The Rugby Banter Weekly Roundup

Monday 20th October:

Kenyan Sevens Team Enveloped in Doping Scandal

Steroids have been found in supplements given to players on Kenya's ever-improving rugby sevens team, according to a report that calls for disciplinary proceedings against head coach Paul Treu and five members of his staff.

There was "a concoction they (the coaches) gave players to drink at the beginning and end of training," Moni Wekesa, the chairman of the task force that investigated, told The Associated Press on Monday.

Tuesday 21st October:

Gareth Davies Ascends To Role of WRU Chairman

Gareth Davies is the new chairman of the Welsh Rugby Union.

The Dragons’ chief executive defeated finance committee chairman Martin Davies in a ballot among board members.

The hugely respected former Wales fly-half succeeds David Pickering, who held Welsh rugby's top job for 11 years.

To avoid any conflict of interest, Davies will step down from his post at the Dragons after a suitable period of notice.

Foley Rejects Australia Forwards Coach Proposition

Western Force coach Michael Foley will not accept an offer to join Michael Cheika when he is appointed Wallabies coach today.

Foley was approached by Cheika about taking on the forwards assistant coach role for the Wallabies' spring tour of the northern hemisphere, but has declined the former Leinster & Waratah’s coaches proposition, citing his commitment to the force as the main facor for declining the opportunity.

Wednesday 22nd October:

Injury Rules Manu Tuilagi Out For At Least Eight Weeks

Manu Tuilagi has confirmed he will miss England’s autumn internationals and believes he will not be fit to play for Leicester Tigers for at least eight weeks.

The centre strained his adductor muscle against Ulster on Saturday; a scan confirmed the injury and Tuilagi accepts he may have to be patient in order not to jeopardise his long-term plans by rushing back to action and running the risk of exasperating his injury.

Cipriani Omitted From English Squad

Despite a resurgence in form, Sale fly half Danny Cipriani has been excluded from the English Autumn Series squad by coach Stuart Lancaster. Instead, Owen Farrell, Stephen Myler and George Ford have been selected as the squad fly halves for the series which encompasses games against New Zealand, South Africa, Samoa and Australia.

Thursday 23rd October:

Folau Wins Prestigious John Eales Medal

Australia and Waratah’s fullback Israel Folau has picked up Australia's prestigious John Eales Medal in only his second year in the 15-a-side code.

The 25-year-old former rugby league international received the best player award, which is voted on by his peers, at a ceremony in Sydney on Thursday night.

Folau polled 314 votes to 232 for his captain Michael Hooper.

Friday 24th October:

Sky Sign Broadcast Deal With NZRU

The New Zealand Rugby Union and Sky Television have signed a conditional five-year agreement for pay broadcasting rights from 2016, the NZRU said on Friday.

"We are thrilled to have achieved what is a great result for rugby in this country," NZRU chief executive Steve Tew said.

Launchbury Commits Future to Wasps

Despite speculation that Joe Launchbury may sign for Saracens, Wasps have today announced the England international second row has signed a new deal for an undisclosed duration of time.

“I am really pleased to have extended with Wasps. There were a number of factors to consider, but uppermost in my mind was where I would become the best rugby player I could be”, said a delighted Launchbury.