RECAP: Tuesday's Rugby Union Round-Up - Ruck

RECAP: Tuesday’s Rugby Union Round-Up

  • Joe Marler just did something amazing that might change your opinion of him
  • Heyneke Meyer has emerged the front-runner to replace Mike Ford at Bath
  • Willie le Roux looks like being the latest big-name signing by Premiership club Wasps
  • “I am a rugby player. I am a soldier. I am an Officer. I am a brother. I am a role model. I am also gay.”
  • Steffon Armitage could be on the verge of returning to the Aviva Premiership
  • Leicester Tigers have signed back-rower Luke Hamilton from French club Agen
  • London Irish and former Scotland prop Geoff Cross is to hang up his boots after announcing his retirement
  • Belisario Agulla has signed a permanent deal with Newcastle Falcons

Joe Marler just did something amazing
England star Joe Marler may not be the most liked man in Wales following the infamous Samson Lee incident but his latest goodwill gesture may turn a few heads.

Marler

Marler was headline news after the long-running Samson Lee ‘gypsy boy’ furore during this year’s Six Nations – a comment which eventually earned him a two-match suspension and a £20,000 fine.

The prop was in hot water again recently after earning himself a separate two-week ban forallegedly kicking Grenoble hooker Arnaud Heguy while representing Harlequins in April.

But one Welshman has heaped praise on the England star following his kind gesture.

Read more: https://goo.gl/XAbx1z

Heyneke Meyer could be about to join Bath
Former South Africa head coach Heyneke Meyer has emerged as the favourite for the vacant Bath job following Mike Ford’s sudden departure on Monday.

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Sources have indicated that Meyer had been identified by the club as a potential successor although it is understood that he is also in high demand in Japan.

The 48-year-old Meyer is no stranger to the Premiership. He had a brief spell as director of rugby at Leicester Tigers in 2008 before he resigned after a period of compassionate leave to return to South Africa to help care for his wife’s parents.

Read more: https://goo.gl/on72Ed

Wasps close to signing Willie le Roux
Wasps are set to continue their spending spree ahead of next season by signing South African star Willie le Roux.

Willie le Roux

The 26-year-old – a world player of the year nominee in 2014 – has agreed a deal with the Aviva Premiership outfit, it has been reported.

Meanwhile, Wasps coach Dai Young will be keeping his fingers crossed that new signing Beale will not be sidelined for too long and hope that the arrival of Le Roux will compensate for the loss of the Australian centre.

Read Morehttps://goo.gl/u08GrA

‘Rugby helped me fight homophobia’
“I am a rugby player. I am a soldier. I am an Officer. I am a brother. I am a role model. I am also gay.”

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As part of Mental Health Awareness Week and International Day against Homophobia, former soldier and rugby player Richard Cann has explained how sport helped him admit to his deepest secret to his friends and family.

This years’ Mental Health Awareness Week runs from May 16-22 and focuses on relationships and how strong social networks support and improve mental wellbeing.

Read more: https://goo.gl/9iixkL

Steffon Armitage could be set for return to England
Steffon Armitage has reportedly informed Toulon owner Mourad Boudjellal that he wants to return to the Premiership in order to play for England.

Steffon Armitage

The 30-year-old, who has won just five England caps, joined Toulon five years ago from London Irish and has enjoyed huge success with the three-time European champions, including being named European Player of the Year in 2014.

Boudjellal revealed the request from his star flanker when speaking on Eurosport on Monday.

Read more: https://goo.gl/PyeqTI

Leicester Tigers sign Luke Hamilton from Agen
Leicester Tigers have announced the signing of back-rower Luke Hamilton from Agen on Tuesday morning.

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Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill said: “We have been looking for another player to join our back-row options with Jordan Crane and Laurence Pearce moving on next season and we’re delighted that Luke has now agreed to join us.

“He can play across the back row and gives us some good options there. He is a young man with some good experience in club rugby in Wales and he has done very well in the testing environment of French rugby.

Read more: https://goo.gl/1TcHPt

London Irish prop Geoff Cross retires to take up medical career
Scotland international prop Geoff Cross is retiring from rugby in order to pursue a career in medicine.

Geoff Cross in training

A qualified doctor, the 33-year-old tight-head won the last of his 40 caps during the 2015 Six Nations.

He leaves London Irish after two seasons during which he made 15 appearances, scoring four tries.


Newcastle Falcons Belisario Agulla signs permanent deal
Argentina back-line player Belisario Agulla has signed a permanent deal with Newcastle Falcons.

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The 27-year-old joined the Falcons from French side Agen in October and has since made eight Premiership appearances for the club.

“This squad is very united and I have been made to feel very welcome since I got here” he told the club’s website.