Premiership
Former England Player to Retire Early
A former England international is set to hang up his boots at the end of the season at only 33

Former England hooker Rob Webber has confirmed that he will retire from the professional game come the end of the current campaign.
Webber, who is currently playing at Premiership side Sale Sharks, and his contract was set to run out at the end of next season, however, Webber believes the timing is right to leave the sport for good despite only being 33.
“The time has come for me to hang up my playing boots at the end of the 2019/20 Gallagher Premiership season. It has been an incredible journey over the last 16 years. The memories I have made will stay with me always, but I now feel it is time to pursue other opportunities within the game. My clubs – Leeds, Wasps, Bath and currently Sale Sharks – have all be been brilliant places to go to work every day. The opportunity to play for my country, tour the world and to be involved in a World Cup are career highlights and achievements I will cherish forever,” he said in a statement released by the Sharks.
Before joining Sale in 2016 Webber had represented Leeds, Wasps and Bath in a career that spans over 16 years.
Sale Sharks director of rugby Steve Diamond admitted he is sad to see Webber go, but he wishes him the best for whatever the future holds.
“It’s a shame to see Rob leave the club earlier than expected. I did everything I could to keep Rob at the club for the final year of his contract, but it was clear he had made his mind up. As a club, we wanted to support his decision to pursue other opportunities within the game. In my opinion, Rob has shown the best form of his career while at Sale, and we are unfortunate to be losing such an experienced player at the end of the season. I have no doubt that the skill-set he has shown both on and off the pitch at Sale, along with the experience he has in the modern game, will stand him in good stead as he looks to transfer into an off-field role,” he said.
Webber was capped 16-times by England, with the highlight of his career being three appearances in the 2015 Rugby World Cup despite England crashing out earlier than expected and he will be missed by fans when the time to leave comes.
Premiership
London Irish announce signing of Creevy

Argentina international Agustin Creevy has agreed to join London Irish with immediate effect.
The former international captain made 89 appearances for Los Pumas, including playing at two Rugby World Cups. His impressive number of international caps ensures that Creevy is currently the most capped Argentinian international player of all time.
Over half of Creevy’s international appearances saw him captain Argentina, proving his leadership qualities on the highest stage.
The hooker’s career has seen him develop his game in France with Biarritz, Clermont and Montpellier before joining Worcester Warriors. More recently, Creevy has been plying his trade with Super Rugby’s Jaguares, helping the Argentinean franchise to the 2019 Super Rugby final.
Creevy’s arrival at London Irish sees the Exiles’ amount of different nationalities grow to 10. The squad currently has players from England, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, Scotland, Fiji, Zimbabwe, Samoa, Tonga and now Argentina.
Commenting on the latest addition to the squad, Declan Kidney, Director of Rugby, said: “Agustin comes to London Irish with a fantastic amount of club and international experience.
“Hopefully he can help to continue the journey that the club is on.”
“I am looking forward to joining London Irish and playing in England once again,” explained Creevy.
“Declan spoke very highly of the club, the people and the direction they want to go. I can’t wait to join up with my teammates and to get stuck in.”
Premiership
Saracens star signs 2 year extension

Saracens is delighted to announce Scotland international Sean Maitland has committed his future to the club.
The 31-year-old has penned a two-year contract and will remain in north London until at least 2022.
Maitland has played his part in some of Saracens’ biggest moments over the past four years, scoring crucial tries in last season’s Heineken Champions Cup and Premiership final successes.
In total, the winger has crossed the whitewash 29 times in 73 Sarries appearances and feels at home in NW4.
“I’m very happy to extend my Saracens; it was a bit of a no-brainer for me,” Maitland said.
“My family love it here, we’re settled and I wanted to stayed because I love being here and I love what the club is about and the people that are in it.
“We’re one big family. That comes right from the top, from the owner, into the group and the Academy. We’re all aligned, one big family, and for me that’s important.
Director of Rugby Mark McCall said: “Sean has made an outstanding contribution to our club over the last four years both on and off the field.
“He has taken his game to a new level during that time and has had a great influence on some of our younger players. To have a player of Sean’s quality and experience commit his future to the club is a huge boost.”
Premiership
Gloucester announce departure of Head Coach Johan Ackermann

Gloucester Rugby today announced the departure of Head Coach Johan Ackermann, who will be joining Japanese club NTT DoCoMo Red Hurricanes in July.
Gloucester Rugby Chairman Martin St Quinton said “I’d look to put on record our thanks to Johan for the significant contribution he’s made to the Club over the three seasons he’s been with us. His infectious enthusiasm for the game, as well as his in-depth rugby knowledge, made him not only a fans’ favourite, but a strong leader of our playing department. I wish him every success in his new venture.”
David Humphreys, Director of Rugby, added:
“While I’m sorry to see Johan leave Gloucester Rugby, I fully understand his reasons for doing so. Johan approached Martin and me to say that he had received a number of coaching opportunities which, for personal reasons, he would like to consider and we agreed to his request.
In his 3 years at Gloucester, Johan transformed the way we play the game and his “play to inspire” philosophy will leave a lasting impact from his time at the Club. I know it was a difficult decision for him to leave Gloucester and I’ve no doubt he’ll make a real difference with the Red Hurricanes in Japan.
Ackermann joined the Cherry and Whites at the start of the 2017/18 season, and took the team to the final of the European Challenge Cup in his first season. The following season ended with the Club in third place in the Premiership, thus qualifying for a second successive season of European Champions Cup rugby.
Johan Ackermann had this message for the Gloucester fans, staff and players: “Being Head Coach of Gloucester Rugby has been a tremendous privilege for me, and I have loved every minute of it. Working with such a fantastic group of players and coaches has been a great experience. I would especially like to thank Martin [St Quinton] for the faith that he has shown in me. His support and friendship have meant a lot to me. Gloucester Rugby fans are a truly unique group, and I will always cherish the memories I have of being at Kingsholm. I wish the Club nothing but the best.”
Gloucester Rugby today announce the departure of Head Coach Johan Ackermann, who will be joining Japanese club NTT DoCoMo Red Hurricanes in July.
Gloucester Rugby Chairman Martin St Quinton said “I’d look to put on record our thanks to Johan for the significant contribution he’s made to the Club over the three seasons he’s been with us. His infectious enthusiasm for the game, as well as his in-depth rugby knowledge, made him not only a fans’ favourite, but a strong leader of our playing department. I wish him every success in his new venture.”
David Humphreys, Director of Rugby, added:
“While I’m sorry to see Johan leave Gloucester Rugby, I fully understand his reasons for doing so. Johan approached Martin and me to say that he had received a number of coaching opportunities which, for personal reasons, he would like to consider and we agreed to his request.
In his 3 years at Gloucester, Johan transformed the way we play the game and his “play to inspire” philosophy will leave a lasting impact from his time at the Club. I know it was a difficult decision for him to leave Gloucester and I’ve no doubt he’ll make a real difference with the Red Hurricanes in Japan.
Ackermann joined the Cherry and Whites at the start of the 2017/18 season, and took the team to the final of the European Challenge Cup in his first season. The following season ended with the Club in third place in the Premiership, thus qualifying for a second successive season of European Champions Cup rugby.
Johan Ackermann had this message for the Gloucester fans, staff and players: “Being Head Coach of Gloucester Rugby has been a tremendous privilege for me, and I have loved every minute of it. Working with such a fantastic group of players and coaches has been a great experience. I would especially like to thank Martin [St Quinton] for the faith that he has shown in me. His support and friendship have meant a lot to me. Gloucester Rugby fans are a truly unique group, and I will always cherish the memories I have of being at Kingsholm. I wish the Club nothing but the best.”
In light of Johan’s departure and the implications arising from Covid-19, The Board of Gloucester Rugby has discussed a new coaching structure for the playing department, and will make an announcement about it once the appropriate consultations have taken place.
In light of Johan’s departure and the implications arising from Covid-19, The Board of Gloucester Rugby has discussed a new coaching structure for the playing department, and will make an announcement about it once the appropriate consultations have taken place.
-
Pro141 day ago
Ulster reveal large injury list with Irish star out for ‘months’
-
Pro141 week ago
Guinness PRO14 make exciting statement regarding SA Rugby
-
Rugby Championship1 week ago
Dave Rennie confirms Wallabies captain.
-
Pro141 day ago
Ulster Rugby to trial safe return of supporters this weekend
-
Pro141 day ago
Rob Kearney secures move to Australia