mardi 31 janvier 2017
lundi 30 janvier 2017
dimanche 29 janvier 2017
Engalnd's Watson ruled out of Six Nations opener
England winger Anthony Watson has been ruled out for a period of three to four weeks by a hamstring problem.
The Bath flyer will miss the opening RBS 6 Nations clash with France at Twickenham next weekend but it is hoped he will be available to head coach Eddie Jones later in the tournament.
A medical assessment confirmed that Watson has a slight muscular strain to his hamstring which will require a rehabilitation period of between three and four weeks.
Watson will remain with England for his rehabilitation and Jones said: "It's disappointing news for Anthony and for England, but we know he'll rehab diligently to get himself right to go as soon as he can. "We're confident he'll be in the mix later in the championship."
Engalnd's Watson ruled out of Six Nations openerSix Nations blow for England as Watson ruled out
England winger Anthony Watson has been ruled out for a period of three to four weeks by a hamstring problem.
The Bath flyer will miss the opening RBS 6 Nations clash with France at Twickenham next weekend but it is hoped he will be available to head coach Eddie Jones later in the tournament.
A medical assessment confirmed that Watson has a slight muscular strain to his hamstring which will require a rehabilitation period of between three and four weeks.
Watson will remain with England for his rehabilitation and Jones said: "It's disappointing news for Anthony and for England, but we know he'll rehab diligently to get himself right to go as soon as he can. "We're confident he'll be in the mix later in the championship."
Six Nations blow for England as Watson ruled outsamedi 28 janvier 2017
Gatland: Hartley could captain Lions
Warren Gatland has kept the door ajar for Dylan Hartley to make a case for the British & Irish Lions captaincy -- but much will depend on his leadership during the Six Nations as England bid for back-to-back Grand Slams.
Hartley was among the front-runners for the position for this summer's series against New Zealand until indiscipline, not for the first time in his career, seemed to cost him.
He was shown a red card for striking Sean O'Brien in Northampton's Champions Cup clash against Leinster on Dec. 3 and the subsequent six-week ban means he has served 60 weeks' worth of suspensions in his career.
England head coach Eddie Jones has stuck by his man with Hartley's suspension ending on Monday, meaning he is free to play in their opener against France at Twickenham next Saturday.
But the hooker's hopes of pulling on the armband for the Lions in the first Test against the All Blacks on June 24 in Auckland may rest on how England fair in the Six Nations.
"If Dylan Hartley leads England to another Grand Slam that could sway it," Lions head coach Gatland told the Daily Telegraph.
"Dylan has done a great job with his leadership with England. The sending-off looked like frustration to me. But Dylan has to contend with pressure, too, that of Jamie George pushing for his place [in the England team]."
Gatland believes England will have a target on their backs in the next few weeks after an unbeaten 2016 that encompassed Grand Slam glory as well as a 3-0 series win in Australia.
But if they can rise to the challenge, the New Zealander thinks that can only benefit the Lions.
He added: "The best thing is to have a strong England for the simple reason that all the other countries will be gunning for them, looking to knock them over, and so England will have to cope with that as well deal with the pressure of expectation that is on them as Grand Slam champions and on this long run of successive wins.
"A Lions tour is about pressure, of all sorts, and particular in the Test series, finding a way to come out on top.
"The players from the other countries will be absolutely up for it, busting a gut to put one over on England because the rewards for doing so are going to be massive, in the tournament itself and potentially for the Lions selection.
"I want to see how they go at England and how England respond. I want pressure to bring the out of them all. I want those players to front up. I want the English players to front up. And if they do come through it all, yes, that is good for the Lions."
Gatland: Hartley could captain Lionsvendredi 27 janvier 2017
Nowell built back to fitness with Lego
Jack Nowell whittled away the time during five months spent rehabilitating thumb and thigh injuries by assembling Lego kits.
Nowell is set to be restored to the wing when England host France in the opening match of their Six Nations title defence on Saturday week after missing the entire autumn due to the quad tear sustained during Eddie Jones' controversial Brighton training camp in October.
Following in the footsteps of fellow Red Rose colleague Jonny May, who coloured in Harry Potter books during his long-term absence with a knee problem, Nowell retreated to childhood to occupy his mind.
"Jonny colours all day, I had Lego. It's not just because I am injured, I actually do a bit of Lego all the time," said the Exeter wing, who also underwent thumb surgery in preseason.
"I had a lot more sculptures that I built over the five months I was out -- a VW camper van, a chopper, a plane, a fishing boat.
"They are all in my room and my girlfriend doesn't like it because I am cluttering up the house, but I am a big fan of Lego.
"I go and buy the boxes from Toys R Us, they are getting quite pricey. I should get a loyalty card.
"Sometimes you lose about five hours of the day. You start making it at about 2 p.m. and suddenly it's 7 p.m. and dinner time.
"The boat was a difficult one. I like the VW camper van, just because of the doors and the lights.
"The lights turn on, you lift the roof off and you have the steering wheel, the seats, the pull-out bed, it's pretty special.
"I really enjoyed lego as a kid. It's something that really does completely switch you off. Simple things make me happy.
"My teammates find it amusing, they like to take the mick out of me, but I think I saw a Lego sculpture that Henry Slade made for Christmas. I think his mum bought it for him, I might have started something."
Nowell is competing with Marland Yarde for one of the wing spots, with Jones viewing the pair as work-rate players, but the strong recent form of the Chiefs three-quarter is expected to see him chosen for the visit of France to Twickenham.
Although not the fastest wing in the Aviva Premiership, Nowell believes his game awareness ensures he is not vulnerable.
"I try to get into positions that enable me to cancel speed out," he said.
"If that means a bit more work rate to get somewhere or to close the metres down on someone so that they can't pick up that high speed, then that's what I have got to do.
"People do talk about my pace, but at the moment I'm getting into those positions where I'm not being outrun or made to look silly."
Nowell built back to fitness with Legojeudi 26 janvier 2017
mercredi 25 janvier 2017
Jones reveals facial injuries at Six Nations launch
England head's coach was hurt during a fall, but a Rugby Football Union spokesman refused to give any further details.
Dylan Hartley has been confirmed as England captain for the Six Nations -- and was accompanied at Wednesday's official tournament launch by a bruised Eddie Jones.
Hartley will continue as skipper for the Grand Slam defence despite being sent off for striking Sean O'Brien during Northampton's defeat by Leinster on Dec. 3, an offence that resulted in a six-week suspension.
While Hartley was questioned on stage during the Q&A of the annual Championship curtain raiser in south London, Jones watched on from the audience with a wound dressing around his left eye, which was bruised.
England head's coach was hurt during a fall, but a Rugby Football Union spokesman refused to give any further details.
By the time France visit Twickenham for the Six Nations opener on Feb. 4, Hartley will not have played for nine weeks and his disciplinary record now consists of 60 weeks worth of bans.
When questioned about his match fitness, Hartley said:
"We did this last year talking about me, I'm here on behalf of the team.
"The challenge is to use this week as best we can to get the preparation right for a huge first game."
mardi 24 janvier 2017
London Welsh lose Championship status
London Welsh have been removed from English rugby's professional ranks and will immediately forfeit their place in the Championship.
The Rugby Football Union [RFU] has declared Welsh's position in the second-tier Championship "untenable" after the club failed to convince England's governing body of a sound financial future.
The storied London club fell into liquidation in December, before being granted a temporary licence that expired on Jan. 21.
A new board was challenged to provide evidence of funds to pay creditors and clarity on a new business plan, but RFU bosses were left unconvinced.
"It is deeply regrettable that we should arrive at this point, but with London Welsh in liquidation and unable to satisfy conditions to compete in The Greene King IPA Championship as a professional club, participation in the competition became untenable," said RFU chairman Andy Cosslett.
"We know this will be an extremely disappointing day for everyone connected with London Welsh, including players, staff and supporters, and the sadness at the loss of this club from the professional ranks will be shared throughout the game."
Welsh became one of the amateur domestic game's glamour clubs in the 1960s and 70s, boasting Wales stars like John Dawes, JPR Williams, Gerald Davies and John Taylor.
But the Old Deer Park outfit have struggled to move with the times and falling into liquidation in December has now proved fatal to their professional status.
An RFU statement read: "Following the appointment of liquidators in December 2016, a temporary licence was granted by the RFU to London Welsh, via a "Phoenix Entity", to enable participation in The Greene King IPA Championship.
"The licence expired on Jan. 21, 2017. The conditions required by the RFU regulations to enable London Welsh to continue to participate in the competition following the expiry of the temporary licence have not been met - despite the RFU granting two extensions to deadlines - and, with regret, London Welsh will no longer be granted permission to play in The Greene King IPA Championship for the remainder of this season and beyond."
London Welsh lose Championship statuslundi 23 janvier 2017
European Champions Cup quarterfinals: Who plays whom
Thomond Park will play host to yet another European Cup quarter-final as Munster face Toulouse.
European Champions Cup holders Saracens will host Glasgow Warriors in the quarterfinals after the draw was made on Sunday.
Mark McCall's side beat Racing 92 21-9 in Lyon last season and will continue the road to Edinburgh at Allianz Park.
Munster welcome Toulouse and Wasps will travel to Leinster after their 41-27 win over Zebre in Italy on Sunday.
Elsewhere, top seeds Clermont Auvergne host RC Toulon in a repeat of the 2015 final, which Toulon won.
European Champions Cup quarterfinal draw:
Clermont Auvergne vs. RC Toulon, Leinster v Wasps, Saracens vs. Glasgow Warriors, Munster vs. Toulouse.
In the Challenge Cup quarterfinals, Bath face Brive while Gloucester will play Cardiff.
Ospreys play Stade Francais and Edinburgh welcome La Rochelle, who are second in the Top 14 table and qualified for the last eight as one of the best three pool runners-up.
Challenge Cup quarterfinal draw: Bath vs. Brive, Gloucester vs. Cardiff, Edinburgh vs. La Rochelle, Ospreys vs. Stade Francais. All ties will be played on the 30/31 of March and 1/2 of April.
Ireland call up uncapped trio for Six Nations
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Tom HamiltonRugby Editor
Joe Schmidt has included uncapped trio Rory Scannell, Niall Scannell and Andrew Conway in Ireland's 40-man squad for the Six Nations.
All three play for Munster with Niall Scannell offering another option at hooker, Rory Scannell offering versatility in the backs and Andrew Conway adding to their stocks on the wing.
The 40-man squad will compete for places in rounds one and two of the forthcoming Six Nations with Rory Best confirmed as captain and Jamie Heaslip vice-captain.
"It has been good to watch the players over the past two months and great to see many of them doing so well," Schmidt said.
"As always there were some difficult decisions but we feel that the group is a good mix with a number of key players having good experience and a number of newer players having gained valuable experience and confidence during the summer tour to South Africa and the recent Guinness Series."
Ireland:
Forwards:
Finlay Bealham (Buccaneers/Connacht), Rory Best (Banbridge/Ulster), Jack Conan (Old Belvedere/Leinster), Ultan Dillane (Corinthians/Connacht), Tadhg Furlong (Clontarf/Leinster), Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster), Jamie Heaslip (Dublin University/Leinster), Iain Henderson (Ballynahinch/Ulster), Billy Holland (Cork Constitution/Munster), Dave Kilcoyne (UL Bohemians/Munster), Dan Leavy (UCD/Leinster), Jack McGrath (St. Mary's College/Leinster), Sean O'Brien (UCD/Leinster), Tommy O'Donnell (UL Bohemians/Munster), Peter O'Mahony (Cork Con/Munster), Donnacha Ryan (Shannon/Munster), John Ryan (Cork Constitution/Munster), Niall Scannell (Dolphin/Munster), CJ Stander (Munster), Devin Toner (Lansdowne/Leinster), James Tracy (UCD/Leinster), Josh van der Flier (UCD/Leinster)
Backs:
Tommy Bowe (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster), Andrew Conway (Munster), Keith Earls (Young Munster/Munster), Craig Gilroy (Bangor/Ulster), Robbie Henshaw (Buccaneers/Leinster), Paddy Jackson (Dungannon/Ulster), Rob Kearney (UCD/Leinster), Kieran Marmion (Corinthians/Connacht), Luke Marshall (Ballymena/Ulster), Stuart McCloskey (Ballynahinch/Ulster), Luke McGrath (UCD/Leinster), Conor Murray (Garryowen/Munster), Tiernan O'Halloran (Buccaneers/Connacht), Garry Ringrose (UCD/Leinster), Rory Scannell (Dolphin/Munster), Jonathan Sexton (St Mary's College/Leinster), Andrew Trimble (Ballymena/Ulster), Simon Zebo (Cork Con/Munster) 28 caps
Ireland call up uncapped trio for Six NationsSexton out to prove fitness for Six Nations opener
Johnny Sexton faces race to prove fitness ahead of Six Nations opener after injury against Castres.
Johnny Sexton should be named in Ireland's RBS 6 Nations squad despite facing a race against time to be fit for the tournament opener against Scotland.
Pivotal fly-half Sexton is expected to be given every chance to find fitness for Ireland's first Six Nations clash, at Murayfield on Saturday, February 4.
The 31-year-old limped out of Leinster's 24-24 Champions Cup draw in Castres on Friday night with calf trouble, but the extent of the injury is yet to be determined.
Ireland boss Joe Schmidt will name his squad for the first two rounds of Six Nations action on Monday, with Sexton likely to be included, especially with Leinster boss Leo Cullen feeling not unduly worried by the issue.
"It was just a bit of tightness," said Cullen.
"And when he feels that, he was almost making the call (to come off) himself."
Fast-developing hooker James Tracy could step up in the wake of a hamstring injury to Leinster club-mate Sean Cronin that has ruled the experienced front-rower out of the tournament.
Hugely-impressive young Leinster centre Garry Ringrose could well be in position to reprise his provincial midfield partnership with Robbie Henshaw for the bulk of Ireland's Six Nations campaign.
The 21-year-old heads the queue to replace Jared Payne at outside centre, with the Ulster star likely to miss the tournament owing to long-term kidney trouble.
Payne will prove a big miss for Ireland, given he has acted as the defensive captain for Schmidt's backline. But Leinster backs coach Girvan Dempsey believes Ringrose now boasts the defensive acumen to thrive in that crucial outside centre role with Ireland.
"Defence is so much more than raw power, it's not coming up and smashing guys, it's about reading the game to be in the right position, in terms of footwork, timing and style of tackling," Dempsey told Press Association Sport.
"And Garry sees the picture in front of him in terms of defence really well, and there's good connections with guys all around him as well.
"He's developing a good partnership with Robbie (Henshaw) now as well, that's really coming on nicely.
"But he's also a very physical defender, he's extremely committed to that part of the game and can certainly offer a punch in the tackle."
British and Irish Lions scrum-half Conor Murray is free to extend his fine recent form, cleared entirely after a recent head-injury scare with Munster.
The Thomond Park province had their head-injury assessment processes vindicated by European bosses following the 14-12 win over Glasgow on January 14. Munster were investigated by European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) for their handling of a potential head injury to Murray, but had their processes backed after the review.
That leaves Murray free to boss Ireland's half-backs, but also likely to face more roughhouse treatment from opponents akin to what he faced from Glasgow, who were so desperate to nullify his varied threats.
dimanche 22 janvier 2017
European Champions Cup quarter-finals: Who plays who
Thomond Park will play host to yet another European Cup quarter-final as Munster face Toulouse.
European Champions Cup holders Saracens will host Glasgow Warriors in the quarter-finals after the draw was made on Sunday.
Mark McCall's side beat Racing 92 21-9 in Lyon last season and will continue the road to Edinburgh at Allianz Park.
Munster welcome Toulouse and Wasps will travel to Leinster after their 41-27 win over Zebre in Italy on Sunday.
Elsewhere, top seeds Clermont Auvergne host RC Toulon in a repeat of the 2015 final, which Toulon won.
European Champions Cup quarter-final draw:
Clermont Auvergne v RC Toulon, Leinster v Wasps, Saracens v Glasgow Warriors, Munster v Toulouse.
In the Challenge Cup quarter-finals, Bath face Brive while Gloucester will play Cardiff.
Ospreys play Stade Francais and Edinburgh welcome La Rochelle, who are second in the Top 14 table and qualified for the last eight as one of the best three pool runners-up.
Challenge Cup quarter-final draw: Bath v Brive, Gloucester v Cardiff, Edinburgh v La Rochelle, Ospreys v Stade Francais. All ties will be played on the 30/31 of March and 1/2 of April.
COMMENT: Are Connacht hard done by?
After six rounds of Pool play the Champions Cup quarter-finalists have been confirmed, yet a side who finished eighth on competition points failed to make it through to the knockout stages.
Connacht fell agonisingly close of a quarter-final spot after Sunday's 19-10 loss to Toulouse - with the French side going through as the second best runner-up across the five Pools.
The result, as well as Wasps' bonus point win over Zebre, meant Pat Lam's men fell from first to third in Pool 2 - and in turn failed to progress in the competition.
Based on overall competition points on a traditional ladder, Connacht finished eighth, two points clear of Toulon who sneak into the next round as the third best runner-up overall.
European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) rules that the five pool winners and the three best placed runners-up qualify, and Connacht knew this heading into Sunday's match.
But even still it seems unjust that Connacht - who not only finished on more competition points, but had more wins, tries and a superior points differential than Toulon - didn't progress.
The quarter-finals throw up some tantalising fixtures, with six out of the eight teams involved having won Europe's biggest club trophy.
Clermont will host Toulon in an all Top 14 affair, with the winner to take on who prevails from the clash between the fourth and fifth seeds in Leinster and Wasps.
On the other side of the draw, Toulouse will head to Thomond Park to take on Munster, while defending champions Saracens host first time quarter-finalists Glasgow Warriors.
These fixtures will be held between March 31 and April 2.
COMMENT: Are Connacht hard done by?Ireland's Sexton a doubt for Six Nations
Leinster head coach Leo Cullen refused to speculate on whether Johnny Sexton would be fit in time for the Six Nations, after the Ireland fly-half limped off with a calf injury during the 24-24 Champions Cup draw in Castres.
Sexton opened the scoring with a penalty at Stade Pierre Antoine but had to be substituted midway through the first half.
Ireland's Six Nations opener, away to Scotland, is on Feb. 4.
Cullen said: "We'll see how he [Sexton] is. It's very early days yet. He'll get a scan early next week. Obviously he's got all next week and the week after before the Six Nations."
Robbie Henshaw scored two tries and Dan Leavy also crossed for Leinster, with a David Smith double and Antoine Dupont registering for Castres, who finished the game with a numerical advantage, which they failed to make tell after Mike McCarthy was shown a yellow card.
Cullen admitted his side were "probably lucky to get a draw".
He added: "We were just hanging in there for the last six or seven minutes. I think the guys did well to hold out, as Castres were going for the win.
"After they got into the lead, we did well to fight back into the game. We had a lot of breaks, but we couldn't find that support player. It was very much a mixed bag."
Ireland's Sexton a doubt for Six Nationssamedi 21 janvier 2017
Fofana ruled out of Six Nations
France's Six Nations chances have been dealt a cruel blow with midfielder Wesley Fofana ruled out of the tournament with a ruptured achilles.
The 29-year-old suffered the injury late in the first half of Clermont Auvergne's 48-26 bonus point win over Exeter Chiefs in the Champions Cup.
Clermont have issued a statement which confirmed the injury, and said Fofana will meet a surgeon on Sunday with a timeline on his return unknown.
It was a bittersweet afternoon for Clermont coach Franck Azema, who secured top seeding in Europe with the big win.
"We are coming out as first seeds which is a nice start to the European campaign. We will be proud to play our Champions Cup quarter-final here," he said.
Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter believes his side will be better equipped for an assault on the European Champions Cup next season after the humbling result.
The damage was done by half-time as the hosts ran-in five unanswered tries to go in 34-0 ahead.
Benjamin Kayser and Noa Nakaitaci set the tone with scores in the first 10 minutes, before Wesley Fofana, Nick Abendanon and a penalty try earned a home quarter-final for the Top14 side.
James Short went over in the first minute of the second-half to get Exeter on the scoreboard, but Peceli Yato and Alexandre Lapandry re-established Clermont's dominance.
However, Ollie Devoto, Ollie Woodburn and Michele Campagnaro all scored in a second-half comeback to earn a bonus-point.
And Baxter believes his men will learn from their experience at Stade Marcel Michelin.
He said: "I don't see why we can't win this competition one day. We are still a relatively young side and you have to go through these things when you are developing.
"Clermont have been banging at the door for years, and you can get close without winning things.
"This is a good kick in the pants for us, when Clermont beat us at home it turned out to be positive for us because it made us challenge ourselves.
"And next time we're in a must win game, we must turn up in the right frame of mind and dictate what happens on the field.
"These boys will be better for the experience but we have to live in the here and now and it wasn't good enough.
"You have to learn, and we took part in the game in the second-half which I give the players credit for."
Fofana ruled out of Six NationsMunster cleared by EPCR Investigation into Murray head injury
Munster have been cleared of any wrongdoing over their handling of the head knock sustained by Conor Murray in their victory over Glasgow at Scotstoun last weekend.
The Irish province were the subject of an investigation by Champions Cup organisers when Murray was allowed to return to the pitch after taking the blow, only to then be withdrawn for a head injury assessment.
Munster, who prevailed 14-12 in the European showdown on January 14, insisted that Murray had not demonstrated any symptoms of concussion.
The European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) Untoward Incident Review Group found that "Murray did not demonstrate any criteria that should have led to his immediate and permanent removal from the field of play".
The EPCR statement continued: "The player underwent further assessment by Munster's medical team and its specialist advisors and, as such, the decision as to when the player returns to play rests with Munster. The group will deliver its full report in due course."
Munster cleared by EPCR Investigation into Murray head injuryvendredi 20 janvier 2017
jeudi 19 janvier 2017
Sale sack Arscott after alleged team information leak
Sale have terminated the contract of back Tom Arscott after an alleged leak of information to Bristol.
Sharks chief executive Jon Dorsett said in a brief statement that the decision followed a disciplinary investigation and hearing.
Arscott had been suspended since Jan. 4 over the 'leak' that was said to have taken place before the the Premiership clash between Sale and Bristol three days earlier.
Dorsett said: "Sale Sharks have today terminated the contract of Tom Arscott with immediate effect following a disciplinary investigation and hearing. No further comment will be made, in accordance with the club's disciplinary procedure."
Sale initially suspended 29-year-old wing Arscott, who joined the club from London Welsh in 2013, after his team-mates expressed concerns to the north west club's director of rugby Steve Diamond.
Earlier this week, it emerged the Rugby Football Union was investigating a complaint made by Sale that related to "the passing of information to the opposition team" ahead of the AJ Bell Stadium fixture against Bristol on Jan. 1.
Bristol subsequently said that Arscott met his brother Luke -- a Bristol player -- at the club's hotel on New Year's Eve.
But Bristol also insisted that "nothing of any sporting value" was passed on to coaching staff and that they were "absolutely confident of no wrongdoing".
When Diamond was questioned about the situation on Tuesday of this week, he revealed that Tom Arscott had been suspended since Jan. 4.
"We investigated it internally and we are going through a disciplinary, and under the regulations, we have to report it [to the RFU], so we did that," Diamond said.
When then asked how disruptive it had been for the rest of his squad, Diamond, whose side have lost their last 10 matches in all competitions, added: "The squad are galvanised.
"They came to me with the problem. I knew nothing about it. And I reacted to that -- senior players coming to me.
"If you do your own analysis, you probably don't need the information, because teams do the same most weeks.
"But in the same breath, there is an element of trust you need, and loyalty. When you sign a professional contract, team information is sacrosanct to the team's performance and that can't be discussed, certainly with opposition teams. That is the top and bottom of it."
Bristol won the match 24-23 after trailing by 15 points in the first-half.
Neither Arscott brother played in the game, with Tom not included in Sale's 23-man squad and Luke an unused replacement in Bristol's.
In Bristol's statement, which was read out by head coach Mark Tainton at the club's scheduled weekly press conference on Tuesday, the club said it was "entirely comfortable" they had done nothing wrong.
England Under-19 international Tom Arscott is a former Bristol player, and in addition to Sale and London Welsh, he also had spells with Worcester and his home-town club Plymouth.
Sale sack Arscott after alleged team information leakHartley not guaranteed to lead England to Japan - Jones
Head coach Eddie Jones has indicated Dylan Hartley could face competition for the England captaincy in the near future.
Northampton hooker Hartley was seen as a controversial selection by Jones to lead the team before last year's Six Nations but they went on to achieve a Grand Slam before finishing 2016 with 13 wins from 13 games.
Fitness permitting he will lead the side again in the upcoming championship.
But Jones has not decided who should skipper England in the long run-up to the 2019 World Cup.
Jones told the Guardian: "Dylan's our 'foundation' captain but the next two years will be our [2019] tournament captain. Whether that's Dylan -- it's a possibility -- or someone else is something we'll appraise."
Asked about the World Cup that takes place in Japan in two years' time, Jones forecast a final between his side and New Zealand, adding: "England to win by a point. It'll be a cracking game."
Hartley's disciplinary problems make him a divisive figure, although his passionate leadership has appealed to Jones.
The 30-year-old is currently serving a six-week suspension for striking Sean O'Brien, and with Jones opting against playing him in the Anglo-Welsh Cup upon completion of his ban, he will not have appeared in a game since Dec. 9 by the time France visit Twickenham on Feb. 4.
To prove his fitness Hartley was due to be put through a gruelling training session this week at Northampton, overseen by a member of England's back room staff.
Jones believes there is one outstanding candidate to lead the British & Irish Lions against the All Blacks in the summer, and it is not an England player but the new Wales skipper.
"I think the captain has to be a guaranteed selection and the guy who stands out at this stage is Alun Wyn Jones," said the England boss.
"He's a hard Test player. I don't think it's any coincidence he's just been made captain of Wales."
Hartley not guaranteed to lead England to Japan - Jonesmercredi 18 janvier 2017
Warren Gatland adds 3 to his Lions backroom team for New Zealand
British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland has added to his backroom team with three new members on board for the tour of New Zealand later this year.
Head analyst Rhodri Bown and head of strength and conditioning Paul Stridgeon, from Wales, and head of medical Eanna Falvey, from Ireland, will team up with Gatland for the 10-match trip.
They will join the Lions following the conclusion of the Six Nations.
"Rhodri, Paul and Eanna have a lot of Lions experience, including being part of a winning team in 2013, and they know what is required for us to be successful in New Zealand," Gatland said.
"They will bring a wealth of knowledge and skill to their roles and I know they will fit well into the environment we are trying to create."
Warren Gatland adds 3 to his Lions backroom team for New ZealandConcussion accounts for 25 percent of Prem injuries - report
Concussion is the the most serious and commonly reported injury in Premiership Rugby, a new report has said.
Head injuries have become a focal point in recent seasons following a number of high-profile cases, the most notable of which have involved Wales and British and Irish Lions international George North.
World Rugby recently ruled that Northampton's medics were wrong to let North, who has suffered several head issues, return to action after a suspected concussion against Leicester in December.
Meanwhile, former Wales forward Jonathan Thomas retired from rugby in 2015 after being diagnosed with epilepsy thought to be linked to head traumas suffered during his career.
The injury report, published on Wednesday, revealed that concussion accounts for 25 percent of all match injuries. The study also stated that concussion compromises 20 percent of all injuries to the ball carrier and 47 percent of all injuries to the tackler.
While the overall likelihood of a player getting injured was lower than in any previous season, incidents of concussion have risen by seven per cent.
"The continued rise in the number of reported concussions in the professional game continues to be an area of priority focus for everyone involved in the game," Simon Kemp, Rugby Football Union chief medical officer said.
"Medical staff are all working extremely hard to ensure that we are identifying and managing this complex injury well.
"We all want players who are subsequently diagnosed with concussion to be removed from the field of play at the time of injury and recognise that this approach is likely to see an increase in the number of reported concussions. While we continue to 'recognise and remove', our focus must now be on concussion prevention.
"We know that the tackle is where the overwhelming majority of concussions occur and welcome the recent initiatives around zero tolerance to contact with the head from World Rugby."
Corin Palmer, Head of Rugby Operations at Premiership Rugby added: "The focus on concussion from everyone in the game shows the cultural change, resulting from Premiership Rugby's work with the RFU [Rugby Football Union] and the RPA [Rugby Players' Association] to increase awareness and education about the seriousness of concussion, has come into effect in every area of the professional game.
"This is reflected in the increase in reported concussions and the excellent compliance with the concussion return to play guidelines from all of our clubs."
Concussion accounts for 25 percent of Prem injuries - reportmardi 17 janvier 2017
Saracens boss McCall unimpressed with play-acting
Mark McCall insists he would be "devastated" if any of his Saracens players mimicked Scarlets flanker James Davies' apparent play-acting from the sides' Champions Cup draw.
Back-rower Davies milked Will Skelton's slap in Saturday's 22-22 draw at Parc y Scarlets, with the Saracens lock yellow carded for his actions.
Davies threw himself theatrically to the ground, but went unpunished, leaving Saracens director of rugby McCall distinctly unimpressed.
"It's not good is it? It wasn't good," said McCall.
"I would hate one of our players to have done that, and I don't think they would.
"If one of our players did that I'd be devastated.
"But I don't think they would do that. It's terrible, but you don't need me to tell you that."
Saracens survived Skelton's sin-binning to secure safe passage to the Champions Cup quarterfinals, but will now set about claiming a home draw by seeing off Toulon on Saturday.
Australia lock Skelton has impressed in his short-term stint at Saracens, with McCall admitting the club have offered him the chance to join permanently.
Saracens are in the market for two locks, to replace Scotland's Jim Hamilton, who will leave Allianz Park this summer, and the retired Alistair Hargreaves.
Waratahs lock Skelton would have to forego his Wallabies career should he leave Australia permanently, with McCall admitting the 6ft 8in powerhouse faces a tough decision on his future.
Asked if Skelton could complete a full-time move to Saracens, McCall replied: "Possibly, as he's out of contract with New South Wales at the end of the Super Rugby season.
"He's really enjoyed his time in England but that would mean giving up international rugby, which is tough for a 24-year-old. So we'll see.
"Players in that situation, you have to tell them you want them and you'd like them to be here.
"But it's for him to make the decision, and he'll make that decision in the next week or two.
"Jim Hamilton's going to leave us at the end of the season and Alistair Hargreaves has retired, so we've been a bit short there this season."
Saracens boss McCall unimpressed with play-actingSix Nations: Kruis fit for England selection
Mark McCall has eased fears that lock George Kruis will miss the start of England's Six Nations campaign.
Saracens boss McCall has reiterated he expects Kruis to be fit when England host France on Feb. 4 following a minor cheekbone fracture.
England head coach Eddie Jones on Monday rated Kruis as "borderline" for the France clash, but Saracens chief McCall feels Kruis could yet feature in Saturday's European clash with Toulon.
Kruis was due to see a specialist on Tuesday night, to determine whether he can return to action as soon as this weekend.
"George will definitely be available for England, and there's a slight chance he'll be available this weekend," said McCall of Kruis' fitness situation.
"He'll go and see a consultant this evening, and hopefully we'll find out then.
"He's not far away, so it's going to be that conversation and we'll be guided by the conversation.
"George is able to train now, it's not an injury that's preventing him from training, though obviously he's not doing contact until he's given the all-clear."
Kruis suffered the cheekbone problem against Newcastle on Christmas Eve, but was quickly diagnosed with a relatively minor injury by Saracens.
Now the 26-year-old is honing in on a playing return, that could yet boost England's injury profile ahead of launching their Grand Slam defence.
Jones' side will be without former captain Chris Robshaw for the entire Six Nations, after the Harlequins flanker underwent shoulder surgery.
Billy Vunipola will miss at least the early rounds with knee trouble, while Wasps flanker James Haskell has only just recovered from concussion.
Props Joe Marler and Mako Vunipola are also injury doubts in further tests to England's resources, so Kruis' return would certainly ease the situation.
Six Nations: Kruis fit for England selectionWales include 7 uncapped players as Jones named captain
Wales interim head coach Rob Howley has named a 36-man squad for the Six Nations, including seven uncapped players.
Wasps flanker Thomas Young has been included, alongside Rory Thornton, Olly Cracknell, Aled Davies, Owen Williams, Ashton Hewitt and Steff Evans.
As expected Sam Warburton has stepped down as captain, with Alun Wyn Jones to lead the team during the championship.
More to follow...
Wales include 7 uncapped players as Jones named captainlundi 16 janvier 2017
RFU probing Sale complaint over Bristol information
Sale have made a complaint to the Rugby Football Union after information was allegedly leaked to opponents Bristol earlier this month.
Bristol fought back from 15-0 down to win the Aviva Premiership encounter 24-23 at the AJ Bell Stadium on New Year's Day.
A spokesman for the RFU confirmed that the governing body was investigating the accusation, but no other details were given.
The spokesman said: "The RFU are investigating a complaint made by Sale Sharks in relation to the passing of information to the opposition team ahead of the match against Bristol earlier this month."
Sale are next in action when they host the Scarlets in their final European Champions Cup group game on Saturday.
Bristol -- who are bottom of the Premiership, seven points adrift of 10th-placed Sale -- welcome Cardiff Blues in the European Challenge Cup this weekend.
RFU probing Sale complaint over Bristol informationIreland's Cronin to miss Six Nations
Sean Cronin during the Autumn International match between Ireland and New Zealand
Ireland hooker Sean Cronin will miss the Six Nations after being ruled out for up to 10 weeks with a hamstring injury.
The 30-year-old sustained a hamstring tear during Leinster's Guinness PRO12 win over Zebre on Jan. 6.
Cronin had been expected to deputise for Rory Best during the championship. His absence brings Leinster's James Tracy, Munster's Niall Scannell, Ulster's Rob Herring and Connacht's Dave Heffernan into selection contention.
Ireland kick off their Six Nations campaign away to Scotland on Feb. 4.
dimanche 15 janvier 2017
Wasps boss backs Mullan to fill England void
England have been told that Matt Mullan is ready to answer their prop crisis when their Six Nations opens against France on Feb. 4.
The champions are missing Mako Vunipola and Joe Marler for at least the opening two rounds of their title defence due to injury, robbing them of two high-quality options at loosehead.
It leaves Mullan poised to make only his second Test start when France visit Twickenham next month knowing a mini run in the team is the prize on offer having made 12 appearances as a replacement.
The 29-year-old contributed to Wasps' 17-14 Champions Cup victory over Toulouse on Saturday and his director of rugby Dai Young, the former Wales prop who still scrummages against his players one-on-one in training, insists he is ready to fill the void once more.
"No one will be prouder than Matt to represent his country and in the past he has always done it really well. If he does get the nod, he won't let anyone down," Young said.
"He leaves nothing out there -- when he comes into the dressing room he's always emptied the tank. If you look at his stats for a front row they're very high.
"He's always been there or thereabouts for England and he knows the systems inside-out. When he has been called upon to perform, he's always done a great job for them."
Mullan, who deputised for Vunipola on last summer's tour to Australia, does not want to be limited to a supporting role.
"Every player has ambitions to play for England, not only to play but to try and start and play as many times as you can," Mullan said.
"If I am lucky enough to be dragged into the England camp, you have got to keep working hard and you have got to negotiate that first."
Wasps boss backs Mullan to fill England voidExeter boss Baxter laments slow Champions Cup campaign
Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter was left bemoaning his side's slow start to the campaign after Sunday's 31-19 bonus-point victory over Ulster at least kept alive their slim hopes of progressing in the European Champions Cup.
The Chiefs leapfrogged Ulster and Bordeaux to move up to second place in Pool Five, but their final fixture is away at runaway leaders Clermont, where they will need to pick up a bonus-point win and hope a number of other results go their way.
Baxter said: "We are mathematically still in it but, as a good as we were today, we have to remember the opportunities we've lost in earlier games.
"How we lost to Bordeaux after we secured 70 per cent possession is hard to fathom, but we were off the pace earlier in the season and I hope we've learned our lessons.
"Last season we ruined Ospreys' chances and today we have ruined another team's, and if we had won the Bordeaux game we would be in a totally different position."
Baxter saw Thomas Waldrom and Michele Campagnaro score two tries apiece for Exeter, with a penalty try and three Gareth Steenson conversions making up the points.
The explosive Charles Piutau touched down twice for Ulster; Sean Reidy scoring the other, with Paddy Jackson converting two, but a late yellow card for Jackson and award of the penalty try sealed their fate.
"We now have much more momentum to our game as we are running off the ball much harder and are well placed to concentrate on the Anglo-Welsh and Premiership competitions for the rest of the season," Baxter added.
"You never know what might happen as we can go to Clermont and have a bit of fun and try to score four or five tries."
Ulster boss Les Kiss was disappointed as the defeat without a bonus point effectively ended any hopes of the Irish province advancing.
"We didn't look after our ball and gave away easy penalties," he said. "There were a lot of good things from us but they worked us over in the early period of the second half.
"I've no complaints about the yellow card as they caught us out and put us under pressure and we didn't handle it.
The feature of the game was a brilliant duel between wings Jack Nowell and Piutau, which thrilled the Sandy Park crowd.
"Charles is a special talent but we are not doing enough to open up the spaces to give him more opportunities," Baxter said:
"Jack was exceptional today and hopefully he can take that momentum into the Six Nations and, if England do well, he can secure a Lions place.
"A moment of inspiration from Piutau won the game for them in Belfast and it was a tit-for-tat contest with Jack. If you had Jack on one wing and Piutau on the other, you'd have some side."
Exeter boss Baxter laments slow Champions Cup campaignLeicester 'embarrassing' away from home - Mauger
Leicester head coach Aaron Mauger branded his team's display "embarrassing" as they failed to show up in their heavy 34-3 Champions Cup defeat to Racing 92.
Mauger took charge of the Tigers following the sacking of Richard Cockerill, but saw Leicester thrashed away from home for the third time in Europe this season to leave their hopes of reaching the quarterfinals over.
Racing scored five tries to secure a bonus-point success -- wing Marc Andreu scoring twice -- as Leicester bowed out of Europe with a whimper.
Their display left former All Black centre Mauger to admit he has a lot of work to do.
He said: "It was frustrating and disappointing. We just didn't front up. Everything we talked about in the week in terms of preparation we just didn't do.
"We talked about winning the collisions and getting quick ball, but I thought Racing were very good in that area. We weren't very good there and in defence we let them open up channels.
"With guys like Dan Carter in the team, they're too good."
Leicester had already been thrashed by both Munster and Glasgow on the road this season and the game in Paris followed a similar pattern.
Xavier Chauveau, Marc Andreu and Gerbrandt Grobler all crossed in the first half and a penalty try after the break sealed Racing's bonus point.
Andreu completed his brace late on as the home side claimed their first win of the tournament.
Will Evans and Antoine Claasen were both yellow carded for either side, but Leicester were outclassed and had just a penalty from Freddie Burns to show for their efforts.
"We're the Leicester Tigers at home but away it's hard to call ourselves that," Mauger added. "Munster away, Glasgow away and now today -- it's pretty embarrassing.
"We've certainly got to be better away from home. I'm passionate about what I do and the guys I'm working with are decent people. A poor result doesn't change that.
"We'll get together and although we're pretty wounded, we'll stick together and try and front up next week against Glasgow."
Racing star man Carter, who kicked three conversions and a penalty, said: "We've been hurt by our performances in the European Cup and even though we didn't have a lot to play for in terms of points and play-off spots, we had a lot to play for in terms of pride.
"We're pretty pleased to get a performance like that and not finish with zero points.
"It's a happy bunch of guys and it's an opportunity to thank our fans for turning up week in, week out.
"Tonight they got the sort of performance we're capable of."
Leicester 'embarrassing' away from home - Maugersamedi 14 janvier 2017
Saints keen to march on after four wins on the bounce
Northampton director of rugby Jim Mallinder is aiming to keep the momentum building after a hard fought 28-21 Champions Cup win over Castres at Franklin's Gardens.
Teimana Harrison scored two tries and there was one apiece for Tom Wood and Stephen Myler, who also slotted all four conversions, as Northampton claimed their fourth straight win in all competitions.
Castres trailed 21-7 at one stage but they rallied strongly to draw level before Wood's late effort saw Saints home with a bonus point.
Alexandre Bias and Julien Dumora scored tries for Castres with skipper Rory Kockott adding three penalties and a conversion.
"Rugby is all about momentum and it's fantastic that we've won our last four games. We want to keep that momentum going," Mallinder said.
"It was a good performance as we attacked with good intent to dominate the first half but we weren't clinical enough in taking chances.
"Castres were too strong for us down there (in France) and they brought a quality side here to put our scrum under a lot of pressure."
Despite the bonus point win, Northampton remained at the bottom of Pool 4 with no chance of further progress in the competition and only have pride to play for in the final fixture at Montpellier next Friday.
"I always enjoy trips to France and it will be a good experience for us to play in a hostile environment," Mallinder added.
Two-try hero Harrison was forced to play at number eight as Louis Picamoles was absent through injury, but he still impressed with an all-action display.
Harrison said: "In our last block of European fixtures we let the club down and we are slowly getting back to the Saints of old.
"Some of our performances haven't been the best but I believe we've turned the corner and I'm happy the way things are going.
"We've been learning to run off Louis but playing at number eight gives me an extra freedom and I have been working on my ball carrying.
"We hope to finish on a bang in Montpellier."
Harrison was part of an impressive Saints pack, which also featured excellent performances from fellow England squad members Tom Wood and Courtney Lawes.
Mallinder added: "Our back row is an area of strength with Tom Wood playing some of his best rugby of his career in recent weeks. He, Courtney and Teimana were all outstanding today."
Saints keen to march on after four wins on the bounceFarrell focused on the future
Owen Farrell refused to reflect on the glory of an outstanding 2016 for Saracens and England even when beginning the year with a week's holiday in Devon.
Farrell visited the south west with his partner and their new dog - a Hungarian Vizler named Ronnie that he is in the process of training - but admits he was unable to eliminate thoughts of rugby during the break.
The 25-year-old was instrumental in Saracens' march to domestic and European silverware last season and also played a key role in England's Grand Slam success amid a calendar year notable for an unblemished run of 13 Test victories.
It culminated in his nomination for world player of the year, but Farrell is reluctant to dwell on past achievements.
"What's the point in looking back? I don't feel the need to sit there and think about what's gone on last year," Farrell said.
"If I was to sit there and think about anything, it's 'what can you look forward to, what you can put your time into and what can help make you grow?'
"I definitely take pride in what we did, but I don't sit there and think 'how good was that?' Rugby is a game that's constant and if you're not growing with it, you get left behind.
"When you get time off, you do more of the stuff you enjoy, but I enjoy training and I enjoy watching rugby."
Farrell will lead Saracens in Sunday's Champions Cup visit to the Scarlets in the suspension-enforced absence of Brad Barritt.
"Scarlets had a brilliant win against Toulon down at their ground so it'll be a tough place to go," he said.
"They're a very good team littered with brilliant players so we'll have to prepare well and make sure we get things right. If we don't we'll get caught out."
Farrell focused on the futureWasps finishing frustrates Young
Wasps were issued a warning by their director of rugby Dai Young despite placing themselves on the brink of a place in the quarter-finals of the Champions Cup after a 17-14 victory over Toulouse.
It took an opportunist try from replacement scrum-half Dan Robson with 52 seconds remaining of the Ricoh Arena showdown for the Aviva Premiership leaders to retain control of a competitive Pool Two.
While he was encouraged by his players' success in clawing their way to a late victory for a second successive weekend, Young admitted he is growing frustrated at their inability to take chances that would avert the need for a last-gasp assault.
Last week they edged out Leicester 22-16 in the Premiership. "When you look at the games, we shouldn't be in those positions and that's really starting to get under my skin a bit," Young said.
"I'm really pleased that we found a way to win. We showed a lot of team spirit and scored points when we had a player in the sin-bin.
"But in saying that we have to be honest with ourselves in that if we produce as many clear line breaks as we did, you have got to nail them.
"You can't not finish those line breaks in the big games and expect to win. A couple of those chances looked harder not to score.
"The players were a little bit surprised by my reaction after the match because I wasn't jumping up and down.
"I'm pleased that we won and you always take that, but we need to look at our lack of composure and patience in their 22.
" Danny Cipriani gave away a penalty try in the 72nd minute, earning a yellow card in the process, for entering a maul from the side before ripping the ball from Vasil Kakovin as the replacement prop sought to touch down.
Young did not agree with the decision made by referee John Lacey and overall felt the Irish official endured a poor afternoon. "Cipriani didn't actually enter the maul, so I thought it was the wrong decision - probably one of many really," Young said.
"I don't want to criticise referees because it's a difficult job and you have got to adapt to the game, but you could pretty much do what you like in the contact area."
Wasps finishing frustrates YoungLions rugby sortie at Phoenix A-League training
An international rugby sortie, led by British and Irish Lions rugby coach Warren Gatland has livened up a Wellington A-League training session.
Gatland led a team of around a dozen officials on a reconnaissance mission on Friday to check out Westpac Stadium, one of seven venues to host the Lions in their 10-match, three-Test tour which begins on June 3.
The Lions' mission provided a brief distraction for the Phoenix as they prepared for Saturday's must-win clash with Central Coast.
Co-coach Des Buckingham's tongue-in-cheek hopes of scoring some match tickets, however, proved futile.
"I've tried getting tickets myself but I'm struggling," he said.
"I've got plenty of friends and family back home that are coming out and, for some reason, think I'll be able to sort them tickets, but I'm struggling myself."
A Lions media spokesman said the 10-day reconnaissance trip began last Saturday in Auckland, and would conclude with trips to Christchurch and Dunedin.
It provided a range of team officials, headed by Gatland and director of operations Gerard Carmody, the chance to check out every aspect of the tour including game venues, hotels, training grounds and gyms.
Lions rugby sortie at Phoenix A-League trainingCockerill: Tigers will always be in my heart
Richard Cockerill says Leicester will "always be in his heart" after reflecting on his shock departure from the Aviva Premiership club.
Cockerill served Leicester for 23 years as a player and coach but was sacked last week after a number of disappointing results.
He is already back in work, serving as a consultant to Toulon, but has written one last column in a long-standing agreement with the Leicester Mercury.
"I don't think you ever truly realise what a good time you are having somewhere until it's over and you have a chance to reflect and look back," he said.
"Now I will have chance to do that. I am not one for overly reminiscing -- sitting down and going through old times. But memories of my time at Leicester will always be at the forefront of my mind.
"Stories and little moments will, no doubt, always crop up. When your time at one club has taken up as much of your life as my time at Leicester has, that will be inevitable.
"With every year that went by as a player and then a coach, I felt a stronger and stronger attachment to it. Not just the pitch, the changing rooms, the training ground and the team rooms, but to the people that have made the club what it is.
"The Tigers are in my blood and will always be in my heart."
Cockerill: Tigers will always be in my heartvendredi 13 janvier 2017
Sale under investigation over concussion protocols
Launchbury returns for Wasps ahead of Toulouse
Joe Launchbury has handed England a timely boost as he returns to captain Wasps against Toulouse on Saturday in the Champions Cup.
Launchbury was considered a doubt for England's Six Nations opener due to the calf injury sustained at the end of December but he has returned ahead of schedule.
The news will come as a welcome boost for England who are waiting on news of George Kruis' recovery from a cheekbone injury while Joe Marler, Mako Vunipola, Billy Vunipola and Chris Robshaw are all set to miss their first match against France on Feb. 4.
Launchbury is now in the box seat to start against Les Bleus and his availability could allow Eddie Jones to shift Maro Itoje to blindside as they look to fill the void left by the injured Robshaw.
But there is no place in the Wasps team for James Haskell who is recovering from the head knock he sustained against Leicester last Sunday.
"These are the big games players dream of competing in," Wasps boss Dai Young said. "A must-win clash against the four-time European Champions, in front of a big home crowd, with a place in the European Quarter Finals on the line.
"We have enjoyed our run in the Aviva Premiership, but that will count for nothing as we return to Europe, in what is ultimately a Cup Final for us, with three teams tied on 13 points in Pool 2.
"Toulouse are one of the true giants in European Rugby. Nothing short of an 80-minute performance will be good enough against a team full of internationals. We were pleased with the draw in Toulouse but we need to back that up with a home win on Saturday. It's a fantastic challenge and one that we are all relishing."
Launchbury returns for Wasps ahead of ToulouseDean Richards rules out return to Leicester
Dean Richards has dismissed any suggestion of a possible coaching return to his former club Leicester.
The Tigers sacked rugby director Richard Cockerill last week, with head coach Aaron Mauger currently in charge of first team business.
But Newcastle rugby director Richards, 53, says he has "no interest" in the Leicester position.
He led the Tigers to four Premiership titles and two European Cup final successes between 1998 and 2004, while he also played more than 300 times for Leicester during a career that produced 48 England caps.
"I have ambitions still myself, am competitive and have that desire to win," Richards told the Daily Telegraph. "You never lose that instinct, and it has been great to rekindle things here at Newcastle.
"As for Leicester, I've seen what has happened to Richard (Cockerill), and even though he has had longevity in that job, a board gets impatient for success.
"But Leicester is not in my mind at all. I have no interest. I am very happy where I am."
Martin Johnson, Stuart Lancaster and Heyneke Meyer are among those to have been linked with the Leicester job, although it would be no surprise if New Zealander Mauger remained in charge at least for the rest of this season.
Dean Richards rules out return to Leicesterjeudi 12 janvier 2017
Jones appoints Teague as England skills coach
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Tom HamiltonRugby Editor
Eddie Jones has appointed Rory Teague as full-time skills coach for the senior England team.
Teague takes the step up from the England Under 20s where he was attack and backs coach. The promotion comes after Northampton are understood to have sounded out Teague as a potential candidate to replace their former attack coach Alex King, who left the Aviva Premiership side back in October.
Teague slots straight into Jones' England backroom staff alongside Paul Gustard, Neal Hatley and Steve Borthwick ahead of the Six Nations.
He already knows the England environment well having been brought into the senior coaching team for last year's autumn internationals for two days a week, a post which has now shifted into a full-time role.
"Rory's come up from the 20s and he'll be full-time with us," Jones said. "He's a good, young coach. He's inquisitive, curious, wants to get better and therefore he can play a key role for us in improving the skills of the players."
Teague is well versed in English rugby having played at fly-half for Gloucester and Bristol. He also played for Grenoble in France and joined the RFU after a spell working in Saracens' academy.
He began his coaching life at Harrow where he had a role in mentoring and coaching the young Maro Itoje who was crowned World Rugby's breakthrough player for 2016.
England start their Six Nations campaign on February 4 when they host France at Twickenham as they look to extend their unbeaten run under Jones.
Jones appoints Teague as England skills coachmercredi 11 janvier 2017
Leicester duo Betham, Kitchener agree new deals
Leicester have announced new contracts for back Peter Betham and lock Graham Kitchener.
Australia international Betham, who has played at wing and centre for the Tigers, has started all 13 of the club's Aviva Premiership games this season.
Kitchener, signed by the Tigers from Worcester in 2011, has been involved in every Premiership and European Champions Cup match-day 23 this term.
Leicester head coach Aaron Mauger said: "Peter has shown his versatility by playing at wing and centre in his 18 months at the club, and we believe we will see even more growth in his game on the back of his experiences here so far.
"To see Graham Kitchener and Peter agree to new contracts is good news for the club because they have played key roles in the squad in the last few seasons and they were very keen to stay.
"'Kitch' is an athletic and dynamic presence in the second-row, and he now has a lot of experience under his belt in big games with the club."
Leicester duo Betham, Kitchener agree new dealsUnderhill in England contention after Bath switch
Sam Underhill will be eligible for England selection later this year after agreeing a move to Aviva Premiership club Bath.
Bath have confirmed that 20-year-old flanker Underhill will join them on a three-year deal from Welsh region Ospreys at the end of this season.
The Rugby Football Union currently has a strict selection policy that means players plying their trade outside England are not considered for international duty, unless exceptional circumstances apply.
The former Gloucester forward's move to the west country could now mean he is under serious consideration for England's two-Test tour of Argentina in June.
Underhill is a former England Under-18s captain and rated among the most exciting young back-row players in Britain and Ireland.
He has more than a year left of his Ospreys contract, and it is understood that Bath have paid a transfer fee to secure his services.
The PRO12 leaders also released a statement in which they confirmed that Bath had "reached an agreement" with them for Underhill's services.
Ospreys managing director Andrew Millward said: "Sam has been straight down the line about his international loyalties since day one, and his performances in an Ospreys shirt last season clearly put him in the spotlight as far as England goes.
"He has certainly thrived in our environment, where the focus is on development, allowing him to show his undoubted potential to a wider audience.
"While totally understanding his wish to give himself the best chance of pursuing his England ambitions, our priority has always been to ensure that, whatever the outcome, the best interests of Ospreys Rugby were front and centre at all times.
"We have been able to reach agreement on the final year of Sam's contract, and he will head to Bath in the summer with our best wishes."
Underhill rose to prominence with a number of outstanding displays for Ospreys, and he has quickly rediscovered top form since returning to action from a shoulder injury earlier this term.
"I am really excited to be moving to Bath," Underhill told the Premiership club's website.
"There is a brilliant environment at the club and some very talented players, both of which were a huge incentive in joining for me.
"They have a world-class coaching set-up, who I know will help me develop into the best player I can possibly be.
"I've enjoyed a really good couple of seasons at Ospreys, and would like to thank everyone who has helped make this move possible, and the fantastic support I've received throughout my time in south Wales."
Bath rugby director Todd Blackadder said: "We are really looking forward to Sam joining us.
"We've got a really strong contingent of back-rows in the squad, and Sam's addition will boost that even further.
"He is a very talented young player, and we can't wait to see him develop even more over the coming seasons."
Underhill in England contention after Bath switchMarler broken leg adds to England's injury worries
England prop Joe Marler has been ruled out of action for up to five weeks with a broken leg.
Marler pulled up in the warm-up ahead of Harlequins' win over Sale last weekend but was initially told he had not suffered a fracture.
However, a subsequent MRI scan has revealed the full extent of the injury, with Harlequins confirming on Wednesday that he will be out for up to between four and five weeks.
That timeframe would appear to rule Marler out until after England's opening Six Nations clash with France on Feb. 4.
The news is a further blow for England boss Eddie Jones who was already without Saracens loosehead Mako Vunipola due to a knee injury.
"Harlequins can confirm today that Joe Marler has suffered a fracture to his lower left leg," a statement on the club's website said.
"He will undergo a period of rehabilitation and is expected to be fit to play again in four to five weeks.
"We will provide updates on his progress as and when appropriate."
Marler broken leg adds to England's injury worriesmardi 10 janvier 2017
Kruis available for England's Six Nations opener
George Kruis (left) and Maro Itoje of England celebrate with the Triple Crown trophy after the Six Nations match between England and Wales on March 12, 2016.
George Kruis will be available to start England's Six Nations opener against France but is set to miss both of Saracens' Champions Cup matches this month.
Kruis fractured a cheekbone against Newcastle on Christmas Eve and was a doubt to face Les Bleus, but the double winners' director of rugby Mark McCall has confirmed he will be fit for the Twickenham showdown on Feb. 4.
The European clashes with Scarlets and Toulon have come too soon for the second row, however, and he will enter the Six Nations on the back of six weeks of inactivity.
"George will be fine for the Six Nations. The question is whether he'll play against Toulon or not. We won't know that until next week but I'd say it's unlikely," McCall said.
Mako Vunipola could yet play some part in the Six Nations with McCall revealing that the loosehead prop could be back in action at the end of February.
Vunipola is struggling with a knee injury and is due to see a specialist next week for an update on his likely return.
Haskell 'doubtful' for Wasps' clash with Toulouse
Wasps flanker James Haskell is losing his fitness fight to face Toulouse.
The 31-year-old England star is still being assessed by the club's medics and is running out of time to be ready for Saturday's European Champions Cup visit of the French side.
Haskell made his first appearance since playing for England against Australia in the summer -- after a toe injury -- in Wasps' 22-16 victory over Leicester on Sunday.
But he lasted just 35 seconds after coming on as a replacement when he seemed to be knocked out after tackling Freddie Burns, although walked off the pitch.
Haskell must go through the protocols introduced around concussion, a mandatory six-day graduated return, and director of rugby Dai Young admitted he is struggling to be fit.
"He's probably doubtful, he's still with the medics today. I think he'd really have to tick all the boxes so it's unlikely he's going to be fit -- although he's not ruled out," he said.
"We'll have a better picture towards the end of the day but if he isn't quite right then that's it because he hasn't got enough time. He has to tick every box and it would mean waiting until the morning of the game for him to be 100 percent right.
"We may take a decision a little bit later in the week that it may be unwise for us to keep on waiting.
"The next 48 hours will have a big bearing and if he's looking 100 per cent and passed everything we may continue with the process. If he's not right then it'll be a non-starter anyway."
Wasps are joint top of Pool 2 with Toulouse and Connacht on 13 points with two games left and only the top side going through automatically.
Haskell 'doubtful' for Wasps' clash with Toulouselundi 9 janvier 2017
Cardiff's Earle to serve eight-week suspension for gouging
Cardiff lock George Earle has failed with his appeal against an eight-week suspension for eye gouging.
Earle was sent off in Cardiff's 38-3 European Challenge Cup loss to Bath on December 15 for making contact with the eye area of flanker Tom Ellis.
The 30-year-old was later hit with the two-month ban despite pleading not guilty, and has now had his appeal thrown out too.
"An independent appeal committee has decided not to allow an appeal by the Cardiff Blues player, George Earle, against the eight-week suspension imposed on him by an independent disciplinary committee," read a statement from European Professional Club Rugby [EPCR].
"The appeal committee, which consisted of Professor Lorne Crerar [Scotland], chairman, Rod McKenzie [Scotland] and Roger Morris [Wales], reviewed the sanction without a personal hearing following a request from the player.
"Earle's suspension therefore remains in place and he is free to play on Monday, 13 February 2017."
Cardiff's Earle to serve eight-week suspension for gougingChris Robshaw ruled out of Six Nations
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Tom HamiltonRugby Editor
England back-row Chris Robshaw will miss the Six Nations after he was ruled out for 12 weeks due to shoulder surgery.
Robshaw aggravated an existing shoulder problem in Harlequins defeat to Worcester on January 1 and he will now face an extended spell on the sidelines.
More to follow...
Chris Robshaw ruled out of Six Nationsdimanche 8 janvier 2017
Blackadder leaps to George Ford defence
Bath Rugby director of rugby Todd Blackadder dismissed criticism of England star George Ford after he missed four kicks at goal as his side fell to a 24-22 defeat at Newcastle on Friday evening.
Ford's future is up in the air with the England fly-half reportedly weighing up a move away from the Recreation Ground at the end of the season. But Blackadder said the speculation around his future had nothing to do with his uncharacteristic off-day against the Falcons.
"I don't think that's an excuse at all," Blackadder said. "George prepared really well, but at times players are going to have these games.
"He's a class player, he just didn't have a great night by his standards. He'll bounce back next week, I have no doubt about that."
Blackadder continued: "I'm very disappointed that we couldn't close out the game. We had a terrible first half. We were lucky we came away with anything at half-time.
"It was a big game for us so I'm disappointed with the way we started and then we managed to get ourselves back in the game, gained control, and then let it slip again.
"We didn't do the basics very well under pressure and that's not acceptable.
"It's all about pressure. You have to do the basics well week in, week out, and the last two weeks we haven't done that. The last two games we've had control and let it slip and it's just not good enough."
Blackadder leaps to George Ford defencesamedi 7 janvier 2017
Jones wants England's 6 Nations statement of intent against France
Eddie Jones wants England to play a leading role in transforming the RBS 6 Nations into the best competition in the world by showing ambition throughout their title defence.
Jones masterminded a Grand Slam on his debut Championship last year, but noted that it was caution rather than endeavour that shaped the tactical approach taken by Europe's heavyweights.
England open the tournament against France at Twickenham on February 4 and Jones has demanded that his team issue a statement of intent against Guy Noves' men.
"The Six Nations is a unique competition because of the intensity of the rivalry, so if we can get the rugby at a great level then it will be the greatest tournament in the world," Jones said.
"I thought that in the first few rounds of the Six Nations in 2016, teams were frightened to lose and they played like that. Teams played well within themselves and didn't want to take any risks.
"I thought that in the last two rounds, the quality of rugby was so much better, but we want to change that. The last side that played well in the first round of the competition was England in 2006. I think England beat Wales 47-13.
"Before that you go back to the great side of 2001/2002/2003. In all the other games since, England have stumbled and got a close victory. We want to go out there and set a benchmark in the tournament from that first game."
Jones wants England's 6 Nations statement of intent against FranceTop 14 Wrap - La Rochelle hit Top 14 summit in victory
Montpellier kept their play-off chances alive with a 31-26 victory over Bordeaux in the Top 14 Orange on Friday.
It was anything but plain sailing for the hosts as Jean-Baptiste Dubie crossed for Bordeaux three minutes in.
Simon Hickey converted but saw the gap narrowed with Francois Steyn splitting the posts on the quarter hour.
He then converted a Nemani Nadolo try on the half hour but the sides went in level with Hickey converting a penalty which saw Steyn sent to the sin bin.
Despite being a man down Montpellier grabbed the opening score of the half as Vincent Martin crashed over and after Hickey was sin-binned Nic White pushed the lead out to eight at 18-10 before Steyn returned.
Hickey and Steyn traded penalties before French superstar Baptiste Serin crossed for Bordeaux. Hickey's conversion closed the gap to a single point.
Steyn and Hickey once more traded penalties before Joseph Tomane crossed with two minutes remaining to seal the victory. Steyn converted but Hickey's penalty in injury-time saw the visitors clinch a losing bonus-point.
Top 14 Wrap - La Rochelle hit Top 14 summit in victoryRussell is staying at Glasgow - Townsend
Glasgow Warriors boss Gregor Townsend is adamant Finn Russell will be at the Guinness PRO12 side next season and has questioned the morality of clubs reportedly courting the star fly-half's services.
Russell's contract at the Warriors is up in 2018 but the Daily Mail reports a number of clubs are considering moves to buy the Scotland No.10 out of the final year of his contract.
Townsend, who replaces Vern Cotter as Scotland boss in June, has dismissed any chance of Russell moving at the end of the current campaign and said World Rugby should look into clubs tapping up players who have more than a year left on their contract.
"'If clubs are speaking to our players when they have still got 18 months of contract left it is not right and World Rugby has to do something about it," Townsend said in the Daily Mail. "Before, there was much more understanding, comprehension and morality in terms of not speaking to players until they got to the last year of their contract.
"World Rugby needs to start dealing with this. You go to the club and ask is this player in contract, is it the last few months of your deal. Is it another year? You don't speak to the individual.
"The right of clubs speaking to our players when they are still in contract with a year and a bit still to go is wrong and it needs to change.
"Finn's contracted and we look forward to him being here for the next season and a half, and hopefully beyond."
Russell is staying at Glasgow - TownsendTop 14 Wrap - Montpellier keep play-off hope alive
Montpellier kept their play-off chances alive with a 31-26 victory over Bordeaux in the Top 14 Orange on Friday.
It was anything but plain sailing for the hosts as Jean-Baptiste Dubie crossed for Bordeaux three minutes in.
Simon Hickey converted but saw the gap narrowed with Francois Steyn splitting the posts on the quarter hour.
He then converted a Nemani Nadolo try on the half hour but the sides went in level with Hickey converting a penalty which saw Steyn sent to the sin bin.
Despite being a man down Montpellier grabbed the opening score of the half as Vincent Martin crashed over and after Hickey was sin-binned Nic White pushed the lead out to eight at 18-10 before Steyn returned.
Hickey and Steyn traded penalties before French superstar Baptiste Serin crossed for Bordeaux. Hickey's conversion closed the gap to a single point.
Steyn and Hickey once more traded penalties before Joseph Tomane crossed with two minutes remaining to seal the victory. Steyn converted but Hickey's penalty in injury-time saw the visitors clinch a losing bonus-point.
Top 14 Wrap - Montpellier keep play-off hope aliveRichard Cockerill joins Toulon
Richard Cockerill has joined three-time European Cup winners Toulon's coaching staff, just four days after being sacked by Leicester Tigers.
The former England hooker has joined the Top 14 giants on a deal to run until the end of the season, at the request of head coach Mike Ford.
Leicester sacked Cockerill on Monday, bringing to an end a six-year stint as rugby director at Welford Road.
Former Bath boss Ford has moved quickly to secure Cockerill's services, despite Leicester's board axing the 46-year-old to seek a fresh coaching figurehead.
"At the request of our manager Mike Ford and with the agreement of all the staff of the Rugby Club Toulon, Richard Cockerill will reinforce the staff of the first team of the club in the coming days as a rugby consultant until the end of the season," read a statement from Toulon.
"Richard Cockerill, who coached the Leicester Tigers from 2005 to January 2017 as the forwards coach and then as the senior coach, will work under the authority of Mike Ford and in co-operation with forwards coach Marc Dal Maso and skills coach Steve Meehan."
Toulon sit sixth in the Top 14 table and Ford has seized the chance to bring in Cockerill, in a bid to drive the Cote d'Azur club up the standings in France.
Taskmaster owner Mourad Boudjellal will expect a higher league position from his side, and Ford will hope Cockerill can add a renewed impetus to their campaign.
Leicester have installed head coach Aaron Mauger in "interim charge" at Welford Road until the end of the season while they hunt a new director of rugby.
Former England bosses Stuart Lancaster and Martin Johnson are in the frame to take the Leicester helm, while ex-South Africa chief Heyneke Meyer is also in the running.
England's current head coach Eddie Jones earlier this week refused to rule out adding Cockerill to his backroom staff, and immediate demand for the former Leicester front-rower's services have now yielded this Toulon switch.
Richard Cockerill joins Toulon