Weekly Round-Up
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Weekly Round-Up
Monday
Schalk Burger signs for Saracens.
Saracens announced the coup of South Africa legend Schalk Burger for the 2016/17 season.
Burger said on the signing, "I'm extremely excited to have the opportunity to play in both the Premiership and the European Champions Cup,"
"Hopefully I can add a lot of value both on and off the field to an already successful group of players and coaches."
John Mitchell announced USA boss
Former All Blacks coach John Mitchell was announced as USA Eagles boss on a 4 year deal, succeeding Mike Tolkin
"I am excited about putting my strengths into play and building on the solid work laid down in the last World Cup cycle by Mike Tolkin and his staff"
" I see this as a wondeful opportunity to play a key part in inspiring, mentoring, creating confidence and stability in transforming USA Rugby in a strong, globally-competitive unit by the end of 2019"
Tuesday
Louw extends Bath deal.
Francois Louw extended his stay with Bath until 2019. The Springbok flanker has been at Bath since 2011
"I'm really excited to have extended my stay at Bath," said Louw. "It is a great environment to be involved in and also, importantly, my family are very happy and settled in the city."
He added: "Everyone is committed to improving and being the best they can be here, and I'm looking forward to the next few years and playing my part in the club's future."
Guirado named France captain
Toulon captain
Dave Ward re-signs with Harlequins
Guilhem Guirado was named as the new French captain following the retirement of Thierry Dusautoir.
Guy Noves was pleased with his choice"I discussed it with [France forwards coach] Yannick Bru and gathered information from his time at Perpignan. He is the right person at the right time. I discussed it with him on Sunday."
"In principle, if the role suits him and he doesn't struggle under the pressure of the captaincy, then he could lead us for the next four years," he said.
Wednesday
Andy Farrell joins Ireland backroom team
Joe Schmidt added former England defence coach Andy Farrell to his backroom staff as defence coach.
"To have this opportunity to work with a very talented management and playing group really excites me," Farrell said on his appointment.
"With a wealth of top-class, experienced senior players and a fantastic crop of youngsters pushing hard, the future is very positive for Irish rugby and I can't wait to get started."
Henderson and Bowe out for 6 Nations
Iain Henderson and Tommy Bowe were both ruled out of the 6 Nations due to injury.
Ulster boss confirmed that Henderson was in for a long spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury. While Bowe is still recovering from a cruciate injury.
"Unfortunately it's a slow process and to rule yourself out of the Six Nations is disappointing," said Bowe last week.
Thursday
Jonny May to miss rest of season.
England and Gloucester winger Jonny May was ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.
"Following an operation on his left knee on Tuesday, Jonny May will be ruled out of the remainder of the campaign," said a club statement.
Gloucester director of rugby David Humphreys described the injury as "significant" but refused to disclose exact details of what May had suffered.
The 30 year old Harlequins hooker signed a new contract with the club after impressing this season, especially at open side.
"Some of the performances he has put in at open-side for us this year show what a brilliant athlete he is," said director of rugby Conor O'Shea.
"He is a bundle of energy and his best years are still to come."
Friday
Scotstoun pitch 'not fit for purpose'
Glasgow head coach Gregor Townsend admitted that the Scotstoun pitch is not fit for purpose.
''It's frustrating, disappointing. The pitch isn't fit for purpose.
"Obviously we can't play on it. It's something we have to deal with."
"We had two games called off from this year and two called off two years ago," he said.
"It is a concern. We'll have to look at contingencies or doing something to change the surface here.
