Here are your rugby evening headlines for Friday, 27 May.
Spain appeal over World Cup exclusion
Spain have lodged an appeal against their dramatic expulsion from next year's Rugby World Cup.
On 5 May, an independent Judicial Committee determined that Spain breached the World Rugby Eligibility regulation by fielding Gavin van den Berg in two Rugby World Cup 2023 qualification matches. The sanction imposed by the committee included a fine and points deduction resulting in Spain no longer qualifying for the tournament in France. The Union has appealed the committee’s decision and sanction.
An independent Appeal Committee comprising Wang Shao Ing (Chair), Adam Casselden SC and John Langford will consider the appeal with the hearing date to be confirmed in due course.
Spain, who were due to be in Ireland's Pool, suffered a similar fate in the build-up to the last World Cup and are blaming the mistake on a forgery of Van den Berg's passport.
Read next: Wales international signs for semi-pro club at 11th hour and says team-mate was 's**t on'
Welsh centre finds new club after being released
Garyn Smith has signed a one-year contract with Cornish Pirates after being released by Cardiff.
The 26-year-old made over 100 appearances for the Arms Park club, playing a crucial role in their Challenge Cup victory in Bilbao in 2018.
Cornish Pirates’ joint head coach Gavin Cattle said: "Garyn is someone with a great pedigree and experience behind him, but who at the same time is still young and ambitious to continue playing at a top level.
“We have big holes to fill with the departures of Callum Patterson and Nicolas De Battista, so acquiring the services of Garyn, who will also have natural influence on younger players in the squad, fits really well.”
Cardiff Rugby’s director of rugby, Dai Young, said: "He is a great professional who always gives his absolute all, and we wish him all the very best for his next chapter.”
Bristol defence coach leaves amid criticism claims
Defence coach Omar Mouneimne has left Bristol following a disappointing season at Ashton Gate.
The Bears sit 10th in the Gallagher Premiership table with one round left to play and possess the third worst defence in the league.
"Omar is a respected member of our coaching set-up. It's now the right time for him to take on a new challenge and he departs with our best wishes," chairman Chris Booy said.
Wales name unchanged squad for London Sevens
Wales head coach Richie Pugh has named an unchanged squad for the penultimate round of HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series this weekend in Twickenham as they look to bounce back from a tough weekend in France.
“We’ve had a reset after what was a tough three days in Toulouse. They were long days, especially when results and performances aren’t quite where you want them to be,” said Pugh.
“It was just one of those tournaments where we didn’t really hit our straps.
“We had the one game where we showed what we are capable of against Canada. When we had the ball, we showed what a threat we are but ultimately, we didn’t create enough opportunity for ourselves in the other games and at times we weren’t tough enough to beat.
“The challenge was always going to be difficult against France in France, Fiji and New Zealand in the quarter-finals but we have got to start and be better in those games."
Wales face last week’s winners Fiji, USA and Spain this weekend at Twickenham in Pool A.
“You look at any of the pools and they are all going to be difficult but we have got to have confidence to go and attack it because we can’t afford to start like we did last week in France,” said Pugh.
“As a group we realise we have to perform in terms of what we are capable of and what we can achieve so I’m still positive we can turn it around for this week and put our hands up for a good performance.”
Wales 7s squad for London: Luke Treharne, Tyler Morgan, Morgan Sieniawski, Afon Bagshaw, Tom Brown, Callum Williams, Owen Jenkins, Tom Williams, Morgan Williams, Iwan Pyrs Jones, Lloyd Lewis, Ewan Rosser, Cole Swannack.
Lancaster plays down England return
Stuart Lancaster has distanced himself from an England return after stating he could emulate the loyalty of Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp by spending a decade at Leinster.
England head coach Eddie Jones is due to step down after the 2023 World Cup and, with the Rugby Football Union seeking a home grown replacement, Lancaster is a leading candidate to succeed him.
The Cumbrian spent four years in the role only to depart after a crushing group exit from the 2015 global showpiece, but he has since rebuilt his career as senior coach at Leinster where he has helped boss Leo Cullen mastermind five trophies.
Saturday's collision with La Rochelle in the final of the Heineken Champions Cup could produce a sixth piece of silverware in as many years having arrived in Dublin in 2016.
And despite his contract expiring in June next year, Lancaster has indicated he is likely to remain with Leinster.
"I honestly don't know what the thought process of the union would be," he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.
"I read in the press that they would prefer an English candidate and I went on record and said that's the right way to go.
"Club coaching, for me, takes some beating. That's the priority for me at the moment. It (Leinster contract) could easily be renewed.
"Obviously you've got regrets that you didn't get to finish the project that you were involved in. But can I turn back the clock and change that? No I can't. I'm very much forward looking."
In reference to Klopp last month signing a new two-year deal that will tie him to Anfield until 2026, Lancaster said: "If Jurgen Klopp can stay at Liverpool for 10 or 11 years, then perhaps I can stay at Leinster for 10 or 11 years."
