Warriors recruit Bain to help plug the Gray gap

GLASGOW have bolstered their lock options to ease the loss of Jonny Gray joining Exeter. Former Scotland U20s lock Hamish Bain, 22, is on his way to the Warriors after a spell in the third tier of French rugby with Stade Nicois.

Australia Sevens star Ben O’Donnell will leave his globetrotting exploits behind to play for Connacht next season. O’Donnell reunites with Connacht boss Andy Friend who gave him his debut in Sevens in 2017.

Friend has also concluded an agreement with dualcode No.8 Abraham Papali’i from Bay of Plenty.

The Waratahs confirmed

TRP’s report on March 8 revealing London Irish hooker Dave Porecki would be on his way to Sydney following four years in the Premiership with spells at Saracens and the Exiles.

Rob Baxter has raided Porecki’s former club Manly Marlins to capture the talents of young fly-half Jack Walsh.

The 20-year-old, who is eligible to play for England, came through the academy at the Waratahs and was encouraged to move to Exeter by former Chief Nic White. In the Championship, Doncaster have welcomed two new arrivals this week in Nottingham winger Jack Spittle and loan signing Jack Rouse from Ealing.

Spittle, named in TRP’s Championship Team of the Season, scored ten tries in 14 appearances for the Green and Whites last season.

Back rower Rouse starred for Exeter University in their back-to-back BUCS Super Rugby titles, earning England Students honours.

Bruising Tongan international David Halaifonua has agreed a one-year contract at London Scottish, but Exiles prop Kyle Whyte has joined Ealing and utility back Dan Barnes has joined Jersey.