Scottish Rugby is seeking a ‘Head of Philanthropy’, to help develop a new established Scottish Rugby Foundation.. The job advert states that the role entails “securing major gifts and funding, strengthening donor relationships, and shaping a compelling case for investment in the development of rugby in Scotland.” Applications for the post, which carries a salary of £55,000-£65,000, close on 28 April – details HERE
International lock, Jamie Hodgson, is being linked with a move to the Australian side, Western Force. The 28-year-old joined Newcastle Falcons – now Red Bulls – on a one-year deal last August after being released by Edinburgh. The move for Hodgson, who has five Scotland caps to his credit, was mooted in an article in the Daily Mail.
Edinburgh centre, James Lang, used social media to announce that he will leave Edinburgh at the end of the season. The centre is currently recovering from an ankle injury that means he has now played his last game for the capital team. The 31-year-old, who has been capped six times by Scotland, joined Edinburgh from Harlequins five years ago.
Dave Rennie’s Kobe Steelers side trimmed the gap at the top of Japan Rugby League One when they beat Toyota Verblitz 38-24. The result, which yielded a four-try bonus point, leaves Steelers a point behind pacesetters, Saitama Wild Knights. It means the former Glasgow Warriors head coach and his assistants, Mike Blair and Pete Murchie, remain in the hunt to sign off with a title success before all moving to new jobs in the summer.
Finn Russell has become the latest rugby player to sign up with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Talent Agency. The 92 times capped Scotland stand-off joins England flanker, Henry Pollock, at the agency, which plans to increase the number of players on its books ahead of next year’s World Cup. Hearn will work with Russell’s agent, Matt Hart, to manage the player’s off-field interests.
Finn Russell demonstrated life is not all about big business deals when he interrupted his warm-up for Bath’s match against Harlequins to delight two young fans by sharing his sweets:
Owners of the Moana Pasifika Super Rugby franchise announced that the team will disband at the end of the season. The decision to close down the Auckland-based outfit means the competition will be reduced to 10 sides after Melbourne Rebels suffered a similar fate two years ago. A statement from Moana Pasifika management pointed to financial, operational and strategic issues. The franchise has struggled build a fan base and has also failed to attract commercial sponsors.
Hollie Davidson became the first female to take charge of a French Top 14 match when she refereed the derby match between Clermont Auvergne and Lyon on Saturday, a clash which was tetchy at times and ended in a 41-23 win for Clermont.