photo © Pete Tiley / UNiCOM

13MAR09 GUINNESS PREMIERSHIP

Eddie Jones quits Saracens ...

The unhappy divorce between Eddie Jones and Saracens became final yesterday when the director of rugby parted with the club with immediate effect.

The former Australia coach had been expected to leave at the end of the season and not beforehand.

Though the club have yet to elaborate on his early departure, it is widely understood that Jones' public criticism of the Board's plans for the future lay behind the sudden decision.

Jones has already agreed a coaching role with Japanese team Suntory for next season.

The highly successful table tennis academy at Filton College in Bristol has a new player from the other side of the world.

This week the latest addition is Brazilian junior International girl Leine Agata. Leine is on a placement at the academy from her international team and is studying her English at the college. The 18 year old female player is already a highly experienced international player and able to take on the best male players at the academy.

Director of table tennis Kevin Satchell comments: "we are delighted to welcome Leine. She is an incredibly hard working player who can compete with both the boys and girls here at the academy. Her work ethic is fantastic and the established players here are really benefitting from seeing how a regular international player goes about things."

For more information on joining the Filton Table Tennis Academy contact : Kevin.satchell@filton.ac.uk

With their best performance since the 2007 World Cup, England hammered France 34-10 at Twickenham on Sunday ...

Our man Andrew Tobin was there to capture the celebrations ... MORE

07MAR09 GUINNESS PREMIERSHIP

Eddie Jones calls for help as Saracens falter at the Stoop ...

HARLEQUINS 21 - SARACENS 15

MORE

"That old familar feeling ...."

01MAR09 - BRISTOL 14 - HARLEQUINS 17

With just 4 minutes remaining on the clock Bristol looked like securing a lifeline to Premiership rugby at the Mem on Sunday ... only to have Quins England ace Ugo Monye spoil the party.

Under the direction of newly appointed Head Coach Paul Hull, Bristol found themselves leading 7-5 at half-time following a converted try from Neil Brew.

Penalty Try

Soon into the second period David Strettle put the visitors ahead but in the 73rd minute, after David Lemi was barged off the ball and awarded a penalty try, Barnes converted and Bristol were back in front.

photo [c] Gary Bray / UNiCOM

Cruelly however the lead was short lived .. a fine try from Quins Ugo Monye in injury time shattered the hopes of Bristol fans and more or less condemned the club to Nation Division One rugby next season.

After the final whistle Coach Hull commented:

"The last couple of weeks have been difficult" ... "We are very disappointed" ... "Worcester and Newcastle have turned the corner in the Premiership, which makes it difficult for us but we just look at our performance and focus on what we can do" ... "We want to finish the season with a couple of wins under our belts. We can still try to grind out some wins."

HAS HILL QUIT? ...

20FEB09

Richard Hill is believed to have relinquished his position as Bristol Rugby Head Coach in favour of Assistant Coach Paul Hull.

Hill, who has already been linked with a move to French side Montauban, was not present at Friday evening's 32-13 defeat at the hands of Sale Sharks.

The win moves the Sharks to top slot in the Guinness Premiership whilst Bristol remain firmly rooted to the bottom position.

10FEB09

Despite words of denial from both player and club alike, French rugby pundits are adamant that Bristol captain Joe El Abd has already agreed terms for a move to RC Toulon next season.

It is understood that contract completion is subject only to El Abd passing a fitness test after the bicep injury that has kept him out of the game over recent weeks has healed.

Brave and Fearless

El Abd made a lasting impression on the Toulon coaching staff during Bristol's 39-11 ECC trouncing of Toulon last October. Describing him as a brave and fearless player, and "one that doesn't take prisioners", French sources claim he's just what they need right now .

After spells with Bath and Caerphilly, the 29 year old flanker joined Bristol in 2003 and has made over 100 appearances for the club to date. His younger brother, Adam El Abd, is a professional footballer with Brighton and Hove Albion.

In the meantime, speculation continues to grow that Bristol's Jason Hobson is also looking for pastures new.

He is rumored to have been offered a tight head position at The Rec' following the drugs related suspension of Bath Rugby's Matt Stevens.

Kevin Maggs Out

Amidst all of the 'street talk' surrounding the future fate of many a Bristol player, there is however no doubt as to that of Bristolian Kevin Maggs. [above]

Bristol Rugby have today confirmed that centre and former Irish international has left the club by mutual agreement.

With both 1999 and 2003 World Cup caps to his credit, Maggs has had two spells at Bristol during his playing career having originally made his debut in the 1993-4 season.

Bristol Rugby CEO Steve Gorvett today paid tribute to Maggs:

"Kevin is a Bristolian through and through. He started out at the club as a youngster and went on to have a marvellous international career. We wish Kevin and his family all the very best for the future."