Here are the latest rugby headlines on Thursday, February 16.
Wales order Netflix to leave
Wales' rugby players are refusing to allow Netflix cameras to film them in a protest over their treatment by rugby bosses.
The country's top stars have called a halt to the behind-the-scenes access all teams have signed up for as part of a lucrative deal with the online streaming service.
It resulted in Netflix cameras being asked to leave today's press conference when Alun Wyn Jones arrived for media duties alongside Warren Gatland.
The cameras have been ever-present at the team's HQ since the start of the Six Nations, with the much-anticipated documentary set to air next year.
But Welsh players, who are considering strike action over the contract uncertainty in the Welsh game, have withdrawn their participation at training sessions and elsewhere while the dispute rages.
It comes after the Wales team left a WRU sponsors dinner early on Wednesday night in a premeditated decision amid their anger.
Would you support Welsh rugby players taking strike action amid contracts turmoil? Have your say here
Ireland rocked by devastating injury blow
Ireland lock Tadhg Beirne will miss the remainder of the Guinness Six Nations after being ruled out for up to 12 weeks with an ankle injury.
The 31-year-old Munster player was due to undergo surgery on Thursday, having been forced off early in the second half of Saturday's 32-19 win over France in Dublin.
British and Irish Lion Beirne, who has started his country's last 14 Tests, left the Aviva Stadium on crutches, with his forthcoming absence a major blow for Andy Farrell's team.
"Tadhg Beirne will undergo surgery today on the ankle injury he sustained in Saturday's win over France," read a tweet from the Irish Rugby Football Union.
"Unfortunately, Tadhg will be ruled out for up to 12 weeks."
Head coach Farrell said following the weekend game that Beirne's issue "did not look great", with his fears subsequently confirmed.
Grand Slam-chasing Ireland sit top of the championship table on the back of bonus-point wins over Wales and France ahead of a round-three trip to Italy on February 25.
Ulster captain Iain Henderson replaced Beirne on Saturday and is the obvious choice to come into the second row to partner James Ryan in Rome.
Leinster pair Ryan Baird and Joe McCarthy and Connacht's Cian Prendergast are the other options available to Farrell.
Wales' World Cup rivals target Robertson
Fiji are aiming to appoint highly-rated Crusaders coach Scott Robertson before the Rugby World Cup following the departure of Vern Cotter.
Robertson is seen as one of the best coaches in the game and is keen to get involved in Test rugby. He has previously been linked with the Wales and England head coach roles.
Acting Fijian Rugby Union chief executive Tevita Tuiloa revealed he has reached out to the Kiwi over the head coach role or coming on board as a technical advisor for the tournament.
Fiji are in the same pool as Wales, Australia, Georgia and Portugal.
“I know he’s a surfer, so I told him, ‘look, you can come to cloud break in Tavarua and come and surf some clouds, some barrels, some big waves there and come and coach the Flying Fijians; we’ll give that to you for free, and you can help our boys reach the quarter-finals,’” Tuiloa told FBC News.
Irish and Lions star quits at 33
Former Ireland and British and Irish Lions prop Jack McGrath has announced his retirement from professional rugby.
The 33-year-old, who began his career at Leinster, was released by Ulster at the end of last season and had been without a club as he continued his battle to recover from a persistent hip injury.
McGrath was capped 56 times by his country between 2013 and 2019 and won the Six Nations in 2014 and 2015, in addition to a Grand Slam in 2018.
He travelled with the Lions to New Zealand in 2017, making three Test appearances as a replacement.
"I have spent a long time reflecting on my career over the last number of weeks/months and realise how fortunate I have been to wear the most famous jerseys in the game," he posted on Instagram.
"The last few years have been extremely testing for myself and my family, both mentally and physically.
"I feel I have given everything to my rugby career and I have no regrets or anything left to prove."
Read more:
Alun Wyn Jones says strike threat is real as Gatland admits he would not support it
Wales rugby team walk out of huge WRU sponsors dinner early in premeditated decision
Shocking footage emerges of brawl at University rugby match in Wales
Munster v Ospreys team news as Wales international's return could interest Gatland
Sam Warburton backs 'shafted' players to strike and claims region close to entering administration
