Thursday Round-Up
- 2040
Thursday Round-Up
Morgan to join Cardiff Blues
Cardiff Blues have announced the signing of Wales international Matthew Morgan, who will join the region ahead of the 2016/17 PRO12 season.
Morgan will move to Cardiff Arms Park from Bristol signing a two-year contract.
The out-half/fullback, who was part of the Wales squad that reached the quarter final for the 2015 Rugby World Cup, has five international caps to his name.
Blues head coach Danny Wilson hailed the signing as a major boost for Cardiff.
"I'm absolutely delighted to sign Matthew and to welcome him to Cardiff Blues from next season," he said.
"Matthew offers a huge attacking threat and I’m sure the playing surface at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park will be well suited to his game.
"I've worked with Matthew before and know what a dedicated and committed professional he is. I'm sure he will want to have a big end to the season with Bristol Rugby and then make a successful return to Wales."
Morgan said: "I'm very proud to be joining Cardiff Blues and feel I can test myself and develop the skills I need to keep knocking on the door for Wales, an ambition I'm working towards every day to fulfil.
"I want to thank Andy Robinson for the opportunity he gave me at Bristol, and Warren Gatland for the opportunity he gave me during the World Cup, two experiences I’ve hugely enjoyed and learnt from.
"I also want to reassure fans of Bristol that I'll do everything I can to support the club from now until the end of the season. I've had a number of offers from England, France and Japan, but felt moving back to Wales was the correct decision to achieve my goals at this point in my career."
Canada boss Crowley resigns
Canada's General Manager of Rugby Operations and Performance, Jim Dixon, has announced that Kieran Crowley has stepped down as Head Coach.
Crowley, who has been with Rugby Canada since 2008, has accepted a coaching position with a professional rugby club located in Europe according to Dixon.
In the interim, Rugby Canada has announced that Canada's Women's Head Coach Francois Ratier will lead the Men's team into the inaugural Americas Rugby Championship, starting Saturday February 6 when Canada take on Uruguay,
"I am confident the players will continue to step up and perform under Francois' leadership at the Americas Rugby Championship," said Dixon.
"Rugby Canada has already begun a global search for a permanent head coach. It is expected there will be plenty of interest in fulfilling this important role and the necessary time will be taken to find the right candidate," added Dixon.
"We are disappointed to see Kieran leave, however we appreciate all he has given our Program over the past eight years and wish both him and his family the very best as he takes on a new challenge in Europe," said Gareth Rees, Men's Program Manager for Rugby Canada.
