News in Brief
Walker confirms Warriors switch
Willie Walker had a successful loan spell with the Warriors during the last Premiership season
© Getty Images
- Worcester Warriors have confirmed the signing of Willie Walker on a two-year contract.
The 30-year-old fly-half, who joined Warriors for a successful three-month loan period at the end of the 2008-09 season, has signed a deal that will keep him at Sixways Stadium until at least 2011.
The rormer Gloucester No.10, who will be an English qualified player next season under residency rules, played nine games on loan for Warriors last season and produced many match winning displays as he scored 74 points, including a try against Guinness Premiership finalists London Irish.
"We are convinced that Willie will add something extra to our squad and his reputation as a quality front line goal kicker also adds to the significance of this signing," said Director of Rugby Mike Ruddock.
- Japan have retained the Asian Five Nations crown following a thumping 80-9 victory over South Korea. In Saturday's other match, Hong Kong thrashed Singapore 64-6.
- Chris Gibbes has been appointed head coach of the Waikato 2009 New Zealand Cup team following the departure of Tony Hanks to Guinness Premiership club Wasps.
Gibbes, 36, was Hanks' assistant coach last season and was assistant coach of the Japanese national team at the 2007 Rugby World Cup. Scott McLeod, who is currently skills coach with the Chiefs and last year was skills coach with the Waikato team, is appointed assistant to Gibbes.
Waikato Rugby Union chief executive Graham Bowen said, "Chris is a through and through Waikato man, who epitomises the traditions of Waikato Rugby. He is passionate about the union and demonstrates this on a daily basis having worked closely with a number of players, coaches and managers in the province."
- Scotland international fly-half Dan Parks has been handed an 18-month driving ban after being caught driving while more than three times the alcohol limit.
- Saracens lock Hugh Vyvyan has signed a two-year contract extension with the club. Vyvyan, 32, has made 135 appearances for Sarries since joining the club from Newcastle five seasons ago. The club also announced that scrum-half Mickey Wilson, 20, is to leave the club after signing a deal with Italian side Viadana.
© Scrum.com
1. Max Verstappen ()
