Tuesday Morning Round Up

John Mitchell leaves Blue Bulls for England

Former All Blacks coach John Mitchell will join England as their new defence coach as early as Sunday, according to Netwerk24.

The RFU reportedly agreed to pay the Bulls compensation of between R3 million - R5 million for Mitchell's early release. Full story

Christian Judge joins Saracens on  loan

Cornish Pirates tighthead prop Christian Judge has joined Saracens for a three-week period.

The 25-year-old, who featured for the Championship outfit at Hartpury on Saturday, joins as front row cover.

Golden Lions appoint new president

Following the resignation of former Golden Lions Rugby Union president Kevin de Klerk last month, the union is pleased to announce that Neville Jardine has been appointed as the newly elected president.

Felipe Contepomi issues Leinster injury update

Leinster Rugby backs coach Felipe Contepomi has confirmed that Dan Leavy has now returned to full training ahead of the game on Saturday while another two players have also taken positive steps in their rehabilitation.

Seán O’Brien and Ciarán Frawley will be integrated back into the rugby programme this week but are still unavailable for selection this weekend.

Springboks climb to fifth in latest World Rugby rankings

South Africa's win over New Zealand in Wellington moving them up two places in the World Rugby Rankings to fifth, while Australia drop to an all-time low of seventh after losing to Argentina.

Current World Rugby rankings:

1. New Zealand 92.52
2. Ireland 90.12
3. Wales 85.94
4. England 85.68
5. South Africa 83.35
6. Scotland 83.02
7. Australia 82.45
8. France 79.10
9. Argentina 79.02
10. Fiji 76.54

Full rankings

Glasgow injury update

Zander Fagerson has successfully undergone surgery in Bloemfontein on an ankle injury he sustained in Glasgow Warriors’ victory over Cheetahs on Saturday and will return to Scotland next weekend where he will receive further assessment. 

Stuart Hogg will return home from South Africa today having failed to recover from an ankle injury sustained against Munster.

Rugby Championship Team of the Week - Round 4

Two shock results in the Rugby Championship with the Springboks and Los Pumas making history with away wins over the All Blacks and Wallabies respectively. 

Understandably our Team of the Week is dominated by these two sides but there are a few All Blacks and Wallabies included. Read more