News in Brief
Soweto clash confirmed as a sell-out
Johannesburg's National Stadium is a sell-out for the Tri-Nations clash between South Africa and New Zealand
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- The Tri-Nations clash between South Africa and New Zealand at Johannesburg's National Stadium has been officially sold out.
The Golden Lions Rugby Union have announced that all available tickets for the game on August 21 have been sold and as a result nearly 90,000 fans will pack the Soweto-based stadium, formerly known as Soccer City.
The match is set to attract 88,791 supporters, making it the largest attendance for a Springbok Test since 1955, should all ticket-holders attend. The game will be the first rugby match played at the stadium purpose-built for the recent FIFA World Cup.
- Sale's Lee Thomas has agreed a switch to french ProD2 side Lyon. The 26-year-old former Celtic Warriors and Cardiff Blues centre joined the Sharks in 2006 having captained Wales at all levels up to Under 21. Lyon finished second in France's Pro Division Two last season, missing out on a place in the Top 14 in a 32-26 final defeat by La Rochelle.
- Northland rugby coach Bryce Woodward wasn't given an interview for the Highlanders head coaching position despite being the only person to publicly confirm he had applied for the vacant Super 14 role.
The shunning of Woodward further confirms Wellington coach Jamie Joseph is the front-runner for the position although an anncouncement on the man to replace Glenn Moore was expected more than a week ago, suggesting former All Blacks flanker Joseph is still considering his future. Under New Zealand Rugby Union guidelines, Joseph must forego his role with Wellington, although he may be negotiating to stay on for a period after the province starts its national provincial championship campaign.
- Heart issues have returned to dog rising centre Robbie Fruean, who has been ruled out of Canterbury's national provincial championship opening match against Hawke's Bay in Christchurch on Friday.
Of concern is an irregular heart beat (arrhythmia) identified by medical staff when assessing Freuan on Monday. He has been observed at Christchurch Hospital and will continue to be monitored before returning to rugby. Two years ago, soon after helping New Zealand win the under-19 world title, Fruean was diagnosed with rheumatic fever and a life-threatening heart condition. He had a new heart valve attached that enabled him to continue breathing and, miraculously, return to playing rugby.
- Edinburgh have appointed Roddy Grant as their captain for the 2010/2011 season.
The 23-year-old flanker, who only joined the capital club on a full-time basis last summer, will lead the side in their forthcoming Magners League and Heineken Cup campaigns. The Scotland A international skippered the team in the final two matches of last season, against Ulster and Leinster, and impressed sufficiently to convince head coach Rob Moffat to offer him the role on a permanent basis.
He said: "This is a proud day and a massively exciting opportunity for me. It's an honour just to be an Edinburgh player, so to be named captain is one of the best things that's ever happened to me."
© Scrum.com
1. Max Verstappen ()
