Here are the latest rugby headlines on Tuesday, June 13.
Ex-England prop Paul Rendall dies aged 69 after MND battle
By PA Sport Staff
Former England prop Paul Rendall has died aged 69 following a battle with motor neurone disease. Rendall won 28 caps in a Test career lasting from 1984 to 1991, playing his final game in a World Cup pool match against Italy, after which he was struck down by an Achilles injury.
Nicknamed 'The Judge' because of his role as fines master when on tour, the loosehead came to international rugby late after making his debut against Wales as a 30-year-old. He played in a fearsome front row completed by Brian Moore and Jeff Probyn before being squeezed out by the emergence of Jason Leonard.
"We lost Paul Rendall 'The Judge' today," said Rendall's last England captain Will Carling on Twitter. "The man quietly taught a young captain the importance of enjoying life! He was a master. He was also genuine, kind, loyal and tough. A lovely man."
The Wasps stalwart, who went on to become head coach and director of rugby at Bracknell RFC, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease last year.
Disgraced Springbok returns
Disgraced South Africa international Aphiwe Dyantyi has signed for United Rugby Championship side Sharks shortly before the end of his four-year doping ban.
The 2018 World Rugby breakthrough player of the year, who scored six tries in 13 Tests for South Africa in 2018, tested positive for multiple anabolic steroids in 2019. He denied any wrongdoing and said the banned substances were ingested by accident but was dealt a four-year suspension.
The 28-year-old winger will become eligible to play for the Sharks from August. He said of joining his new club: "More than anything, I'm just excited to be back. I just trust that everyone is as excited as I am to see what I can do. I only promise to give my best for the jersey."
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Sale Sharks academy player killed
Sale Sharks have paid tribute to an academy player who died after being hit by a car in Newcastle on Friday evening. Liam O'Connor had just completed his second year of studies at Newcastle University.
A statement from Sale Sharks read: "It is with great sadness that Sale Sharks announce the passing of DPP and Junior Academy player Liam O’Connor. Tragically, a car hit Liam late on Friday evening in Newcastle. Liam had just completed his second year at Newcastle University.
"Liam played for many years in the Heaton Moor M&J Section following on to represent their colts alongside their senior team before heading off to Newcastle University to pursue his dreams of working in the field of medicine.
"Liam won the Heaton Moor player of the season award on multiple occasions and was a consistent match winner for the age group he represented. Liam studied at St Ambrose School and played for the 1st XV; he played every representative age group for Lancashire from U13s through to U18s before joining the Sale Sharks Developing Players Programme and then Sharks’ Junior Academy. His excellent rugby career started at Didsbury Toc H, before moving to Heaton Moor, Lancashire and Sale Sharks. During his two years at university he represented Newcastle Medics. Every one of those teams and its players had a true star and warrior in their team.
"Liam epitomised the spirit of rugby union, and always made his parents and team mates proud of his achievements. Everyone at Sale Sharks is completely heartbroken and our thoughts turn to Liam’s family, Joan, Mike, Sean, and Kathleen. Rest in Peace Liam, from all at Sale Sharks."
Ealing 'excited' by Lloyd Williams signing
English Championship side Ealing are "excited" about the signing of Wales scrum-half Lloyd Williams from Cardiff.
The 33-year-old ends a 13-year career at Cardiff Arms Park which has seen him turn out for the side on 260 occasions, a record for the club in the professional era. He has also won 32 caps for Wales and was part of World Cup squads in 2011 and 2015.
His move to the club was first trailed by WalesOnline in April.
Williams said of joining the Ealing set-up: "I’m really excited to be making the move over to Ealing Trailfinders. After such a long time at one club, when the opportunity arose to test myself in a different league and a new environment, it was one I was keen to take."
Director of Rugby Ben Ward said: “The signing of Lloyd hugely exciting for all of us at the club. I’ve admired him and his style of play for some time, and I’m confident he should slot in well with how we want to play.”
The club's confirmation of signing Williams comes a day after it revealed it had signed prop Brad Thyer from Cardiff.
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