The News Review:
- Alix Popham is new captain of Brive
- Scotland lock Hines in Leinster squad
- Perpignan to target Heineken Cup quarter-final in Barcelona
Alix Popham is new captain of Brive
Walesnline
The Wales No 8 who is in his second year in the Top 14 will skipper the club on their return to Heineken Cup rugby. And Popham 29 is expected to lead his side against Montpellier in the French championship this weekend. “It is a massive honour for me and I was pretty shocked to get the job” said former Newport and Scarlets powerhouse Popham. “The club has a massive history they’ve been European champions and have been finalists twice in the Heineken Cup. “So to be asked to be captain for our first season back in the European Cup is really special.
Scotland lock Hines in Leinster squad
RTE.ie
Scotland international lock Nathan Hines has signed a two-year deal with the Heineken Cup champions and he arrives from Perpignan where his form prompted a call up to the recent British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa. Hines will be joined by Ireland tight-head prop Mike Ross (Harlequins) and Australian back Shaun Berne (Bath) who have each agreed two year deals with the province. Hooker Richardt Strauss 23 has also agreed a deal with the province and joins from the Cheetahs. The quartet will join Ireland international scrum-half Eoin Reddan who had previously signed a three-year deal from London Wasps. Meanwhile scrum-half Paul ‘Donoghue who made four senior appearances last season and hooker Jason Harris-Wright have both been awarded their first professional contracts and are the latest graduates from the Leinster Academy.
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Perpignan to target Heineken Cup quarter-final in Barcelona
European Rugby Cup
The Catalan club ended a 44 year-gap by lifting the “Bouclier de Brennus” last season and have now set their sight on European success. Speaking to Midi lympique Perpignan’s chairman Paul Goze said USAP were looking forward to a thrilling European campaign this season:“Last season we won the TP 14 range and I think the club is getting mentally stronger. If we qualify for the Heineken Cup quarter-final or semi-finals we might be able to host a game in Barcelona. In the South of Catalan region people are very interested in the Heineken Cup in particular because of their soccer culture and the importance placed in the European Cups said the chairman.
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