Here are your rugby evening headlines for Thursday, June 8.
Quins sign Cardiff Met star
Harlequins have signed another emerging talent from Cardiff Met as they announced a deal for wing Roma Zheng.
The English club have previously looked to the Welsh university for Luke Northmore and England international Alex Dombrandt. Now Zheng, who has stood out in the BUCS Super Rugby competition, will link up with the Premiership club after completing his final year of education.
In his first two years in BUCS rugby, he crossed for 21 tries, beating 175 defender.
He said: “Getting the opportunity to be part of the Quins Academy is very exciting, and something I’ve worked really hard to achieve. It’s a huge opportunity for me and I can’t wait to start my journey and contribute to the rich history of the club.”
Danny Milton, head of men’s performance rugby at Cardiff Met, added: “We are excited for Roma and feel he has the potential to grow and develop into an outstanding rugby talent.
"It’s fantastic to see the approach Harlequins have taken to supporting Roma in finishing his academic studies whilst starting his career. We are excited to see Roma following in the footsteps of Alex and Luke and continue the strong relationship we have with Harlequins.”
Fiji name daunting World Cup training squad
New Fiji coach Simon Raiwalui has named a daunting 45-strong Rugby World Cup training squad full of world-class talent.
The likes of Semi Radradra and Seta Tamanivalu showed their skills recently in the Barbarians v World XV clash, while Raiwalui has also named 10 uncapped players in his squad.
Ahead of the World Cup campaign that begins with a crucial opening fixture against Wales in Bordeaux on September 10, Raiwalui has been able to name a wider squad that leans heavily on the Fijian Drua side that reached the Super Rugby play-offs last weekend.
Twenty-three of his squad play for the Drua, with 13 plying their trade in France. Ahead of the World Cup, Fiji will play Tests against Tonga, Samoa and Japan before further warm-ups on European soil against France and England.
“It’s a great balance of players in the team,” said Raiwalui on fijirugby.com.
“We know the different systems they play in, especially the Drua judging from the results that they have produced this year. Making the quarter-finals in their second year only makes my selection of the team a daunting exercise. All those selected from overseas or local deserve to be in the Fiji Water Flying Fijians squad.
“We are going to Taveuni which is going to be a unique experience, no five-star hotel, no luxuries, live amongst the people and connect with them. We obviously will be there for a mission but part of it is reconnecting with who we are as Fijians and why we are the Flying Fijians and what is the goal.
“The ultimate goal is the Rugby World Cup. We got Tonga first here at home and they are a well-experienced team as they got some new players this year. Then we move on to Samoa and Japan. Those matches are in our region. We have a week off and then we will fly to Europe to play France and England which are great matches to play leading into the World Cup.”
Fiji Rugby World Cup training squad
Forwards: Peni Ravai (Queensland Reds), Haereti Hetet (Fijian Drua), Eroni Mawi (Saracens), Meli Tuni* (Fijian Drua), Samuela Matavesi (Northampton), Tevita Ikanivere (Fijian Drua), Zuriel Togiatama* (Fijian Drua), Mesulame Dolokoto (Fijian Drua), Mesake Doge (Fijian Drua), Luke Tagi (Provence), Samu Tawake (Fijian Drua), Jone Koroiduadua* (Fijian Drua), Isoa Nasilasila (Fijian Drua), Apisalome Ratuniyarawa (London Irish), Temo Mayanavanua (Lyon), Albert Tuisue (Gloucester), Peceli Yato (Clermont), Lekima Tagitagivalu* (Fijian Drua), Joseva Tamani* (Fijian Drua), Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta (Fijian Drua), Levani Botia (La Rochelle), Viliame Mata (Edinburgh), Meli Derenalagi* (Fijian Drua), Vilive Miramira* (Fijian Drua), Kitione Kamikamica (Racing 92).
Backs: Frank Lomani, Simione Kuruvoli, Peni Matawalu (all Fijian Drua), Teti Tela (Fijian Drua), Caleb Muntz* (Fijian Drua), Ben Volavola (Racing 92), Josua Tuisova (Lyon), Kalaveti Ravouvou (Fijian Drua), Adrea Cocagi (Fijian Drua), Waisea Nayacalevu (Toulon), Iosefo Masi* (Fijian Drua), Seta Tamanivalu (Toshiba Brave Lupus), Vinaya Habosi (Racing 92), Jiuta Wainiqolo (Toulon), Selestino Ravutaumada* (Fijian Drua), Ilaisa Drosese (Fijian Drua), Setareki Tuicuvu (Brive), Semi Radradra (Bristol), Sireli Maqala (Bayonne), Vilimoni Botitu Castres).
*Denotes uncapped player
Ospreys hooker retires
Ospreys hooker Elvis Taione has announced his retirement from rugby.
The Tonga international joined the Ospreys back in 2021, making 16 appearances for the Welsh outfit. Before that, he had made 80 appearances for Exeter Chiefs, helping them to a first-ever Premiership title in 2017.
The 39-year-old also represented his country at two Rugby World Cups in 2011 and 2015.
“It has been an honour to play rugby at the highest level and to represent Tonga on the international stage,” said Taione in a statement.
“I have many great memories from my time in rugby and I will always cherish them.
“I have had an amazing time at the Ospreys and want to thank everyone at the club for their support and for making me feel welcome from the day I arrived.”
Ospreys head coach Toby Booth paid tribute to Taione, adding: “Vissy has quickly established himself as a popular member of the squad.”
“He’s had an impressive career, especially at international level, and we would like to wish him all the best for the future.”
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