Here are the latest rugby headlines on Sunday, May 21.
WRU boss pays tribute to 'immense' AWJ and Tipuric
WRU chairman Ieuan Evans has paid a "heartfelt thank you" to Alun Wyn Jones and Justin Tipuric after the pair announced their retirements from international rugby.
Tributes to the duo have flooded in since they confirmed they were hanging up their Test boots and Evans has taken the opportunity to thank them for their "immense contributions" to Welsh rugby.
“Every journey has a destination and every beginning has an end," he said. "But in this context it’s not when you get there that’s important but how and these players have personified the pride of a nation during their respective careers. For Alun Wyn and Justin this is their time but what they will keep close to them and what we must remember is how lucky we have been to have them representing our country on the international stage.
“Alun Wyn has been a talisman, we have got so used to his presence on the world stage and his contributions to any match he plays in are borne from an uncompromising winning mentality. Justin has been an exceptional athlete and truly dynamic player, it has been a privilege for of us to be able to watch him play."
Evans was glowing in his plaudits of Jones and his "infectious will to win", as he continued: "Alun Wyn has always represented Wales with pride and passion not only written over his face but also oozing from every pore of his body.
“We have loved him for it. We thank him for the Grand Slams, the Championship wins, the tantalising World Cup campaigns and the leadership and commitment he has shown to Wales and the Lions."
Thanking Tipuric, he said: "In his pomp he has played in a highly successful international team which has won trophies and set the world alight with its brand rugby and stood out as a point of difference, someone who can turn a game on its head and someone who so often did.
“Justin has been an absolute pleasure to watch and Alun Wyn has been a phenomenon to behold. Thank you for your immense contributions to Welsh rugby.”
Leinster shellshocked after Euro loss
Leo Cullen spoke of Leinster's "devastation" as they were beaten 27-26 by La Rochelle in the Champions Cup final at the Aviva Stadium.
The Irish province led 23-7 on the half hour mark after making a sensational start but they were unable to sustain the pace and the holders took charge after the interval to repeat the outcome of last season's final.
Replacement prop Georges Henri Colombe scored the match-winning try in the 72nd minute to leave Leinster distraught in front of a home crowd in Dublin, mourning their third successive loss in a European final.
"Devastation is probably the word," Cullen said. "The occasion, the amazing atmosphere in the crowd, the sets of supporters and two sets of players going full at it - everything you want in a final which goes down to one point. Unfortunately we're the losers.
"It's painful when you reach this point and you know it means so much to everybody. We just haven't quite been good enough to finish the job."
Alldritt named top Euro player
La Rochelle and France No.8 Grégory Alldritt has been named European Player of the Year.
The blockbusting back-rower took the award after leading his team to their Champions Cup final win over Leinster Rugby. He was presented with the trophy after the game at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.
Alldritt has had an outstanding European campaign and his presence helped turn Saturday's final La Rochelle's way after Leinster had romped into an early lead.
More than 32,000 votes were cast by fans, ECPR saying the public’s verdict was combined with the decision of an expert panel of judges. Alldritt took the award ahead of the Leinster trio of Caelan Doris, Garry Ringrose and Josh van der Flier, plus his France colleague Antione Dupont.
Those were the five nominees on the shortlist.
Fish set for Cardiff farewell
Cardiff RFC's Dan Fish wants to see his career end on a high as he watches his side take on Llandovery in the Premiership final before finally hanging up his boots. The Cardiff cult idol has been ruled out of today's game with a broken wrist, but will be at the Arms Park to cheer on the Blue and Blacks as they chase a league and cup double.
Fish, a centurion for the first team and the Rags, is loved by the fans. While he is naturally disappointed to miss out on the season finale, he will be doing what he can as a coach to ensure his career ends on a high note, telling Cardiff's website: "I will be doing everything I can on the coaching side to get these players ready."
Llandovery full-back Jack Maynard also talked up Fish, telling reporters: "Playing full-back against Dan, you appreciate how difficult he is to mark. He’s had a great career, should be proud, he’ll be remembered as a Cardiff legend and rightly so"
READ MORE:
The seismic 80 minutes that shook the Wales rugby team and raised an obvious question
Alun Wyn Jones finds the perfect words in touching farewell message to Wales
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The real Alun Wyn Jones, personal tales from the men who've known the Wales and Lions colossus best
The strong-looking Wales XV of stars Warren Gatland hasn't even picked in his bumper World Cup squad
