Here are the latest rugby evening headlines for Wednesday, July 27.
Former Wales wing Evans named Lions chairman
Former Wales winger Ieuan Evans has been confirmed as the new chairman of the British and Irish Lions board.
Evans, who toured with the Lions in 1989, 1993 and 1997, will succeed former England prop Jason Leonard in the role on October 1 this year, having been confirmed following a robust process lead by a nominations committee.
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During his playing days, Evans scored 33 tries for his country across 11 years of Test rugby. He was recognised for his career in 1996 when he received an MBE for services to rugby, while he has also been inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame in 2007 and the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2014.
Since retiring, Evans was elected as a National Council Member of the Welsh Rugby Union by member clubs in 2020, winning a three-way vote against incumbent Gareth Davies and Nigel Davies. The following year, he was elected to the position of vice-chair of the Welsh Rugby Union - a position he still holds.
Evans said of his Lions appointment: "Having toured with the Lions at the peak of my international career, it’s an honour to be appointed chairman of The British and Irish Lions board. Lions’ tours are unique in the world of sport, both in terms of the ultimate challenge they represent and the cultural impact they have, and form an integral part of the rugby ecosystem.
"I look forward to working with my colleagues on the board, Ben Calveley and his executive team, and building on the great work Jason Leonard has done over the last few years and ensuring The British and Irish Lions continues to thrive both on and off the pitch."
Ben Calveley, British and Irish Lions’ managing director, said: "I would like to congratulate Ieuan on being appointed as chairman of the Lions board. Ieuan made a hugely positive impact on the Lions throughout his three tours and on the game itself. Given Ieuan’s experience both as a player and in his equally successful professional career, I’ve no doubt he will lead the board in our mission to deliver rugby with purpose to players, fans, the game and communities we visit. I would also like to thank and pay tribute to Jason Leonard for his commitment and excellent term as chairman since being appointed in 2019."
Wales international forced to pull out of Commonwealth Games
Wales international Sam Cross has been forced to pull out of the Commonwealth Games squad after picking up a knee injury in Bucharest.
Cross, who won two international caps in the 15-a-side game in 2017, had been selected as part of Richie Pugh's Wales squad for the men's Sevens competition to be held in Coventry. However, after picking up the injury, he has been replaced by Chris Smith, who featured for Wales in the Singapore and Vancouver legs of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.
The Sevens will be staged at Coventry Stadium between July 29-31 where Wales will begin their campaign on Friday in Pool C against Canada.
"It’s obviously unfortunate for Sam," Pugh said. "It was a boost to us to have him involved with the group with his experience and ability but that is the nature of rugby. But we’ve got a more than able replacement in Chris Smith. He did the Singapore and Vancouver legs and performed well there. He is a full-time deputy head teacher so he has been unavailable for other legs but he has been able to train with us in the build-up to the Commonwealth Games."
Eddie Jones would love NRL 'dream job'
England coach Eddie Jones has admitted he would love to land his dream job of coaching Australian rugby league club South Sydney Rabbitohs.
The 62-year-old will leave his post with England after next year's World Cup, with Jones currently being linked with a reunion with the Wallabies. However, it seems like his heart is set on a code switch - with his boyhood club described as a 'dream job'.
"I like the game,' Jones told Nine Entertainment Co via Sydney Morning Herald. "If there was an opportunity there [in the NRL] I would jump at it, but the reality is it's probably not going to be there."
When asked about the Rabbitohs, Jones said: "That would be the dream team. That would be the dream. From the age of five, I've supported Souths. That would be fantastic [to coach the Rabbitohs]. I loved the old teams with Ronnie Coote, Bob McCarthy, John Sattler and Eric Simms."
Pressed as to whether he would take the job if offered to him, Jones replied: "100 per cent."
Otten back at Ospreys in new role
Former Ospreys hooker Scott Otten has returned to the Welsh region as its commercial manager. The 28-year-old returns after a neck injury forced him to retire in May 2021.
During his playing days, Otten set up a coffee business and has worked at Swansea RFC in a commercial role since retiring.
Speaking about the new role, Otten said: “It’s been 13 months since I officially departed from the Ospreys and in that time, I’ve still been a huge supporter of the club both on and off the field. It’s good to be back! I am excited for this opportunity to return and work with the outstanding businesses within the area to develop trusting and ever-growing relationships.
“The most effective way for a business to grow is to understand their journey and to work with good people. Throughout this process we will be striving to introduce current and new businesses into the life of the Ospreys with opportunities for a variety of businesses to network, create new connections and to become a big part of our future in which people can be proud of.”
All Black fly-half backs under fire coach
All Blacks fly-half Richie Mo'unga has come out in support of under-fire coach Ian Foster, saying he is "the right man for the job".
Ahead of New Zealand's clash with South Africa, Mo'unga admitted the team simply haven't been good enough following their historic series loss to Ireland.
"[We're under] no illusions, it wasn't good enough against Ireland," he said. "But we're really looking forward to the opportunity to right a few wrongs and to be better because we know we're capable. And we need to make a statement about who we are as All Blacks and the standard that comes with.
"Fozzie is the man for the job. I 100 per cent back Fozzie because of his coaching ability. And I think now he'll have a more hands-on role with the backs and with attack.
"I've had that sort of taste early on in my All Blacks career and was able to gain so much knowledge and had wow moments out on the field when he was coaching. It's good to see that happen again the last couple of days and the direction this team is going is just really exciting."
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