Tuesday Afternoon Round-Up

Tuesday Afternoon Round-Up

Matt O' Connor rejoins Leicester Tigers

Matt O'Connor will return to Leicester in the role of head coach from the start of April.

The Australian will replace Aaron Mauger, who is departing the club after this weekend's Premiership game against Northampton.

O'Connor was part of the coaching staff for the Tigers' Premiership title wins in 2009, 2010 and 2013 and has since worked with Leinster, Queensland Reds and Tonga.

 
 
 
 
Huw Jones set for lengthy spell on the sidelines
 

Stormers centre Huw Jones is set for an extended spell on the sidelines after tearing his hamstring playing for Scotland in the 6 Nations.


Jones will undergo surgery in London and is set to be ruled out for up to 5 months, as he joins fellow Stomers centres Juan de Jongh and Damien de Allende on the sidelines. 

The news means Jones' hope of being included in the British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand are over.


The Scotland centre scored a brace of tries against England in Murrayfield, rounding off a very promising campaign.

Luke Morahan signs for Bristol Rugby

Bristol have captured the signing of Australian international Luke Morahan ahead of the 2017/18 season.

The utility back – who can play wing, full back and centre – has three caps for the Wallabies, as well as starring for Australia Sevens.

Morahan is an established Super Rugby performer, representing Queensland Reds and Western Force.

“Luke is an impressive player with excellent technical abilities. He’s got a lot of raw pace and versatility and can play across the backline,” head coach Mark Tainton said.

Sean Lamont to retire at the end of the season

Glasgow wing Sean Lamont is set to hang up his boots on a 17-year career at the end of the season.

Lamont, 36, won 105 Scotland caps between 2004 and 2016. The Perth born player won his 105th cap as recently as last summer against Japan.

Lamont started his career with Rotherham in 2000 before joining Glasgow, and also had spells with Northampton and Welsh outfit Scarlets before returning to Scotland with the Warriors.

Taufete'e commits to Warriors

Warriors have completed the permanent signing of talented USA international Joe Taufete'e.



Having initially joined the Club on a short-term deal in December, the giant hooker has made five appearances which included his maiden try against Harlequins at Sixways in January. 

Taufete'e made his international debut for USA against South Africa at the 2015 Rugby World Cup and has gone on to make nine appearances for the Eagles, scoring three tries. 

Warriors Director of Rugby Gary Gold said: "Joe has grabbed his opportunity with both hands in the cup competitions and has been rewarded with a call-up to our Premiership squad. 

Sale Sharks re-sign Marc Jones and Will Cliff 

Sale Sharks are delighted to announce that Marc Jones and Will Cliff have re-signed for Sale Sharks, both on two year deals.

Marc (29) made his first team debut for Sharks back in the Premiership winning season in 2005-2006 and went on to make 158 appearances as Hooker. During his time at Bristol, Marc captained the side.

Will (28) was born in Macclesfield and made his Sharks debut against Brive back in 2009 in the European Challenge Cup Quarter Final. Will made over 100 appearances for Sharks before moving to Bristol in 2015.

Sharks Director of Rugby Steve Diamond said: "It's great news for the club and the supporters that both Marc and Will have decided to return to the club. They both know what we are about, the culture of the club and where we want to be."

Dave Foley to join Pau next season

Dave Foley will leave Munster at the end of the season to join Top 14 outfit Pau.

It was confirmed yesterday that the 28-year-old will be sidelined for the rest of the campaign with a wrist injury and the southern province this morning announced his departure.

Foley will link up with former Munster backs coach Simon Mannix at Pau and follows in the footsteps of former team-mates James Coughlan, Paddy Butler and Sean Dougall in moving to the French club.

The two-time capped Irish international made his Munster debut against Connacht in April 2010 after graduating from the province’s academy and went onto make 84 appearances in a red shirt.

Latest News