News in Brief
Lamb charged with assault
Gloucester fly-half Ryan Lamb has been charged with assault
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- World rugby's biggest stars would jump at the chance to take part in the Olympics, players' chiefs have claimed. The International Rugby Players' Association (IRPA) has confirmed its support for the campaign to have the sport included in the 2016 Games.
Rugby, in the form of sevens, is competing with baseball and softball, golf, karate, squash and roller-sports for two places in programme in seven years' time. And Damian Hopley, chairman of the IRPA, which represents the world's top players, said, "The IRPA is fully committed to the International Rugby Board's vision to see rugby re-included in the Olympic Games and our players have been unanimous in their support. All of them are saying 'we'll be there' if rugby sevens is selected."
- Magners League side Cardiff Blues have confirmed the signing of Waratahs fullback Sam Norton-Knight. Norton-Knight will likely be employed at fly-half for the Blues, who are rumoured to be losing Nick Robinson at the end of the season.
Robinson's brother Jamie has also confirmed that he will join French Top 14 side Toulon on a two-year deal at the end of the season. Outside-centre Robinson has been a mainstay of the Blues setup and is currently in his testimonial year at the club. Having won 21 Wales caps during his time with his home town club Robinson is seeking a fresh challenge.
"This has been the most difficult decision I've had to make in my life so far," said Robinson.
"I'm eternally grateful for the support both Cardiff RFC and the Cardiff Blues have given me over the last 11 seasons and also the fantastic support of the fans at the Arms Park."
- Scotland prop Allan Jacobsen has undergone a successful operation on the shoulder injury which ruled him out of the rest of Scotland's Six Nations campaign. The Edinburgh prop had the surgery at the Spire Murrayfield Hospital last night and now faces up to four months of rehabilitation.
- Guinness Premiership side Newcastle have confirmed that prop David Wilson will leave the club at the end of the season. Wilson's likely destination is thought to be Bath, with his main reason for jumping ship being the presence of All Black prop Carl Hayman at Kingston Park blocking his first-team opportunities.
- Three generations from the same family, grandfather, father and son, will take to the field as scrum-half, fly-half and inside-centre representing their local rugby club, Heathfield & Waldron RFC in a local derby with Hellingly RFC this weekend.
Brian Burdett, aged 68, is the senior member of the trio and Jeremy Burdett the youngest, turning 17 on March 1. At fly-half, Brady Burdett, aged 45, is the third family member who will take to the field between his father and son.
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1. Max Verstappen ()
