Premiership
Cipriani looks set for big pay-rise.
As always, Cipriani’s future has been in the news with rumours circulating about his destination next year.
It has been widely reported that Cipriani has a break-clause in his current contract which was signed late last season which most likely meant that Cipriani signed on a cut-price deal that has been rumoured to be circa £200K.
Cipriani has proven his worth to Gloucester this season and with his current exclusion from the English
Last week it was believed that Bristol Bears were circling, however, Gloucester coach Johan Ackermann insisted the play-maker, is going nowhere.
“I can only speak on my behalf and what I know and that is that he’s signed for next season,”
“I’m not aware of any release clauses so, according to me, Danny is here with us for the 2019-20 season. Post that I’m not quite sure, that’s an ongoing process with the club and with Danny.”
“We have done our recruitment already and the squad is settled. When we talked about fly-half we said we’ve got Owen (Williams) and Danny settled and signed up.”
“I’ve got no other information at the moment that is different, so I’m of the opinion that’s the fly-halves we’ll have available,”
Sky Sports, however, are reporting this morning that Cipriani looks set to stay at Gloucester next season under a new contract that will double his pay packet.
This will be music to Gloucester fans who have enjoyed several moments of magic already this season, just like this one on the weekend.
Former Ulster back-five forward Matthew Dalton has joined Newcastle Falcons on a two-year deal.
Standing at 6 foot 6 and weighing 115kg, the ex-Ireland Under-20s international is already on Tyneside, aiming to hit the ground running for the start of pre-season.
“I wasn’t supposed to start until July 1 but I had a bit of a chat with the coaches, and we thought it would be best if I came over early,” said Dalton, the 22-year-old who has played ten times for Ulster.
“I arrived a few weeks back and have been working hard with the strength and conditioning coaches. It’s a chance to meet everyone, see the lay of the land and put in some graft ahead of the start of pre-season. It’s been great so far, and I’ve made some big gains.”
A former international pentathlete for Ireland Schools, with high jump and hurdles as his stronger events, Dalton believes the Falcons’ high-tempo game will suit his own personal attributes as he strives to make his Gallagher Premiership breakthrough.
“I like to bring some speed to the game with the way that I play,” said the former Malone RFC man who has played mainly in the second row, with a handful of appearances on the blind-side flank.
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“Looking at the pitch here and the way the Falcons go about their game, I think that could be a good fit.
“Coming into a Premiership team from the Pro 14 – there are definitely a lot of differences, but also a few similarities. Newcastle have got a very fit and dynamic pack, and with the style of rugby I play I think it will marry well.
“I’ve had a bit of time off to do some growing up and self-reflecting, and this is definitely a good move for me. I couldn’t be more excited for the opportunity presented to me over these next two years, and I’m just incredibly glad how it’s worked out.”
Newcastle Falcons director of rugby Dean Richards said: “Matty is a real talent who is blessed with great athleticism.
“He has shown his work ethic by coming over early and laying the foundations for pre-season, and I’m excited about what he can bring to our squad during his time here with us.”
London Irish full-back Tom Homer is retiring from the sport with immediate effect following the conclusion of the 2020/21 season.
Homer, who made 126 appearances and scored 785 points for the Exiles across two stints with the Club, has decided that it’s the right time for him to hang up his boots.
Tom had agreed a move to French side US Montalbanaise but has since decided his future is away from the rugby field.
“I suppose my love for life is now beyond the rugby field,” explained Homer.
“I’ve played rugby for 13 years now and have some brilliant memories, but it just feels like the right time to retire.
“There is something poetic about finishing at the Club where it all started. I’m looking forward to the next adventure.”
Looking back at his career, Homer chose not to reflect a particular match, try or conversion, but more so on those fellow players he has shared the pitch with.
“My first year at London Irish and getting to play in the Premiership Final was a massive highlight, but more than anything, I will remember the people that I got to share those types of experiences with,” he said.
“Thank you to all the people that have supported me during my career, you stuck with me through thick and thin. I really appreciate it.”
Declan Kidney, when commenting on Tom’s decision said: “We wish nothing but the best to Tom and his family in the future.
“He has had a fantastic career and should be very proud of everything that he has achieved. I know he will be successful in whatever path he chooses to do next, and I would like to thank him for his generosity, work ethic and friendship during his time at London Irish.”
Thank you for everything Tom. Good luck in your future – you will always be welcome at Hazelwood.
Lee Blackett has named his Wasps side to host Leicester Tigers, in front of fans at Ricoh Arena, in the final round of the Gallagher Premiership on Saturday.
There are five changes to the starting line-up that won against London Irish last time out.
Malakai Fekitoa returns from injury to partner Michael Le Bourgeois in the centres.
Josh Bassett will make his 150th Wasps appearance on Saturday, as he forms the back three with Marcus Watson and Rob Miller, who comes in for the injured Charlie Atkinson at full-back.
Jacob Umaga will also make his 50th Wasps appearance on Saturday, as he once again forms the half-back partnership with Dan Robson.
The front row trio of Simon McIntyre, Tommy Taylor and Kieran Brookes line up for their final appearances in Wasps colours.
Will Rowlands also makes his final outing in Black and Gold in the second row with James Gaskell.
The only other change to the pack sees Sione Vailanu come in for the injured Thomas Young. Vailanu starts at number eight in his final Wasps game, meaning man-of-the-match from last week Tom Willis moves to blindside flanker and captain Brad Shields shifts to seven.
Amongst the replacements there is a welcome return to action for Alfie Barbeary. He is joined on the bench by Gabriel Oghre, Ben Harris, Jeff Toomaga-Allen, Tim Cardall, Jimmy Gopperth, Juan de Jongh and Ben Vellacott, with de Jongh and Vellacott in line to play their last games for the Club.
Wasps team to face Leicester Tigers at Ricoh Arena on Saturday in Gallagher Premiership Round 22 (kick-off 3:00pm)
Wasps (First-team appearances)
15 Rob Miller (125)
14 Marcus Watson (51)
13 Malakai Fekitoa (36)
12 Michael Le Bourgeois (58)
11 Josh Bassett (149)
10 Jacob Umaga (49)
9 Dan Robson (136)
1 Simon McIntyre (183)
2 Tommy Taylor (90)
3 Kieran Brookes (58)
4 Will Rowlands (112)
5 James Gaskell (140)
6 Tom Willis (40)
7 Brad Shields (52) (c)
8 Sione Vailanu (31)
Replacements
16 Gabriel Oghre (45)
17 Ben Harris (79)
18 Jeff Toomaga-Allen (44)
19 Tim Cardall (29)
20 Alfie Barbeary (14)
21 Ben Vellacott (19)
22 Jimmy Gopperth (127)
23 Juan de Jongh (66)
Unavailable due to injury: Charlie Atkinson (Concussion), Lasha Jaiani (Pectoral), Zach Kibirige (Ankle), Joe Launchbury (ACL), Ryan Mills (Foot), Matteo Minozzi (Eye), Paolo Odogwu (ACL), Will Simonds (Groin), Sam Spink (Groin), Theo Vukasinovic (Achilles), Tom West (LCL/Hamstring), Jack Willis (PCL/MCL), Thomas Young (Hamstring).
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