RUGBYSHORTS

Graham To Head To France At End Of The Current Campaign

Newcastle Falcons flanker Gary Graham will leave the North East club at the end of the season join French side Carcassonne.

Graham joined the Falcons from Jersey in 2017 and has scored 17 tries in 95 appearances.

The 30-year-old also has four caps for Scotland, despite having been named in an England Six Nations squad in 2017.

He has signed a two-year deal with Carcassonne, who play in France’s Pro D2 league, but are in danger of relegation to the Nationale division. Meanwhile, the Falcons have this week signed hooker Corbin Thunder, who was left without a club when Wasps entered administration.

The 19-year-old has been training with the Sharks in his home city of Durban, but can play for Newcastle immediately.

“This chance at the Falcons feels like a once-in-alifetime opportunity,” he said.

Matson Delighted As Marler Extends Stay With Harlequins

England prop Joe Marler has signed a new contract to stay at Harlequins.

The 32-year-old has been with the club, who have not disclosed the length of the deal, since he joined their academy in 2009 and has made 260 appearances. He has won two Premiership titles and the 2011 Challenge Cup during his time at the Twickenham Stoop.

“I love this club, I love the fans and I love pulling on this jersey,” he said. “I feel honoured and privileged to have been able to do that for so long and, hopefully, be able to retire form the game at this wonderful club where it all started for me.”

Marler won the last of his 79 England caps against France during last season’s Six Nations Championship.

“We’re thrilled to have big Joe sign on again with us,” said head coach Tabai Matson. “He’s a tone-setter for our team and a key leader on the pitch. When Joe speaks, people tend to listen, so we’re delighted to have him continue his time with Quins.”

Hurricanes Star Cited After He Made Gesture To Louwrens

Hurricanes rugby star Ardie Savea has been cited for alleged foul play over his controversial cut-throat gesture against the Melbourne Rebels in last weekend’s Super Rugby clash.

Although the Hurricanes won, the incident was the talk of social media during and after the match at AAMI Park. The loose forward was given a yellow card for his involvement in an all-in brawl just before the break.

As he walked off, the irate No.8 gestured to half-back Ryan Louwrens, prompting team-mate Reece Hodge to complain to referee James Doleman, “he’s threatening to kill him.”

The incident, which contravened Law 9.27 regarding good sportsmanship, was captured on match footage and subsequently reviewed by the Citing Commissioner, whoi later determined the incident has met the threshold for a red card.

He will now face a SANZAAR Foul Play Review Committee, who will consider the evidens and decide an appopriate penalty, if any.

CHERRY & WHITES RECEIVE BOOST AS ACKERMANN AGREES NEW DEAL

Gloucester head coach George Skivington says he is delighted after South African forward Ruan Ackermann penned a new contract with the club.

The 27-year-old has amassed over 120 appearances for the Cherry & Whites since joining them from the Golden Lions in 2017.

“Ruan is one of the most consistent performers in the Premiership,” said Skivington. “He doesn’t always get the credit he deserves, but he’s certainly appreciated here by the club and the fans too. The back-row is an area of real strength for us and I’m looking forward to seeing him get better and better.”

Gloucester have also confirmed that England international Ben Morgan will retire at the end of the season.

The 34-year-old joined the club in 2012 from the Scarlets and has played more than 180 times for the club. He has also won 31 Test caps for England.

Bears Bring In Marmion After Uren Asks For Early Release

Bristol Bears hasve signed Ireland scrum-half Kieran Marmion for next season with Andy Uren set to join Benetton Treviso.

The 31-year-old, who has 28 caps for his country and has made 222 appearances for Connacht, played under Bears Director of Rugby Pat Lam at the Irish side, where they won the Pro 12 title in 2016.

Bristol-born Uren requested an early release from his contract to join the Italian United Rugby Championship side at the end of the the current campaign.