NEWS IN BRIEF
Ellis to take Japanese interlude
Andy Ellis has been granted permission to play one season in Japan before returning to join the Crusaders in 2015. Ellis, who has 26 All Black caps, said: “This is certainly not a sign of my playing days in New Zealand coming to an end, I am just fortunate to have the ability to play rugby in Japan, which is something I’ve always wanted to do, and then return home to continue with the Crusaders.”
Ellis said he was particularly keen to play for the Kobelco Steelers having spent time in Kobe in the past when his parents lived and worked there for three years.
Toulon want to retire No 10 shirt
Toulon have reportedly asked the French League for permission to retire their No 10 shirt. The club have made the gesture to honour long- serving first- five Jonny Wilkinson who played his last game in May. Wilkinson was instrumental in transforming Toulon into back- to- back Heineken Cup champions. The club hasn’t revealed what number it would use instead of No 10 if granted permission.
Fiji cook up a win
Fiji have secured their place at the 2015 World Cup with a comprehensive victory against the Cook Islands. The Fijians will take their place in Pool A alongside Wales, Australia and England after beating the Cook Islands 108- 6. The game had been well balanced at 6- 5 to the Cooks after 27 minutes but the Fijians cut loose in the final 50 minutes.
Boks without du Preez
The Springboks are going to have to get through the Rugby Championship without inspirational halfback Fourie du Preez whose ankle needs more complicated surgery. The 32- year- old required surgery on his ankle in June but when doctors opened him up, they found the damage was more extensive than they realised and suggested du Preez will be out for at least six months.
Kiwis on the Move
Former Blues first- five Stephen Brett has left Bayonne for Lyon Former All Black Bryn Evans has left London Irish for Biarritz Former All Black Casey Laulala has left Munster for Racing Metro Blues lock Tom Donnelly has signed a oneyear deal with Montpellier Highlanders midfielder Phil Burleigh has signed with Edinburgh Highlanders prop Chris King has signed with Montpellier Utility back Tamati Ellison has extended his contract with the Melbourne Rebels Jason Woodward is leaving the Melbourne Rebels to join the Hurricanes Chiefs flanker Tanerau Latimer is leaving the Chiefs for Toshiba in Japan.