Here are your rugby morning headlines for Wednesday, December 6.
Welsh teenager set for main take a look at
Promising Welsh teenager Lucas De La Rua is in line for a European debut towards French giants Toulouse this weekend, amid one thing of a back-row disaster for Cardiff.
The Wales U20s back-row has featured twice off the bench this season. And, with a number of frontline stars out, he might characteristic closely in Cardiff’s Champions Cup journey to France this weekend.
Speaking about his back-row choices, Cardiff coach Matt Sherratt mentioned: “When you take a look at the back-row assets we’re lacking from this weekend.
“You’ve bought Falatau, Thomas Young, Ellis Jenkins now, Jim Botham and Gwilym Bradley. It’s a number of firepower, particularly Jim, Thomas and Toby. They’re exhausting to exchange. There’s additionally (Lopeti) Timani.
“Strangely, it is the realm we have got our most depth in. With that many accidents, we’re fairly low.”
“We’ve bought Lucas de la Rua. Shane Lewis-Hughes and Alex Mann can play there.
“Yeah, I’d (give de la Rua a go). I believe he’s (an out-and-out seven). I believe Alex might play there, however he is going effectively the place he’s.
“Shane has performed there earlier than. But I’m fairly enthusiastic about Mackenzie (Martin) and Lucas.”
READ MORE: Rugby’s day of reckoning looms as worst-case state of affairs turns into clear
READ MORE: Scarlets announce signing of highly-rated South African hooker
Referees make historical past after Six Nations announcement
Italy’s Andrea Piardi, England’s Christophe Ridley and France’s Pierre Brousset are all set to referee their first-ever males’s Guinness Six Nations matches in 2024, whereas Scotland’s Hollie Davidson will make her championship debut as an assistant.
Piardi will develop into the primary Italian to referee a match within the event, as he takes cost of Wales’ conflict with Ireland, whereas Davidson additionally makes historical past as Scotland’s first feminine official within the Six Nations for the match between England and Wales.
English referee Luke Pearce will take cost of his fiftieth Test with Wales vs France in Cardiff, turning into the eleventh referee to succeed in the milestone.
In phrases of Welsh officers, Ben Whitehouse will act as TMO in three matches, whereas Craig Evans will function an assistant in two.
Eddie Jones linked with one other Test job
Former Australia coach Eddie Jones has been linked with one other Test job following his departure from the Wallabies.
The ex-England boss had reportedly held talks with Japan over a return to the Brave Blossoms, however there’s now studies he might be on Georgia’s radar.
After Levan Maisashvili left the position following a winless World Cup marketing campaign, Jones is known to be on a shortlist for the Lelos, in keeping with Georgian podcast Abragan.
Jones is reportedly in competition alongside former Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt and former England assistant coach Richard Cockerill.
Jones was not too long ago complimentary of Georgia, after the Wallabies beat them in France, saying: “The energy of the group has modified, the steadiness of the group has modified.
“Your sport has advanced since you’ve bought some nice young backs. Both the nines are good gamers and the fullback is one thing particular; he’s bought that curving, arching run and he doesn’t lose velocity when he alters course so he’s very exhausting to defend towards.
“It’s an evolution of Georgian Rugby. You always want to keep your strength there which is your scrum and then adding to it.”
Cardiff lengthen Wales star’s short-term deal
Cardiff have prolonged Willis Halaholo’s short-term contract till the top of December, with the Arms Park facet hopeful of securing the Wales centre longer-term.
The 33-year-old was amongst a raft of gamers resulting from depart the Arms Park final summer season, after a raft of accidents. However, after recovering from an Achilles damage, he re-signed with the membership in October.
His preliminary deal was set to run out on the finish of that month, however has now been prolonged till the top of the yr.
“Hopefully we are able to get one thing accomplished long-term when the time is true,” mentioned Matt Sherratt.
“He’s accomplished effectively and it has been good to observe, since you might see from his first two video games that he was almost enjoying himself to health.
“Then at Zebre there have been a few moments and the Bulls sport at home – his a centesimal sport for us – he had some nice actions together with his ft.”
