Tuesday Afternoon Round Up
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O'leary out for 8 weeks
Montpellier have suffered an injury blow as scrum-half Tomás O'Leary has been ruled out for eight weeks with a lateral ligament problem.
O'leary, who arrived at the club last month as a medical joker, suffered the injury while playing in Montpellier's 21-9 defeat against Racing 92 over the weekend.
Georgiou released by Yorkshire Carnegie
Yorkshire Carnegie have agreed to release full back Christian Georgiou from the remainder of his contract so he can look for new opportunities in the game.
The 24-year-old joined the Carnegie Academy in 2005 and made his debut in the 2011. After a spell on loan at Wharfedale, Georgiou cemented his place in the side during the 2014-15 season and was one of the most consistent performers.
"We would like to thank Christian for all his efforts for Yorkshire Carnegie," said Director of Rugby Chris Gibson.
I know it has been tough for him to deal with the injuries that have occurred during his career however he has always been a great professional and been determined to return to his best. This release enables him to look for new options and the chance to play regular rugby."
Chiefs sign up Fijian half back Matawalu
Exeter Chiefs have added Fijian international Niko Matawalu to their backline until the end of the season.
“Initially Niko’s joining until the end of the season,” said Baxter.
“We want to have a good look at him and then we’ll see if there is an opportunity beyond that.
“As a club we’re really looking forward to bringing him here. We had a good look at him previously when he first decided to move on from Glasgow to Bath, but now the opportunity has arisen for us to sign him and it’s come at the right time for us."
Niko will head to Sandy Park from Premiership rivals Bath Rugby and will join up with his new team-mates once the current autumn internationals are concluded.
Keelan Giles called into Welsh squad
Wing Keelan Giles has been called into the Wales squad for the remainder of the autumn international series.
The 18-year-old Osprey replaces Hallam Amos, who injured a shoulder in the 32-8 defeat by Australia and has been released back to the Dragons.
Toulon forwards coach steps down from position
Toulon's forwards coach Jacques Delmas has decided to step back from his position in the club. He still remains employee of Toulon Rugby Club until further notice.
Roelof Smit ruled out of Springbok tour
Blue Bulls flanker Roelof Smit will miss the remainder of the Springboks’ Outgoing Tour after he sustained a torn pectoral muscle at training on Monday.
The uncapped Smit played for the Springboks on Saturday against the Barbarians at Wembley.
He will be replaced by Free State Cheetahs loose forward Uzair Cassiem, who impressed during his two weeks with the Springboks in England.
Tipuric signs until 2020
Ospreys Rugby have announced that Justin Tipuric has signed a new long-term deal, committing himself to his home region until the summer of 2020.
The 27-year old flanker, hailed today as “one of the best sevens around” had 18 months still to run on his existing contract but the Ospreys have moved swiftly to secure his future for a further two years.
“It’s a good place to be at. It was an easy decision” said Tipuric.
“We are going in the right direction and I’m happy to sign for the team I support."
Tipuric became the 26th Ospreys centurion when, again as captain, he helped the team to a 26-12 win over Munster at the Liberty Stadium in March 2015.
