**Rugby Roundup: Simon Easterby Handed Driving Ban, Stuart Hogg Faces Lengthy Layoff, Les Kiss Named as Wallabies Coach, and Furbank Sidelined for Key Clash**
In what has been a turbulent 24 hours for the world of rugby, several significant developments are affecting players, coaches, and clubs across the UK and beyond. From a court-mandated driving ban for a high-profile Lions coach to devastating injury news for Scotland’s Stuart Hogg, here is the latest from the rugby scene.
Simon Easterby, currently serving as interim Ireland head coach and a member of the British & Irish Lions coaching staff for the upcoming tour, has today been banned from driving for six months. The verdict followed a hearing at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court, where it was revealed that Easterby exceeded the 70mph limit on the Bodmin dual carriageway in Cornwall last August. Living in the Vale of Glamorgan with TV presenter wife Sarra Elgan, Easterby frequently travels for both work and family commitments.
The court acknowledged Easterby’s professional and personal responsibilities, yet decided that a driving ban would not cause exceptional hardship. In addition to the ban, he has been ordered to pay a fine of £1,345 within the next week, according to the BBC. This incident arrives at a crucial time for Easterby, who recently led Ireland during an impressive Six Nations campaign and is widely touted as a frontrunner to succeed as Wales’ head coach.
Meanwhile, Scottish rugby fans were rocked by the devastating news that former national captain Stuart Hogg will likely spend the remainder of the year sidelined by injury. Hogg, currently playing for French club Montpellier, suffered a season-ending ruptured Achilles tendon following a heavy tackle by Perpignan’s Tavite Veredamu in their recent fixture. Hogg was forced off during the second half, with medical assessments revealing the extent of his injury.
Surgery took place on Tuesday at Saint Jean Hospital, with Montpellier quickly issuing an update. “Stuart suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon during the second half of the MHR vs USAP match. He underwent successful surgery on Tuesday. We wish him a speedy recovery,” the club stated. Hogg himself shared his disappointment, posting a photo from his hospital bed and maintaining a positive outlook. “Not how I envisaged my season in Montpellier ending. To say I’m gutted would be an understatement. Operation was a successful one this morning… Time to rest up before cracking on with the rehab. My aim now is to support the team in whatever way I can and remain as positive and optimistic as possible. I will be back from this,” he wrote.
It’s a cruel blow for Hogg, who had come out of retirement for a fresh start with Montpellier, making a considerable impact in the Top 14 and reinvigorating his career at fly-half. Unfortunately, this injury brings his season to an abrupt halt, further complicated by a recent court case and community sentence related to personal matters. Yet, he remains determined to support his team from the sidelines and return stronger.
Elsewhere in the rugby world, big coaching changes are afoot in Australia. Rugby Australia have announced that Les Kiss, a respected coach with a wealth of experience, will take over as Wallabies head coach after the 2026 World Nations Cup. Kiss, originally from Australia, previously helped Ireland secure their long-awaited Grand Slam victory in 2009 and went on to roles with Ulster, London Irish, and most recently, Queensland Reds. Rugby Australia chief executive Phil Waugh lauded the appointment, stating, “We’ve ended up in a really elegant solution here which provides certainty.”
Kiss, 60, will continue his current duties with the Queensland Reds before heading back to the international stage with the Wallabies. His deep understanding of the game and considerable international pedigree is expected to usher in a new era for Australian rugby, which has faced challenges in recent seasons.
Back in the English Premiership, Northampton Saints have been dealt a setback ahead of their Investec Champions Cup semi-final against Leinster this Saturday. Club captain and England international George Furbank has been ruled out with complications from a previously broken arm. Furbank, who marked his return with a try in the quarter-final, is still experiencing pain and numbness due to metal plates inserted following the injury.
Director of rugby Phil Dowson explained, “George won’t play this weekend. He’s struggling to get over that arm break… He keeps getting whacked and it’s going numb and very painful. I don’t think that’s unusual for an arm that’s been plated.” There is no clear timetable for Furbank’s return, casting doubt on his involvement for the rest of the season and raising questions about his potential inclusion in the Lions squad this summer.
The Saints face a formidable challenge against Leinster, who edged them 20-17 in last year’s semi-final. With their Premiership hopes all but over, the Champions Cup represents Northampton’s last shot at silverware for the 2024-25 season.
Rugby continues to serve up drama on and off the pitch. From courtroom developments affecting high-profile coaches to the physical toll and heartbreak endured by players, the sport never ceases to deliver headlines that captivate fans and demonstrate the resilience and unpredictability that define rugby’s spirit.