Latest News
6th July
Super Rugby's newest team the Melbourne Rebels have signed its 28th recruit with the announcement that Toulon fullback Luke Rooney will return to Australia from France for the 2011 Super rugby season. A former Australian rugby league winger, 27 year old Rooney played six times for the Kangaroos before switching codes in 2008 to join Toulon where he scored five tries in 16 games during his first season of Top 14 French Championship rugby. After playing alongside England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson and fellow convert, Sonny Bill Williams, Rooney can't wait to test himself against the best in Super Rugby. "I was keen to come home and have a crack at Super Rugby because it's the best competition in the world and it's going to get better next year with the Rebels coming on board." he said.
6th July
Sale Sharks are delighted to announce the signing of powerhouse prop Karena Wihongi from Bourgoin on a two year deal. Karena is an experienced front row operator, able to use his 125 kilo weight to cause disruption in the tight and the loose. Although born in New Zealand, Karena has French nationality and will no doubt make his international debut this season. Sale Head Coach Mike Brewer said, “ The signing of Karena is great news for the club. He was on my priority list as soon as I was appointed and was delighted when he signed on the dotted line. Karena had a number of offers from various clubs and the fact that he has chosen Sale Sharks is significant."
18th June
Edinburgh have moved quickly to replace Gloucester-bound Jim Hamilton by signing Toulon's Argentina international second row Esteban Lozada on a two year deal. Head coach Rob Moffat said "These are exciting times for Edinburgh. When Jim Hamilton told us he wished to leave the club to take up a new challenge we set about finding a suitable high calibre replacement. I believe we have found such a man in Esteban Lozada. He's a big, physical player - 6ft 5ins and 17-and-a-half stone - the sort of experienced, seasoned international lock who can really help us win the go-forward battle but who wants to play for us too because he sees it as an opportunity for him to get better too."
In today's other news James Hudson has been announced as the Newcastle Falcons Captain for the 2010/11 season. Congratulations to James, we wish him the best of luck for the season ahead.
17th June
Phoenix clients will make a big contribution to English rugby over the next few days. Toby Flood and Dave Wilson take on Australia in the second test match in Sydney on Saturday while the U20s also take on Australia in a World Cup semi final in Argentina tonight. Arthur Ellis, Will Welch and Sam Harrison all aim to help England reach a third consective World Cup final at U20 level. The England Saxons take on Canada for the Churchill Cup with Phoenix clients providing the core of the team. Nick Wood, James Hudson and Luke Narraway provide the power in the pack while Lee Dickson and Nick Abendanon will provide the tries in the backs. Three great games of rugby to look forward to, good luck to all our clients.
17th June
Ex Wallaby and Queensland Reds centre Morgan Turinui has signed a two year deal with French Pro D2 team Dax in a deal brokered by Phoenix. Morgan and his family are looking forward to a new rugby challenge and cannot wait to discover the south-west of France. His Reds teammate Dayna Edwards meanwhile has signed a two year deal with Grenoble. The tighthead prop will provide some much-needed beef to the Grenoble pack.