Rugby Union Today: Taniela Tupou defends Samu Kerevi
Another busy day in the rugby union game as Australia prop Taniela Tupou leapt to the defence of team-mate Samu Kerevi over the continuing Israel Folau saga.
What’s on the site
Australia’s Taniela Tupou says that Rugby Australia “might as well” sack him and other Pacific Island players. Samu Kerevi posted a message around Easter which contained a passage from the Bible, but felt the need to apologise after some saw that as supporting Israel Folau. Tupou has defended Kerevi but has since the deleted the comments he made on Facebook.
Elsewhere and certainly more rugby-related, check out this excellent try from a schoolboy match in South Africa. A hooker receives the ball out wide and sprints 60 metres to touch down, and it is our Video of the Week.
What’s in the news
The main stories come from the Crusaders as Sam Whitelock signed a new four-year contract with New Zealand Rugby, while Kieran Read will play in his 150th Super Rugby match when he faces the Sharks on Friday.
Continuing in the southern hemisphere and wings Cornal Hendricks and Rosko Specman have returned to the Bulls starting XV for their game against the Waratahs this weekend.
Finally, Northampton Saints have announced that long-time servant Ken Pisi will depart the club. The Samoan international has enjoyed seven successful years at the Midlanders and was a significant part of the superb 2013/14 season where they claimed the Premiership and Challenge Cup.
What’s on social media
With Sam Whitelock signing a new deal, it is a good opportunity to look back at this stunning individual try for the Crusaders against the Reds in Super Rugby.
To celebrate the re-signing of Sam Whitelock until 2023, we take you back to this ripper of a try he scored for @crusadersrugby in 2015! pic.twitter.com/oTAI5d0Srw
— Super Rugby NZ (@SuperRugbyNZ) April 30, 2019
What’s on TV
The Premiership reaches its penultimate round and BT Sport have the action. They’ll televise the big clash between Saracens and Exeter Chiefs, while they also have Harlequins v Leicester and Bath v Wasps.
In the PRO14, they are at the play-off stage of the competition and Premier Sports have the ‘quarter-final’ games as Munster host Benetton and Connacht visit Ulster.
Finally, Sky Sports will broadcast all the Super Rugby matches, which starts with the Crusaders looking to continue their fine form when they face the Sharks in Christchurch.