Here are the latest rugby headlines for Friday, July 1.
New Zealand reveal Ireland star returned after concussion protocols error
Ireland prop Jeremy Loughman should not have been allowed to return to the field after suffering concussion symptoms against the Maori All Blacks, New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has concluded. A review into the incident found the correct protocols were not followed due to a communication error.
Munster loosehead Loughman was filmed falling backwards as he attempted to return to his feet following a collision in the second minute of Wednesday's 32-17 defeat in Hamilton. The 26-year-old was temporarily replaced by Cian Healy but, having undergone a head injury assessment (HIA), came back on before being permanently withdrawn at half-time.
NZR medical manager Karen Rassmussen said in a statement: "As a result of this review, NZR believes Ireland prop Jeremy Loughman should not have been allowed back on to the field during the first half.
"While NZR stands by the HIA processes in place and is satisfied that player welfare is the number one priority for medical staff at the match, we have identified a gap in communications, which meant critical video evidence was not fully accounted for as part of the head injury assessment process undertaken by the independent match day medical team."
Loughman, who is yet to win a Test cap for Ireland, will not be involved in Saturday's series opener against New Zealand in Auckland. After the midweek warm-up match against the Maoris, head coach Andy Farrell said the player was taken off "as a precaution".
Progressive Rugby, a player welfare lobby group, said it was "deeply alarming" that Loughman was permitted to return. New Zealand Rugby has vowed to ensure head injury protocols are adhered to for the rest of Ireland's tour. "We will be reinforcing the full HIA process and protocols for the remainder of the Steinlager Series to ensure video evidence is communicated more accurately between independent match day medical staff to enable them to make the right call with regards to player safety," continued the statement.
Bomb says Wales have nothing to lose
Adam Jones believes Wales must match South Africa's physicality up front to stand any chance of securing victory over the reigning world champions.
Wayne Pivac's side play the first of three Tests against the Springboks this weekend and go into the match at Pretoria's Loftus Versfeld Stadium as heavy underdogs. However, legendary Welsh prop Jones says the lack of expectation on Wales' shoulders should afford the visitors with the opportunity to play with freedom.
"We haven't got anything to lose," he told Sky Sports. "We've lost to Italy, we didn't have the greatest Six Nations. When France came to us, we were very close to beating them, a dropped pass [aside] and I think we probably would have beaten them, and everyone's talking how all singing and dancing the French are now.
"It's like any game against South Africa, if we don't at least get parity up front then it's going to be a tough, long day.
"Have they picked the squad I thought, probably not, Wales. But they'll all be chomping at the bit to have a crack at the world champions. It's a massive carrot to go down there, just to win a Test, it's a massive carrot because no Welsh team has ever done it. You win the first Test and all bets are off, then."
Faletau excited for Lydiate return
Wales No. 8 Taulupe Faletau is excited to be linking up with his former Dragons team-mate Dan Lydiate once again. The chop-tackling flanker makes his return to the Test arena on Saturday, having overcome a serious knee injury which has kept him out of the international game since the 2021 Six Nations.
The pair go way back, all the way to the 2009/10 season. It was the year Lydiate made his Wales bow and Faletau arrived on the professional rugby scene. Faletau, now a world renowned No. 8, recalls a moment from one of his first starts, against the Ospreys, which has stuck with him ever since.
“It’s class," Faletau said. "I was glad to see him in the squad along with myself. We’ve played so many games together for the Dragons and Wales also.
“It’ll be good to run out with him again. I can remember my first game with him for the Dragons. Something happened and he said: ‘I’ve got your back all day’.
“I was thinking: ‘Ah, fair play, cheers mate’. He’s been a solid friend and a team-mate. That stuck with me and he’s done that for me all the way through and I’m glad to see him back. He’s still the same person. He’s quite lively and a good character to have around the changing rooms."
O'Gara shuts down talk of Baa-Baas coaching role
Ronan O'Gara dismissed rumours stating he would take charge of the Barbarians later this year.
Reports have suggested the former fly-half will link up with Scott Robertson when the Baa-Baas face New Zealand's second-string side at the home of Tottenham Hotspur in November. However, the 45-year-old was quick to shut down the rumours.
When asked if he could shed any light on the possibility of him coaching the Barbarians, O'Gara commented: “No I can’t, it’s news to me."
O'Gara - who is now head coach of French outfit La Rochelle - was assistant to Robertson at Crusaders during the 2018/19 season.
Irish hopeful over Healy
Ireland are hopeful that Cian Healy will be available for Saturday's clash with New Zealand.
The prop was forced off the pitch with an ankle injury during his side's defeat to Māori All Blacks in midweek. However, head coach Andy Farrell has named Healy on the bench for Ireland's first Test against New Zealand at Eden Park this weekend.
Farrell played down concerns over the Leinster forward's injury, saying: “I think he had a bit more of a scare than anything else. He recovered pretty quickly in the changing room after the game. He’s still a bit sore [on Thursday morning]. He’s obviously going through a few protocols now with the rehab, etc. but we’re going to give him through to tomorrow [Friday]. He’s made such improvement, we’re optimistic about that.”
Kick-off in Auckland is at 8.05am (UK time) on Saturday.
Scotland Women get £360k cash boost for World Cup this autumn
Scotland's players will be able to train full-time ahead of the women's Rugby World Cup in New Zealand later this year after benefiting from a £360,000 cash injection. The Scottish Government has pledged £144,352, in addition to the £220,000 being made available by Scottish Rugby. The funding will enable the 36-strong squad to undertake an intensive 11-week preparation camp for the tournament, which begins in October.
Scotland captain Rachel Malcolm welcomed the financial boost, saying: "We are incredibly grateful for the funding and support that the Scottish Government has provided to the Scotland Women programme. It is a hugely exciting year for women's rugby and the support that has been announced will be fundamental in allowing us to train and reach our potential during the Rugby World Cup."
The funding will also be used to underpin a promotional campaign to inspire young players in Scotland through the team's involvement in the World Cup.
England squad stunned by teenage 'rock star' Henry Arundell
Henry Arundell is tipped to become a "rock star" of rugby after startling team-mates and spectators with his exploits in training that have secured a place on England's bench. London Irish's teenage sensation has only been involved in 10 club matches in his debut professional season but a series of dynamic tries and line-breaks have already gone viral.
Now he is poised to make his Test debut as a replacement in Saturday's first Test against Australia at Perth's Optus Stadium with Eddie Jones comparing his eye for the try-line to that of South Africa great Bryan Habana.
"Henry scored...how long is the field, 100 metres? He scored a 90-metre try at training on Wednesday. There were a few, I won't use the expletives, 'he's fast!' heard," Jones said.
"We had a number of coaches from different sports watching and they heard this comment. He scored a try not many other players in the world would have scored. It was like a try Bryan Habana used to score - one of those.
"He could be a very good player but he's got a long way to go. We feel like if he continues his development and we're able to give him some game time on this tour, by the World Cup he could be a significant player."
England second row Jonny Hill was among those who saw Arundell light up training. "I was stood in the other 22," he said. "It was crazy. I asked him what he thought he was, percentage-wise for running speed and he said 85-90. He rounded a couple of lads - Mako Vunipola and Will Stuart, I think it was! No, I think was some back-three lads. It was very impressive. He's a proper rock star, isn't he? I'm sure he's going to have a big future."
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