Last updated: 9th May 2008
Taione: Harlequins bound
Harlequins have won the race to sign versatile Tonga international Epi Taione.
The former Sale and Newcastle ace, who is equally at home in the back row as he is on the wing or in the centres, was released early from his Super 14s contract with the Sharks after an ill-fated time in Natal.
Taione only made two appearances for the Sharks after arriving after the start of the seson due to his commitments with Japanese side Sanyo Wild Knights, and then getting sent off for reckless use of the head against the Hurricanes.
That indiscretion saw Taione hit with a six-week ban, with the Sharks opting to release him early from his contract to give him time to find a new club.
And after convincing him that the Stoop was the ideal place to further his career, Quins director of rugby Dean Richards was delighted to welcome Taione on board.
"Epi is an extremely versatile player, capable of playing at the top level in the forwards, at 6 and 8, and also in the backs, at 11, 13 and 14," said Richards.
"He is an extremely strong and powerful player, and his ability will serve us well. I am looking forward to welcoming him into the squad towards the end of July."
| Time | Fixture |
|---|---|
| Guinness Premiership | |
| Saturday 10th May | |
| 15:00 | Sale vs London Irish |
| 15:00 | Leeds Carnegie vs Wasps |
| 15:00 | Saracens vs Bristol |
| 15:00 | Leicester vs Harlequins |
| 15:00 | Worcester vs Newcastle |
| 15:00 | Gloucester vs Bath |
| Time | Result |
|---|---|
| Guinness Premiership | |
| Wednesday 7th May | |
| Newcastle 13 - 32 Wasps | |
| Sunday 4th May | |
| Harlequins 16 - 23 Sale | |
| Newcastle 28 - 25 Leicester | |
| London Irish 43 - 20 Leeds Carnegie | |
| Wasps 17 - 25 Gloucester | |
| Saturday 3rd May | |
| Bath 66 - 21 Saracens | |
| Bristol 21 - 22 Worcester | |
| Sunday 20th April | |
| Sale 53 - 10 Newcastle | |
| Saracens 29 - 40 Wasps | |
| Saturday 19th April | |
| Worcester 20 - 23 Bath | |
The Rugby Club travelled to Leicester to find out what was happening in a troubled Tigers camp.
Ed Chamberlin is joined by Steve McClaren, Billy Davies, Lewis Moody and Chris Adams.
Miles Harrison looks to the crucial clash between Gloucester and Bath as both go in search of greatness.
Leicester secured their place in the play-offs with an incredible bonus-point win over Harlequins.
Gloucester finished the Guinness Premiership season at the top of the table after defeating Bath 8-6 at Kingsholm.
Sale Sharks missed out on the Guinness Premiership play-offs after losing 17-7 to London Irish at Edgeley Park.
Wasps' strong Guinness Premiership run-in has given them a home play-off tie, Lawrence Dallaglio's side scoring a 45-28 win at Leeds.
A last-minute Saracens try ensured World Cup winner Richard Hill retired on a high on Saturday.