Here are the latest rugby headlines on Saturday, March 23
'Insane' Rees-Zammit lights up match
Louis Rees-Zammit lit up the English Premiership last night as he continued his return to form following a difficult Six Nations.
The flying winger was on fire for Gloucester against Bristol, setting up a try for Charlie Chapman with a stunning break shortly before scoring a try of his own.
The youngster's raw pace was there for all to see, earning him rave reviews from fans on social media who marvelled as his 'insane' speed. Rees-Zammit has bounced back well from his Wales axing during the Six Nations and is set to be a key man on the summer tour of South Africa.
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Earlier this week, he spoke for the first time about being dropped from the national side for the England match back in February, saying: "Getting dropped happens to the best, so I took those learnings because I talked to a lot of the players in camp and they each said they had been in the same position. They just said, 'go away and prove why you should be in the team'. I tried to do that against Northampton when we played them at home, and I got back in the Wales 23 against France.
"That had not happened to me before, but to talk to the boys - the experienced players - really helped. We found the team out, I wasn't in it and I just talked to my close mates like Dan Biggar and Jonathan Davies - those players who have done it all. I had to go away and prove I could do it and take those learnings on board."
Despite Rees-Zammit's heroics, it was former Wales Sevens player Toby Fricker who proved to be the match-winner on Friday night, scoring a last-gasp try to secure a 29-28 win for 14-man Bristol that severely dents Gloucester's play-off hopes.
Alun Wyn reflects on latest milestone
Alun Wyn Jones has reflected on the latest milestone in his storied career, ahead of his 250th appearance for the Ospreys.
Speaking to the Ospreys' YouTube channel, Jones explained how he had unfinished business with the Swansea-based side after signing a contract extension earlier this year.
"Obviously it's a pretty big milestone," he said. "People keep reminding me of what I've done. I've always said I wanted to play for Swansea.
"But with the inception of the regions, I had an opportunity then to represent more than one club which I've done and which has meant a lot to me over the years.
"It's funny realising that we're actually a year away from 20 years of regional rugby. That's pretty significant. That didn't have a bearing on my decision to extend my stay for another year.
"More so off the back of the last two years and the fortune or misfortune I've had on and off the field, I felt I had a bit more to give and I'm going to have that for the next 18 months.
"My debut only feels like a few years ago now. I remember Lyn Jones telling me I was going on, getting to the edge of the pitch and then Lyndon Bateman going on ahead of me. I did get on in the end. That was the start if you like. Those are fond memories for me, the start of my professional journey."
Whitehouse removed from TMO duties
Ben Whitehouse has been removed from TMO duties for today's URC clash between the Dragons and Scarlets.
Whitehouse took charge of the clash between the two sides at Parc y Scarlets, a match not short of controversial decisions.
Earlier this week, he was named to be the TMO this weekend, with Sam Grove-White the referee and both Gareth Newman and Elgan Williams the assistants.
However, Whitehouse has now been replaced by Wayne Davies. No reason has been given officially, but he is also down to be the TMO for the Women's Six Nations clash between Italy and Scotland - also taking place today.
The appointments for Six Nations officials were published last month.
Cunningham calls for strong finish to Six Nations
Wales Women's coach Ioan Cunningham has called on his side to finish their Six Nations campaign strongly.
Having beaten Ireland and Scotland in the opening two rounds, Wales have come unstuck against two of the world's best sides, England and France, in recent weeks. After Friday's 33-5 defeat to the French, Cunningham was pleased with some aspects and insisted his side would be ready for the final match against Italy.
"We put some good phases together," he said. "We closed the gap and were pleased to score in the end but (there were) too many mistakes first-half.
"We have clearly made progress. We will work hard this week and look to finish on a high next week."
'Promising' Thomas signs deal with Scarlets
Loosehead Steffan Thomas has signed a new contract committing his future to the Scarlets.
The prop joins Sam Lousi, Scott Williams, Rhys Patchell, Johnny McNicholl, Ryan Conbeer, Sam Costelow and Gareth Davies in putting pen to paper on new contracts at Parc y Scarlets.
Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel said: “Steff is one of a number of promising young front-rowers we have at the club who have taken their chances this season.
“They have all put their hands up and the great thing is there is a huge amount of growth to come from them.
“Players like Steff are pushing senior internationals for the starting spot and that can only be a good thing for the squad. I am looking forward to seeing how Steff continues to develop over the next few years.”
The 25-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough season with the senior squad, making eight URC appearances, seven of them starts.
“I am enjoying having a regular run of matches and feel my all-round game has really come on this season,” said Thomas.
“It is fantastic to have a coach of the calibre of Ben Franks, someone who has won World Cups with the All Blacks, to learn off as well as the all the international boys who are helping mentor the younger front-rowers who are coming through at the club
“We have come up against some big scrums this season, particularly when we went to South Africa – they had virtually a Springbok front-row against us when we played the Sharks – but I feel we have been more than holding our own and there is a lot more to come from us.
“We have three matches left and hopefully we can put in a big finish to be the top Welsh side and also get into the URC play-offs.”
