Unlucky Ndungane out for the season

News in Brief

Scrum.com

April 29, 2010

Akona Ndunagne will not play again this season © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: John Barclay | Simon Cross | Tanerau Latimer | Akona Ndungane

Tournaments/Tours: Super 14

Bulls wing Akona Ndungane will not play again this season after re-breaking his leg in a freak training accident. The former Springbok had been set to make his Super 14 return against the Sharks this weekend after breaking his leg in the Blue Bulls' opening Currie Cup game of the 2009 season.

Ndungane will undergo an operation where a pin will be inserted into his leg but the Bulls staff remain confident that he will be able to resume his playing career.

All Blacks and Chiefs flanker Tanerau Latimer has recommitted to the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) until the end of 2012. Latimer, 23, extended his contract with Bay of Plenty and has also committed to play for the Chiefs in the expanded Super rugby competition in 2011 and 2012.

"This is great news for New Zealand rugby because he is an outstanding young professional both on and off the field," NZRU chief Steve Tew said. "Tanerau is still a young player who has achieved a lot already, from selection to the New Zealand sevens squad at the age of 17, to becoming an All Black last year. He also makes a valuable contribution to both the Chiefs and Bay of Plenty."

Edinburgh flanker Simon Cross, 29, has been forced to retire by persistent knee injuries. The former club captain now hopes to forge a coaching career.

"My life has been in rugby and I've loved the time I have spent at Edinburgh. I've been very proud to be part of the Edinburgh team. I could not contemplate walking away and not putting anything back into it. I hope coaching will be my passion now," he said.

Glasgow flanker John Barclay is free to play after a Scottish Rugby Union disciplinary panel elected not to impose a ban for stamping following the Warriors' Magners League win over Leinster last weekend. While the panel upheld the citing, the offence was not deemed to be worthy of a red card and there for no sanction was imposed.

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