Rugby briefs: Kirchner | England | Savea

Springbok full-back Zane Kirchner will join Irish side Leinster later this year after signing a two-year contract with the club.

The 28-year-old has opted to move to Ireland rather than extend his contract with the South African Bulls franchise beyond its expiry at the end of October. It is unclear when Kirchner will join his new team, with Bulls high performance manager Xander Janse van Rensburg hinting that the player could request a release before his current deal ends.

“We understand that an earlier release might be requested, but it is up to the board to approve that or not,” Van Rensburg said.“We have been in talks with Zane and his agent since November.”

Kirchner joined the Bulls franchise in 2007 from Currie Cup side Griquas and was part of the squads that won the Super Rugby competition in his first year, and later in 2009 and 2010. He has made 24 appearances for the Springboks.

• England have confirmed that their summer tour to South America will begin in Montevideo, Uruguay, on 2 June.

The RBS 6 Nations runners-up will meet a CONSUR XV representing the South American nations, before playing two Tests against Argentina. The first Test will be staged in Salta – the setting for the Pumas’ 24-22 victory in 2009 – on 8 June and at Velez Sarsfield in Buenos Aires on 15 June. It will be the first two-match series between the teams in Argentina since the 1997 tour with England coach Stuart Lancaster set to name his squad early next month.

“Argentina is a formidable rugby nation and we’re looking forward to facing the Pumas in back-to-back Tests,” Lancaster said. “Together with matches against the Barbarians at Twickenham and the CONSUR team in Uruguay, the programme gives this group a real opportunity to measure their progress.”

• Hurricanes and New Zealand winger Julian Savea has been remanded on bail without plea after being charged with common assault at Wellington District Court.

The 22-year-old was ordered not to contact his partner or visit his old address, and will appear in court again on 15 May, according to reports in New Zealand.

While details of the incident were not disclosed, New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew said alcohol was not a factor. Savea gave a tearful press conference at which he publicly apologised to his partner for the incident, which occurred last Sunday.