Despite the cancellation and postponements of the rugby union season there is still plenty of activity behind the scenes and Last Word brings you all the latest contract news from the past week.
Sam Parry
The versatile hooker has announced an extra year extension to his tenure at the Ospreys, which will take him to seven seasons at the region. He’s made a name for himself by becoming a versatile and agile, try-scoring hooker.
“I’m glad to have extended my time here at the Ospreys for another season.” said Parry.
“It’s been well-documented that this past season with the Ospreys has been a tough and frustrating year with results not going our way but with all the hard work that is being put in from the boys I’m excited to see where we can go as group.”
Brok Harris
Experienced rugby union prop Brok Harris has signed a new contract to extend his time with Dragons into a seventh season.
The South African front rower joined the region in 2014 and has gone on to make 122 appearances for the Men of Gwent, scoring two tries.
Dean Ryan, Director of Dragons Rugby, said: “Brok is a key member of our group and a senior player who leads by example and is a role model for our younger players.
“He works incredibly hard in the environment and is passionate about our region and helping the group improve.”
Harris is the latest member of the pack to sign new terms with the likes of Ross Moriarty, Ollie Griffiths, Aaron Jarvis, Taine Basham and Huw Taylor all agreeing contract extensions.
“I’m really pleased to re-sign and continue my journey with Dragons,” said Harris.
“The region has become a true home for me and my family over the last six seasons.”
Sean Lonsdale
Back-five forward Sean Lonsdale joins a growing list of current Sandy Park stars to put pen to paper on new terms with the current Gallagher Premiership leaders.
Signed in 2016 from Welsh outfit, RGC 1404, the 22-year-old enjoyed loan spells with Taunton and Plymouth Albion before making his Chiefs debut in an Anglo-Welsh Cup tie away to Worcester Warriors in January 2018. Since then, Lonsdale has made 31 appearances for the Devon club, scoring three tries in the process.
News that the talented young forward is hanging about is another huge positive for Baxter, the Chiefs’ Director of Rugby, who has now got the majority of this season’s squad all on board for the 2020/21 campaign.
“Sean is one of those stories you really like, rugby-wise,” said Baxter. “He kind of came as an academy player, although he didn’t actually come through our academy. He took a chance by leaving Wales and investing in that change of rugby environment.
“He came to us and bought into what we wanted to do, almost as an academy player. He’s done his time, so to speak, and has comes through a revered time and played in some big games for us.”
Marco Mama
Worcester Warriors’ back-row forward Marco Mama has become the 18th member of the current squad to commit his future to the club.
Mama, 29, has signed a one-year extension to his contract having bravely battled his way back to fitness from a career-threatening injury last year.
“I’m delighted to have signed a new contract at what is an exciting time for the club,” Mama said.
“We have some excellent talent in the squad and we have shown in recent months that we can retain our best players. Alan Solomons has always stated that his intention is to develop the club around a core of homegrown players”
Aled Walters
Leicester Tigers will welcome Aled Walters to the club ahead of the 2020/21 season as Head of Physical Performance.
Walters joins Tigers from South Africa, where he has been the Head of Athletic Performance at SA Rugby Union since 2018 and played a key role in the Springboks’ 2019 Rugby World Cup win.
He spent four seasons with the Scarlets before stints at Taranaki and then the Brumbies in Super Rugby. In 2012, Walters joined Munster Rugby ahead of being recruited by the Springboks.
Mhairi Grieve
The 26-year-old, who has represented Scotland Women 18 times to date, previously played Sevens for her country before transferring to the XV game. Grieve, who already has a wealth of experience within the Tyrrells Premier 15s, has plied her trade at Firwood Waterloo Ladies over the past three seasons, previously playing at Edinburgh University and RHS Cougars RFC.
Darren Lamon, Head of Women’s Rugby at Sale Sharks, was exceptionally pleased to secure the club’s third International signing ahead of the forthcoming Tyrrells Premier 15s Season.
He said: “It’s superb to be able to announce another high-quality addition to our squad in Mhairi. She is an experienced operator at scrum-half within the women’s game which is evidenced by her International and Premier 15s pedigree.”
Huw Taylor
Welsh-qualified Taylor – who can operate in the back row and at lock – joined the region in 2018 from Worcester Warriors and has made 25 appearances for Dragons, scoring one try.
Dean Ryan, Director of Dragons Rugby, said: “Huw is hard-working and very consistent.
“He is fully committed to helping us achieve our long-term aspirations and enjoys working hard in an environment where he can develop as a player.”
Warriors’ coaching team
Worcester Warriors’ Director of Rugby Alan Solomons has finalised his coaching team for the 2020/21 season with Defence Coach Omar Mouneimne and Head of Performance Johan Pretorius both signing contract extensions. Mark Irish also links up with the Warriors.
Mark Mapletoft
After a decade in the Quarters, academy coach Mark Mapletoft will leave Harlequins at the end of the 2019/20 season. First joining the Club under former Director of Rugby Conor O’Shea in 2010, a ten-year tenure with Harlequins has seen the former England fly-half hold the roles of Attack Coach, Backs Coach and Head Coach, before taking up his current title of Academy Coach in July of last year.
Welsh Premiership exclusive
Last Word has also had an exclusive, covering two transfers in the Indigo Group Welsh Premiership.
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