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There were ructions in Welsh rugby with the announcement of the Welsh Rugby Union’s (WRU) plans for the future, with one of its United Rugby Championship (URC) clubs set to be cut.
There were ructions in Welsh rugby with the announcement of the Welsh Rugby Union’s (WRU) plans for the future, with one of its United Rugby Championship (URC) clubs set to be cut.
Over in South America, Brazil were hastily packing their bags and heading to Dubai to replace Paraguay in the Rugby World Cup 2027 Final Qualification Tournament, after an administrative oversight forced Los Yacares to pull out.
Meanwhile, the build up to the Autumn Internationals continued. Australia beat Japan as they opened their campaigns, and Gallagher PREM Rugby and the United Rugby Championship (URC) had one more weekend of action before pausing for the next few weeks.
Here are ATR’s favourite soundbites of the week…
“The decision is the conclusion of an extensive consultation and engagement programme. We have heard loud and clear from the consultation that people want a long-term fix and not a short-term patch. The WRU confirmed that it proposes to grant three licences for men’s clubs; one for the capital, one for west Wales and one for east Wales.”
Richard Collier-Keywood, WRU board chair confirms that Welsh pro rugby is downsizing:
“Ospreys are Wales’s most successful region, having won more league titles, produced players who’ve won more Welsh caps and been selected for more British and Irish Lions tours than any other region.”
The Ospreys make their case to be the west Wales team:
“Elite Performance: Two league titles, 12 European quarter-finals and five European semi-finals - the strongest European record of any Welsh side. Player Development: Over the last decade, 34% of Wales internationals came through the Scarlets system.
Scarlets argue their case:
“This is a difficult moment for our team and our community, but it’s a decision we must make as men of principle, in keeping with rugby’s core value of integrity. The Regulation 8 provision on player eligibility was misunderstood; there was no attempt to gain a sporting advantage, and we accept responsibility for the resulting consequences.”
Paraguayan Rugby Union President Gustavo Borgognon admits their error:
“We’re going there thinking we’re going to win. South Africa are like everyone, if you put pressure on and get in their face they make mistakes. Imagine beating South Africa at Wembley. That would be iconic.”
Eddie Jones is hoping for a 2015 repeat when Japan play the Boks at the home of English football:
“There are special players out there that come along and they’re special because they can do things that other guys can’t do on the rugby field. He’s definitely one of those guys.”
South Africa attack coach Tony Brown puts Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu in exalted company:
“Owen has gone out quite publicly and said a number of times that for right now, it’s just to get back to playing rugby back in England, enjoying his rugby after a difficult year injury wise last season.”
England coach Steve Borthwick explains Owen Farrell’s omission from his latest squad:
“It’s been great since my first game at Twickenham, we’ve really grown as a group, like I have. We are growing as a team and we’re getting better each session, each game, there’s a real trust and belief and it’s going really well.”
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii reflects on his first year since jumping from league to union:
“It probably never really came to my thinking to make it to ’27 (Rugby World Cup 2027). I’m a strong believer of making sure that you leave the jersey in the hands of someone coming up and I feel like we’ve got some young props that need time in the saddle, so I think that’s more the priority.”
Newly retired Australia prop James Slipper doesn’t think he’ll be missed:
“I have had discussions (about playing) with Tonga and if the World Cup was at the end of this season, then it may have been a possibility, but not in 2027.”
RWC 2027 is a year too late for the soon-to-be retired Mako Vunipola:
“He belies his stature in the way that he manages to make metres, and his carrying is so good. His ball playing is excellent, and he can do things that people can’t do. He sees space where others don’t.”
Northampton Saints boss Phil Dowson backs Henry Pollock to fill the vacant England number eight shirt:
“Tommy does so many things so well, and I think he looked physical, fast, skilful, he took the ball in the air beautifully and was in the right place. An outstanding performance from him and he’s just a phenom at the moment.”
Dowson again, pleased with Tommy Freeman’s work against Saracens:
“Jeez bro, when he is fresh, he is a different animal.”
Sione Tuipulotu waxes lyrically about Glasgow Warriors number eight Jack Dempsey:
“I felt something strange in my thigh, which I have had for a few years. I don't know exactly what I have, but from the feel of it, I don't have the impression that it's very positive. It's a sensitive area for me, which can give me bad sensations, but honestly, I don't have much hope... It's spoiling the party a bit.”
France and Bordeaux-Begles flyhalf Mathieu Jalibert explains his early exit, with the Boks up in a fortnight: