Cunningham injury blow for Saints
Rugby story by sport.co.uk, Fri, 03 Jul 2009 09:23:02GMT

St Helens hooker Keiron Cunningham has been ruled out for up to four weeks after picking up a knee injury in the Celtic Crusaders game.He will now have minor surgery in order to be fit in time for the Carnegie Challenge Cup semi-final against Huddersfield Giants on 9th August. "Hell probably be out for three or four weeks," confirmed coach Mick Potter. "Hes been just about ever present apart from one and has really done the hard minutes, starting the games, showing what...

Lions Interview: Tom Rees
Rugby story by sport.co.uk, Fri, 03 Jul 2009 09:19:33GMT

Sport.co.uk caught up with the Wasps and England flanker as he rests up after another tough season. nbsp; So Tom, how are you? nbsp; Itrsquo;s holiday, so Irsquo;m fairly wound-down, thank you! nbsp; Whorsquo;s impressed you on the Lions tour so far? And how do you see it panning out? nbsp; Itrsquo;s been enjoyable to see how the guys have got on. Sometimes people forget that, although theyrsquo;re all great players, theyrsquo;ve been thrown together at the last minute and the weight of expectation on their shoulders is pretty...

Ten changes for Springboks
Rugby story by sport.co.uk, Fri, 03 Jul 2009 09:19:32GMT

South Africa have made ten changes to their team for Saturdays third and final Test against the British and Irish Lions.Scrum-half Fourie du Preez, flanker Juan Smith, lock Victor Matfield and props Tendai Mtawarira and John Smit are the only surviving members of the side that defeated the Lions 28-25 last weekend in Pretoria to wrap up a 2-0 series win. Suspended duo Bakkies Botha and Schalk Burger have been replaced by lock Johann Muller and flanker Heinrich Brussow respectively. Meanwhile, fly-half Morne...

Lions make eight changes
Rugby story by sport.co.uk, Fri, 03 Jul 2009 09:19:31GMT

Ian McGeechan has made eight changes to his British Irish Lions side for Saturdays third and final Test against South Africa.With the series already over following two narrow defeats in Durban and Pretoria, McGeechan has decided to ring the changes for the final game in Johannesburg. World Player of the Year Shane Williams has been handed a first Test start instead of Luke Fitzgerald on the wing, while Ugo Monye returns to the opposite flank. Tommy Bowe and Riki Flutey will form...

Lauaki gets work permit
Rugby story by sport.co.uk, Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:46:50GMT

Hull FC have finally been granted a work permit for Hame Lauaki, after signing the New Zealand Warrior in February.The work permit application had been delayed as the 25-year-old forward had to prove he could speak English, despite living in New Zealand for the last 20 years. "This has been a long and frustrating process, however our patience has been rewarded and we are all excited about welcoming Hame into our squad," said Hull FC Chief Executive James Rule...

Springboks eye whitewash
Rugby story by sport.co.uk, Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:43:20GMT

South Africas assistant coach Dick Muir has promised that the Springboks will field their strongest possible team against the British Irish Lions in Saturdays third Test in Johannesburg.Two narrow victories in the first two Tests have ensured that the series is already won, but Muir is keen to complete a 3-0 whitewash. He said in the build-up to the game: "Obviously well be taking a couple of things into consideration. "Its been a long year and we have a tough Tri-Nations ahead...

Errant Tuqiri in more hot water
Rugby story by sport.co.uk, Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:43:19GMT

The Australian Rugby Union has terminated Lote Tuqiris contract with immediate effect.The 29-year-old winger has courted controversy in the past but it is unclear why he has been sacked, although the ARU were investigating a possible breach of the players code of conduct. "The employment contract of Lote Tuqiri has been terminated effective today," said an ARU statement. "ARU has treated this issue as a standard employment matter. "The ARU will not make any further comment on the matter as it may be the...

Which Lions have roared?
Rugby story by sport.co.uk, Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:43:18GMT

As the British amp; Irish Lions prepare for the dead rubber test match against the Springboks, the post-mortems have already started back at home. Despite a third consecutive series defeat against the southern hemisphere super-powers of world rugby, a number of the Lions players can return home knowing that their stock has increased. Sport.co.uk takes a look at those players which have roared for the Lions and those who will return with more questions than answers. Roared! Jamie Roberts: Roberts was already a...

Horsman forced to call it a day
Rugby story by sport.co.uk, Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:43:17GMT

Worcester Warriors prop Chris Horsman has been forced to retire from the game after enduring an injury-ravaged two seasons. The former Wales international has been told to quit on medical grounds after suffering a serious neck injury. "The news that Chris Horsman has been advised to retire from professional rugby hasnt been unexpected," said Worcesters director of rugby, Mike Ruddock. "Even though Chris made a huge effort to come through this latest setback, the injury is of the type and magnitude that will prevent...

De Villiers apologises for Burger defence
Rugby story by sport.co.uk, Wed, 01 Jul 2009 08:57:12GMT

South Africa coach Peter De Villiers has apologised for his comments that appeared to condone Shalk Burgers eye gouge on Luke Fitzgerald in Saturdays second test in Pretoria. Burger was sin-binned within the first minute for his attack on the Irish wing.The flanker has since been given an eight-week ban, but his coach had already launched two astonishing defences on behalf of the Springbok. "I dont believe it was a card at all," stated De Villiers immediately after the game, which South...