Harlequins sign Dan Murphy
Harlequins can announce today that loosehead prop Dan Murphy will join the Club with immediate effect.
Confirming the news John Kingston, Harlequins Director of Rugby, said: “I am delighted that Dan has chosen to join Harlequins, he will bring a wealth of experience in a key area for the team.”
Murphy joins Harlequins after five years at Gloucester Rugby where he made 98 appearances, scoring eight tries. Before his time at Kingsholm, the 30 year-old made over 80 appearances for London Irish.
Strauss to retire from Test rugby
Springbok captain Adriaan Strauss will retire from Test rugby at the end of the 2016 season.
“The plan was for me to serve and lead a team in transition as well as I can and take things week by week, but back then I already told him that I was thinking of retiring at the end of the season," said Strauss.
“I’ve always accepted the pressure and the challenge of playing for and captaining the Springboks, I feel it’s the right time to let my team-mates and our supporters know of the decision I made, with a greater plan in mind.”
Strauss became the 57th Springbok captain against Ireland in June this year.
Rugby Championship over for Ashley-Cooper
Wallabies wing Adam Ashley-Cooper will not play any further in the Rugby Championship as he is set to return to France this week.
The 116-Test Wallaby will fly back to Bordeaux in the coming days to line up in the Top 14 in the next fortnight, with his availability to be ‘reviewed’ after the weekend.
Johnny Holland forced to retire
Munster Rugby have today confirmed that Johnny Holland will retire from professional rugby with immediate effect.
"This has obviously been a very tough time for me, and ultimately it is a decision that has been taken out of my hands. It is something that I have tried very hard to overcome but unfortunately it has become impossible for me to win this battle. As much as this is beyond my control, I don't want to look back on my career with any sadness," commented Johnny Holland.
The 25-year-old, who initially sustained a hamstring injury while playing for Munster 'A' in the British and Irish Cup game against Nottingham in November 2014 has been advised to retire on medical grounds.
Tagicakibau released from Wasps
Wasps have today confirmed that Samoan international Sailosi Tagicakibau has left the club after requesting a release from his contract for family reasons.
"...While professional sport is important, family always comes first and I'm sure I speak on behalf of everyone at the club, and for our Wasps supporters, in wishing Losi and his family the very best," said Wasps Director of Rugby.
Tagicakibau made 34 appearances for Wasps during his two seasons with the club, scoring seven tries in 21 appearances after joining from London Irish.
Quade Cooper signs with Reds until 2019
Flyhalf Quade Cooper is heading back to Ballymore, after signing with the Reds until 2019.
“It’s pleasing to be able to welcome Quade back to Ballymore. He will add further experience to our squad and is committed to being a significant performer and a leader, as we continue to develop the next generation of Reds,” said Reds head coach Nick Stiles.
Having already represented Queensland 107 times from 2006 to 2015, Cooper has also made appearances for the Wallabies in 59 Tests.
