Wednesday’s rugby news has Jones going overseas, Lachie Turner switching clubs, Sean O’Brien injured and NZ and Ireland playing in the US.
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Luke Jones joining Top 14
Bordeaux-Bègles have announced the signing of Australia international second-row Luke Jones on a two-year deal. The 24-year-old will link up with the ambitious Top 14 side after the 2016 Super Rugby season, teaming up with two other Wallabies in centre Adam Ashley-Cooper and prop Sekope Kepu.
Jones has won three caps for the Wallabies since making his Test debut against France in June 2014. A key figure for the Rebels in 2015, Jones was one of the top five line-out operators in Super Rugby last season, with 61 catches, and one of the top ten ball carriers with 166.
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Turner switches to Premiership
Lachlan Turner has joined the Exeter Chiefs to begin a two-and-a-half year deal with Rob Baxter’s high-flying outfit. Having played predominantly with Super Rugby sides the Waratahs and Reds, the 28-year-old back last year spent time in the Top 14 with Toulon as World Cup cover.
“I’m very excited to be here,” said Turner. “Moving forward my role is just to add to that as best I can and try to continue the good work the team have done.” The former Wallaby will be joined by Dave Dennis and Greg Holmes who have both signed with Exeter for next season.
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Sean O’Brien out of 6N clash
Ireland flanker Sean O’Brien will miss their next Six Nations match against England at Twickenham due to a hamstring injury, with coach Joe Schmidt revealing on Monday that O’Brien sustained a grade two hamstring tear in the weekend defeat by France..
Winger Dave Kearney is also very doubtful for the game on February 27 with a shoulder injury and lock Mike McCarthy (concussion) and centre Jared Payne (hamstring) are also struggling to be fit. Flyhalf Johnny Sexton, however, should be available after recovering from a whiplash injury.
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Ireland v NZ in overseas match
Ireland will take on New Zealand twice in November 2016, firstly in Soldier Field, Chicago and then again at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Ireland will play New Zealand on Saturday, November 5 in a unique one-off Test match at the 61,500 seater stadium which is home to NFL outfit the Chicago Bears.
The match is part of “The Rugby Weekend” which will also see the USA Eagles take on the New Zealand Maori on Friday, November 4. “We have very fond memories of playing in Chicago in 2014,” said New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Tew. “We expect a whole new group of fans to enjoy what will be a unique showcase of top class rugby over consecutive days.”
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