Friday Round-Up

Halmona debut for Italy: Italian head coach Jacques Brunel has named his side to take on Pacific Islanders Samoa in Ascoli this weekend, with a number of new faces included. Most notably, Zebre flyhalf Kelly Haimona is given the nod in the no.10 jersey having impressed on domestic duty with the Parma based outfit, with the game against Samoa representing his international debut. Outside Haimona, Michele Campagnaro continues in the 13 jersey after a stellar breakthrough season in this year’s Six Nations, as he combines with Luca Morisi in a youthful midfield pairing. Elsewhere, upfront the Italian back row looks a strong trio in the shape of Simone Favaro, Alessandro Zanni and the star that is skipper Sergio Parisse. Brunel has named a deeply experienced replacements bench, with the likes of former captain Marco Bortolami and Leicester Tiger Robert Barbieri named.

Chiefs supporter tragedy: Aviva Premiership outfit the Exeter Chiefs have confirmed that a club supporter passed away during the club’s most recent outing against Gloucester in the LV=Cup. Having been taken ill on the halfway line, midway through the second half, the spectator was carried by paramedics to a vacant corporate box in order to perform CPR treatment. However, according to reports emanating out of England, the supporter, now known as Geoff Edmondson, a former Exeter Chiefs player, passed away at the scene. Both clubs were quick to pass on their condolences in the immediate aftermath of Exeter’s last gasp 28-27 victory over Gloucester.

Ryan Sheady