historic gold medal at the Commonwealth Games.

Sarah Goss (New Zealand): The inspirational captain of the Black Ferns Sevens for the last four years, Goss led her side to an historic gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in April, tournament victories in Kitakyushu, Langford and Paris and a successful defence of the RWC Sevens crown in a run of 27 consecutive wins. The 25-year-old, who started every match in the 2018 series, has a tireless work ethic which, combined with her dogged defence and vision, enables her to unlock defences for herself and her team-mates. Goss was named in the Dream Team for RWC Sevens in San Francisco after also receiving the UL Mark of Excellence as the best player in the tournament.

Portia Woodman (New Zealand): The only player to be named World Rugby Women’s Player of the Year in both sevens (2015) and 15s (2017), Woodman was at her devastating best in the 2018 series to finish as both the top try scorer and point scorer with 43 and 215 respectively across the five events. The former netballer may have moved into the forwards in sevens, but with her blistering pace, unbelievable footwork and power she remains a threat from anywhere on the pitch, leaving others in her wake to score herself or create opportunities for her team-mates. The 27-year-old’s displays inevitably earned her a place in the Dream Team for both the series and RWC Sevens.

World Rugby Chair Bill Beaumont said: “Rugby sevens is a fan-favourite and this year we have enjoyed another incredible season of men’s and women’s World Rugby Sevens Series and of course a record-breaking RWC Sevens 2018 in San Francisco.

“These exceptional sevens athletes have been at the heart of the success story, inspiring a new generation of fans and players with their skill and athleticism. All are superb ambassadors for our sport and will play a huge part in the sevens success story for many seasons to come.”

These awards are two of 13 categories of awards, including the World Rugby Men’s and Women’s Players of the Year, World Rugby Team of the Year, World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year and Award for Character.

Previous World Rugby Men’s Sevens Player of the Year award winners:

2017 – Perry Baker (USA)
2016 – Seabelo Senatla (South Africa)
2015 – Werner Kok (South Africa)
2014 – Samisoni Viriviri (Fiji)
2013 – Tim Mikkelson (New Zealand)
2012 – Tomasi Cama (New Zealand)
2011 – Cecil Afrika (South Africa)
2010 – Mikaele Pesamino (Samoa)
2009 – Ollie Phillips (England)
2008 – DJ Forbes (New Zealand)
2007 – Afeleke Pelenise (New Zealand)
2006 – Uale Mai (Samoa)
2005 – Orene Ai’i (New Zealand)
2004 – Simon Amor (England)

Previous World Rugby Women’s Sevens Player of the Year award winners:

2017 – Michaela Blyde (New Zealand)
2016 – Charlotte Caslick (Australia)
2015 – Portia Woodman (New Zealand)
2014 – Emilee Cherry (Australia)
2013 – Kayla McAlister (New Zealand)

With thanks to World Rugby

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The Melbourne Rebels have announced the signing of experienced Wallabies fly-half Quade Cooper for the 2019 Super Rugby season.

Cooper has signed a one-year contract and will join the Rebels in mid-November for the start of their 2019 pre-season campaign as he looks to add to his 70 Test and 119 Super Rugby caps.

With Melbourne-born Matt Toomua set to complete his repatriation home in late May, Cooper will have the opportunity to become a critical cog in an electric Rebels backline featuring the current Wallaby back-three as well as reuniting with his Super Rugby championship winning half partner, Will Genia.

Cooper says he has enjoyed the community connections he’s been able to build in his recent absence from Super Rugby and is eager to contribute to the success of the Rebels in 2019.

“I want to do whatever I can on and off the field to help grow the rugby community in Melbourne,” he told the Melbourne Rebels’ official website.

“I’m keen to work hard and make the entire Rebels organisation and their fans proud.

“I was really impressed seeing the improvement that Melbourne have made this year. Their professionalism since the first discussion we had about me being a Rebel has been first-class.

“I know that rugby in Melbourne has a strong history and cultural connection. If I can help out the grassroots and be involved in inspiring the next generation, then that is just a bonus for me.”

Melbourne Rebels coach David Wessels said he was looking forward to Cooper joining the club.

“I’ve obviously chatted to Quade a lot over the last few months and I’ve been impressed by his love of the game, and his willingness to reflect on his journey. He’s been pretty selfless in his commitment to club Rugby in Brisbane and has shown patience and maturity,” he said.

“He knows that he has some hard work ahead of him, but he has the potential to be a really important spark for us over the next few months. We’re excited to have him.

“We’ve worked really hard on our succession planning as a coaching group and I’m proud of the program we’re building. We’re very clear on what we needed to add to the squad and we look forward to the new players making an impact on the field and in our community.”

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Now that the dust has settled on Round Two of the Champions Cup, we’ve gone through the action to pick the best players from the games.

Racing 92 have the most representatives with four players included while Glasgow Warriors, following their victory over Cardiff Blues, have three individuals in the XV.

So without further ado, here’s our selection.

Champions Cup: Team of Round Two

15 Simon Zebo (Racing 92): Although Zebo may have been reprimanded by referee Nigel Owens for his taunting gesture towards opposition full-back Michael Lowry as he ran in for his try, overall it could not tarnish what was an impressive display from the 28-year-old. Apart from that well-taken try, Zebo was busy with ball in hand throughout, making 83 metres while beating four defenders from 12 carries.

14 Darcy Graham (Edinburgh): Although he did not get himself on the scoresheet, Graham was a constant menace to the Toulon defence. He made three memorable and scintillating breaks that led to tries. Overall, he made 72 metres from 11 carries. Beats out a long list of contenders, including Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs), Semesa Rokoduguni (Bath) and Cheslin Kolbe (Toulouse).

13 Manu Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers): England fans will be delighted their star centre is getting back to his best after a polished display in the 45-27 victory over the Scarlets. Tuilagi scored a superb individual try to give his side a lead that they would hold on to for the rest of the match, while he made plenty of strong carries, beating eight defenders in total as well as putting in some big hits on defence. Could he finally be over his long-standing injury woes? Elsewhere, Sofiane Guitoune (Toulouse), Huw Jones (Glasgow Warriors) and Olivier Klemenczak (Racing 92) also impressed.

12 Johnny Williams (Newcastle Falcons): Still only 22, Williams is already proving himself to be a handful. Was busy on attack and defence with 11 hits and carries apiece. Nullified the threat of Jan Serfontein superbly as he didn’t miss a tackle in a complete display from the midfielder. Meanwhile, Saracens skipper Brad Barritt (Saracens) just misses out after a talismanic performance in which he scored a try and was typically brave throughout.

11 Maxime Medard (Toulouse): Ran excellent support lines throughout from which he profited with a brace. For the first, he had to show all of his agility in tight spaces, while for the second he showcased his stamina and speed, having to run coast-to-coast in support to latch onto the final pass of a mesmerizing counter-attack. Just comes in ahead of DTH van der Merwe (Glasgow Warriors), who scored a try and made another while beating five defenders and making four clean breaks for 97 metres.

10 Adam Hastings (Glasgow Warriors): With Finn Russell having departed for Racing 92, Glasgow fans would have been worried about the fly-half position. But Hastings has stepped up with great aplomb and allayed those fears for now after another composed performance at the weekend. Got his side off to the best possible start, running a great angle to dot down after just two minutes, and also kicked well from the tee.

9 Teddy Iribaren (Racing 92): Made a big difference to the tempo and intensity with which the Parisians played when he came onto the field as an early replacement. Showed all of his big-match temperament and experience from the base of the ruck with cool, calm decision-making as usual. Also contributed with a well-taken try from a sniping break down the blindside. Further afield, Joe Simpson was impressive for Wasps and deserves a mention.

8 Selevasio Tolofua (Toulouse): Tolofua is a name well known to those around Europe, with brother Christopher currently plying his trade at Saracens, but it was Selevasio who shone at the weekend. The number eight is obviously a powerful unit and showed that against Leinster, but his footwork and reading of the game also came to the fore on Sunday. The back-rower created Sofiane Guitoune’s try and ran for 49 metres – beating four defenders from those 13 carries – as he edged out Viliame Mata (Edinburgh).

7 Callum Gibbins (Glasgow Warriors): Helped his side dominate the breakdown battle against Cardiff as the Warriors kick-started their Champions Cup campaign. Gibbins carried well, running for 44 metres, but he also impressed in defence after making 15 tackles in a fine overall performance from the pack. Hamish Watson (Edinburgh), Gary Graham (Newcastle Falcons) and Thomas Young (Wasps) were perhaps unfortunate after their efforts at the weekend, but Gibbins deserves the position.

6 Maro Itoje (Saracens): Back to his best for the Londoners. Following a superb start to the Premiership season and an excellent display in Round One, Itoje was probably Sarries’ best player on Saturday, despite Brad Barritt receiving the official man of the match award. Mathieu Babillot excelled in Castres’ superb triumph over Exeter Chiefs, but Itoje displayed his physicality and athleticism for the English team’s first try, while his carrying game saw him run for 84 metres in total.

5 Jonny Gray (Glasgow Warriors): You can always rely on Gray to put in a mammoth defensive shift and once again he delivered on Sunday, making 25 tackles – which is also the number of metres he made with ball in hand. Gray was duly rewarded for his efforts with a try after taking an excellent support line following Adam Hastings’ deft grubber through. Elsewhere, Munster’s Tadhg Beirne once again stood out while George Kruis played well in Saracens’ victory over Lyon.

4 Steve Mafi (Castres): Another member of the forward pack from the French champions to shine in Round Two. Exeter will be annoyed that they were unable to benefit from the one man advantage, following Maama Vaipulu’s red card, but much of that was down to the hosts’ response to the sending off. Mafi was particularly exceptional, scoring one try, running for 70 metres and beating nine defenders as they defeated last season’s Premiership finalists.

3 Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers): Despite being dropped from the England squad, the tighthead has actually been in good form for Leicester this season. Certainly, his work around the field isn’t at the level of some modern day props but it was hugely improved against the Scarlets, while his scrummaging was top notch. Cole did not tour South Africa with England but the break seems to have done him good and it would not be a surprise to see the Tigers player return for the Six Nations.

2 Camille Chat (Racing 92): The Racing player can do pretty much everything and has the potential to be one of the most destructive hookers in world rugby. His only Achilles heel has been at the lineout but it was pretty efficient on Saturday as the hosts dominated the final 60 minutes. Chat was once again excellent with ball in hand, running for 28 metres from 18 carries, and also did his job defensively, completing nine tackles. Elsewhere, Jack Walker (Bath) and Julien Marchand (Toulouse) impressed but the Racing man takes the position in the XV.

1 Guram Gogichashvili (Racing 92): Another outstanding Georgian scrummager to come through the ranks, the loosehead was outstanding against Ulster. Gogichashvili is only 20 but, after terrorising opposition front-rows at the World Rugby Under-20 Championship for the past two years, the youngster has taken that form into the Champions Cup. Marty Moore and co had no answer as the hosts controlled the battle in the set-piece, while the prop also displayed his ability in the loose in a performance which fended off the challenge of Castres’ Antoine Tichit and Munster’s James Cronin

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The Wallabies have suffered a setback ahead of their end-of-year tour to Japan and Europe after Reece Hodge was sidelined with an ankle injury.

An innocuous training incident has fractured his ankle and he will not play against the All Blacks in Japan or fly to Europe for the remainder of the tour.

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika confirmed the centre would not take part in his team’s four remaining matches this season on Sunday.

Cheika is left with limited options in trying to replace Hodge.

Samu Kerevi may have to be rushed into a Test rugby return having played his first minutes since the June Tests in the Byron Bay Sevens at the weekend.

“I think he had three games scheduled and one had to forfeit so he got two games under his belt,” Cheika said of Kerevi.

“He’s got a good block of training under his belt and he is probably a bit underdone but he has a lot of experience as well.

“We will decide once he arrives and we get him on the training paddock whether we think he is in the sort of condition he needs to be to play at least some part this weekend.”

Outside of a straight swap for Kerevi, Cheika may have to get creative.

Israel Folau could push into the centres having done so for the Waratahs sporadically over the years and there is also the presence of Sefa Naivalu in the squad to consider.

After the Bledisloe Cup clash in Yokohama Cheika will call for some reinforcements.

Both Jordan Petaia and Adam Ashley-Cooper are tipped to join the squad in Europe and Matt Toomua will also return from Leicester duties.

“I was thinking about bringing a couple of development players for the European section (of the tour) and we will just have to see,” Cheika said of his options.

“We are looking at bringing in someone who hasn’t been in the squad up until now.”

Hodge’s Melbourne team-mate Angus Cottrell will also miss the Bledisloe Cup clash having suffered an MCL injury at training on Thursday.

Pete Samu will fly straight from Fiji to join the squad in Japan after playing a part in the Canberra Vikings’ loss to the Fijian Drua in the first National Rugby Championship semi-final.

While those injuries will undoubtedly cause some selection headaches Cheika has a clear directive for his team as they strive to finish the season with a string of wins.

“Every game we are going out to win and expect to win,” he said.

“We have to prepare accordingly.

“But I don’t want to just say that.

“We have to deliver to get the result for all our supporters.”

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Sale Sharks proved too strong for Connacht in the Challenge Cup and there were wins for Clermont, Pau, Worcester Warriors, Zebre and Bordeaux-Begles as well.

Pool 1

Clermont Auvergne followed on from last weekend’s win over Northampton Saints with a 70-12 drubbing of Timisoara Saracens at Parc des Sports Marcel Michelin.

Tries from Peceli Yato (2), Peter Betham, Apisai Naqalevu (3), Setariki Tuicuvu (3) proved too much for the Romanians, who scored through Mesake Dodge and Luke Samoa.

Pool 2

Pau bounced back from last weekend’s defeat to Ospreys with a 21-15 victory over Top 14 rivals Stade Francais at Stade du Hameau.

Julien Blanc, a penalty try and three penalties from Antoine Hastoy proved too much for the visitors, who scored through Jimmy Yobo and Piet van Zyl.

In the Pool’s later game, Worcester Warriors claimed their second successive win of the tournament to take top spot with a 27-21 victory over Ospreys at Sixways.

Jamie Shilcock, Wynand Olivier and Jack Singleton’s first-half tries proved just enough as Ospreys almost came back with second-half tries from Rob McCusker and Cory Allen (2).

Pool 3

A Chris Ashton hat-trick inspired Sale Sharks to a comprehensive 34-13 victory over Connacht at AJ Bell Stadium, extending their lead at the top of the pool.

Josh Beaumont also got on the try column for the home side, while Shane Delahunt scored for the men from Galway. Sale’s South African scrum-half Faf de Klerk kicked 14 points from the tee.

Top 14 rivals Bordeaux-Begles and Perpignan played to a 25-25 draw in a thrilling Champions Cup encounter at Stade Chaban-Delmas.

Jefferson Poirot, Adrien Pelissie and Jules Gimbert got on the try column for Bordeaux-Begles, while Shahn Eru bagged a brace for the visitors.

Pool 4

A last-gasp Carlo Canna penalty snatched a dramatic 20-17 victory for Zebre over Bristol at Stadio Sergio Lianfranchi.

Canna eventually notched 15 points in a match-winning performance with a try, two penalties and two conversions. Tom Pincus bagged a brace for Bristol but it was not enough.

Grenoble secured a hard-fought 19-13 come-from-behind win over Harlequins at Stade des Alpes.

Harlequins led 13-7 for 65 minutes of the encounter through a Marcus Johnson try and two penalties but Lolagi Visinia hit back in the second half for the hosts, while Burton Francis snatched it off the tee late on.

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Glasgow Warriors have reached an agreement to release Brian Alainu’uese from his contract seven months early, allowing him to join Toulon.

The 24-year-old brings to an end a two-year spell in Glasgow where he made 22 appearances for the Warriors.

“It’s a decision that’s in the best interest of both the player and the club,” Glasgow Warriors head coach Dave Rennie told the club’s website.

“Brian’s had a number of injuries over the last couple of years and we’ve not been able to play him as often as we would have liked, but he’s a good man, is very popular among the squad and will be missed.

“When he’s fit and firing he’s an excellent player and we wish him all the best in France.”

Second-row Alainu’uese said: “I’ve really enjoyed my two years in Glasgow.

“They’re a good bunch of boys and everyone made me feel very welcome.

“I hope the club goes on to have a lot of success in the future.”

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English rugby will introduce guaranteed in-season breaks for players as part of the structure for the next three seasons, it has been confirmed.

Starting with 2019/20, the improved season structures will see a number of extra player welfare driven initiatives and a reduced number of international/club overlaps for the top-level professional game in England.

The changes include a commitment to a maximum number of match involvements, rest for the next England Rugby World Cup squad in July 2020, a year before the next British & Irish Lions tour, and alignment with the global season requirements, based on the San Francisco agreements.

The key announcements include:

– Guaranteed in-season breaks for players in each of the three seasons.
– Mandatory five-week post-season rest for all players which includes two weeks’ absolute rest and three weeks’ active rest
– Minimum 10 weeks off/pre-season for England Senior Elite Player Squad (EPS) players (five weeks rest and five weeks preparation)
– Minimum 12 weeks between Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final and Round 1 of the following Gallagher Premiership Rugby season
– Maximum 35 match involvements (>20 minutes) in any one season for all players
– Maximum 30 full game equivalents (reduced from 32) in any one season for all players
– Premiership Rugby Cup structure to provide rest weeks for players with the most match time
– England Senior EPS players to have a mandatory rest week if playing all international matches and more than 65% of total minutes (reduced from 80%) in the Quilter Internationals or Six Nations

In addition:

– England Rugby World Cup squad rested for the summer Tests in July 2020 unless they have had 20 or fewer match involvements in the 2019/20 season
– England players on the 2021 British and Irish Lions tour to have a rest week during the 2021 Autumn internationals
– English Lions’ players to have 10 weeks break
– Tri-partite panel with an independent chairman to monitor and ensure compliance with the principles and to decide on any individual exceptions

“This is very much a partnership and this domestic season structure has been a collaboration between the RFU, Premiership Rugby and the RPA; driven by the professional game board (PGB) and with the San Francisco 2017 agreement underpinning everything,” said Rugby Football Union chief executive Stephen Brown.

“We’ve taken into account the obligations under the PGA and developed the new domestic season structure, focussing on the requirements of player welfare and input from the PGB sports science advisory sub-committee, which we all feel is the right approach for professional rugby in England.”

Mark McCafferty chief executive of Premiership Rugby added: “The professional game continues to develop quickly and we’ve worked extremely hard with the RPA and RFU over the last 18 months since San Francisco to achieve a number of progressive goals for the English structure over the next three seasons, building in new player management approaches, reducing overlaps and scheduling more of Gallagher Premiership Rugby for the better weather conditions of spring and early summer.”

And Damian Hopley, chief executive of the Rugby Players’ Association believes the players themselves are at the heart of the agreement.

“It is fundamental that players had their say in the shaping of this new season structure and I must commend the hard-work and diligence of the RPA Players’ Board throughout this lengthy process,” said Hopley.

“This new agreement gives players guaranteed in-season breaks for the first time and reduces playing thresholds, while protecting the five-week post-season break that was already in place. The creation of the Professional Game Panel will also provide rigour and governance to ensure player welfare is protected as the absolute priority in English rugby.”

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Cardiff Blues fly-half Jarrod Evans has been officially called into the Wales Test squad for their upcoming end-of-year internationals.

The former Wales U20 star has established himself on the regional stage in the last 18 months and narrowly missed out on selection for the summer tour.

Evans was already training with the squad but has now been added on a permanent basis as former Cardiff Blues ace Rhys Patchell continues his recovery from concussion.

Evans joins Blues team-mates Dillon Lewis, Ellis Jenkins, Tomos Williams and Gareth Anscombe in the squad.

Wales kick-off their international series against Scotland in Cardiff on Saturday, November 3, followed by fixtures against Australia, Tonga and South Africa.

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