Another busy day in the rugby union game as it was announced that England defence coach Paul Gustard would join Harlequins as head of rugby.
What’s on the site
In ‘who’s hot and who’s not,’ we discuss Owen Farrell’s fine performance for Saracens and Tevita Nabura’s shocking karate kick when catching a high ball.
Super Rugby saw a number of fine displays, with the Sunwolves and Jaguares once again catching the eye following fine victories over the Stormers and Bulls respectively.
There also highlights of the weekend’s action in Europe, where the Premiership and PRO14 finalists were decided, while Ulster qualified for next season’s Champions Cup.
What’s in the news
England have been stunned by the departure of coach Paul Gustard, who will join Harlequins as head of rugby following the Red Rose’s tour to South Africa.
Someone else that may find themselves with a new job is Jono Gibbes having been heavily linked with La Rochelle in the Top 14. That is despite the announcement in March that he would be heading home to New Zealand and taking up a role with Waikato.
Finally, in transfer news, Gerbrandt Grobler will play in the Premiership in 2018/19 having agreed a deal with Gloucester.
Latest betting odds
Did some one say free bets on Rugby?
What’s on social media
Paul Gustard’s departure from England has certainly caused debate, with many thinking that the timing – just over a year out from the World Cup – is odd, unless something has happened behind the scenes.
Here’s my two penneth.
Gustard leaving England is really weird.
You don’t take a tier one test job, just because it’s a job.
You take it to go to the RWC.
That’s the whole point of 4 year test cycles.
Something has gone wrong there.
— Paul Williams (@thepaulwilliams) May 21, 2018
What’s on TV
It is finals weekend in the Premiership and PRO14, with Exeter Chiefs facing Saracens on BT Sport and Leinster taking on the Scarlets on Sky Sports.
The Top 14 is at the last-four stage and Sky will show both matches, while they also have Round 15 of Super Rugby, which begins with Crusaders v Hurricanes. On Sunday, England will host a star-studded Barbarians as they begin their preparations for the June games.
The post Rugby Union Today: Paul Gustard to leave England role appeared first on Planet Rugby.