Thursday Afternoon Round Up

Toulouse lose Guitone to injury

Toulouse have suffered a setback with winger Sofiane Guitoune set for a spell on the sidelines due to injury.

According to reports, the 27-year-old France international, who joined Toulouse from Bordeaux-Bègles in June, is suffering from a groin injury and will be out for at least six weeks.

Williams signs new contract

Cardiff Blues can confirm scrum-half Tomos Williams has agreed a new long-term contract with the region.

The former Wales Under-20s star broke into the first team squad last season and has made an impressive start to the 2016-17 PRO12 season.

“It’s great that Tomos has committed his future to Cardiff Blues and we are delighted to have him here," said Cardiff Blues head coach.

“He is a young, exciting player who has a big future in the game if he continues his development. 

“He has shown some good form this season but there is still plenty of improvement to be made. With Tomos, Lloyd Williams and Lewis Jones we have a lot of strength in depth and that competition will drive them on individually.”

Lions’ Ferreira joins Springboks

Defense coach and technical analyst at the Golden Lions Rugby Union, JP Ferreira, has been seconded to the Springbok management team for the end of year tour.

“We support SA Rugby’s decision to appoint JP for the end of year tour, as we believe that he can add value. He has been a stalwart for the union for the last nine years through some tough times,” commented Rudolf Straeuli, the CEO of the Golden Lions.

Ferreira will help out with the Springboks for four weeks and will return to the Lions afterwards for the Lions’ 2017 Super Rugby preparations.

Matt Hodgson re-signs with Force

The Western Force have announced the re-signing of club stalwart Matt Hodgson for the 2017 Super Rugby season.

The openside flanker and three-time Nathan Sharpe Medal winner will head into his 12^th season with the club - who along with Pek Cowan - are the last inaugural players of the Western Force.

“I guess you could say this contract is in two parts, one being the playing aspect and the second moving into a coaching position and being part of the club in that way for a long time into the future," said Hodgson.

“It’s something as a club we are looking at; trying to get players more involved in different aspects of rugby as a business and coaching genuinely excites me."

As part of this progression, Hodgson will do hands-on coaching next year and be officially part of the coaching structure from 2018.