Wales forward Popham retires

(GETTY IMAGES)

The former Wales international Alix Popham has been forced to retire due to a shoulder injury. The 31-year-old had not played for his club Brive since March due to shoulder and elbow problems, and an off-season operation on the former has not had the desired effect, leaving him with no option but to retire on medical advice.

Elsewhere, Flyhalf Dan Carter scored 19 points to help Canterbury Crusaders beat the Stormers 29-10 in their Super rugby semi-final at Newlands on Saturday.