Here are your rugby headlines for Monday, May 16.
Gatland linked with USA job
Warren Gatland is set to take charge of the USA to try and transform the team ahead of their double World Cup-hosting duties, according to reports. The United States will host its first Rugby World Cup in 2031 (men's) before hosting the women's edition two years later.
Former Wales boss Gatland is being linked with one of rugby's next big tasks: turning the Eagles into a force to be reckoned with. Currently 18th in the men's World Rugby rankings, USA face a two-leg play-off against Chile in July in their next stage of the bid to reach the 2023 World Cup in France next year.
The Daily Mail report "persistent rumours" and various sources as saying Gatland, currently director of rugby for Super Rugby's Chiefs in his native New Zealand, is primed to replace Gary Gold as USA head coach at the end of 2023. It is described as a "monstrous mission, with profound implications for the country and for the game at large".
USA will want their fans to become as engaged as possible before hosting two World Cups and a sure-fire way to achieve that is through success on the field, but budget, lack of fixtures and access to players would likely be obstacles in an otherwise exciting task.
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Elton Jantjies statement after arrest
Elton Jantjies' agent has issued a statement to confirm that the South Africa fly-half had been released from police custody after being arrested for allegedly damaging a light while on board an airplane. The 42-cap World Cup-winning pivot is reported to have been taken into custody at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Sunday morning after travelling home from a family holiday to Turkey.
Reports said he had allegedly caused "malicious damage to property" on a flight home via Dubai, and he is expected to appear at a magistrates' court on Monday (May 16).
After SA Rugby released a short statement to say it had learned of the 31-year-old's arrest but was looking into the matter, Jantjies' agent, James Adams, later issue a press release to shed further light on the matter. "It is alleged that while onboard, a light was damaged," Adams said in a statement. "We believe the incident has been unnecessarily heightened.
"Our client, however, remains compliant with the investigation process and will address this matter with the seriousness it beckons. We would like to allow the legal authorities to attend to this without any undue influence and ask that the public and the press respect the legal process without casting judgement and also request that our client’s right to privacy be respected. In closing, I can confirm that Mr Jantjies has been released and is not in police custody."
Dragons boss heaps praise on problem-solver
Dragons director of rugby Dean Ryan has heaped praised on a "brilliant" response from Huw Taylor after the versatile forward moved to the second row to solve lineout problems against Cardiff on Friday night.
The 25-year-old back-rower/lock impressed in the second row after the Dragons lost both Joe Davies and Ben Carter just after half time against Cardiff Rugby. Ryan has joked he may be forced to play himself with the duo joining Will Rowlands as potential doubts for Saturday’s home clash with Emirates Lions at Rodney Parade, but Ryan believes Taylor could fill that gap after stepping up in the derby clash last week.
"Huw [Taylor] needs some credit for his performance because that is the second time that he has solved a lineout problem for us,” said Ryan. “He has done it once against the Bulls and again against Cardiff with only himself as the option.
“Credit to him for keeping the game cohesive. He has called a lot at the lineout and has always been very diligent, doing the work and being influential in the week. That has given him an opportunity after we talked about him moving into that position.
“We talked about going into games later with a faster back five but needed him to be able to call, and he has responded brilliantly. We will see what the bumps and bruises are before seeing what we have got left.”
La Rochelle book Champions Cup final spot
La Rochelle secured their spot in the Heineken Champions Cup final for a second successive season after claiming a 20-13 victory against Racing 92. Leinster lie in wait in a fortnight's time at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille after they staged a second-half comeback to get the better of their fellow French side.
Nolann Le Garrec opened the scoring for Racing with an early penalty and they scored the first try of the game in the 26th minute when Virimi Vakatawa found a gap in the defence to touch down. Le Garrec added the extras.
La Rochelle worked their way back into the game and Ihaia West's penalty and Gregory Alldritt's try made the score 10-8 at the break. A Le Garrec penalty added another three points for Racing 10 minutes into the second half, but La Rochelle took the lead in the 53rd minute after being awarded a penalty try, with Racing's Cedate Gomes Sa sent to the sin bin. West cemented a spot in the final with a try in the 80th minute.
