Here are the rugby headlines on Sunday January 22
Wales 'in danger of losing 15 stars' in exodus - report
Wales are in danger of losing as many as 15 stars to English, French or Japanese sides, claims a new report in the Sunday papers.
The Rugby Paper claim comes amid the financial problems facing the regions on the eve of the Six Nations, which kicks off in two weeks' time. Players will report at Wales' training base this week.
The publication quote an anonymous source as saying: “There is no doubt that something like 10 to 15 senior players will move out of Wales either before or after the World Cup. That is the grim reality, one that is shared among the four regional teams." The source reckons the freeze on contracts "has left a lot of players worrying about their future.’’
The financial reality is already biting in terms of player exits from the game here in Wales, with the four regions unable to nail down any contracts with players as they look to finalise a new six-year funding framework with the Welsh Rugby Union. The WRU is ready to move after verbal agreement was reached with the regions and the governing body is progressing wherever possible.
Wales wing Josh Adams is the latest name to be linked with a mega-money move to France, with Lyon said to be chasing his signature, while Will Rowlands has already penned terms with Racing 92 and will leave the Dragons.
Fly-half Gareth Anscombe, currently sidelined through injury, is also attracting interest from the continent, with Pau and Racing also keen on his services, according to reports.
Wales prop Dillion Lewis is set to leave Cardiff, with Gloucester strongly linked with him.
It remains to be seen whether the eventual figure of departures reaches the 15 number the report mentions.
The WRU remain hopeful of putting pen to paper on a deal with the regions soon.
Wales young guns shine ahead of Six Nations
Exeter coach Rob Hunter was drooling about Wales young guns Christ Tshiunza and Dafydd Jenkins as they shone to help the Chiefs secure a Heineken Champions Cup last-16 tie in Devon.
Tshiunza was among the tryscorers in Exeter's 40-3 victory over Castres, which guaranteed the English side a top-four finish in Pool A after they collected a crucial bonus-point.
Tshiunza and his fellow Wales Six Nations squad member Dafydd Jenkins each caught the eye with impressive displays, underlining huge roles they will play in Exeter's future.
It prompted forwards coach Rob Hunter to say afterwards: "Tshiunza and Jenkins will continue to learn, so them going away with Wales, they will learn a lot.
"Dafydd's game understanding for a young guy is second to none, as is Tshiunza's athleticism. Tshiunza running tries in is something I would like to see for the next 10 years.
"It is really important to get that home draw. History would say that being at home in this competition is an important thing. Whoever we get will be pretty tough. We are passionate about Europe - it is such an amazing competition."
Tshiunza and Jenkins are among the younger members in Warren Gatland's squad hoping to impress the new coach and put down markers to play in the Six Nations opener with Ireland.
There appears to be a second-row position next to Adam Beard up for grabs which either of them could fill, while Tshiunza is also an option to provide bulk and athleticism into the back-row, where Wales already have a glut of riches,
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Ulster ready for Irish Euro showdown with Leinster
Ulster head coach Dan McFarland was thrilled as his side ended their losing run to book a place in the Champions Cup last 16 by beating Sale at Kingspan Stadium.
Having lost their last three matches, as well as six of seven, this first victory of their European campaign was enough to scrape through from Pool B after tries from Rob Lyttle, Rob Herring and Duane Vermeulen helped them to a 22-11 victory.
Barring a huge loss by Montpellier at home to London Irish on Sunday, Ulster will go through as eighth seeds and meet Irish rivals Leinster in the knockout stages.
"That's the goal, you want to play in the play-off games and we've done it again," McFarland said after advancing from the pools for a fourth time in his five seasons in charge. "I think our reward is a trip to Leinster. I quite fancy Leinster, challenge yourself against the best."
South Africans storm through
Stormers came from behind to beat Clermont Auvergne 30-16 in the Heineken Champions Cup and secure a place in the last 16.
The bonus-point victory sees the Cape Town team climb to second in Pool B, three points behind leaders La Rochelle, following a third win in four matches.
Number eight Evan Roos scored one of the tries on his return from injury, with Herschel Jantjies, Jean-Luc du Plessis and Deon Fourie also crossing for the hosts. Du Plessis converted two of the tries and Kade Wolhuter also kicked two penalties.
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