Here's your round-up of the latest rugby news for Wednesday April 5.
Dragons pay tribute to director Tony Brown
Dragons RFC have paid tribute to former director Tony Brown, following his passing on Tuesday.
Brown became involved with Newport RFC back in 1997 and was their chief executive before the introduction of the regions in 2003.
In a statement, a club spokesperson said: "Tony Brown leaves a huge legacy at Rodney Parade. It was his investment, spirit and driving force that helped transform Newport rugby.
"He first became involved with Newport before regional rugby in 1997, helping fund a recruitment drive that saw several world class players represent the Black and Ambers.
"Tony Brown was then instrumental in the creation of the Dragons and remained heavily involved as a director and through his company Bisley Office Furniture’s sponsorship over more than two decades."
Mark Jones, managing director of the Dragons, said: “It’s a very sad day for us at Rodney Parade. Tony Brown’s influence and legacy can simply not be downplayed. He transformed Newport rugby.
“I count myself extremely fortunate to have known Tony since his first involvement here. I have seen first-hand his impact and without his investment and passion, we simply would not be where we are today.
“It was not just his financial backing that earned him cult status with so many fans. He was a true man of the people, often seen selling match day programmes from the terraces or taking time to talk to supporters about his hopes and ambitions.
“He was instrumental in so much of what we see around us and his pioneering work in establishing the Dragons Community team has meant thousands of youngsters over the last two decades have got involved and benefitted from our sport."
Racism 'experienced by players at every elite level in England'
Racism has been experienced by players at all levels of elite rugby in England, a survey commissioned by the sport's governing bodies has revealed.
The results of the independent research compiled at the request of the Rugby Football Union, Premiership Rugby and Rugby Players' Association paint a damning picture of the discrimination faced within the professional game.
It was conducted between September and December last year and canvassed the thoughts of senior players, staff and academy players, as well as around 500 people at the top end of the men's and women's games.
Among the key findings is that discrimination and experiences of exclusion remain.
It was found that in "every area of elite rugby - men's and women's, national team, clubs and academies - players had experienced some form of racism".
On top of a sense of belonging not being universal, the "perceived need to assimilate, as well as being stereotyped, exists, particularly for players of colour".
Classism continues to cloud rugby and it is felt that the "burden to call out poor behaviour and discrimination tends to land on under-represented groups".
The RFU, PRL and RPA have now published an 'inclusion and diversity action plan' for the elite game with the objective of addressing these issues.
"There's no place for racism in our society or the game of rugby," Premiership Rugby chief executive Simon Massie-Taylor. "We understand the issues around us and have pledged to educate our game and implement change through the action plan that has been announced.
"As part of the action plan we can confirm that mandatory training will involve all players, coaches and staff at Premiership Rugby clubs - starting before the end of the season."
Premiership Rugby losses double
Premiership Rugby has seen its losses double to £36 million.
According to the Daily Telegraph, accounts published by Companies House show that Premier Rugby Ltd lost £36.11 million in the year through to June 2022, up from £19.03 million the previous year.
Additionally, the company's total equity also fell from £96 million to £43 million.
It's the latest demonstration of the financial difficulties being faced by the English game, with two Premiership Rugby clubs, Worcester Warriors and Wasps, going under this season.
Reports claim that Premiership Rugby's losses were expected as a result of the venture capital firm CVC Capital Partners’ move to take a 27 per cent stake in 2019.
Dombrandt reveals he quit social media after criticism
Alex Dombrandt says fierce criticism during England's Six Nations campaign caused him to remove himself from social media.
The Harlequins No 8 started at the base of the scrum for Steve Borthwick's side throughout the 2023 championship, but found himself on the receiving end of harsh criticism as England slumped to three defeats.
When pressed about the mental challenge of dealing with such criticism, he told Mail Online: "I try and ignore it really. Unfortunately, when things don't go well for you personally or as a team, there's always someone who has something to say about it.
"I guess you have to take that at the level we play at, surround yourself with good people, ask for advice from the people around you and try to ignore the negativity that doesn't concern you."
On his decision to delete his Twitter account, he added: "I didn't need it I guess. I don't feel like I've anything to prove. I will get my head down, work hard, put in good performances for Quins and hopefully in the future for England as well."
Young eyeing repeat Euro performance
David Young says Cardiff will need to mirror their exploits against Sale Sharks if they are to see off Benetton Rugby in the European Challenge Cup quarter final on Saturday.
The Blue and Blacks sealed their place in the last eight with a thrilling win over the Sharks last weekend, with a Corey Domachowski try and a Josh Adams brace enough for victory.
Young believes his side can travel to this weekend's clash in Italy full of confidence, but says they will need to ensure they are at their best if they are to progress further.
The Director of Rugby said: “Yes we’re confident but we have to have another performance like we had against Sale. They’re a good team, a quality team and are very hard to beat at home.
“The talk last week was about making sure the Sale game wasn’t our cup final. We need to back that performance up and it will take another performance like that to go there and win."
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