Thursday Evening Round Up

Scarlets sign Scrum half Jantjies signed on loan

Scarlets have signed scrum-half Herschel Jantjies on a short-term loan for Saturday’s Guinness PRO14 clash against Cheetahs Rugby.

Jonathan Evans has suffered an ankle injury that is likely to keep him out for action up to six weeks leaving the Scarlets short of scrum-half cover for the second of two games in South Africa.

Wales Team to face South Africa

Wales have made 5 changes to the side that faced the All Blacks to face Springboks on Saturday.

Hadleigh Parkes is set to make his debut at 12. Parkes qualifies for Wales on residency grounds on Friday, making him available to face the Springboks the following day.

Sean O’Brien extends his stay at Connacht

Connacht Rugby have announced that flanker Sean O’Brien has signed a two-year extension until the end of the 2019/20 season.

The 22-year-old Connacht native has made over 40 appearances for the province since making his senior debut in 2015. O’Brien has previously represented Ireland at Under 18, 19 and 20 level.

Brumbies 2018 Squad Revealed

The Brumbies will welcome nine new faces into the squad for the 2018 Super Rugby season, including the returning David Pocock, as Head Coach Dan McKellar prepares for his first season in charge of the two-time Champions.

Australian international Pocock, who has 65 caps for Australia, will be back in Brumbies colours following his year’s sabbatical and is part of a formidable looking pack that includes eight Wallaby internationals.

Sunwolves confirm their coaching staff for the 2018 Super Rugby season

The Sunwolves and the JRFU have undergone significant structural reform following a review of the Sunwolves first two seasons in Super Rugby.

The reform sees Japan Head Coach Jamie Joseph assume the role of Head Coach of the Sunwolves, bringing a wealth of past experience and knowledge of Super Rugby.

Odendaal named Bulls player of the year

Centre Burger Odendaal was voted as the senior player of the year after a standout season at the union's awards ceremony.

Lock Ruben van Heerden was recognised for his breakout year with his junior player of the year award.

Full list of awards:

Under-19s

Forward of the Year: Ruan Nortjie

Back of the Year: Wian van Niekerk

Players' Player of the Year: JC Pretorius

Most Promising or Improved Player: Werner Fourie

Coaches’ Recognition Award: Luke Fortuin

Under-21s

Forward of the Year: Maruis Verwey

Back of the Year: Stedman Gans

Players' Player of the Year: Gerhard Steenekamp

Most Promising or Improved Player: Xolisa Guma

Coaches’ Recognition Award: Zama Dyidi

SuperSport Rugby Challenge

Forward of the Year: Marco van Staden

Back of the Year: Andre Warner

Players' Player of the Year: Tinus de Beer

Most Promising or Improved Player: Aston Fortuin

Coaches’ Recognition Award: Abongile Nonkontwana

Currie Cup

Forward of the Year: Pierre Schoeman

Back of the Year: Warrick Gelant

Players' Player of the Year: Burger Odendaal

Most Promising or Improved Player: Johan Grobbelaar

Coaches’ Recognition Award: John William Meyer

Super Rugby

Forward of the Year: Jason Jenkins

Back of the Year: Travis Ismaiel

Players' Player of the Year: Ruan Steenkamp

Most Promising or Improved Player: Pierre Schoeman

Coaches’ Recognition Award: Burger Odendaal

Throwback Thursday: First try of the Lions Series

A look back to the first try scored in the epic All Blacks v British & Irish Lions series earlier this year.