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Ex-Chief set to join Ulster

By Online Editors

09 Jan 2018

PUKEKOHE, NEW ZEALAND - OCTOBER 01: Stephen Donald of Counties Manukau reacts during the round seven Mitre 10 Cup match between Counties Manukau and Northland at ECOLight Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Pukekohe, New Zealand. (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images)

The man set to replace Christian Lealiifano at Ulster is ex-Chief Stephen Donald, according to the Irish Independent.

Early speculation had earmarked Australian pivot Matt Giteau as the replacement, but it appears the 34-year-old known as ‘Beaver’ is set to join the side on a short-term deal when Lealiifano returns to Australia at the end of the month.

Donald wasn’t offered a contract by new Chiefs coach Colin Cooper for this year’s Super Rugby competition after returning to the Chiefs last year.

He previously played in the northern hemisphere between 2011 and 2013, when he played for Bath in the Premiership but has revealed in his book that he did not particularly enjoy his time playing rugby there.

It is believed he will arrive in Belfast shortly after his Top League side, the Tokyo-based Toshiba Brave Lupus, finish up their campaign this weekend and would be in line to make his debut for Ulster when the Guinness PRO14 returns in February.

Lealiifano has been an influential figure for Ulster this season, making 15 appearances and scoring 47 points despite arriving just a week before the start of the season.

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Comments on RugbyPass

SadersMan 10 minutes ago

All Blacks player ratings vs Italy | Autumn Nations Series

There was no 9.5 player out there, on either side. Jordan probably a 7.5/8. BB maybe a 7.5 but definitely didn't stand out to deserve even an 8 let alone 9.5.

6 Go to comments

SadersMan 17 minutes ago

All Blacks survive physical Italy scare after captain carded

"Survive"? "Scare?" A bit dramatic. ABs always going to win, just a matter of by how much.

The Azurri were up for it though. As expected. You can bet they were planning for this specific test for months. Let's not forget they were pipped by ENG, drew with FRA, & beat both SCO & WAL in the Six Nations in Feb/Mar this year.

A mess of a match, a good win, considering.

1 Go to comments

SadersMan 32 minutes ago

‘Right a few wrongs’: Ex-Wales flyer’s message of intent with Crusaders

After you. And yes, that's exactly what Penney should do. Stat!! Unfortunately he has one year left on his contract.

Penney's Super Rugby win record was a low 23% before we signed him on. At the top was Razor at 84%. And true to form, Penney took us from a 7-peat to not even making the play-offs in ONE season. No excuses. LOSER. Thank God his contract is up next year. And hopefully Rangi might wanna throw his hat in for the job.

In the meantime, hopefully we can crack the top 6 this year in spite of Penney!??!

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JW 37 minutes ago

All Blacks player ratings vs Italy | Autumn Nations Series

"exceptional as usual" haha I'll take that to mean he kicked how he 'usually' kicked?

Why was Dmac rated a 6, did he not actually do any better or did he come on at fb or something?

6 Go to comments

Kia koe 41 minutes ago

All Blacks player ratings vs Italy | Autumn Nations Series

Italians defended well. Luckily the scrums went well for the ABs.

6 Go to comments

JW 48 minutes ago

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You were 'valuing' the players by you saying "they are not greats" though, I was pointing out another reason why they are greats, inside the team I mean (which is more important to selections on the pitch stuff).

Someone like TJ would be bitterly disappointed he didn't play on this end of year tour. He is still good enough to come on in that France game and ensure the team get the victory (with regards to how well Ratima had been playing). At the very least this is a 'sorry you didn't get that chance' offering, he's not here to get token farewell games, he will be playing to try and prove that he should have been on the pitch last week.

The other decision to play your best over the future is really personal though so can agree with your reasoning. Just sharing a slightly different perspective. I'll have to check the ratings and see how they went.

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Jen 48 minutes ago

All Blacks player ratings vs Italy | Autumn Nations Series

Crikey that game was a mess.

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JW 1 hour ago

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Yep even if you're improving on already very good international players every little bit helps if you're at the top of this log jam of 'top 3' sides, if they are elite.

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Cantab 1 hour ago

Argentina player ratings vs France | Autumn Nations Series

Indeed they were. When they were good they looked like potential world beaters but too many mistakes outweighed the occasional excellent moments. The French were not at the level they were against the ABs