Thursday Morning Round Up

Carlos Spencer added to Hurricanes 2019 coaching team

The Hurricanes have confirmed their coaching staff for the 2019 season. Forwards coach Richard Watt and scrum coach Dan Cron have committed to the 2019 group alongside next head coach John Plumtree and assistant Jason Holland.

Joining the quarter will be former All Black Carlos Spencer who will take on the role as assistant coach. Full Story

NZ Rugby give Brad Shields the green light for June Tests

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has decided it will, by special exception, release Hurricanes loose forward Brad Shields from the obligations of his contract, to be available for selection for England next month. Full Story

Jeremy Thrush signs for Western Force

The Western Force have added former All Blacks second-rower lock Jeremy Thrush for the remainder of the World Series Rugby.

The 33-year-old made 110 appearances for the Hurricanes in Super Rugby and has spent the past three years playing for Gloucester in the English Premiership. Full Story

Reds willing to let Quade Cooper leave

Brad Thorn says the Queensland Reds wouldn't stand in Quade Cooper's way if more interstate offers come for the unwanted Super Rugby star.

Cooper has reportedly rejected offers form both the Brumbies and Melbourne Rebels and is determined to work his way back into the Reds team. That's despite Thorn's hardline stance that the 30-year-old isn't part of his plans and won't be getting a look in anytime soon. Full story

An all-English competition replaces Anglo-Welsh Cup

In an article by the Telegraph Premiership Rugby chief executive Mark McCafferty has confirmed that The Anglo-Welsh Cup will be replaced next season by a 12-team competition involving solely Premiership sides. Full Story

Super Rugby Lineups

Highlanders v Lions

The Lions are yet to name their side, while the Highlanders have opted to rest Aaron Smith and Dillon Hunt for the clash.

Brumbies v Rebels

Christian Leali'ifano returns for the Brumbies, while Semisi Tupou gets his first start for the Rebels.

Sunwolves v Reds

Hamish Stewart moves to fullback for the Reds first trip to Toyko, while Hosea Saumaki returns to the starting XV for the Sunwolves.

Crusaders v Waratahs

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENTS:

⚔️ Joe Moody returns for the @crusadersrugby while Manasa Mataele joins his uncle, Seta Tamanivalu, in the starting XV

🔵 Nick Phipps & Curtis Rona start for the @NSWWaratahs #CRUvWAR - https://t.co/y3ZcVZc6Kq pic.twitter.com/WTbosdNTDO

— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) May 10, 2018