These are the latest rugby evening headlines on Wednesday, April 6.
Rugby captain killed
The former captain of the Ukraine rugby team has been killed by Russian troops, it has been confirmed
Oleksi Tsibko, 55, died defending his people from Vladimir Putin's invasion near the town of Bucha on March 31. News of his death has now been officially announced by Rugby Europe president Octavian Morariu.
He said: "Even though I hoped that this news would not be confirmed, unfortunately I can now sadly say that Oleksi Tsibko, former captain of the Ukrainian national team, former president of the Ukrainian Rugby Union and also Mayor of Smela City. died defending his town and his country."
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After his playing career, Tsibko became president of the Ukrainian Rugby Federation between 2003-2005, before serving as mayor of Smela from 2015-2018.
World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont tweeted: "On @UN #SportsDay, our thoughts are with the Ukraine rugby family who are facing such incredible challenges at present.
"We also remember those who have been victims of the recent violence, including the former union president Oleksii Tsibko.
"We stand with Ukraine in condemning this needless violence & will continue offer solidarity & friendship."
Wales set for 'titanic' Six Nations clash with England
Ugo Monye is predicting an "absolutely titanic" Six Nations clash when England's Red Roses host Wales this Saturday. The third-round fixture, which both teams head into after two bonus-point wins, is set to be played in front of a 16,000-capacity crowd at Kingsholm in Gloucester.
"It's all set up to be a brilliant game this weekend at Kingsholm, sold out, two teams unbeaten and maximum points in the Women's Six Nations - England against Wales should be absolutely titanic," Monye told the Rugby Union Weekly podcast.
"I couldn't be any more impressed with the Red Roses. I think they're a phenomenal side and they're building towards the World Cup, where they'll go in as favourites. It's a Litmus test of how far Wales have come, because from where they were last year to the level of performances and results they're getting this year, it's worlds apart."
Cardiff hooker joins Exeter
Cardiff have confirmed hooker Iestyn Harris has left the club with immediate effect to join Exeter Chiefs.
The former Wales Under-20s star was due to come out of contract in the summer and with a full roster of hookers and some emerging talent a new deal was not offered.
Following a request from Exeter, it was agreed to allow Harris to make the move immediately.
Cardiff Director of Rugby, Dai Young, said: “Iestyn leaves Cardiff with our thanks for all of his efforts at the Arms Park and our best wishes for the future.
“With three first team hookers currently contracted and the likes of Efan Daniel progressing well through our pathway, we are well stocked in the position and this is a good opportunity for Iestyn.” You can read why Exeter think he's so good here.
Wales star gets try of Six Nations round two
Wales scrum-half Ffion Lewis’ memorable match-winning score in Wales’ thrilling win over Scotland has been voted the Women's Six Nations' try of round two.
Wales completed another second-half turnaround at Cardiff Arms Park, fighting back from 19-7 down to prevail 24-19 and it was Lewis who touched down the all-important score. The replacement scrum-half provided quick ball from the breakdown just inside Wales’ own half before Alisha Butchers, round one's player of the round, found a hole in the defence and offloaded to Lewis.
The public voted overwhelmingly in favour of Lewis’ try (46%), while Sarah Bern’s moment of magic against Italy finished second (28%), France's Mélissande Llorens was third (18%) and Scotland winger Rhona Lloyd came fourth (8%).
Bristol boss: 'Don't worry about strength of the squad'
Pat Lam has reassured Bristol fans that the Bears will be competitive next season following a report claiming they have faced difficulties balancing the books.
Bristol last week issued a statement insisting they will continue to operate under the salary cap, which has been reduced from £6.4million to £5million for the 2021-22 campaign. It was in response to a claim that the club were being forced to offload key players such as Bath-bound Dave Attwood due to an administrative error involving the contracts of six players. Attwood will departing Ashton Gate at the end of the season along with former England number eight Nathan Hughes, who is joining Clermont.
But Lam points to the signing of Ellis Genge, AJ MacGinty, Magnus Bradbury, James Williams and Gabriel Ibitoye, as well the retention of key players Harry Randall and Chris Vui, as evidence of their ambition for 2022-23.
"Everyone knows I do the majority of my main work before January," the director of rugby said. "That's when Gabriel was done, James Williams was done. It was done a lot earlier, we just hold announcements until the appropriate time. With the majority of our main work all done, the team and squad will be improved and be stronger.
"The club put the statement out to give our supporters absolute clarity. Everyone was worried about our squad, a 'fire sale' and stuff like that came out. So the message to the fans is, 'don't worry, there's no problem with the salary cap and don't worry about the strength of the squad'. It will be improved and you've already seen that with Ellis Genge (signing), Harry Randall committing for four years, Chris Vui committing for four years, James and Gabriel joining. All of this was done way before. It's business as usual."
Bristol have been given a lift for their Heineken Champions Cup round-of-16 double header against Sale after it emerged that Kyle Sinckler and Steven Luatua will be available for Saturday's trip north. Sinckler has not played since England's Six Nations campaign, during which he was hampered by concussion and back issues, while Bears captain Luatua has made a rapid recovery from a dislocated wrist.
