Here are at this time’s rugby headlines on Tuesday, April 30.
Shock Qatar bid for rugby internationals
Wales might play Test matches in Qatar amid studies the Gulf state has tabled an enormous bid to stage the finals of the Nations Championship that may begin in 2026.
The new match will take place in alternating years, between British and Irish Lions excursions and the Rugby World Cup. Northern hemisphere sides are set to play three southern opponents away from home within the July window, with the return fixture performed within the November window. The prime sides from every pool would then face off in a grand remaining.
In addition, the second-placed Six Nations aspect would play the runners-up within the southern hemisphere desk, with third taking part in third and so forth all the way down to sixth vs sixth.
And it is these remaining six matches Qatar have bid to host, in response to the Daily Mail, with the plan being for a three-day competition that’s being billed ‘The Super Bowl of rugby’.
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The video games could be performed at a number of venues in Doha, with the Qatar bidding group promising business returns of as much as £800million over eight years to the Six Nations and Sanzaar unions.
Further talks are mentioned be deliberate for the following week after optimistic opening discussions, with Qatar setting a deadline of seven days to enter right into a two-month interval of unique negotiations.
Dragons signal Tongan large
The Dragons have introduced the signing of Super Rugby star Solomone Funaki for subsequent season. The 30-year-old Tonga worldwide again rower joins from Moana Pasifika
Funaki is the area’s first confirmed seize for the 2024/25 marketing campaign and brings large physicality and management abilities, having captained his membership on many events. Funaki was a part of the Tonga squad on the 2023 Rugby World Cup and has made 15 appearances for his nation.
Head coach Dai Flanagan mentioned: “We’re excited that Solomone is shifting to the Dragons and stay up for the large affect we all know he could make with us.
“He’s a tricky and uncompromising man, somebody who at all times wins collisions, and his potential to play throughout the again row will imply different gamers can thrive round him.
“I’ve spoken to quite a lot of individuals who know and have performed alongside Solomone and so they don’t have anything however reward for him as each a person and performer.
“He’s a household man and an actual chief of males, with worldwide and Super Rugby expertise.
“We look forward to Solomone making his journey over to us and wish him well in the remaining weeks of the Super Rugby season.”
Funaki mentioned: “I’m delighted to formally be named as a Dragon. Having spoken to Dai (Flanagan) earlier within the 12 months about his focus for subsequent season, I’m excited to be part of his group and check myself within the URC and play in entrance of the passionate followers at Rodney Parade.
“Special point out to the Moana Pasifika and Hawke’s Bay Magpies for the previous few years, I’ve loved each minute of it.
“I’m looking forward to a strong finish this Super Rugby season with my Moana family.”
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Vunipola met by team-mates
Billy Vunipola flew again to the UK following his arrest and courtroom look in Spain. He was met at Stanstead airport by England and Saracens team-mates Maro Itoje and Eliot Daly, in response to studies.
In an announcement issued by his membership Saracens, Vunipola mentioned he was charged with resisting the legislation and fined 240 euros (£205) following an “specific trial”.
He described the incident as an “unlucky misunderstanding” which “obtained out of hand”.
In his assertion, Vunipola mentioned: “I can affirm I used to be concerned in an unlucky misunderstanding after I was leaving a membership in Majorca on Sunday, which obtained out of hand.
“Contrary to media studies, there was no violence, no combat and I didn’t threaten anyone at any stage, with bottles or chairs or the rest.
“I used to be charged with resisting the legislation and, following an ‘specific trial’, I’ve paid a advantageous of 240 euros. The Spanish police investigation is now closed, and I’m flying again to the UK at this time.
“I’ll clearly cooperate with the Saracens inner course of and unreservedly apologise for any inconvenience to all concerned.”
Local studies mentioned Vunipola was tasered twice by police after arriving at a bar within the island’s capital Palma within the early hours of Sunday morning.
Saracens mentioned they have been conscious of an incident involving the participant and could be coping with the matter internally.
Vunipola is anticipated to depart Saracens on the finish of this season and has beforehand been linked with a transfer to France, though nothing has been confirmed.
He has gained 75 England caps, making his Test debut towards Argentina in 2013. He just isn’t at present a part of the England squad.
The participant made an look as a second-half substitute for Saracens of their 15-12 victory over Bath on Friday evening.
The membership will not be scheduled to play once more till May 11.
