Here are the latest rugby headlines on Thursday, June 29.
Sexton summoned to misconduct hearing
Johnny Sexton has been cited for his behaviour towards match officials in the aftermath of Leinster’s Heineken Champions Cup final defeat to La Rochelle.
Tournament organisers European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) have completed their review into the incident and have lodged a misconduct complaint against Sexton and his club Leinster Rugby, six weeks after Leinster lost 27-26 to the French side.
After the game, Sexton – who missed out through injury – marched on to the field at the end and was filmed remonstrating with Jaco Peyper and his team of officials.
The EPCR statement issued on Thursday said: “Misconduct complaints against the Leinster Rugby player, Johnny Sexton, and against Leinster Rugby, arising from the Heineken Champions Cup final on Saturday 20 May 2023, have been lodged by EPCR.
“After thorough fact finding and careful review of Johnny Sexton’s behaviour towards match officials after the match, in accordance with EPCR regulations, the EPCR Disciplinary Officer has submitted misconduct complaints so that an independent disciplinary panel can determine whether any misconduct has been committed by Mr Sexton (through his behaviour) and Leinster (through failing to exercise reasonable control over Mr Sexton).
“The complaints were referred to the Chairman of the Independent Disciplinary Panel, who has appointed Christopher Quinlan KC (England, Chair), Adam Casselden SC (Australia) and Marcello D’Orey (Portugal) as the independent Disciplinary Committee to hear the case and consider whether misconduct took place.
“The hearing will take place by video conference, on 13 July. EPCR will be making no further comment.”
Wales players wonder how much tougher it will get
Wales players in Warren Gatland's World Cup training squad have been left wondering just how much harder things will get when they get to Switzerland for their first abroad training camp of the summer.
Gatland's approach to World Cup warm-ups have become famous in recent times for how hard he likes to push his players to prepare them for the challenge ahead, with Wales stars being put through their paces by ex-Marines this week.
Wales face Fiji on September 10 in their first game of Pool C, but before that Gatland is taking his squad to Switzerland for high-altitude training and then Turkey for a warm weather camp.
"It's been good, very enjoyable and looking forward to the next block which is going to go up to a different level again," Wales scrum-half Gareth Davies said.
"Everybody is in now and the mini aspect has gone. There are full days now, double days with sessions in the morning and afternoon. There is a good feeling in the camp and boys have been working hard and looking forward to Switzerland now.
"It's a tough place to go with the altitude. Training for the last four or five weeks has been hard and people are thinking how much harder can it get. The altitude will test us and after two weeks out there hopefully we will come back and we will feel even better.
"It is my third time to go out there and I know what's coming. I know it's going to be tough but it's good we get to spend some quality time together in the evenings and we will have some days off with some hikes. It's a beautiful place as well and we will enjoy that side of things as well."
Wales U20s prop ruled out
Wales U20s and Ospreys tighthead prop Ellis Fackrell has been ruled out of the remainder of the World Rugby U20 Championship in South Africa.
He suffered a shoulder injury in the opening round of competition in Paarl last Saturday, and has been replaced by Cardiff Met's Tom Pritchard, who has already arrived in Cape Town to join the squad.
Head coach Mark Jones' Wales U20s suffered a narrow defeat to New Zealand in their opener at the weekend, but bounced back to beat Japan 41-19 on Thursday. They next face France on Tuesday (3.30pm UK kick-off time).
Glasgow fly-half aiming for silverware
By Anthony Brown, PA
Domingo Miotti is intent on winning a trophy with Glasgow after committing to a third season at Scotstoun. The 27-year-old joined from Jaguares in 2021 and after bedding in during his first campaign in Scotland, the fly-half made a big impact last term as Warriors reached the final of the Challenge Cup.
It was confirmed on Thursday that the Argentina international has agreed a new contract for the upcoming season.
"I'm so happy staying at Scotstoun," he said. "We have an incredible group of players here, and I believe that we can do something big for the club. I really enjoyed last season; despite the fact I had a couple of injuries, we played some excellent rugby and it was such a special environment to be a part of.
"I think that I've improved a lot from when I first arrived, and I want to keep improving under Franco and the coaches. I'm always trying to give my best and improve my quality as a player. My main goal is to start as many games as possible in the number 10 jersey, and I want to help this team win silverware."
The arrival of Franco Smith last year helped bring out the best in Miotti and the head coach is hoping for more improvement from the Argentinian.
"We're pleased to retain Domingo's services as we continue our preparations for an exciting campaign," he said. He always comes into training eager to improve and give his all for this group, and he played his part in some memorable team performances last season. His skillset is clear for all to see and he has fully bought into what we're looking to build at Scotstoun - we're excited to continue to work with him."
