A roundup of today's other rugby news
Shaw to shore up England pack for All Blacks clash
WASPS DUO Simon Shaw and Paul Sackey and Bath prop David Flatman have been added to the England training squad for Saturdays international against New Zealand.
Lock Shaw, who has won more than 50 international caps, was outstanding during the Lions tour to South Africa this year but missed Englands matches against Australia and Argentina this month through a foot injury.
The 36-year-old will be joined in the squad by club mate Sackey, who was also initially ruled out of the November games as he regained fitness from the broken leg he suffered playing for England in the Six Nations.
Flatman will provide front row cover as manager Martin Johnson deals with an unprecedented injury list, particularly among his forwards.
Habana cited for alleged kick
SOUTH AFRICA winger Bryan Habana has been cited for kicking an opponent during the defeat by France on Friday, the Six Nations disciplinary committee said yesterday.
Habana will appear at an International Rugby Board disciplinary hearing tomorrow.
South Africa face Italy this weekend before completing their November internationals against Ireland the following weekend.
Entire professional staff let go
JAPANS YAMAHA Jubilo club will release their entire professional playing staff as part of cost-cutting measures by owners Yamaha Motors. Jubilo said that all 17 professionals, including nine foreign players, would be let go and the team would be made up solely of company employees from next April.
Japan international players such as prop Ryo Yamamura and fullback Ayumu Goromaru among the teams eight local professional will be given the option of switching to a corporate contract. The future of the clubs five New Zealand-born players, including former All Blacks captain Reuben Thorne, was also thrown into doubt following Yamahas decision.
Gatland set to call up Davies
WALES COACH Warren Gatland looks set to summon exciting Scarlets midfield prospect Jonathan Davies for next Saturday’s Test match against Argentina.
The 21-year-old can expect a call when Gatland names his team today as he is in pole position to replace experienced Cardiff centre Tom Shanklin.
Shanklin, who should be fit for Wales’ autumn finale against Australia later this month, suffered a small fracture to a bone in his nose during the laboured 17-13 victory over Samoa last Friday.
He was hurt following a collision with his Wales team-mate Gethin Jenkins, which meant Davies replacing him in the second half.
One option for Gatland would be to switch James Hook from full-back into midfield alongside Jamie Roberts. But Hook has proved a success in the number 15 shirt, while Davies impressed through some powerful attacking moments during the Samoa clash.
Morahan joins Wallaby squad
QUEENSLAND REDS teenager Luke Morahan has received a surprise call-up to join Australia for the final two legs of their November tour in Scotland and Wales.
Morahan, 19, departed Brisbane last night en route to Edinburgh for Sunday’s Test against Scotland at Murrayfield to provide cover for former skipper Stirling Mortlock who failed to join the squad due to a calf strain.
The talented utility player is now likely to make his Wallabies debut in the midweek match against Cardiff next Wednesday.
“I’m still in a bit of shock but my dad (Peter) is over the moon. I think he was more excited than I was,” Morahan said.
Morahan was a regular on the World Series Sevens circuit in 2008-2009, playing at the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Dubai in March before earning his debut for the Reds on the wing during this year’s Super 14.
