Your rugby morning headlines for Friday, September 15.
Owens 'shocked and saddened'
Former Welsh rugby referee Nigel Owens has spoken of his shock and sadness at the passing of Eddie Butler.
Owens, who now works in the media himself, praised Butler's ability to grasp an audience with his husky tones overlaying some of the greatest moments in Welsh rugby's recent history.
Speaking on Radio Wales on Friday morning, he said: "He was a lovely, lovely man. When you worked with him he always made you feel at ease. He also had that ability of not shying away from asking the difficult questions.
"He had that voice where you could listen to him do anything. I was listening to the montage he did of Phil Bennett recently. I must have watched it six or seven times, not just because it was Phil Bennett but because of Eddie.
"A lovely man, orator and commentator. He was great fun to work with, such a knowledgeable person. You could just sit and listen to him. He had that ability to listen and respect you.
"I really was so shocked and saddened when I read it. I didn't sleep well last night. There are other people out there who know Eddie better than I do and were closer to him but it really is a very sad day."
Pontypool pay tribute to Butler
Pontypool RFC have paid tribute to Eddie Butler, 'a kind, generous and incredibly selfless person' who sadly passed away yesterday.
The former Wales skipper turn broadcaster made his name at Pontypool Park, packing down at No.8 during the Ray Prosser era, when the club dominated Welsh rugby.
Pooler insisted he secured legendary status at the club.
"Pontypool RFC is devastated to learn of the passing of Eddie Butler," the club statement read.
"Eddie also enjoyed a highly decorated international career, having represented Wales sixteen times between 1980 and 1984, six of which were as captain. He also featured in the British and Irish Lions tour in New Zealand in 1983.
"Following a stellar rugby career, Eddie forged an equally successful path into broadcasting. As the BBC rugby lead commentator, Eddie epitomised the passion of the Welsh rugby public and became renowned as one of the most recognisable broadcasters in world sport. In addition to his legendary rugby commentary, Eddie also featured as a commentator for the Olympics and Invictus Games.
"Whilst Eddie’s illustrious career speaks for itself, more importantly – Eddie was a truly wonderful person.
"Eddie was gifted, but he was also a kind, generous and an incredibly selfless person. Despite his demanding schedule, Eddie always made time for Pontypool RFC and he will be forever remembered for supporting the club during its darkest hour in 2012, when the club’s very existence was under threat. Eddie’s passion for the club was a key component in ensuring Pontypool RFC’s survival and he remained an ardent supporter of the club until the very end.
"We offer our sincerest condolences to Eddie’s wife, Susan, his children and friends. Eddie’s legacy will live on at Pontypool RFC and the club will pay its respects at Pontypool Park when the club hosts Neath RFC later this month.
"Thank you, Eddie. You will be dearly missed by us all."
Foley denies wrongdoing
Australia star Bernard Foley has denied time-wasting after the late controversy that saw the All Blacks snatch victory in the Bledisloe Cup match.
The Wallabies were leading 37-34 in the final minute in Melbourne on Thursday when Foley was penalised amid confusion and shock. You can read about the reaction here.
Referee Mathieu Raynal reversed a penalty awarded to the Australians in the remaining seconds for time-wasting as Foley, who was playing his first Wallabies game for three years, delayed his kick, believing the clock was off. It proved to be a disastrous error.
"I wasn't trying to slow it down, but I was just trying to get really clear and concise about what we were trying to do at that next line-out," Foley told The Sydney Morning Herald.
"At the end it was very loud in the stadium, but there was no sense there was going to be a call like that."
Worcester given deadline
The RFU have warned Worcester they could be kicked out of the Premiership after being handed a deadline.
Last night, the game's governing body in England gave notice that if the club could not prove they had the ability to host games safely at their Sixways ground, then they face immediate suspension from competitive rugby.
The Telegraph reports that expulsions for their men's and women's team could follow as financial strife engulfs the club. Many staff have not received their full pay and are said to be at breaking point. They are due to host Exeter Chiefs this weekend, though the game is shrouded in significant doubt.
A statement from the RFU read: “The RFU, PRL (Premiership Rugby Limited) and DCMS (the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport) has been seeking assurances from the Worcester Warriors owners regarding funding and potential new ownership proposals for several weeks.
“All parties are concerned that the lack of available funds will not allow the club to hold matches safely for players and spectators, and for ongoing medical provision for players. In particular, the local authority have not yet provided the club a General Safety Certificate to allow matches to be played at Sixways Stadium.
“All parties must balance the needs of the club to have time to raise funds to safely hold matches, with the need for certainty for supporters, players and support staff of all teams for the matches due to be held at Sixways Stadium this weekend.
“The RFU has written to Worcester Warriors to confirm they will be immediately suspended from all competitions, including the Gallagher Premiership, Allianz Premier 15s and Allianz Cup if assurances as to the ability to safely hold matches at Sixways Stadium are not provided by 12 noon on 16 September. This includes evidence that the local authority has issued a General Safety Certificate, and written confirmation of medical provision.”
It is thought that a suspension would give the club time to sort their situation out, though another deadline would likely be set and could lead to expulsion from the league.
Read more:
Eddie Butler death: Latest tributes as rugby world devastated
Eddie Butler was the voice of Welsh rugby and the game will never quite sound the same without him
Jonathan Davies pays tribute to 'a charming man and a great friend' following Eddie Butler's death
Brian Moore devastated by Eddie Butler death as he says moving goodbye
