Wallabies abroad: Frisby's fresh start, Stirzaker's next move

Mon, Jan 29, 2018, 2:35 AM
Sam Phillips and Beth Newman
by Sam Phillips and Beth Newman
Nic Stirzaker won't be back. Photo: Getty Images
Nic Stirzaker won't be back. Photo: Getty Images

Nic Stirzaker's move to the UK has been made permanent, the halfback signing with Bristol.

Bristol, which was relegated from the Premiership after finishing 12th last season, announced Stirzaker's acquisition for the 2018-19 season as one of nine new signing for next season.

Stirzaker is currently in the UK on a short-term deal with Saracens, due to finish up in March, but will join Bristol next season.Stirzaker will be a Bristol player next season. Photo: Getty ImagesIt is unclear whether the former Rebels skipper will feature in Melbourne this season, after finishing his time with Saracens.

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On the field it was time for Nick Frisby to make his first start, having arrived in Bordeaux last week.

He lined up alongside fellow Aussies Luke Jones, Ben Volavola, Leroy Houston and Blair Connor but it was another Australian that stole the show - Semi Radradra scoring a double for Toulon in their 36-12 win.

Nick Frisby brings down Semi Radradra in Bordeaux's clash with Toulon. Photo: AFPMitch Inman and Curtis Browning lined up for Oyonnax but they weren't able to reverse the team's poor form, falling 37-15 to Toulouse.

Liam Gill and Mike Harris had a more enjoyable weekend, the pair part of a 71-17 win for Lyon against Jake McIntyre's Agen.

There were plenty of Aussies on show in Stade Francais' clash with Pau - Paul Alo-Emile getting a start and Hugh Pyle coming off the bench for the Parisians, with Ben Mowen scoring a try from blindside flanker for Pau.

It was a similar story at Clermont, with Peter Betham and Sitaleki Timani falling to Joe Tomane, Jesse Mogg and Montpellier.

ANGLO-WELSH CUP

Ben Tapuai, Nathan Charles and Bath kept their good form rolling, emerging victorious in their clash with Newcastle.

Tatafu Polota-Nau came off the pine for Leicester's win over Cardiff, while Ian Prior doing the same for Harlequins in their win over Scarlets.

Oli Hoskins scored a try and Saia Faingaa came off the bench in London Irish's 66-7 rout over Wasps, with Stirzaker doing the same for Saracens in their win over Dragons.

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