Saturday Round-Up

Saturday Round-Up

Mixed News for Kurtley: After all the recent controversy surrounding the international career of Kurtley Beale came to a halt yesterday, today’s news is less positive for the Waratahs man, with reports suggesting he will be left out of Michael Cheika’s first squad. Having sat through a four-hour hearing, the utility back was found guilty of sending offensive text messages to former Wallaby business manager Di Patston, and forced to pay AUS$45,000 by the Australian Rugby Union code of conduct tribunal. However, despite evading a long or short term playing ban over his actions, reports emanating out of Australia suggest Australian Rugby’s latest naughty boy will be left at home for the impending tour of Europe in the coming weeks. 25-year old Beale will not be rushed to London for next weekend’s clash with the Barbarians at Twickenham, with an ARU spokesman clarifying that both Beale and Cheika had been in contact and that for now, the former Melbourne Rebel’s services were not required. Remaining on standby for the tour, should there be any neckline injuries, Beale would be next in line for a call-up to the squad.



May signs on: Aviva Premiership outfit Gloucester have confirmed that star back line member Jonny May is the latest in a long list of players to sign a contract extension with the West Country club. May, who broke onto the scene primarily due to his lightning pace and dazzling footwork, has developed into a fine prospect at either wing or fullback and has already gone on to represent England on seven occasions, with his first cap coming against Argentina in the summer of 2013. Having this week been named in Stuart Lancaster’s Elite Player squad for the foreseeable future, the good news continues for May and Gloucester fans alike, with today’s report of a long-term contract extension. May’s decision to remain at the club now under the helm of Director of Rugby David Humphreys, comes just days after Humphreys also tied down the services of young back rower Matt Kvesic in the long-term. Having graduated from the club’s academy in 2009, May made his debut in the 2009-2010 season, and is already closing in on 100 competitive appearances for the club.

Ryan Sheady


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