That was the month that was: August 2021

Title triumph for ex-Warriors

Former Glasgow Warriors trio Glenn Bryce,, DTH van der Merwe and Adam Ashe celebrated Major League Rugby success with LA Gilitinis, after the Los Angeles-based outfit posted a 31-17 win over ATL in the title decider. Bryce and Ashe were not involved in the final, but played their part in the regular campaign. It was an impressive outcome for Gilitnis, who were contesting the competition for the first time. Meanwhile, ex-Edinburgh man Dougie Fife was named ‘Back of the Year’ by his club, New England Free Jacks.

It’s Montauban for Matawala

Former Glasgow Warriors favourite Niko Matawalu will spend the coming months in France after signing with Montauban as medical cover. The 32-year-old will stand in at the second tier outfit for the injured Anthony Meric who rejoined the club from Toulon in the summer.

Covid hits Hong Kong Sevens

Organisers of the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens 2021, scheduled for 5-7 November, have cancelled the tournament because of health concerns resulting from Covid-19. However, as vaccination rates accelerate around the world, there is optimism that the competition will return to the rugby calendar next April.

Rob returns to his roots

Former Leinster and Ireland full-back Rob Kearney returned to his Gaelic football roots when he played for Cooley Kickhams, the club he represented before embarking on a rugby career that saw him win 95 international caps. He recently rejoined Kickhams after a spell in Australia with Western Force. However, it was a disappointing return for the 35-year-old, as Kickhams lost to Newtown Blues.

Nigel Carolan ready for a fresh challenge at Glasgow Warriors

Super6 round five: TOL team-of-the-week

Edinburgh sign Australian prop Harry Lloyd on short-term deal until December

Dalgliesh blossoms as a coach

Former Scotland scrum-half Louise Dalgliesh has been appointed assistant coach to the Japan women’s team, the Cherry Blossoms. The 40-year-old, who was capped 62 times and featured in two World Cups, will work alongside head coach Lesley McKenzie, who represented Canada as a player.

Canadians react to Cudmore comment

Jamie Cudmore was sacked by Rugby Canada after posting comments on social media that were critical of the Canadian women’s sevens team which competed at the Tokyo Olympics. Canada travelled to Tokyo hoping to repeat the bronze medal they had won in Rio. However, defeats against Fiji and France ended any hopes of success. Charity Williams, a member of the team, stated that players had suffered hatred, harassment and bullying. Cudmore, who was a coach with Canada and its rugby development academy, apologised and said he was ashamed and embarrassed by his comments.

Dan’s the man for Scottish

Former Edinburgh scrum-half Dan Nutton is the latest player to join London Scottish from the pro ranks north of the border. Last October, the 24-year-old progressed from a partnership deal with Heriot’s to a full-time contract with Edinburgh. However, the age group international was released by the Murrayfield outfit and is now preparing for a Championship campaign that starts in September with a match at home to Jersey Reds.

Welsh club mourns player death

Tragedy struck Welsh rugby when Cwmllynfell flanker Alex Evans collapsed and died while playing for the club, which is based in Neath Port Talbot, in a memorial match against Crynant. Emergency services were called to the ground but were unable to revive the 31-year-old.

Cowan says sayonara to Irish

London Irish have freed Scotland international back-row Blair Cowan to allow him to join an unnamed Japanese club. The 35-year-old, who earned 18 international caps, asked for an early release from his contract. The club reluctantly acceded to his request, but acknowledged that his eight-year contribution meant he deserved favourable treatment.

Worth the wait for Muzzzio

They say that good things come to those who wait. And Argentina prop Carlos Muzzio certainly earned a reward for his patience when he made his international debut at the age of 36. Muzzio, who plays his club rugby in France with Mont de Marsan, earned his first cap when he came off the bench during the second half of a defeat against South Africa.

Swinson staying at Sarries

Tim Swinson has extended his stay at Saracens by another season The 34-year-old lock had announced his retirement after his Glasgow Warriors contract ended in the summer of 2020, but was lured back by Sarries. The 38-times capped Scot was named Players’ Player of the Season for his contribution to the club’s Greene King Championship success.

Raising a glass for Doddie

Schalk Burger senior – a former Springbok lock – has produced a wine that supports the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. The 66 year-old, father of the 2007 World Cup winning flanker who has the same name, runs the Welbedacht Estate, just outside Cape Town. Burger, who like Weir, wore the number five shirt, was asked if he would collaborate with the charity. The result is a wine featuring a blend of five grapes, with £5 from the sale of each bottle going to the fund. The label features the charity’s distinctive tartan and was designed by Henry Fraser, the former Saracens player who was paralysed at the age of 17 following a diving accident.

To find out more and purchase a bottle, click HERE

Nigel Carolan ready for a fresh challenge at Glasgow Warriors