England wing Anthony Watson in action against Ireland
England wing Anthony Watson has been ruled out of the Rugby World Cup due to a calf problem.
Watson picked up the injury in last week’s warm-up defeat to Ireland and has now been withdrawn from the 33-player squad.
The 29-year-old is the second England player to be forced out of the tournament in recent weeks, with scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet absent due to an ankle issue.
England will be without captain and fly-half Owen Farrell and No 8 Billy Vunipola for the start of the competition after both were handed suspensions for high tackles.
Farrell will sit out the games against Argentina and Japan, while Vunipola will miss the Argentina fixture.
Keith Earls is set to become Ireland’s ninth centurion when they face England in a Rugby World Cup warm-up; he will join Ireland greats such as Brian O’Driscoll, Ronan O’Gara, Rory Best, Paul O’Connell and Johnny Sexton in reaching three figures
By PA Media
Last Updated: 16/08/23 6:40am
Keith Earls is set to become Ireland’s ninth centurion
Keith Earls admits it will be a mixture of relief and pride to reach 100 Ireland caps after fearing injury issues may cause him to fall short of the milestone.
Munster wing Earls is poised to become only the ninth Irishman to achieve a century of Test outings ahead of Saturday’s World Cup warm-up match with England in Dublin.
The 35-year-old went more than a year without an international appearance amid fitness problems before being recalled by head coach Andy Farrell for the 33-17 win over Italy on August 5.
“I’m trying not to think about it but talking to Andy about if it does happen, he’s telling me: ‘it’s not just another cap, you can’t have a normal week because it’s not a normal week’,” said Earls.
“It would be a massive honour but also just a bit of relief because I was stuck on 98.
“I suppose in the last couple of years I was genuinely thinking every time I stepped on to the field it could be the last time.
“I’d be extremely proud and privileged to join a unique group.”
Earls made his international return against Italy earlier this month
Earls is set to move alongside Ireland greats Brian O’Driscoll, Ronan O’Gara, Rory Best, Paul O’Connell and John Hayes in reaching three figures, in addition to current team-mates Cian Healy, Johnny Sexton and Conor Murray.
He featured in two of his country’s three Tests during last summer’s victorious tour of New Zealand but was then sidelined for autumn victories over South Africa, Fiji and Australia and this year’s Six Nations Grand Slam success.
Earls believes he has enjoyed the best pre-season of his career as he attempts to secure a spot at his fourth World Cup.
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England fly-half George Ford said he and his team-mates are delighted captain Owen Farrell avoided a lengthy ban
England fly-half George Ford said he and his team-mates are delighted captain Owen Farrell avoided a lengthy ban
Asked if there were times during the past 12 months when he thought his Ireland days may be over, he replied: “Yeah, especially with the talent coming through and the way some of the lads are playing and my injury history last year.
“But I just kept the head down and I’m grateful. I’ve a great relationship with Andy and great trust with Andy and we’ll always be honest with each other.
“I genuinely have probably had my best pre-season this year as a professional rugby player.
“We’ve got everything spot on between all the training, physios, coaches, so it’s been really enjoyable.
“I suppose there’s that bit of pressure as well because you want to repay them [the coaches] as well but Andy’s just big on allowing us to be ourselves and not blowing things up too much or trying anything special.
“It’s just be yourself and if you’re special, you’re special, but it gives you great confidence, especially as an old winger.”
England captain Owen Farrell has had his red card against Wales overturned and is free to play in their Rugby World Cup warm-up match against Ireland on Saturday
Last Updated: 15/08/23 1:46pm
Owen Farrell is free to face Ireland on Saturday
England captain Owen Farrell has had his red card against Wales overturned and is free to play in their Rugby World Cup warm-up match against Ireland on Saturday.
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Gareth Davies and George North both scored tries, while Leigh Halfpenny kicked two goals and two penalties; Marcus Smith kicked England’s points; England head coach Steve Borthwick names his squad for the World Cup on Monday, with the sides clashing again at Twickenham next Saturday
Last Updated: 05/08/23 7:36pm
Gareth Davies goes over for Wales’ first try against England
Second-half tries from Gareth Davies and George North saw Wales kick off their Rugby World Cup preparations with a 20-9 victory over an out-of-sorts England at the Principality Stadium.
It was a battle of the kickers in the first 40 minutes, with three successful penalties from the boot of Marcus Smith compared to two from Wales’ Test centurion Leigh Halfpenny, giving the visitors a 9-6 lead at half-time.
But the hosts seized the initiative eight minutes into the second half when Gareth Davies was on hand to finish for a try and they surged further in front thanks to George North going over from close range just before the hour mark, with Halfpenny converting both.
Louis Rees-Zammit was unfortunate not to add a third try for the hosts before full-time when he was adjudged to have knocked on after a TMO review, but that did not take the shine off the result or the performance from Warren Gatland’s new-look team.
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Wales and England do it all again on Saturday August 12 when they reconvene at Twickenham for the second Rugby World Cup warm-up clash against each other. First, though, England’s players face a nervous wait to see who will make Borthwick’s 33-player squad for the global gathering when it is announced on Monday.
Ben Youngs, Owen Farrell and Jamie George do not feature in England’s squad to face Wales in one of four upcoming World Cup warm-up friendlies, with Danny Care returning to the line-up having been omitted by Eddie Jones at the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
Last Updated: 03/08/23 12:06pm
Danny Care returns for England
Danny Care returns at scrum-half while Ellis Genge captains England as they take on Wales in Saturday’s World Cup warm-up match in Cardiff.
Care lines up next to Harlequins team-mate Marcus Smith with Ben Youngs, Owen Farrell and Jamie George not featured in the squad as head coach Steve Borthwick selects an experimental side amid World Cup preparations.
Loosehead prop Genge will lead England out as captain alongside hooker Jamie Blamire and tighthead prop Will Stuart on the front row for what will make the first of four friendlies ahead of France in September.
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England attack coach Richard Wigglesworth says the International friendly against Wales on Saturday is not a final audition for the Rugby World Cup.
England attack coach Richard Wigglesworth says the International friendly against Wales on Saturday is not a final audition for the Rugby World Cup.
Davin Ribbans of Toulon plays alongside the Leicester Tigers’ George Martin in the second row, while Tom Pearson partners Northampton Saints team-mate Lewis Ludlam as the two flankers and Alex Dombrandt plays at No 8.
Leicester’s Guy Porter and Joe Marchant of Stade Francais start in midfield, while Joe Cokanasiga of Bath and Max Malins of Bristol line up on either wing with Freddie Steward at fullback.
“England versus Wales in Cardiff is always an exciting and keenly contested fixture,” said England coach Steve Borthwick.
“I am sure this Saturday will be no different as a tremendous first Test match of the Summer Nations Series.
“We have been impressed with how the whole squad has applied itself both on and off the field over this training camp. We are now looking forward to returning to Test match rugby as we continue our preparations for the Rugby World Cup in France.”
Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has handed uncapped pair Stafford McDowell and Cameron Henderson an opportunity to impress after naming an experimental team to face Italy in Saturday’s Rugby World Cup warm-up clash; Rory Darge captains the hosts in the match at Murrayfield
Last Updated: 26/07/23 12:04pm
Stafford McDowall has been named in Scotland’s starting line-up against Italy
Stafford McDowall and Cameron Henderson are set to make their Scotland debuts in their country’s first World Cup warm-up match at home to Italy on Saturday.
Head coach Gregor Townsend has named an experimental starting XV and replacements bench, with very few of his senior players involved as he runs the rule over his squad before finalising his 33-player group for the showpiece tournament in France in the coming weeks.
Glasgow Warriors centre McDowall starts in the midfield alongside Chris Harris, while Leicester Tigers second row Henderson has been named among the replacements in a team which Rory Darge will captain for the first time.
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Outside centre Harris and scrum-half Ali Price are back in the starting line-up after losing their places for the Six Nations earlier this year.
Elsewhere, there is a welcome return for Darcy Graham as he starts on the wing after missing the Six Nations through injury.
The Edinburgh man’s new clubmate Ben Healy, who won his first cap during the Six Nations, will make his first start at fly-half
Glasgow full-back Ollie Smith, who won his third cap in the final Six Nations match against the Italians in March, gets another chance to stake a claim for the No 15 jersey following the recent retirement of Stuart Hogg.
Cameron Henderson is set to win his first Scotland cap off the replacements bench against Italy
In the pack, prop Rory Sutherland is back in the starting line-up while Murphy Walker will win his third cap.
Finn Russell, captain Jamie Ritchie, Grant Gilchrist, Huw Jones, Sione Tuipulotu, Richie Gray, Duhan Van Der Merwe, Pierre Schoeman, Zander Fagerson and Ben White are among several senior players who have been given the afternoon off.
Scotland have further World Cup warm-up matches against France, who they face home and away, and Georgia to come in August.
Townsend’s side then kick off their World Cup campaign against reigning champions South Africa in Marseille on September 10, with Ireland, Romania and Tonga providing their other opponents in Pool B.
Scotland team to face Italy
15 Ollie Smith, 14 Darcy Graham, 13 Chris Harris, 12 Stafford McDowall, 11 Kyle Steyn; 10 Ben Healy, 9 Ali Price; 1 Rory Sutherland, 2 George Turner, 3 Murphy Walker, 4 Sam Skinner, 5 Scott Cummings, 6 Luke Crosbie, 7 Rory Darge (captain), 8 Matt Fagerson.
London Irish have until 4pm on Tuesday June 6 either to complete a proposed takeover by an American consortium or for owner Mick Crossan to commit to club for entirety of the 2023-24 campaign; London Irish were hit with winding-up petition by HMRC on Friday
By PA Media
Last Updated: 05/06/23 5:43pm
London Irish are expected to be suspended from the Premiership on Tuesday
London Irish are expected to be suspended from the Gallagher Premiership on Tuesday when the deadline to prove they have the finances needed to operate next season expires.
Irish have until 4pm on Tuesday either to complete a proposed takeover by an American consortium or for owner Mick Crossan to commit to the club for the entirety of the 2023-24 campaign.
As of Monday, the buyout was no closer to being finalised with key documentation including proof of funds yet to be supplied to the Rugby Football Union, while Crossan is intent on severing ties.
Only 50 per cent of the staff payroll for May was paid and the outstanding wages must also be settled if Irish are to take their place in next season’s Premiership.
It was Crossan’s failure to pay the salaries in full last week that persuaded the RFU to extend the deadline by six days in the hope that staff and players would get the money owed to them.
Irish’s outlook deteriorated further on Friday when they were issued with a winding-up petition by HM Revenue and Customs over an unpaid tax bill.
Petitions have been filed against London Irish Holdings Limited and London Irish Rugby Football Ground Limited.
The demise of the Exiles, who finished the Premiership in fifth place, would conclude the darkest season in the history of the English club game after Wasps and Worcester folded because of their own financial difficulties.
Wasps have been demoted to the foot of the rugby pyramid after their new owners failed to secure the funding needed to relaunch in the Championship, while Worcester have gone quiet on their plan of rebuilding from the fifth tier.
Irish have debts in the region of £30m and do not own their own stadium, instead playing at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium after a 20-year spell at Reading’s Madejski Stadium.
Bill Sweeney and Simon Massie-Taylor, chief executives of the RFU and Premiership Rugby respectively, were accused by MPs of presiding over a “failure on an epic scale” following the collapse of Wasps and Worcester, but Irish have been given every opportunity to secure their future.
The governing bodies have been forced to weigh the desire to see the Exiles survive with the need to put plans in place for next season, with the reduction of clubs from 13 to 10 requiring a different league structure.
If a third club is lost, the bleak financial climate of the Premiership in the post-Covid era will be highlighted once again with teams able to operate through the funding of benefactors.
Henry Arundell was part of the London Irish team which helped them finish their campaign on a high
A round-up of Saturday’s Gallagher Premiership action as London Irish finished a difficult week on a high.
London Irish 17-14 Exeter Chiefs
Two tries from Juan Martin Gonzalez ensured London Irish finished a difficult week on a high as they saw off Exeter Chiefs 17-14 at the Gtech Stadium.
The build-up to the game had been far from ideal for Irish, whose players were paid late as the club’s proposed takeover continues to drag on.
In a game that swung one way then the other, Tom Hendrickson looked like he had earned Chiefs the victory, only for Gonzalez to turn it around for the Exiles to secure a fifth-placed finish, their best return in 14 years since they reached the Premiership final.
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Declan Kidney paid tribute to his side, ranking the emotion of this week up there with anything he has experienced in the game.
He said: “For the year’s work, I’m delighted for everybody in the organisation. The players have been brilliant, when you think that is only our second game in six weeks.
“The fact we have finished up with the best of the rest, for some it might not mean much but for us, given where we’ve come from, we’re absolutely delighted with it.
“There were many, many challenges, like every club in this league, that we have had to overcome. Some of them have been more recent and how the boys did that, how the coaches, strength and conditioners, everyone stayed on track. These lads were always going to play.
“These lads have gone from Championship to 10th, to ninth, to eighth and now to fifth.
“We’re planning for a rich future with the age of the lads out on the pitch, that is what we are building it on. There is a rich future for this club on the pitch and I’m sure the people off the pitch will do the business and see it through.”
Bristol 36-21 Gloucester
Bristol missed out on a Heineken Champions Cup spot for next season despite a hard-fought 36-21 win over local rivals Gloucester as they were pipped by Bath on points’ difference.
The bonus-point victory was not enough for Bears to stay in eighth place in the final table as Bath’s winning margin over Saracens proved crucial.
Semi Radradra scored two tries on his farewell appearance for Bristol while Sia Naulago, Magnus Bradbury and Harry Thacker were also on the try-scoring sheet, with AJ MacGinty adding four conversions and a penalty.
Ollie Thorley and Jonny May scored Gloucester’s tries and there was also a penalty try award, with Adam Hastings and Billy Twelvetrees each adding a conversion.
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Bath 61-29 Saracens
Bath ran in nine tries in a 61-29 win over a game Saracens second string to snatch the last Heineken Champions Cup spot next season from local rivals Bristol.
Hooker Tom Dunn scored a hat-trick as Johann van Graan’s resurgent side notched a fourth successive Gallagher Premiership victory, a run that has propelled the club from the bottom of the table to that all-important eighth qualifying place.
The Rec broke into wild celebration as news came through from Ashton Gate that Bristol’s winning margin against Gloucester had not been enough.
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Leicester 17-20 Harlequins
Chris Ashton’s decorated career ended with a red card as Leicester were defeated 20-17 by Harlequins.
The former England winger, who is retiring at the end of the campaign, was dismissed towards the end of the first half for a dangerous high tackle on opposite number Cadan Murley.
Despite the loss, Leicester’s semi-final at Sale next week was confirmed, while Quins wideman Murley will end as the top-flight’s leading scorer with 15 tries.
Sale Sharks 54-12 Newcastle Falcons
Sam James scored twice as Sale Sharks warmed up for the play-offs by dispatching Newcastle Falcons 54-12.
The hosts went behind early but responded comprehensively, running in eight tries at the AJ Bell Stadium, which will play host to Sharks’ semi-final clash with Leicester Tigers next Sunday.
Newcastle arrived knowing they would prop up the table regardless of the outcome but made the stronger start, and crossed for the afternoon’s opening score when Pedro Rubiolo crashed over following neat footwork from Elliott Obatoyinbo.
Marlie Packer and Hannah Botterman both went off with injuries against Ireland but have made the starting line-up; Helena Rowland will make her first start of the campaign; England face France on Saturday at Twickenham, with kick-off at 1pm
Last Updated: 26/04/23 2:00pm
Marlie Packer has overcome an injury scare to be available for the France match
Simon Middleton has named his final Red Roses squad to take on France in the Women’s Six Nations 2023 decider, Marlie Packer and Hannah Botterman coming through injury scares to start.
Captain Packer and loose-head prop Botterman both limped off during England’s 48-0 win over Ireland but have been cleared to start and head up an experienced pack.
Sarah Bern also returns to the starting line-up at tight-head prop, with Lark Davies at hooker to make up the front row.
The rest of the pack then remains unchanged with Zoe Aldcroft, Sarah Beckett, Sadia Kabeya, and Alex Matthews completing the forwards.
A big change comes in the backs as Lagi Tuima drops out of outside centre for Helena Rowland, who will make her first start of this year’s campaign alongside Tatyana Heard at inside centre.
Helena Rowland will make her first start of the tournament as she comes in at outside centre
The only other change in the backs comes as Lucy Packer returns at scrum-half, Natasha Hunt dropping to the bench after starting against Ireland, with Holly Aitchison continuing at fly-half.
Claudia MacDonald and Abbie Dow then continue on the wings, with Ellie Kildunne at full-back.
The replacements have also received a boost as Poppy Cleall makes her return from injury.
Ahead of his final match in charge of England, Middleton expressed how excited he is for the “landmark” match at Twickenham
“We’re really excited and looking forward to Saturday’s match against France in what will be another landmark moment in the women’s game,” said Middleton.
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England women’s rugby union head coach Simon Middleton explains why he has made the decision to step down from his role saying it was for the ‘good of the programme’
England women’s rugby union head coach Simon Middleton explains why he has made the decision to step down from his role saying it was for the ‘good of the programme’
“We’ve had some entertaining and tight battles with France over a long period of time and this one will be no different.
“Both teams have had strong Six Nations campaigns off the back of presenting different game plans from what we have seen before.
“France will also be relishing the challenge and David Ortiz, Gaelle Mignot and their team will have prepared their players well.
“I think it’s only fitting at this point to also recognise and pay tribute to Jessy Tremouliere, one of the greats of the game, as she calls time on her international playing career. She will be missed, for sure.
“Notwithstanding, the players we knew at the start to be unavailable for the tournament, this is the first week in the competition we can say we have a near-full squad to select from.
Poppy Cleall will be a big return on the bench for England on her return from injury
“Credit must go to our medical and strength and conditioning teams who have worked tirelessly with our players to ensure their availability. At the same time, the return of some of our more established players means that others will inevitably miss out.
“Whilst I know they will be bitterly disappointed in missing the game, they should take immense pride in their performances throughout the Six Nations in terms of both playing and helping to prepare the side. Once again, this has been a tremendous squad effort and typifies everything good about the Red Roses.
“Playing in front of a record crowd is a huge marker of where the game is at. It’s huge testament to the hard work of many people at the RFU and it bodes extremely well building up to the 2025 World Cup.”
Both England and France enter the clash unbeaten and will play in front of a record crowd for a women’s game at Twickenham, with over 53,000 tickets already sold.
Northampton Saints beat an understrength leaders Saracens, who had Duncan Taylor sent off early on, to move up to fourth; Harlequins kept their slim play-off hopes alive with a thumping victory at home to Newcastle Falcons
Last Updated: 15/04/23 7:00pm
Northampton’s Fraser Dingwall (right) celebrates after scoring for Northampton Saints against Saracens
Round-up of Saturday’s Gallagher Premiership action as Northampton Saints beat 14-man Saracens and Harlequins defeated Newcastle Falcons.
Northampton Saints 38-29 Saracens
Northampton moved above London Irish and back up to fourth in the table after taking full advantage of Duncan Taylor’s 10th-minute red card to beat an understrength Saracens side.
Saracens only named three first-choice players in their starting line-up at Franklin’s Gardens, as director of rugby Mark McCall chose to rotate his squad, and Saints received a further boost when Scotland international Taylor was sent off early on for a high shot on Fin Smith.
Despite having the numerical advantage for much of the game, Northampton were made to work hard before finally claiming an eighth consecutive home victory in the Premiership, as well as bringing an end to Saracens’ run of six successive wins at Franklin’s Gardens.
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Alex Moon, Lewis Ludlam, Tommy Freeman, Rory Hutchinson, Fraser Dingwall and Smith all scored tries for the home side, with Smith adding four conversions, as they kept themselves in the running for a semi-final spot for a second season running.
Rotimi Segun, who in fact opening the scoring, crossed for two of Saracens’ four tries, with Theo Dan and Manu Vunipola grabbing the others, the latter adding three conversions and a penalty.
Harlequins 48-20 Newcastle Falcons
Harlequins scored eight-tries against bottom side Newcastle Falcons to go sixth – seven points behind Northampton – and keep their slim play-off hopes alive.
Two Tries by Alex Dombrandt and further scores from Andre Esterhuizen, Louis Lynagh, Josh Bassett, Dino Lamb, Joe Marchant and Fin Baxter ensured the two-time Premiership champions eventually ran out comfortable winners at the Twickenham Stoop.
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They were made to work hard for the result by Newcastle, however, as tries from Mateo Carreras and Freddie Lockwood left the match finely poised at 22-20 as it went into its closing stages.
However, Quins rallied with four tries in the final 10 minutes to surge clear in what was a successful return to action for England prospect Louis Lynagh, who was in the side for the first time this season after a long-term knee injury.
Centre Marchant made his final appearance at The Stoop before he joins Stade Francais next season, and his try was one of the most popular acts of the day, although he also missed the final conversion from in front of the posts.
Replacement Jasper Wiese got the only try as hosts Leicester Tigers overcame Edinburgh in the last-16 clash at Mattioli Woods Welford Road; compatriot Handre Pollard kicked three penalties and a conversion, while Emiliano Boffelli’s two penalties accounted for the visitors’ tally
Last Updated: 31/03/23 11:57pm
Jasper Wiese goes over for the only try in Leicester’s win over Edinburgh
Jasper Wiese scored the game’s only try on a wet night at Mattioli Woods Welford Road as Leicester Tigers reached the quarter-finals of the Heineken Champions Cup with a 16-6 win over Edinburgh.
The South African replacement’s individual effort came at a time when the visitors had momentarily turned the game on its head through two penalties from Emiliano Boffelli.
The conditions led to the game becoming something of an arm wrestle, and not much of a spectacle, but that will not bother the Tigers as their sixth successive win in all competitions booked them a last-eight tie against either Leinster or Ulster next week.
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Leicester began on the front foot and had the first points of the game after five minutes through a Handre Pollard penalty, slotted without fuss from in front of the posts.
The hosts then pressed for the opening try, only for a series of pick-and-goes from their forwards close to the try line to come to an end when the ball was knocked forward.
A creaking line-out also prevented the Tigers from capitalising on their early territorial dominance, with Edinburgh’s struggles under the high ball repeatedly gifting them possession.
The visitors were also conceding too many penalties, although Pollard was unable to extend Leicester’s lead off the back of their indiscipline as he sent a kick from around 40 metres wide.
Edinburgh’s Luke Crosbie is tackled by Leicester Tiger’s Joe Heyes
Edinburgh grew into the contest the longer the first half wore on and Darcy Graham almost made the most of a rare Freddie Steward mistake under a high kick, but his hack on ran dead.
It was the final half-chance of a scrappy first half as Leicester retained their 3-0 lead going into the break, but this was quickly cancelled out as the visitors flew out of the traps in the second half.
Advantage was being played as Hamish Watson was held up in-goal, giving Boffelli the chance to level the game with the simplest of penalties.
The Argentina full-back then put Edinburgh ahead after 50 minutes with another kick at goal after Pollard was penalised for offside.
Edinburgh and Leicester’s players go up for a line-out
Leicester, having been under the cosh, responded quickly as Wiese picked up the pieces from a messy line-out and bulldozed his way through down the right to touch down in the corner.
Pollard added the extras from out wide for a four-point lead that Boffelli could not narrow shortly after as another penalty from him bounced off the left-hand upright.
Edinburgh being penalised at a scrum in the shadow of their own posts then gave Pollard the straightforward task of extending the Tigers’ advantage on the hour mark.
The Springbok then effectively put the hosts out of reach with his third penalty with nine minutes left, as Richard Wigglesworth’s side came through this battle of attrition.
Interim chief executive Nigel Walker described the vote as the “beginning of a journey” to bring “trust and faith” back to Welsh Rugby; the Welsh Rugby Union will now appoint an independent non-executive director as chair
Last Updated: 26/03/23 1:22pm
Welsh Rugby Union member clubs voted overwhelmingly in favour of major governance reforms at an extraordinary general meeting on Sunday.
Of the 252 votes cast either at the Princess Royal Theatre in Port Talbot or by proxy, only seven did not vote in favour, meaning the 75 per cent majority needed was comfortably exceeded.
The WRU will now appoint an independent non-executive director (INED) as chair and recruit two further new INEDs to its 12-person board, doubling the total number of independent representatives to six, with the overall aspiration to ensure at least five directors are women.
Interim chief executive Nigel Walker said: “This is just the beginning of a journey which will see the trust and faith of a nation in Welsh rugby restored and revitalised.”
The meeting was chaired by WRU president Gerald Davies who called it ‘quorate’ well ahead of an 11am start, with the 95-attendee threshold (to make any vote valid) also easily met.
The EGM also heard from WRU chair Ieuan Evans, chair of the WRU’s community game board John Manders and Walker, with company secretary Rhodri Lewis overseeing proceedings alongside independent scrutineer Jonathan Rhodes.
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“I’m delighted with the support members have shown for the board’s recommendation today,” said Evans, who set out his stated mission to modernise the governance of the WRU in his New Year address at the start of 2023, just a few weeks after his own election.
“We now have a line in the sand from which we intend to move forward purposefully, swiftly and better prepared to serve Welsh rugby’s needs. This is another historic day in the 142-year history of the WRU.
“Members have taken the opportunity to pay something forward of huge significance to our great rugby playing country’s children… and its children’s children.”
In the new configuration four board members will still come from the WRU council which is entirely elected by member clubs, one of whom will be the community game board’s chair.
The remaining two spots on the board will be filled by the WRU CEO and a new director role for someone who can support and further the women’s game.
All changes will take place in context of the overall aspiration to ensure at least five directors are women.
The annual general meeting of the WRU, which will see a natural changing of the guard for a number of WRU council members takes place in November, and the WRU has already planned a timeline for appointments, with the new chair to come in first and the following processes to be completed before the end of 2023.
Officials were working Thursday to capture an endangered hooded vulture that escaped from a zoo aviary in the San Francisco Bay Area that was destroyed after a massive tree fell on it during a storm
OAKLAND, Calif. — An endangered hooded vulture escaped from a zoo aviary in the San Francisco Bay Area that was destroyed after a massive tree fell on it during a storm. But the bird has remained on zoo grounds, and officials were working Thursday to entice it back.
The male hooded vulture and five other exotic birds, including two pied crows and three superb starlings, flew out from the aviary at the Oakland Zoo on Tuesday amid a wind-packed storm that pummeled the Bay Area, zoo spokeswoman Erin Dogan said.
But the birds stayed on zoo grounds, and a team of at least 12 zoo workers armed with binoculars, nets, and crates has already recovered the three starlings, Dogan said.
“They are choosing to stay near the zoo and near the aviary because it seems that’s where they feel safe,” she said.
The team has been working since Tuesday to entice the vulture with dead rats and the crows with mealworms to trap them and bring them back to safety, she said.
All the birds hatched in captivity, and it’s not clear if they would know how to survive outside the zoo, Dogan said.
“These are all birds that were raised in human care, so they haven’t had to fend for themselves,” she said.
None of these birds are birds of prey, and they are not a threat to other animals or people, Dogan said.
“This is significant step forward in the process we are following which will secure a sustainable future for the professional game in Wales,” said Professional Rugby Board chair Malcolm Wall.
Last Updated: 18/03/23 11:16am
The PRB and WRPA have been presenting Standard Contracts to players and agents
Wales’ four professional regions have been cleared to begin officially re-signing players after agreeing the first Standard Contracts in Welsh rugby’s history.
The Professional Rugby Board and Welsh Rugby Players Association presented the standard contracts to multiple players and their agents over the last day that will make existing and new offers legally binding.
Players had threatened to take strike action prior to last month’s Six Nations match against England amid contractual uncertainty dating back to last summer.
Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets had only been allowed to make verbal offer in recent weeks.
The WRU said its Rugby Management Board (RMB) and PRB members completed a “significant amount of work” on the contract and rights licence, receiving formal acceptance from the Welsh Rugby Players Association (WRPA) and players’ agents on Friday.
“This is significant step forward in the process we are following which will secure a sustainable future for the professional game in Wales,” said PRB chair Malcolm Wall.
“A lot of hard work has gone into getting us to this stage and we are delighted to say our four professional sides are now in a position to offer legally binding contracts as necessary.
“We remain hugely grateful to the players themselves for their patience and understanding and look forward now to the point where the full agreement can be signed which underpins the PRB’s strategy for the future of the game – a moment which this latest development proves is now closer than ever.
“A huge amount of credit should also go to the directors at each of our professional teams for ensuring that we reach this critical and pivotal stage for the game in Wales.”
Saracens’ May Campbell, Gloucester-Hartpury’s Ellie Rugman and Nancy McGillivray of Exeter Chiefs have been named in England’s Six Nations squad
England Women head coach Simon Middleton has included nine uncapped names in his 42-player training squad for the 2023 Six Nations.
May Campbell and Kelsey Clifford of Saracens are joined by Sale Sharks’ Elizabeth Duffy, Exeter Chiefs’ Nancy McGillivray and Gloucester-Hartpury’s Ellie Rugman among the uncapped players.
Scrum half Natasha Hunt and Gloucester-Hartpury team-mate Sarah Beckett return to the squad in addition to Bristol Bears captain Amber Reed and Harlequins front row Bryony Cleall.
There is meanwhile a return for Exeter Chiefs forward Poppy Leitch, who last featured for England in the 2019 Six Nations.
While available to play lock Abbie Ward (pregnancy) and vice-captain Emily Scarratt (neck and ankle) will spend time with the squad to offer coaching assistance.
England’s Bryony Cleall (left), Lark Davies (centre) and Natasha Hunt during an open training session at Twickenham Stadium
“There are a number of new faces in this squad and while we are missing experienced players, this is a great opportunity for these younger players and we’re looking forward to working with them,” said Middleton.
“There is always a regeneration period after any World Cup and this one is no different. Those selected have performed very well in the Allianz Premier 15s and deserve their opportunity.
“Sarah Hunter and Marlie Packer will co-captain the squad. Sarah has made it clear she will not be involved in the 2025 World Cup as a player, so it’s essential we look to continue to grow our leadership quality and depth. Marlie is already an integral part of our leadership group, so this is a natural progression for her to co-captain the side and continue to develop her leadership skills.
“The Six Nations is one of the most iconic tournaments in world rugby that we love participating in. We also recognise that it’s an important start point in terms of preparation for the 2025 World Cup.”
England begin their Six Nations campaign against Scotland in Newcastle on Saturday March 25.
Worcester Warriors were taken over by Atlas after it ceased trading last year and the new owners confirmed they have withdrawn from their proposal to play in the RFU Championship for the 2023/23 season last week
By Amar Mehta
Last Updated: 15/02/23 5:39pm
The Wasps will play in the Championship next season but Worcester will not
Wasps have been given approval to take part in the Championship next season but there is no late reprieve for Worcester following their proposed rebranding as ‘Sixways Rugby’.
While Wasps have met the conditions required to take part in the second tier of English rugby, talks held on Monday between Worcester’s new owners Atlas, the Rugby Football Union and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport failed to break the deadlock.
Atlas announced last Thursday that the RFU’s demands for inclusion in the Championship were too onerous, forcing them to instead pursue a merger with semi-professional Stourbridge in the hope of competing in the fourth tier.
RFU chief executive, Bill Sweeney, said: “Our goal has consistently been to see Wasps and Worcester in the Championship and preserve the clubs for their fans and the wider communities they serve.
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The company which held Worcester Warriors Rugby Club player contracts has been wound up meaning a player exodus is likely as James Cole reports.
The company which held Worcester Warriors Rugby Club player contracts has been wound up meaning a player exodus is likely as James Cole reports.
“While we had hoped to see both clubs in the Championship next season, we are pleased that following months of work from all parties involved, Wasps will have a place. We know this will be very welcome news to all those connected with the club. We would like to thank all those involved with Wasps for the open and collaborative dialogue over recent months.
“We appreciate that the disappointment felt by Worcester Warriors staff, players and fans following the Atlas decision will be very significant.
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Worcester Warriors centre Ollie Lawrence says his club being put into administration cannot be allowed to happen to other teams in the Premiership.
Worcester Warriors centre Ollie Lawrence says his club being put into administration cannot be allowed to happen to other teams in the Premiership.
“For a club to continue following insolvency, it is imperative that it has a sustainable and funded business plan, that there is transparency about ownership and funding structures, and that rugby creditors are paid.
“The Atlas decision to withdraw their Championship application leaves the RFU with no regulatory means to enforce the payment of rugby creditors and this responsibility for managing the liabilities of the insolvent club now lies with the administrator of WRFC Trading Limited, and the liquidator of WRFC Players Limited.”
Kyle Sinckler will not take part in this week’s three-day training camp in London having sustained a facial injury in Sunday’s win over Italy; Bath prop Will Stuart returns to the squad having recovered from dislocated elbow but Manu Tuilagi and Ben Youngs are both omitted again
Last Updated: 14/02/23 2:02pm
England’s Kyle Sinckler
Kyle Sinckler’s involvement in England’s next Six Nations game against Wales is in doubt, with the Bristol prop omitted from this week’s training camp due to injury.
Sinckler was taken off in the 50th minute of England’s 31-14 win over Italy on Sunday with a facial injury, and is now in a race against time to be fit for the game in Cardiff on February 25.
He will remain with the group to receive treatment but is not among the 26 players that will take part in a three-day camp in London this week.
The 29-year-old has started both of England’s games so far in this year’s competition, impressing at the set-piece in the opening round defeat by Scotland and the win over Italy.
If Sinckler is not fit, the battle for the starting tighthead jersey will likely be contested by Leicester’s Dan Cole, who finished the game at Twickenham on Sunday, and the returning Will Stuart.
Bath’s Stuart has not played since dislocating his elbow in November’s loss to South Africa but has been brought back into the fold for this week’s training camp.
While Ben Curry is included in the 26-player panel having been dropped from the squad to face Italy, veteran scrum-half Ben Youngs once again misses out as does Manu Tuilagi, who has so far played no part in this year’s competition.
Having recorded their first win under head coach Steve Borthwick, England will now look to push on against a desperately out-of-form Wales, who sit bottom of the Six Nations table as the only side not to have collected a point from the opening two rounds.
England 26-man training camp squad
Forwards: Ollie Chessum, Dan Cole, Ben Curry, Alex Dombrandt, Ben Earl, Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Nick Isiekwe, Maro Itoje, Lewis Ludlam , Will Stuart, Mako Vunipola, Jack Walker, Jack Willis.
Backs: Henry Arundell, Owen Farrell, Ollie Hassell-Collins, Ollie Lawrence, Max Malins, Joe Marchant, Alex Mitchell, Henry Slade, Marcus Smith, Freddie Steward, Jack van Poortvliet, Anthony Watson.
England were beaten 29-23 by Scotland in their Six Nations opener before defeating Italy 31-14 on Sunday; Steve Borthwick wants to eradicate issues ahead of matches against Wales, Ireland and France ahead of the World Cup later this year
Last Updated: 13/02/23 11:23pm
Steve Borthwick has led England to one victory and one defeat from his first two matches
Steve Borthwick is to urgently investigate England’s habit of fading that has been evident in his two matches in charge, knowing it could leave his players with regrets.
England threw away a 20-12 lead with half an hour remaining of their Guinness Six Nations opener against Scotland and were also one point in front heading into the final 10 minutes, before ultimately falling 29-23.
Borthwick’s side also lost the second half 14-12 against Italy, with tension hanging in the Twickenham air until Henry Arundell produced a slick finish in the 71st minute to quell the Azzurri uprising.
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England head coach Steve Borthwick speaks after his side beat Italy at Twickenham in the Six Nations
England head coach Steve Borthwick speaks after his side beat Italy at Twickenham in the Six Nations
England face a fraught trip to Cardiff next followed by clashes with the world’s two best teams in France and Ireland, with Borthwick making a priority of identifying why they are vulnerable in the second half.
“At eight points up I would expect to win that game against Scotland, said Borthwick, who replaced the sacked Eddie Jones in December. “There was another point we were four points up and we let it slip.
“As we move forward with this team, as we coach and understand, we will be debriefing those things really fully so we don’t let those opportunities slide. You can’t rewind the clock. I talked about my regrets as a player and I don’t want these players to have regrets.
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Sky Sports News’ James Cole analyses Steve Borthwick’s selection decisions for his first Six Nations squad as England head coach, and a surprise move for his predecessor Eddie Jones
Sky Sports News’ James Cole analyses Steve Borthwick’s selection decisions for his first Six Nations squad as England head coach, and a surprise move for his predecessor Eddie Jones
“We let one slip against Scotland and we made sure we fully debriefed it to learn from it. Against Italy, there was a period late in the game where we let momentum get away from us. I really need to understand why it happened and how it happened.
“We can’t keep letting teams have momentum late in games against us. Clearly we let Italy out of their half, which is exactly what happened against Scotland. Systems take time.”
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2003 World Cup winner Ben Cohen feels Steve Borthwick and England have a lot of work to do as they continue their build-up to the World Cup
2003 World Cup winner Ben Cohen feels Steve Borthwick and England have a lot of work to do as they continue their build-up to the World Cup
England ‘a bit behind’ Ireland and France
On the day before England’s pack bullied their Italian counterparts, Ireland and France fought out a seismic title clash in Dublin that saw a ball-in-play time of 46 minutes.
Andy Farrell’s men came out on top and are destined to arrive at the World Cup later this year as the global game’s number one ranked team, while France have the talent to ensure the setback is only temporary.
Ireland claimed a 32-19 victory over France in Dublin on Saturday
“It was an incredible Test match,” Borthwick said, having watched the match. “The standard of those teams is phenomenal. If you can use this four-year cycle really well, you should be in a good situation right now and they are. If you look at them they are strong. We are a bit behind them.
“I can’t tell you how much, but we are behind them. I can’t do anything about where they are but we are going to work really hard to catch up as fast as we can.”
Borthwick inherited a team that endured a dismal 2022, resulting in Jones being removed as head coach, and he insists there is no fast-track to success.
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Will Greenwood says more time and work is needed for Steve Borthwick to improve the overall quality of his side
Will Greenwood says more time and work is needed for Steve Borthwick to improve the overall quality of his side
“We are going to do the best we can to be as good as we can be. This is a process of a rebuild,” he said. “I get the sense that people recognise this is a rebuild, I get a sense they recognise there is plenty to do here and we need to build some strengths here.
“The players have come through a tough time and I am asking them to do things in a different way and go out on the field and bring their strengths. I felt that against Italy they started to embrace that. Last week there was a reticence to really jump right in. That is what I want them to do.”
What’s Next?
England head to Cardiff on Saturday February 25 to face a struggling Wales who are yet to get a win in this year’s championship (4.45pm). For Italy, a home clash awaits against Grand Slam hopefuls Ireland (2.15pm).
This photo provided by the Dallas Zoo shows emperor tamarin monkeys Bella and Finn at the zoo on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023. The disappearance Monday, Jan. 30, 2023, of the two monkeys and the discovery that their enclosure had been cut were the latest in a string of odd events at the zoo over the last few weeks, which has included other cut fences, the escape of a small leopard and the suspicious death of an endangered vulture. The two small monkeys, who were found in an abandoned house Tuesday, Jan. 31, after being taken from the Dallas Zoo, lost a bit of weight during their ordeal but show no signs of injury, the zoo said Wednesday. (Dallas Zoo via AP)
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This photo provided by the Dallas Zoo shows emperor tamarin monkeys Bella and Finn at the zoo on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023. The disappearance Monday, Jan. 30, 2023, of the two monkeys and the discovery that their enclosure had been cut were the latest in a string of odd events at the zoo over the last few weeks, which has included other cut fences, the escape of a small leopard and the suspicious death of an endangered vulture. The two small monkeys, who were found in an abandoned house Tuesday, Jan. 31, after being taken from the Dallas Zoo, lost a bit of weight during their ordeal but show no signs of injury, the zoo said Wednesday. (Dallas Zoo via AP)
DALLAS (AP) — The two small monkeys who were found in a vacant house a day after being taken from the Dallas Zoo lost a bit of weight during their ordeal but show no signs of injury, the zoo said Wednesday.
The disappearance Monday of the two emperor tamarin monkeys — named Bella and Finn — and the discovery that their enclosure had been cut were the latest in a string of unusual events at the zoo over the last few weeks, which has included other cut fences, the escape of a small leopard and the suspicious death of an endangered vulture.
Dallas police said they found the monkeys — who have long whiskers that look like a mustache — late Tuesday afternoon in the closet of a home south of the zoo after getting a tip from the public. No arrests have been made.
The zoo said Wednesday on Twitter that both Bella and Finn “started eating and drinking almost immediately” after they were examined, and the two were “so happy to snuggle in their nest sack” on Tuesday night.
“We will continue to monitor them closely, but for now, we’re so glad they are safe and back with us,” the zoo said in a Wednesday statement.
Police had released a photo and video of a man they said they wanted to talk to about the monkeys, and were still seeking him Wednesday.
They are also trying to determine if the string of incidents over the last few weeks at the zoo are related or not.
On Jan. 13, arriving workers found that a clouded leopard named Nova was missing from her cage, and police said that a cutting tool had been intentionally used to make an opening in her enclosure. The zoo closed as a search for her got underway, and she was found later that day near her habitat.
Zoo workers had also found a similar gash in an enclosure for langur monkeys, though none got out or appeared harmed, police said.
On Jan. 21, workers arriving at the zoo found an endangered lappet-faced vulture named Pin dead. Gregg Hudson, the zoo’s president and CEO, called the death “very suspicious” and said the vulture had “a wound,” but declined to give further details.
The zoo said in its Wednesday statement that the incidents over the last few weeks have led officials there to “take a a hard look” at security measures, saying that while what they’ve had in place has worked in the past “it has become obvious that we need to make significant changes.”
The zoo said it has already implemented additional security measures that have included adding more cameras, additional fencing and more patrols, and will make other changes as well.
The zoo said that since Bella and Finn were taken away from the zoo, they’ll need to undergo a quarantine period before they can return to their habitat there.
Meanwhile, in Louisiana, officials said they have launched an investigation after 12 squirrel monkeys were discovered missing Sunday from a zoo in the state’s southwest. Their habitat at Zoosiana in Broussard, about 60 miles (96 kilometers) west of Baton Rouge, had been “compromised” and some damage was done to get in, city Police Chief Vance Olivier said Tuesday.
The Welsh Rugby Union says either its new chair or chief executive must be female under major reforms proposed in response to allegations of sexism and misogyny within the organisation.
Among the plans to “modernise”, the WRU also says its new board will comprise of at least five women and be more diverse.
A majority of 75 per cent of members at an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM), to be called imminently, will need to vote in favour in order to pass the proposals.
