Here are the latest rugby headlines on Wednesday, March 23.
'External company' called in by Ospreys
An ‘external company’ is investigating the cases of Ospreys players Callum Carson and Matthew Aubrey after footage emerged of one of them appearing to mock a homeless person.
The video, posted on Aubrey's Snapchat account, shows team-mate Carson approaching a rough sleeper in Cardiff city centre before lying with his arm around them and thrusting his hips against the unidentified person from behind. The person appears to be asleep and unaware of what is unfolding. You can read that story and watch the video here.
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The Ospreys suspended the pair pending further investigation with the region saying the behaviour shown was “totally unacceptable and not condoned by anyone associated with the Ospreys”.
Head coach Toby Booth confirmed that neither player had travelled out to South Africa with the squad this week for a short tour, amid the unfolding enquiry.
“There’s an internal investigation going on around that whole situation,” said Booth. "Not wanting to prejudice what’s going on, I can’t comment. It’s been taken on by an external company to investigate that and get the facts. When there’s something to report on the outcome, we’ll do so.”
Ex Wales number 10 dies
Former Wales fly-half and Glamorgan cricketer Alan Rees has passed away, aged 84.
The talented all-rounder featured for his country at rugby union three times and also distinguished himself as a batsman and expert cover-point fielder in cricket, with Rees figuring for England as a substitute fielder in an Ashes Test against Australia.
He also enjoyed a stint in rugby league, playing for Leeds.
His union caps came in 1962, when he figured against England (0-0), Scotland (3-8) and France (3-0).
Rees played his club rugby for Maesteg, Aberavon, Leicester and Llanelli and has been described as “one of Neath Port Talbot’s finest sportsmen”.
He played 216 times for Glamorgan, being an important part of the teams that defeated the touring Australians in 1964 and 1968. In the first of those games, he top scored for his team with 48 and 47.
For England against Australia, he took a catch off Fred Truman’s bowling.
He further cemented his place in Glamorgan cricket history by striking the first boundary for the country at Sophia Gardens, against India, with Rees opening alongside Alan Jones.
Renowned as a nice man who had time for everyone, he will be remembered fondly.
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Wales ready to start Six Nations campaign
Wales will head to Dublin "all guns blazing" when they open their Women's Six Nations campaign this Saturday against a side which is professional in all but name, according to Ireland Women head coach Greg McWilliams.
Wales have 12 full-time pros and 12 part-time semi-pros in their ranks for the first time as they look to bridge the performance gap with professional side England and semi-pro France. First up, though, is Ireland, who remain an amateur side but will have a point to prove after failing to qualify for this year's Rugby World Cup.
"For me, professionalism is Monday morning when it's dark outside and nobody's looking at what you're doing," Irish boss McWilliams said. "You eat well, you're getting the right amount of sleep, you're in the gym, you're sticking to your plan, you understand your IDPs and you can improve as a player. I see ourselves as a professional group of players. I'm just looking at what we need to do for the Six Nations which is make sure that we put the best foot forward, we learn at every single opportunity and we make sure we put faith in our process, and we have our DNA."
Ioan Cunningham's Wales side head to the RDS hoping to avenge last season's 45-0 defeat on home soil, which served to act as a catalyst for public demands for better resource and support from the Welsh Rugby Union which we are seeing now.
"They've qualified for the Rugby World Cup, they had good momentum throughout November, had a good practice match against USA which we haven't had," McWilliams added. "If you look at the size of their tight-five, there's no doubt they're exceptionally strong. You look at the likes of Jaz Joyce and even a couple of the playmakers, they can play with speed. We have to have our A game on to compete with that."
Italy coach backs France over 'arrogant' All Blacks
Italy coach Kieran Crowley has backed France to win next year's Rugby World Cup and branded his fellow New Zealand countrymen "arrogant".
Crowley believes France and Ireland are the frontrunners ahead of the All Blacks and South Africa, insisting half the French side would make a World XV even if New Zealand fans don't know any of the players. France followed up their stunning 40-25 demolition of New Zealand in the autumn with a resounding Grand Slam success in this year's Six Nations.
Crowley told 1News : “They’re favourites, they’ll win it. I think France are the favourites, I think Ireland are close behind them and then you’re looking at South Africa and New Zealand.
“One thing I’ve found since I’ve left New Zealand, and I don’t want this to be taken the wrong way, but New Zealanders are arrogant. New Zealanders are arrogant to the rest of the world as far as the rugby side of things goes. There are some outstanding players in every team throughout the world but you ask New Zealanders and they wouldn’t know three quarters of the names of the French players at the moment.
“If I was picking a world team at the moment, half the French team would be in it.”
New Zealander Crowley won 35 caps for the All Blacks and won the World Cup in 1987.
Tongan international joins URC
Glasgow have agreed a deal to sign Tonga international Sione Vailanu from Worcester ahead of the 2022-23 season.
Vailanu has scored three tries in 17 appearances for Warriors this campaign after joining from Wasps last summer.
The 27-year-old number eight, who has been capped 10 times by his country, began his professional career with Saracens in 2018, having impressed in the sevens game during a four-year stint at Asahi University in Japan.
"He's a really powerful carrier who can give us real go-forward with ball in hand," Glasgow head coach Danny Wilson told his club's website.
"We've been looking to add to our options in the back row and he adds to the talent that we already have in that area. It's another step forward in building depth in our squad."
Vailanu helped Wasps reach the Gallagher Premiership final in 2020. His move is subject to satisfying medical and visa requirements.
"I had multiple opportunities for next season in different countries but when the opportunity arose to join Glasgow, I didn't think twice about it," he said.
"Glasgow has a rich tradition of success and, with Danny as head coach and the players that we currently have, I have no doubts that tradition will continue next season and beyond."
