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The Guinness Men’s Six Nations reached a frenzied finish as Thomas Ramos kicked a penalty after the final whistle to beat England, give France the title, and snatch the Championship away from Ireland, who beat Scotland in Dublin to claim the Triple Crown.
The Guinness Men’s Six Nations reached a frenzied finish as Thomas Ramos kicked a penalty after the final whistle to beat England, give France the title, and snatch the Championship away from Ireland, who beat Scotland in Dublin to claim the Triple Crown.
In between Wales ended their wait for a Championship victory when they dominated Italy in Cardiff but still finish with the wooden spoon.
Across Europe, Georgian rugby suffered one of its darkest days when six players and a staff member had anti-doping violations brought against them. Then on Sunday in Madrid, Portugal took their Rugby Europe Championship crown with a 19-17 win.
South of the Equator the Dave Rennie era as All Blacks coach is starting to take shape, and another National Rugby League (NRL) has crossed the divide.
In the United Rugby Championship (URC) the Stormers enjoyed their trip to the High Veldt, and South Africa’s men claimed gold when the HSBC SVNS series stopped off in New York, a result matched by New Zealand’s women.
South of the Equator the Dave Rennie era as All Blacks coach is starting to take shape, and another National Rugby League (NRL) has crossed the divide.
Here’s what’s been rattling round ATR’s ear canal this week…
“He’s an unbelievable weapon. His contribution has been unbelievable. I’m short of words to describe him.”
Championship winning coach Fabien Galthie gets emotional talking about Louis Bielle-Biarrey:
“World Rugby can confirm that a major joint-investigation conducted by World Rugby and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has resulted in anti-doping rule violations (ADRVs) being confirmed against six players and one member of the support personnel from the Georgia men’s senior national fifteens team.”
Georgia rugby is rocked after a anti-doping comes to light:
“I’m very clear on the direction of the team. We wanted to achieve much more in this Championship... we’re disappointed we didn’t get the result for our supporters, but I hope they can be proud of the way their team played.”
England coach Steve Borthwick licks his wounds after four defeats from five:
“We’ve relentlessly tried to grow our game. We said that the start of the game is the biggest part of the game. If you concede two tries in the first five minutes, it’s hard to come back.”
Louis Rees-Zammit hails Wales’s fast start:
“No excuses, Wales did what they had to do to win this match. They had great intensity in the first half, and this really made the difference.”
Italy coach Gonzalo Quesada rues the one that got away:
“It's a rare day as an Irishman to be cheering them on. But we’ve controlled what we can control.”
Ireland captain Caelan Doris sums up the Irish’s dilemma in needing an England win to claim the Championship:
“It’s hard to put my finger on (whether it's pride or regret). We’d close the gap, and then we’d let them back in through mis-tackles or mistakes off the kick-off. They’re all our doings.”
Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu is mixed emotions at the finish:
“In addition to the annual audit, the Salary Regulations require the winning PREM Rugby team to undertake a further independent, forensic audit. Bath Rugby fully supported and complied with this process opening its books to the additional review.”
Nothing to see here, as Bath open their books:
“It was a really lovely sight to see, actually. It is a reflection of how much it means. The boys aren’t happy with the performances and the outcomes. Very proud young men are going to come up against each other and create a bit of sandpaper from time to time.
Crusaders head coach head coach Rob Penney doesn't mind an odd bit of biff on the training ground:
“It’s not acceptable. Thirty minutes down to 14, it takes its toll. It’s an area of concern, but it’s not unfixable.”
Penney again, after Crusaders hold on to beat the Highlanders:
“You go back to those early 2000s leading into 2003 and the intent was to do everything you possibly could to win the World Cup in 2003, and we’ve got the same intention here,”
Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh welcomes new NRL recruit Zac Lomas:
“I think his statement around no loyalties and just picking on form rings true for most of us. I still have to earn the right every week, and it starts off getting my weeks right for the Hurricanes and playing consistent, reliable footy.
Hurricanes flanker Du’Plessis Kirifi backs Dave Rennie’s selection policy:
“I’ve had a couple of chats to Dave Rennie in the last couple of days. We’re just going through that process at the moment, and we’ll see where that goes.”
Could Moana Pasifika head coach Tana Umaga be part of the ABs coaching ticket?
“Elite sport teaches you how to confront adversity, but nothing compares to what people living with MND face every day. We’re aiming to raise £75,000 – funds that will directly support families who need help right now.”
Former England hooker Andy Long explains why he is running the 270km Marathon des Sables: