Rugby news: mars 2016

jeudi 31 mars 2016

Chris Ashton returns from ban to face Bath

Saracens

Chris Ashton returns from ban to face Bath

PA Sport

March 31, 2016

England wing Chris Ashton will make his comeback after a 10-week ban when Aviva Premiership leaders Saracens tackle Bath at the Recreation Ground on Friday.

Ashton has been sidelined since Saracens' European Champions Cup pool victory over Ulster in January. The 29-year-old was suspended after being cited for making contact with Ulster player Luke Marshall's eye area during that game at Allianz Park.

A subsequent appeal by Ashton against the ban was rejected.

Ashton, who had appeared to be on course for an England return under new head coach Eddie Jones for this season's RBS 6 Nations Championship, saw those hopes of an international recall dashed. A strong end to the season with Saracens, though, could see him firmly in the frame for England's June tour to Australia that features Tests against the Wallabies in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.

"Chris' attitude has been really good," Saracens rugby director Mark McCall said, ahead of the Bath clash. "He has worked hard on his game throughout the 10-week period, and I know he is itching to get out there playing once again.

"He was in great form before the suspension came along, and he is going to provide something different to our team with his X-factor.

"We are looking forward to seeing him back out on the pitch on Friday."

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Chris Ashton returns from ban to face Bath

Gloucester bring in Kiwi prop Hohneck from Highlanders

Gloucester Rugby

Gloucester bring in Kiwi prop Hohneck from Highlanders

ESPN Staff

March 31, 2016

Gloucester have signed New Zealand-born prop Josh Hohneck from Super Rugby champions the Highlanders.

Hohneck, 30, is English-qualified through is mother and plays primarily at tight-head. He will arrive at Gloucester in time for the 2016-17 season and is looking forward to the move.

"It's a very big step for me, and one I'm really looking forward to," Hohneck said. "I've watched a lot of English rugby, spoken to a lot of people who have played there and I can't wait to get involved.

"I've heard that the Gloucester fans love powerful forward play, and I'm hoping to deliver on that front. Having so many fellow Kiwis at the club will also help me settle in quickly.

"But, for now, I've got the rest of the Super Rugby season ahead of me. I owe a lot to the Highlanders, and I'll be giving everything over the next few months to finish on a high as we try and retain the title."

Gloucester boss David Humphreys said: "We're thrilled that Josh has agreed to join us at Kingsholm, and he will add another quality option to our ranks in the front row.

"We have spoken a lot in recent months about needing to establish a real platform up front, and the addition of Josh will help us to achieve that. His ability to play both sides of the scrum is a huge advantage but he will also make a big impact with both his ball carrying and defence.

"We are very much looking forward to seeing what Josh can bring to the squad and perform in a Cherry and White jersey."

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Gloucester bring in Kiwi prop Hohneck from Highlanders

Patriots star Nate Ebner to make rugby return in Hong Kong

News - AU Rugby

Patriots star Nate Ebner to make rugby return in Hong Kong

Tom Hamilton

March 31, 2016

Nate Ebner© Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

New England Patriots star Nate Ebner will make his return to rugby in the Hong Kong 10s as he looks to secure a spot in the USA Sevens side for Rio 2016.

Ebner has taken a leave of absence from his NFL duties at the Patriots to focus on rugby as he chases his dream of competing in the Olympics. He has been in training with the USA Sevens team but will play his first competitive action in a 10s tournament at the Hong Kong Football Club which takes place across Apr. 6-7.

He will play for the Samurai side in the centres in a team including four England sevens players -- James Cordy-Redden, Cameron Cowell, Ben Foley, John Brake -- and Canada's Hubert Buydens, who captained the side in the recent Americas Rugby Championship.

"We have a great relationship with [England Sevens head coach] Simon Amor and England Sevens that has rolled over from my days as team manager and we're so pleased that he agreed to release a few of his contracted players for us for the GFI HKFC 10s," Samurai boss Terry Sands said. "To then get a call from [USA Sevens head coach] Mike Friday to confirm that Nate Ebner was available was the icing on the cake for us in our 20th anniversary year."

It will be Ebner's first competitive rugby action since 2012 when he was drafted by the Patriots. Prior to that he featured for the USA Sevens side and played XV rugby in international age-grade tournaments.

The Hong Kong 10s has a rich history of featuring some of the biggest names in the sport. Seven of the All Blacks squad that won the 2015 World Cup have played in the competition while the likes of Wallabies legend Joe Roff, the great Jonah Lomu and Sevens master Waisale Serevi have all run out in the Hong Kong 10s since the inaugural tournament in 1986.

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Patriots star Nate Ebner to make rugby return in Hong Kong

Samoa fly-half Tusi Pisi swaps Sunwolves for Bristol

ESPN Staff

March 31, 2016

Samoa fly-half Tusi Pisi has agreed to join Bristol Rugby ahead of next season.

Pisi arrives at the Championship side from Super Rugby franchise the Sunwolves. He will bring a wealth of experience to Bristol having played for Toulon, the Hurricanes and the Crusaders along with his 28 caps for Samoa.

"Tusi is Samoa's first choice fly half and a respected leader," Bristol coach Andy Robinson said. "He's developed a reputation as an intelligent, level-headed fly half with a strong kicking game

"Tusi's experience will be beneficial for our younger players and he remains as hungry and motivated as ever. We look forward to welcoming him to Bristol Rugby."

Pisi added: "I'm delighted to be joining Bristol Rugby and look forward to playing club rugby in England for the first time during my career.

"I have spoken to the Samoan contingent at Bristol and have heard great things so I'm excited to get involved and help the team attain success.

"I've enjoyed my time in Japan and the experience has helped me develop as a player. I still have much I want to achieve and I hope I can do that with Bristol."

Bristol sit top of the Championship and are eyeing promotion to the Aviva Premiership ahead of next term.

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Samoa fly-half Tusi Pisi swaps Sunwolves for Bristol

London Irish sign De Chaves from Leicester

Aviva Premiership

London Irish sign De Chaves from Leicester

ESPN Staff

March 31, 2016

London Irish have signed second-row Sebastian de Chaves from Leicester Tigers on a two-year deal.

De Chaves has played 43 times for the Tigers and also represented South Africa at Under-20 level.

"I'm delighted to be joining London Irish, a club that is steeped in tradition and has ambitions to succeed at the highest level," said De Chaves. "There will be a lot of competition for places in the second-row, and I'm looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead."

London Irish head of rugby operations Glenn Delaney said: "We are delighted to have acquired a player of Sebastian's calibre and we look forward to welcoming him to the club.

"He will be a real asset to our forward pack as we continue to strengthen our squad for next season."

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London Irish sign De Chaves from Leicester

Nou Camp Top 14 final set to make history

Top 14 Orange

Nou Camp Top 14 final set to make history

ESPN Staff

March 31, 2016

This season's Top 14 final at the Nou Camp is set to break the attendance record for a domestic rugby match.

The organising body of the French top flight -- Ligue Nationale de Rugby -- confirmed on Wednesday that all available tickets have been sold. A bunch of tickets have been held back for fans of the two sides that make the final but LNR anticipates they will be snapped up meaning the match is due to be played out in front of a sell-out 98,000 crowd on June 24.

That total will surpass the previous record for a domestic game which stands at 84,068 for Saracens' Aviva Premiership match against Harlequins at Wembley in 2015.

The organisers of the Top 14 decided to take the match to Barcelona's Nou Camp ground due to the Stade de France, the traditional home for the rugby showpiece, being in use for Euro 2016.

Last year's Top 14 final in Paris drew a crowd of 79,000.

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Nou Camp Top 14 final set to make history

Haskell: I feel respected for the first time under Eddie Jones

England

Haskell: I feel respected for the first time under Eddie Jones

ESPN Staff

March 31, 2016

James Haskell says he feels respected in the England camp for the first time under Eddie Jones after being treated like a "dirty secret" in previous regimes.

Haskell started all five of England's matches as they charged to the 2016 Six Nations Grand Slam and has praised the impact of Eddie Jones. The back-row says in the Daily Mail he feels valued and respected under Jones while suggesting that he felt marginalised under previous head coach Stuart Lancaster .

"I have been involved with England for a long time and this is the first time I have come into that camp and felt confident, felt respected and felt like I was value to the squad," Haskell said. "That is a good thing, that is what I want. It is how Dai Young treats me here [at Wasps].

"You want to feel like you are respected and all the hard work you have put in is noticed. It is not one rule for one and one rule for someone else.

"In terms of where I was playing and the way I was seen in the last environment it was difficult for me. If you ask them they would probably say differently but I just felt having played around the world and done what I have done, I was kept out of the way as a bit of a dirty secret.

"There is a reason why I have been around, you can steal one or two caps but you can't steal 67. It is important to know how to get the best out of players."

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Haskell: I feel respected for the first time under Eddie Jones

Sale Sharks sign USA No.10 AJ MacGinty

Sale Sharks

Sale Sharks sign USA No.10 AJ MacGinty

PA Sport

March 31, 2016

Sale Sharks have announced the signing of United States international fly-half AJ MacGinty.

MacGinty, 26, will move to the Aviva Premiership from Guinness PRO12 title contenders Connacht. He is set to take over the Sale No.10 shirt that will be vacated this summer by Danny Cipriani's return to his former club Wasps.

Dublin-born MacGinty attended Blackrock College before moving to the US on a visa. He started all three of their 2015 World Cup pool games and has so far scored 90 points in just eight Tests after making his international debut against Samoa last summer.

Since returning from the World Cup, MacGinty has helped Connacht maintain their current position as PRO12 league leaders.

"We were alerted to AJ during the World Cup, and we have been watching his performances at Connacht," Sale rugby director Steve Diamond told the club's official website. "He is great in defence and has an 80 per cent success-rate kicking his points.

"I am sure that when he works with Paul Deacon (Sale's attack and skills coach) he will become the finished article. He will be a great addition to the squad, and we are looking forward to AJ joining us pre-season."

MacGinty said: "I am very excited to be joining Sale Sharks next season. They are a club with great ambitions, and I look forward to the challenges that lie ahead.

"I have really enjoyed my time at Connacht and would like to thank all the coaches, players, fans and staff for their support. In particular, I would like to express my gratitude to Pat Lam (Connacht head coach), and I look forward to finishing the season as strong as possible."

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Sale Sharks sign USA No.10 AJ MacGinty

Back-room drama has 'galvanised' Brumbies

News - AU Rugby

Back-room drama has 'galvanised' Brumbies

AAP

March 31, 2016

The ongoing management saga at the Brumbies has only brought the players closer together ahead of what co-captain Stephen Moore has labelled their biggest test of the Super Rugby season.

The Canberra-based club returned home late on Monday after three weeks on the road in Perth and South Africa.

They managed to miss most of the drama involving chief executive Michael Jones, who was stood down by the Brumbies' board last week but is continuing his duties after winning a temporary injunction.

The ACT Supreme Court is yet to hand down its decision on whether to overturn the order or keep it and, effectively, Jones as CEO.

An extraordinary general meeting has also been called for April 13 by a number of key stakeholders, where they want to move a motion to dissolve the board that stood Jones down.

Moore said his teammates have tried to keep it out of their minds ahead of Saturday's big clash with the Chiefs at GIO Stadium.

"These type of things tend to galvanise the playing group," he told ABC Grandstand on Thursday.

"You close ranks a little bit and pull together and focus on what's important for us, and that's the game on the weekend. It's a huge game.

"All the other peripheral stuff going on is really not part of what we're doing."

Moore said most of the players didn't fully understand the issue, and that he had stopped following it himself.

"We spoke about it when it first came out and Bernie (coach Stephen Larkham) was very firm about the fact that it has nothing to do with us, the playing side, and we just need to focus on what we can do," he added.

"What we can do is go out on Saturday and give the fans something to be proud of."

Saturday's battle pits Australia's best team against New Zealand's.

The Chiefs smashed the Western Force 53-10 last week, and have scored nine more tries (28) than the Brumbies (19) this season.

Moore knows defence will be key if the Larkham's men are to walk away winners and improve their 4-1 win-loss record in 2016 before they head into a bye.

"They've been the frontrunners the last couple of weeks, they played really well on the weekend and they've got a really dangerous backline," he said.

"Our defence has been pretty good this year so far but ... it's going to be our biggest test, that's for sure."

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Back-room drama has 'galvanised' Brumbies

mercredi 30 mars 2016

Five sporting codes show support to Rainbow Round with Rainbow Laces

News - AU Rugby

Five sporting codes show support to Rainbow Round with Rainbow Laces

ESPN Staff

March 31, 2016

Australian sporting teams and their fans are being urged to make the sporting environment a more inclusive place for all by helping to address anti-gay behaviours in sport.

The four football codes and netball are combining to stage a Rainbow Round of Sport from March 31 to April 4, with teams and individual athletes invited to show their support by wearing rainbow laces at their games.

High-profile athletes committed to wearing rainbow laces in their weekend fixtures are: Johnathan Thurston, Robbie Farah and Nathan Peats from rugby league; Matt Toomua from rugby union; Dylan Shiel from AFL; Alex Brosque, Zac Anderson, Bruce Djite, Matt McKay and Michelle Heyman from football; and Sharni Layton from netball. Surfer Joel Parkinson is also showing his support by wearing a rainbow leg rope at this year's Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach.

The initiative has also been endorsed by Professional Footballers' Australia, the Rugby League Players' Association, the Rugby Union Players' Association and the Australian Rugby Union.

"It's a great thrill for Australia to have its own Rainbow Laces campaign," Andrew Purchas, co-founder of the Pride in Sport Index, said. "We know from our advocacy partners in the UK, where they have held a similar Rainbow Laces campaign for the past three years, that it has been a great way of bringing the issues around homophobia in sport to the attention of the broader community, which is essential to make change happen."

The extent of ant-gay attitudes and behaviour in sport in Australia were laid bare in a 2015 global study commissioned by Bingham Cup Sydney 2014 in conjunction with Repucom entitled Out on the Fields.

The report showed that 80 percent of more than 3000 respondents in Australia had witnessed or experienced homophobia in sport, and 70 per cent believed that youth team sports were not safe and supportive for LGBTI people.

"By wearing Rainbow Laces, athletes are helping us say "Knot Me" to homophobia in sport," Mr Purchas said.

"We hope it will also encourage national and state sporting organisations and clubs to join the Pride in Sport Index."

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Brutal Reds-Waratahs clash fitting tribute to Queensland great

News - AU Rugby

Brutal Reds-Waratahs clash fitting tribute to Queensland great

Greg Growden

March 30, 2016

At long last an encouraging sign in Australian rugby.

Eventually we had some reprieve from the financial woes gutting the Western Force, the internal fiasco that has turned the Brumbies into a hilarious Judge Judy saga and the scrummaging debacle that has seen the Waratahs disintegrate into the powder-puffs of the Super Rugby competition.

Yes, finally the Queensland Reds, for so long the basket case of the local 15-man game, is starting to regain its fight, fizzle and pop. And again we have a Waratahs-Reds encounter worth watching.

Maybe the Queensland revival had something to do with the sombre message on the Suncorp Stadium scoreboard last Sunday afternoon which announced that one of the state's most committed rugby administrators -- Norbert Byrne -- had died over Easter.

The current Reds players probably wouldn't know much about Byrne, as he was at his prime as the Queensland Rugby Union chairman before they were born -- between 1970 and 1988.

He was a special rugby character. I had countless animated discussions with Norbert over the years, as he relentlessly pushed the "poor old Queensland" cause. Norbert was entertaining, committed, knowledgeable and knew how to stress his case. Unlike some officials who take themselves far too seriously, Norbert had a good sense of humour.

His reputation lasts, as his enthusiasm for everything Queensland Rugby, alongside numerous other highly competent administrators north of the Tweed such as the Terry Doyle and Dick McGruther, was instrumental in turning Brisbane and beyond into an international rugby powerhouse. During that period, Queensland was a formidable rugby beast, persistent in their belief that they were mightier than everyone else.

That has dissolved in recent times, especially with the currently wayward Queensland Rugby Union fumbling the ball big time with their pig-headed belief that Richard Graham was a capable coach. Graham's time with the Reds was a calamity, prompting a mass exodus of leading players, a dramatic slump in home crowds, with what now remains at the province only a shell of what it once was.

The QRU hung onto Graham a season too long, but reality at least returned at Ballymore after a much needed change at the top of the administration tree, with Damien Frawley taking over from Rod McCall at chairman, and the coach was farewelled after two rounds of this year's Super Rugby competition.

The caretaker coaches -- Nick Stiles and Matt O'Connor -- haven't been left with much, in particular having to make do with fly-half Jake McIntyre who has been catapulted into the limelight far too early. But they at least have generated a bit of belief among their players. That wasn't happening when Graham was around. It was Death Row stuff. Now the Reds are at least trying.

If they had used their brains against the Waratahs, they could easily have finished victors. They crushed an impotent NSW scrum, but elsewhere failed to take the advantage, letting the Waratahs get away with an unconvincing victory.

The Reds' level of on-field intelligence still has to improve markedly, but at least their traditional spirit is starting to come back. There was plenty of niggle, fire in the belly stuff, the occasional knee to an opponent's head, devastating tackles, edgy pushes and shoves to show that there remained some venom in this long interstate rivalry.

Pity Norbert wasn't there to see it because there were glimpses of the old NSW-Queensland battles, which for decades was the real highlight of the Australian season, certainly on a par with any Test encounter, including when the All Blacks were in town.

And why these interstate encounters were so special had a lot to do with how Queensland, its players and officials, approached it. It was for them "get square" time -- the moment when they could pay New South Wales back for treating them like second-class citizens for far too long. Basically Queensland treated this game as war.

Queensland have never stopped believing that New South Wales had treated them badly, especially in the early 1960s when it cancelled an interstate game supposedly because the northerners were too weak.

The 1962 Australian Test team, which was dominated by New South Wales players, discovered how thin-skinned some Queensland officials were when in the lead up to the Brisbane Test against New Zealand they were barred from using several local training grounds and locked out of their Exhibition Grounds dressing room until an hour before kick off.

Years on, "Boo a Blue" became one of the QRU's most famous advertising slogans and interstate matches often turned into bloodbaths. The sledging between the two states in the lead up to an interstate match was standard for several decades, starting in the 1970s when Queensland coach Jim Kenny said of his NSW counterpart Dave Brockhoff that "he couldn't coach a choko vine over a dunny door".

Players got into it, with Queensland forward Chris Handy turning it into an art-form with such quotes as: "The only thing NSW can beat Queensland at is in the number of former chief executive officers, presidents, coaches and bankruptcies." To which NSW captain Simon Poidevin replied: "It was great touring with Queenslanders because it always ensured there were some terrific banjo players in the team."

Even in the 1990s, Reds captain Peter Slattery proclaimed after one interstate triumph: "It's great to be an Australian, but it's even greater to be a Queenslander."

For a long time, NSW could get back at Queensland via the seedy world of Australian rugby politics. For years, NSW held the power on the Australian Rugby Union board -- and they often used that to their advantage, especially after Australia's dreadful 1995 World Cup campaign in South Africa.

Wallabies coach Bob Dwyer was on the nose, and his successor was going to be Queensland coach John Connolly, long-time NSW coach Greg Smith or the new Waratahs coach Chris Hawkins. The undisputed favourite was Connolly.

However, in an outdated system NSW had five of the 14 ARU votes. Queensland only had three, while each other state and territory had a vote each. Those two extra votes gave NSW enormous influence. As long as its delegates could get the support of several minor state delegates, NSW controlled the board.

As several of the minor state delegates were completely out of their depth, some not even knowing the candidates they were voting for, they were at the mercy of the lobbying skills of NSW and Queensland. Promises were made for votes.

John O'Neill, who was about to join the ARU as its new chief executive, provided some insights into the infamous coaching decision meeting in his biography It's Only a Game. He had been told before the meeting that Connolly was a "shoo-in" and that it was a "done deal"; but when it was announced that Smith had won the vote, "Pandemonium ensued," he wrote.

"Fists hammered on the table; there was a rush of noise; papers flew in the air. QRU chairman Dick McGruther could be heard above the din claiming treachery. His fellow Queensland delegates, John Breen and Norbert Byrne, were finger-pointing and the language was blue. [ARU president] Phil Harry called for order, and the three Queenslanders simply stormed out of the room. They eventually returned, still seething, while NSW delegates sat there with heads down and the hint of a smile playing at the corners of their mouths."

As expected, Smith was a Wallabies coaching flop.

The edge between New South Wales and Queensland had died off in recent times. So it was rousing -- when fists and knees were going in every direction last weekend -- to see that it still means something.

Vale Norbert Byrne. A tremendous man.

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Brutal Reds-Waratahs clash fitting tribute to Queensland great

Nigel Owens to take charge of world record 71st Test match

PA Sport

March 30, 2016

Referee Nigel Owens© Stu Forster/Getty Images

Welshman Nigel Owens is set to break the world record for most Test match appearances by a rugby union referee this summer.

Owens, who took charge of the Rugby World Cup final between New Zealand and Australia at Twickenham last October, has been handed his 71st Test when Fiji tackle Tonga in Suva on Jun. 11.

And that game will see him pass South African Jonathan Kaplan's mark of 70 Tests, 13 years after refereeing his first international match.

"I don't think anyone goes into refereeing in order to break records like this," Owens said. "But I suppose what it says is that I've managed to stay at the top level of the game for a while now, so there is a lot of satisfaction and pride that comes with that.

"Refereeing the Rugby World Cup final was a wonderful experience and one that I will treasure forever, but every match is memorable in its own way and I am really looking forward to this next challenge in Fiji, where I have never refereed before."

Paying tribute to 44-year-old Owens, World Rugby's chairman of match officials John Jeffrey added: "Over many years, Nigel has shown himself to be one of the best referees in the world, and he is a great servant to the game.

"His longevity at the top level of rugby is a testament to his ability, dedication, hard work and perseverance, and I wish him all the best for this record-breaking match."

Owens will also be involved in England's summer series against Australia, taking charge of the third Test in Sydney on Jun. 25, with the other two games in Brisbane and Melbourne on Jun. 11 and 18 being awarded to Frenchman Romain Poite and South African Craig Joubert, respectively.

And Wales' three matches against the world champion All Blacks in New Zealand from Jun. 11-25 will see England's Wayne Barnes, South African Jaco Peyper and France's Jerome Garces officiating.

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Nigel Owens to take charge of world record 71st Test match

Mamuka Gorgodze: Georgia not ready for Six Nations yet

Six Nations

Mamuka Gorgodze: Georgia not ready for Six Nations yet

ESPN Staff

March 30, 2016

Mamuka Gorgodze looks on after Georgia's World Cup clash against the All Blacks© Richard Heathcote - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images

Georgia captain Mamuka Gorgodze has hit back at Sergio Parisse's argument to keep Italy inside a closed Six Nations -- but admitted Georgia are not yet ready to play in the tournament.

Italy captain Parisse hit back at questions over the Azzurri's place in the championship, despite Jacques Brunel's side finishing this year's edition with five defeats from five games.

That prompted talk of introducing promotion and relegation into the Six Nations and the possible inclusion of Georgia and Romania.

"What Parisse said about [promotion/relegation] was not good," Gorgodze is quoted as saying by French website Rugby Rama. "It's not for him to say that one team should be in one place and another team elsewhere. His job is to play on the field and not to talk to the press off it.

"What I can tell you is that Georgia would never lose by 70 points to Wales. For me, and I repeat it, Georgia aren't ready to play in the Six Nations.

"But were we to develop for 17 years at that level, I'm sure we'd progress at least as quickly as Italy."

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Mamuka Gorgodze: Georgia not ready for Six Nations yet

Wales' Justin Tipuric could miss rest of domestic season

Guinness PRO12

Wales' Justin Tipuric could miss rest of domestic season

ESPN Staff

March 30, 2016

Justin Tipuric of Wales lies injured following a fall at a lineout© Stu Forster/Getty Images

Wales and Ospreys flanker Justin Tipuric could miss the rest of the Guinness PRO12 season as he continues his recovery from concussion.

The British & Irish Lions star suffered the injury in a heavy lineout fall during Wales' closing RBS 6 Nations victory over Italy in Cardiff.

Ospreys backs coach Gruff Rees told the BBC: "We're not even putting any thought process around when the next game for Justin can be.

"It may be we just sit tight and see the season out and get to the June. He was in the office last Friday and he had a tough old week of it in terms of just being inactive at home and really not being comfortable getting out and about.

"And we're not putting any pressure on him having to do anything but sitting on the sofa. You've got to be really wary and sit back and look at the long-term betterment of these players."

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Wales' Justin Tipuric could miss rest of domestic season

Knee surgery rules Alex Cuthbert out of Wales' New Zealand tour

New Zealand

Knee surgery rules Alex Cuthbert out of Wales' New Zealand tour

PA Sport

March 30, 2016

Alex Cuthbert of Wales runs with the ball© Clive Rose/Getty Images

Cardiff Blues wing Alex Cuthbert will miss the rest of this season -- and Wales' summer tour to New Zealand -- after undergoing knee surgery.

The Blues said that 25-year-old Cuthbert, who is already sidelined due to a heel problem, had flown to Sweden for the knee operation.

Cuthbert will now begin a rehabilitation period that is expected to take 12 weeks.

Cuthbert, who has won 42 caps and started Wales' RBS 6 Nations games against France and England this season, suffered a heel injury during that campaign.

That was expected to sideline him for 10 weeks, so due to that length of time out, it was decided after consultation between the Blues and Welsh Rugby Union medical teams for Cuthbert to undergo surgery on a long-standing knee issue.

Blues head coach Danny Wilson said: "Alex was already out of action with a heel injury, and due to the length of time he was set to miss, the decision has been taken for him to also have surgery on his knee.

"Clearly, Alex will be disappointed to miss the end of this season with Cardiff Blues and the chance to go on the summer tour with Wales to New Zealand.

"However, this decision has been taken for his long-term health, and so we wish him well as he commences his rehabilitation."

Cuthbert, who has scored 15 tries for Wales, has struggled to find consistent form this season.

And although it was likely he would have made the Wales squad for a New Zealand trip that features Tests against the world champion All Blacks in Auckland, Wellington and Dunedin, a starting place might have proved beyond him.

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Knee surgery rules Alex Cuthbert out of Wales' New Zealand tour

Returning Chris Ashton handed England boost by Eddie Jones

England

Returning Chris Ashton handed England boost by Eddie Jones

ESPN Staff

March 30, 2016

Chris Ashton of Saracens© Nigel French/PA Wire/Press Association Images

Eddie Jones has given returning Saracens wing Chris Ashton a boost ahead of England's summer tour of Australia.

Ashton will return against Bath at The Rec on Friday night after completing a 10-week ban handed to him for making contact with the eyes of Ulster's Luke Marshall during a European Champions Cup match.

The 29-year-old was originally in Jones's Six Nations plans but had to watch from afar as England claimed their first Grand Slam since 2003. However, Sarries boss Mark McCall has revealed Jones has already been in contact with Ashton regarding his international future.

"He was frustrated at the time and he had to get his head around the length of the ban," McCall said. "Eddie Jones has given some encouragement that he is still possibly in the plans if he produces the goods.

"That has given him a boost in the last two months of the season. I think Eddie wants wingers who can score tries and Ash's try-scoring record is as good as anybody's per game.

"His attitude has been really good because he has had to wear a bib for the past 10 weeks. He's had to help prepare the team. That requires him to be Exeter one week or Wasps the next.

"He has got his head down and helped to prepare the team but at the same time worked on his own game.

"He was on great form before the suspension came along and he's going to provide something different to our team with his X-factor. He has worked really hard on those little areas where he needed to and he's flying."

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Returning Chris Ashton handed England boost by Eddie Jones

Wigan winger Josh Charnley to join Sale Sharks in cross-code switch

PA Sport

March 30, 2016

Josh Charnley will switch codes at the end of the season when he leaves rugby league side Wigan Warriors to join Premiership rugby union club Sale Sharks.

The 24-year-old has played 152 times for Wigan, scoring 148 tries and kicking 94 goals since making his first-team debut in 2010, helping the club win two Super League Grand Finals and two Challenge Cups while finishing as the top try-scorer in Super League in both 2012 and 2013.

Wigan offered Charnley a new contract but he will take on a new challenge in rugby union.

In a statement released via Wigan, the England international said: "Since joining the club seven years ago, the team and the fans have been like a second family to me. Shaun Wane has been an amazing coach, mentor and friend and I thank him and all the players for the past seven years.

"I've had the most amazing times at the club, the 2013 double will live long in the memory when I look back on my career. I will forever be supporting Wigan Warriors, and stay involved in the local community as I have so many good memories, friends and family here."

Charnley will now hope to follow in the footsteps of Jason Robinson, who swapped Wigan for Sale when he switched codes in 2000, going on to play 159 times for the Sharks while earning 51 England caps.

Sale director of rugby Steve Diamond said: "Josh is a great signing for us. He was schooled in the famous Wigan Academy and everyone I have spoken to rates him very highly. He has explosive pace and can play either full-back or on the wing.

"The last big signing we made from Wigan back in 2000 was Jason Robinson and what impact he had. I am sure Josh will fit in perfectly with us at Sale Sharks and look forward to him joining us in the autumn."

Wigan coach Wane said he was sorry to see Charnley go.

"After seven years in Super League and in the Wigan first team, Josh has decided that he wants to do something different and we respect that.

"Having been involved with the Wigan Warriors first team since Josh made his debut in 2010 it is with a heavy heart that I will see him leave. Josh has made the difficult switch of wings look seamless this season and has been in good form after a full pre-season."

Wigan also announced that Dan Sarginson, 22, will leave at the end of the season to join Gold Coast Titans in the NRL.

"Dan has improved greatly during his time at Wigan and we don't think we've seen the best of him yet. We're sad to see him leave."

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Wigan winger Josh Charnley to join Sale Sharks in cross-code switch

mardi 29 mars 2016

Super Rugby Round 6 Preview: line-ups, team news, tips

News - AU Rugby

Super Rugby Round 6 Preview: line-ups, team news, tips

ESPN staff

March 29, 2016

The Chiefs' visit to Canberra to battle the Brumbies headlines Round 6 of Super Rugby. Catch up with all the latest team news, odds and tips below.

Friday, April 1

Highlanders vs. Force, Forysth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

Key Stat (Opta Stats)

The Highlanders have won their last seven matches at home, their longest streak since they won 13 straight home matches from the opening week of 2000 until Round 3, 2002.

Line-ups

Highlanders: TBA

Force: TBA

Team News

Greg Growden's verdict: It's a no-brainer. We saw how hopeless the Force were last week -- the Highlanders will win this one by heaps.

UBET verdict: The Highlanders have won four in a row, including the last two in Australia while the Force are the lowest scoring side in the competition. Ironically, the Force have been a 'bogey side' for the Highlanders having won six of the last seven meetings; but on current form a big win to the Highlanders is expected.

Lions vs. Crusaders, Ellis Park, Johannesburg

Key Stat (Opta Stats)

Nemani Nadolo has made 10 offloads so far this season for the Crusaders, no player in the competition has made more.

Line-ups

Lions: Andries Coetzee, Ruan Combrinck, Lionel Mapoe, Howard Mnisi, Courtnall Skosan, Elton Jantjies/Marnitz Boshoff, Faf de Klerk; Warren Whiteley (c), Warwick Tecklenburg, Jaco Kriel, Franco Mostert, Andries Ferreira/Lourens Erasmus, Julian Redelinghuys, Malcolm Marx, Dylan Smith. Replacements: Armand van der Merwe, Corné Fourie, Ruan Dreyer, Ruan Ackermann, Cyle Brink, Dillon Smit, Jaco van der Walt, Rohan Janse van Rensburg.

Crusaders: TBA

Team News

The Lions welcome back workhorse Warwick Tecklenburg this week while the Joburg side have been forced to bracket two players together at both fly-half and lock. If the in-form Elton Jantjies fails to shake off a wrist injury then Marnitz Boshoff will slot in at No.10, likely coinciding with a change in tactics.

Greg Growden's verdict: That was a big win for the Crusaders in Durban last week and while this will be tougher up at altitude, I'm tipping them by three.

UBET verdict: The Crusaders travel to Joburg having won 11 of last 12 against the Lions, including five of six at this ground. While the stats say a win to the travelling side, there is very little separating them in the betting with the Crusaders slight $1.80 favourites.

Enter your tips for Super Rugby Round 6

Saturday April 2

Blues vs. Jaguares, North Harbour Stadium, Auckland

Key Stat (Opta Stats)

The Blues have won three and drawn one of their last five matches against teams from outside of New Zealand.

Line-ups

Blues: TBA

Jaguares: Ramiro Moyano, Emiliano Boffelli, Matias Moroni, Jeronimo de la Fuente, Manuel Montero, Santiago G. Iglesias, Martin Landajo; Leonardo Senatore, Rodrigo Baez, Tomas Lezana, Tomas Lavanini, Guido Petti, Ramiro Herrera, Julian Montoya, Roberto Tejerizo. Replacements: Facundo Bosch, Santiago Garcia Botta, Enrique Pieretto, Juan Cruz Guillemain, Pablo Matera, Gonzalo Bertranou, Nicolas Sanchez, Joaquin Paz.

Team News

Jaguares fly-half Nicolas Sanchez has paid the price for some inconsistent displays with Santiago Iglesias given the chance to start against the Blues. Elsewhere, there are also starting call-ups for Ramiro Herrera (prop), Guido Petti (lock) and a new back three of Ramiro Moyano, Emiliano Boffelli and Manuel Montero.

Greg Growden's verdict: The Jags have been close the last couple of weeks but they are just lacking a little bit of finishing. I think their first foray into New Zealand will be too tough of an ask; it's the Blues by 10 here.

UBET verdict: The Jaguares fly to NZ having lost two home games when favourites. Both sides have been winless since the opening round, but UBET customers think this will be a win to the Blues at $1.50.

Brumbies vs. Chiefs, GIO Stadium, Canberra

Key Stat (Opta Stats)

The Chiefs have won their last three matches away from home and a fourth straight road win would equal their second longest streak in club history (2007), just one behind the club record (five wins -2011-12).

Line-ups

Brumbies: ...

Chiefs: ...

Team News

Greg Growden's verdict: The travel and off-field carry-on will test the Brumbies' resolve here, but I also think the Chiefs have more quality at their disposal. I like the Chiefs by four.

UBET verdict: Top Aussie conference team take on top NZ conference team. The Brumbies are favourites as they are at home, and while seven of the last eight between the pair have been decided by seven points or less, the home side have won seven of those matches.

Enter your tips for Super Rugby Round 6

Kings vs. Sunwolves, Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth

Key Stat (Opta Stats)

The Sunwolves have conceded eight tries on the opening phase of opposition possession, only the Kings (9) have conceded more.

Line-ups

Kings: TBA

Sunwolves: TBA

Team News

Greg Growden's verdict: I know many people will be tipping the draw here but I'm going to go for the Sunwolves. I do like one thing about the Sunwolves though -- their jersey!

UBET verdict: It's the battle of the 'cellar dwellers' here. Both have lost all four matches this season, and while the Kings have a far worse record as far as scores go, they have played much stronger sides compared to the Sunwolves. Tricky game but the Kings are slight favourites here.

Bulls vs. Cheetahs, Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria

Key Stat (Opta Stats)

The Bulls have conceded only one of their 11 tries in the first half of games this season, the fewest of any team in the competition; the Cheetahs have conceded the joint most in that time (12).

Line-ups

Bulls: ...

Cheetahs: ...

Team News

Greg Growden's verdict: I've had a late change of heart here and I'm going to tip the Cheetahs. Here's your upset.

UBET verdict: The Cheetahs upset the Bulls in Pretoria last year, winning 42-29. On that occasion the Bulls were $1.10 favourites, and a similar quote this time around at $1.20. One thing to consider is the Bulls' journey home from Singapore and while the betting suggests they will win, the Cheetahs could be competitive.

Sunday April 3

Waratahs vs. Rebels, Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Key Stat (Opta Stats)

The Waratahs average more points per game against the Rebels (31.8) than against any other team in the Australasian Group.

Line-ups

Waratahs: TBA

Rebels: TBA

Team News

Greg Growden's verdict: The Waratahs' scrum is terrible but they did look a better side with Bernard Foley back at No.10. They should have too much class for a Rebels outfit struggling after a poor loss to the Highlanders.

UBET verdict: The Waratahs have beaten the Rebels in all five matches played in Sydney, and the Rebels come into this game having only scored a penalty against the Highlanders last week. Form says the Waratahs should be too good; the prices say that, and the early money agrees.

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Super Rugby Round 6 Preview: line-ups, team news, tips

Waratahs' scrum woes a result of lacklustre training, Benn Robinson says

News - AU Rugby

Waratahs' scrum woes a result of lacklustre training, Benn Robinson says

AAP

March 29, 2016

Veteran NSW Waratahs prop Benn Robinson says his team's scrum woes and inconsistencies have started on the training track and carried on into their Super Rugby games.

The scrum has been a potent weapon for the Tahs in recent seasons but the forwards have struggled for consistency in that part of the set-piece this year.

Forwards coach Cam Blades said lack of consistency could continue while the new-look pack developed, but was convinced they would ultimately become a strong unit.

Robinson, the most capped Waratah of all time, made it clear it wasn't just the front row and the scrum who weren't performing.

"We can be better, I think that starts at training," Robinson told AAP.

"We've been pretty inconsistent, both the starting pack and the pack coming off the bench.

"You can't just put it down to the feed, the strike, the engagement, it's a combination of things that need to be improved.

"It's easy to say were right on the edge of doing well but were not performing at the moment and it's not just 1-8.

"That's the whole squad, the 30-odd players in our squad not performing at training."

Blades wasn't focusing on external criticism of the Tahs pack and their scrummaging, but recognised they had issues.

"The technical stuff we've probably been guilty of being inconsistent and that can come through guys not having experience or the group not having gelled in terms of working as one," Blades told AAP.

He called for patience, pointing out less experienced players would improve with time as the Tahs sought to overcome setbacks including the departure overseas of Wallabies prop Sekope Kepu and a long term injury to Test hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau.

"They've gained plenty of experience early on, some of it right at the coalface and at times it's been really challenging," Blades said.

"But I think out of that challenge you grow and you learn and there's been plenty of learning and plenty of development."

"Experience isn't just created it's something you've got to earn."

With Polota-Nau and his backup Tolu Latu injured, Hugh Roach is expected to start against the Rebels next Sunday.

His deputy is expected to be either uncapped youngster Folau Faingaa or James Hilterbrand, who won two caps with Western Force.

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Waratahs' scrum woes a result of lacklustre training, Benn Robinson says

Unselfish Charlie Ngatai would be at home in All Blacks midfield

News - AU Rugby

Unselfish Charlie Ngatai would be at home in All Blacks midfield

Craig Dowd

March 29, 2016

I'm excited about the forthcoming All Blacks selection for the series against Wales and the Rugby Championship.

For the first time we are going to see a number of new faces and the battle for Dan Carter's place at first five-eighths is interesting.

With that in mind, I'm not surprised Aaron Cruden and Beauden Barrett have turned down the sevens opportunity. It's the old story of giving a sucker an even break.

There's no guarantee that if they had let Lima Sopoaga take their spot that there was going to be a place left for them when they came back. You had the likes of Ben Smith saying if he gave up his All Blacks jersey he may never get it back. He's too good not to, but it is interesting to hear the comments of incumbent All Blacks.

They had the chance to consider: gold medal or All Blacks jersey? And they went for the jersey.

Owen Franks has put a gap between himself and the rest of the field of tightheads in New Zealand. He's performing week-in and week-out at the set piece.

And in the loose forwards there are options aplenty. The likes of Elliott Dixon has stepped up to offer some competition and I like the look of Vaea Fifita although it is too early for him yet. But that final selection is going to be very interesting.

There would be no surprise if Charlie Ngatai was included, especially after the great effort he put in when the Chiefs produced a quality game of rugby against the Force. The way Ngatai performed, he's just class. The lines he runs are great, and he's just clever. A lot of the stuff he does is unselfish and his work rate off the ball is really high.

Ngatai really put his hand up and showed that his time is not far away.

You look at someone like Conrad Smith, who's not really X-factor but is always capable of doing something special and knocking people over - he's 100 percent reliable. And that's the difference when you look at the midfielders - someone like Ngatai is solid, and extremely reliable.

It is clear the whole midfield situation for the All Blacks is going to be hotly contested given that the three previous frontrunners, Ma'a Nonu, Smith and Sonny Bill Williams, are all unavailable this year. Just what it looks like in a couple of months' time is going to be quite exciting.

What I like about the Chiefs overall, as opposed to the Hurricanes and the Highlanders at the weekend, is that while they were playing a side of lesser ability they maintained their own standards.

They threw the ball around, their offloads were incredible and they played a really exciting brand of rugby. On the other hand, both the Hurricanes and the Highlanders started really well but then dropped to the lesser level of the Kings and Rebels, respectively, and showed what can happen when playing some of the lower teams.

Both of them looked really average and ended up limping through to get wins. It shows that having teams like the Kings and others in the competition actually brings the overall level of the competition down.

With the Chiefs it was all about them and how they played and again I talk about Ngatai running unselfish lines to create opportunities for other people.

It was good to see the injection of Stephen Donald who is a mentor behind the scenes to some of the younger guys and he showed that.

The Chiefs actually had old school moves that they hadn't seen used in a while and the combination from No.8 to halfback to the five-eighths looked really good and organised. They demonstrated that someone running a different line to hold a defender creates an opportunity for someone else out wide. That was good to see.

The Hurricanes looked like they were all wanting to have cracks at scoring tries as individuals. The two tries they let through just before halftime were down to lazy defence. They should have gone into halftime with a nine-point lead.

In a team that dropped their standards, hooker Dane Coles and flanker Ardie Savea had big games. Coles' effort levels, and those of Savea, made them stand-outs. Their involvement in the game was huge.

Coles, who was absolute class at the weekend, and Argentina's Agustin Creevy are the best hookers in the world at the moment by a country mile.

The Kings improved in Dunedin, but there were allowed to by the Highlanders and you have to ask: what value is New Zealand getting out of games like these?

By comparison, the Crusaders had a mighty win over the Sharks in Durban. All the talk after the game was about the bonding sides go through on tours like this and when they get the wins their self-belief grows. You could see on their faces at the final whistle how much that all meant to them and how they had to dig deep.

It's almost like if everyone in a side lifted their game by one or two percent that creates a 15 percent increase, or more, across a team. Rather than waiting for someone to do something, everyone in the team just lifts themselves a little bit more and that has been a hallmark of the Crusaders through the years.

They know they must push themselves a little bit harder and make things happen rather than just waiting for things to happen - that's a sign of a championship team.

A player like Andy Ellis gives a huge boost to the side. He has been playing some great rugby all season. And given that we are moving into a new era, when you look at the form halfbacks of the competition he has got to be right up there. Ellis has to be pushing for a place in the All Blacks squad in June.

Having had a week off with the bye it is a big game for the Blues at Albany on Saturday night against the Jaguares. The Blues are a different team at home while we all know the Jaguares are playing an expansive game and will throw the ball around, so it is going to be all about the Blues' defence.

Coming off the back of the Sharks' effort, if the Crusaders can get another win in South Africa, over the Lions, who are playing very well, then that will be massive for their campaign.

That's what the Hurricanes did last season and they went on to make the final. If the Crusaders can win they will be in touch with the leaders.

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Unselfish Charlie Ngatai would be at home in All Blacks midfield

John Andress to swap Edinburgh for Munster

News - AU Rugby

John Andress to swap Edinburgh for Munster

PA Sport

March 29, 2016

Prop John Andress is leaving Edinburgh in the summer to join Munster on a one-year deal.

Andress has made 48 appearances since joining Edinburgh in 2014 following a seven-year spell in England, where he played for Exeter, Harlequins and Worcester after moving from his native Ulster.

The 32-year-old said: "I've really valued my time here. My game has really improved through the coaching, we've a great group of players and backroom staff and I've no doubt the club will build on the momentum from this season and go on to do bigger and better things.

"I've obviously enjoyed my time at the club immensely and, being on 48 caps, it would be great to leave having achieved my 50th cap and be able to mark my time here in such a special way."

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John Andress to swap Edinburgh for Munster

Joe Marler the victim of an 'excruciating witch hunt' - Rugby Players' Association

News - AU Rugby

Joe Marler the victim of an 'excruciating witch hunt' - Rugby Players' Association

PA Sport

March 29, 2016

The Rugby Players' Association insists the prolonged disciplinary process that hangs over England prop Joe Marler "defies belief".

In a strongly worded statement released on Tuesday afternoon, players' union chief executive Damian Hopley offered a robust defence of Marler and claimed he is the victim of an "excruciating media witch hunt".

Marler faces a misconduct hearing on April 5 after verbally abusing Wales front row Samson Lee with the slur "gypsy boy" in the 25-21 victory at Twickenham earlier this month.

World Rugby ordered that the case be heard by an independent judicial committee due to its misgivings over the original investigation conducted by Six Nations organisers, who failed to punish Marler despite his admission of guilt.

The 25-year-old was reprimanded by England but received no sanction, while Rugby Football Union chief executive Ian Ritchie declared the probe's verdict should be the "end of the matter".

Hopley insists World Rugby's intervention means Marler, who apologised to Lee at half-time during the Six Nations match, is to be tried twice for the same offence.

"Now that the World Rugby hearing date has finally been set -- over three weeks since the matter was concluded by the Six Nations -- it is important to place on the record how we have watched the events around this ongoing disciplinary process unfold in a state of disbelief," Hopley said.

"As people throughout the game know, Joe is no racist. He made a comment when provoked and is now being hung out to dry in this excruciating media witch hunt whilst World Rugby have intervened against the RFU and the Six Nations.

"To put Joe in this position after he apologised to the opposition player, admitted his error of judgement and also received a severe rebuke from the RFU and the tournament smacks of double jeopardy.

"Everyone recognises there is no place in the game for these provocations but let's be absolutely clear, Joe is not racially motivated and this matter should have been closed when it was originally dealt with three weeks ago.

"We will be watching the ensuing process extremely carefully but the thought of World Rugby calling for yet another hearing and therefore prolonging this episode defies belief.

"The apology was accepted, Joe held his hand up and it is now time to draw a line and move on."

The RPA's position is at odds with that of Wales, who voiced their concern that Marler was spared sanction for a comment they view as racist.

The issue has polarised opinion, but amid the controversy there has been universal agreement on the farcical nature of the Six Nations' original investigation, resulting in intervention from World Rugby.

Four days after the incident occurred, tournament organisers cleared Marler after judging his remorse, apology at half-time and subsequent reprimand by England as sufficient punishment.

Accompanying the Six Nations' statement on the outcome was the mitigation that the insult was "made in the heat of the moment", a comment that is known to have bemused World Rugby. Furthermore, no details of how the probe was conducted have been released.

Verbal abuse of a player based on religion, race, colour, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation or otherwise carries an entry-point sanction of four weeks.

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Joe Marler the victim of an 'excruciating witch hunt' - Rugby Players' Association

Gloucester wing Charlie Sharples to miss rest of season

Aviva Premiership

Gloucester wing Charlie Sharples to miss rest of season

ESPN Staff

March 29, 2016

Gloucester winger Charlie Sharples has been ruled out of the rest of the season with a knee injury.

Sharples, damaged his posterior cruciate ligament in the loss to London Irish on Mar. 20 and was forced to sit out the subsequent derby defeat against Bath on Saturday.

The 26-year-old does not require surgery on the injury but has been advised to rest it for the remainder of the season.

The club's director of rugby David Humphreys was quoted as saying by the Gloucester Citizen: "Charlie Sharples suffered a knee injury last week which will rule him out for the season and that adds him to the list of outside backs unavailable. We are stretched but we have five big weeks ahead.

"He has been outstanding for the last two years for us, his level of performance, the consistency, his ability in the kick chase and to finish tries.

"He gives us huge momentum and is a huge loss along side Jonny and Henry but the positive is Tom Marshall and Henry Trinder coming back in."

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Gloucester wing Charlie Sharples to miss rest of season

Connacht's AJ MacGinty ruled out for 'at least four weeks'

Guinness PRO12

Connacht's AJ MacGinty ruled out for 'at least four weeks'

ESPN Staff

March 29, 2016

Connacht fly-half AJ MacGinty has been ruled out for four weeks, handing the PRO12 leaders a playmaking injury headache.

MacGinty started last weekend's 7-6 defeat of Leinster but limped off with a shoulder injury, becoming the third Connacht No.10 to be sidelined.

The Irish region confirmed on Tuesday that the U.S. international would be out for "at least four weeks" and with Jack Carty and Craig Ronaldson also on the treatment table, the league leaders appear short on options ahead of their trip to Ulster on Friday night.

There was better news on Ireland forward Ultan Dillane, who could return from the shoulder knock that ruled him out against Leinster, while a decision on the fitness of Jake Heenan will made ahead of Wednesday's team announcement.

Ulster hope to welcome back Ireland trio Rory Best, Andrew Trimble, and Jared Payne for Friday's match but Alan O'Connor is definitely out and Nick Williams remains a serious doubt.

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Connacht's AJ MacGinty ruled out for 'at least four weeks'

Salford owner Marwarn Koukash wants life bans for troublemakers

PA Sport

March 29, 2016

Marwan Koukash will ban for life anyone found to have been involved in the trouble that marred the end of his Salford side's win at Huddersfield on Monday.

Shortly after the Red Devils had beaten the Giants 26-24, photographs emerged on social media of some of Salford's players becoming embroiled in ugly scenes with some of their own supporters in the away end of the ground.

Pictures on Twitter showed winger Justin Carney and centre Junior S'au involved in heated exchanges, with one particular photo showing New Zealander S'au appearing to restrain a fan on the ground.

The Press Association was told the two players in particular were concerned for the welfare of their families who were sitting close to where an alleged incident of crowd trouble had taken place, and went into the stands to check on them, leading to further scenes of confrontation.

And Salford owner Koukash has promised the strongest possible action against anyone found to have caused trouble.

Speaking on talkSPORT he said: "We have asked for the CCTV from Huddersfield. The minority who caused the trouble, who I called thugs, will not be associated with our club or the sport. We will make sure they never attend a rugby league game again."

Koukash added that the daughter of a member of the club's coaching staff had to be checked over in hospital after the fracas, and defended the actions of Carney and S'au.

He added: "You go towards your fans at the end of the game to acknowledge their support and when you see your family are there and need your help, regardless of whether you're a policeman or a player, the human instinct is to jump in and help them out.

"That's the only reason the two players, Junior and Justin, jumped in, to help their kids and their wives. One of the kids ended up going to hospital, the daughter of our strength and conditioning coach. It's not ideal for them to jump in but what else do you expect?"

While Salford are to investigate the matter, the Rugby Football League is to also look into it.

Commenting on Monday night, RFL chief executive Nigel Wood said: "We will conduct a full investigation into the events that took place in the away section of the crowd at the game between Huddersfield and Salford.

"We do not condone violence of any kind and will ensure that anyone found to have acted improperly is dealt with accordingly."

The Press Association contacted West Yorkshire Police who offered no comment, while Huddersfield were also contacted.

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Salford owner Marwarn Koukash wants life bans for troublemakers

lundi 28 mars 2016

Pick'n Go: Brumbies' culture test a window into title hopes

News - AU Rugby

Pick'n Go: Brumbies' culture test a window into title hopes

Sam Bruce

March 29, 2016

The Super Rugby competition is only five weeks old but already the Highlanders and Chiefs have asserted themselves as the teams to beat in 2016.

After slow starts, the Hurricanes and Crusaders have shown they will be thereabouts, too.

So much for New Zealand's Rugby World Cup hangover; it hasn't happened and shame on us for thinking it ever would.

And what New Zealand's two most immediate champions have shown in the past fortnight has only reaffirmed what we already knew, and paved the way for a look into the Brumbies' true soul in Round 6 - that a strong club culture is at the heart of every title run.

After two weeks on the road, and a host of injuries, the Chiefs could have been forgiven for a lacklustre effort against a Force side capable of frustrating even the most patient of teams.

But the Chiefs instead turned up to Waikato Stadium on Saturday and dished out a 53-10 hammering - giving the two-time champions their third win on the bounce. And right there leading from the front was skipper Charlie Ngatai, who finished the match with four tries; he may just be playing better without Sonny Bill Williams alongside him.

The Highlanders meanwhile had their own tricky assignment in a Rebels side buoyed by their first best ever start to a season - a task made a little tougher by the fact it was the defending champions' second straight game on the road in Australia.

But they too had no trouble in dispatching a trans-Tasman neighbour for the second straight week, and this time it came without a 20-minute fadeout that almost cost them against the Waratahs a week earlier.

The Highlanders played with only 42 percent possession but built their 27-3 victory on a 91 percent tackling success rate and a ruthless streak that saw them capitalise on what few opportunities came their way. Jamie Joseph's side didn't have too much personnel turnover from last year's triumph but they did wave goodbye to Nasi Manu, and then lost Richard Buckman to a season-ending injury early in 2016.

Both men played key roles in their run to the title in 2015, but recruits Liam Squire (No.8) and Rob Thompson have settled straight into the Dunedin Brotherhood and already been standout performers.

Simirly, the Brumbies are largely the same side that went all the way to last year's semifinals -- apart from Nic White and Jesse Mogg -- while they haven't suffered any major injuries early in the season.

But they return to Canberra this week amid the franchise's biggest off-field upheaval in its 21-year history after chief executive Michael Jones' extraordinary interview with ABC Grandstand set in motion a chain of events rarely seen in Australian rugby circles, let alone at the Brumbies.

Fortunately, Stephen Larkham's side missed much of the drama as they were on the other side of the planet in South Africa; Jones and the Brumbies have since however resumed their court battle on Tuesday.

It has the potential to be a major distraction as they prepare to meet the Chiefs on Saturday.

So the challenge will fall on Larkham and co-captains Stephen Moore, whom Jones publicly slammed late last year when the Wallabies skipper revealed he would be returning to Queensland in 2017, and Christian Leali'ifano to ensure the Brumbies are focused on what they can control.

The travel factor will make defeating the in-form Chiefs just that little bit tougher, too.

But the Brumbies have already negotiated the circus that became David Pocock's immediate future and if they can manage a similarly tricky scenario this week their playing culture should be held in the same regard as that of the Highlanders and Chiefs - and the same should be said of the Australian outfit's title aspirations, too.

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Pick'n Go: Brumbies' culture test a window into title hopes