These are your headlines on the morning of Monday, December 11
Welsh-qualified Hanekom makes headlines
South African rugby sensation Cameron Hanekom has brought on a stir after a surprising man-of-the-match efficiency for the Bulls in opposition to Saracens.
The 21-year-old rookie took his United Rugby Championship type onto the massive European stage and made a lot of individuals sit up and take discover. His carrying, dynamism and footwork made him stand out amongst a bunch of South Africa and England internationals.
It’s understood Hanekom is being carefully monitored by Wales on account of his Welsh qualification by a grandparent, however such is the impression he’s making, stories in South Africa predict it will not be lengthy earlier than the Springboks come calling.
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South Africa do have enormous depth within the again row, although – an element that would open the door to Wales if Hanekom wished a faster path to worldwide rugby. Warren Gatland names his Six Nations squad subsequent month, and it is possible the query will probably be requested of the young Bulls participant.
Hanekom lately instructed WalesOn-line: “I’ve heard the speaking goes round (about Wales). I do not wish to get too carried away in the intervening time about talking about what-ifs or what may very well be.
“Otherwise, I may open my thoughts as much as a cycle of unending potentialities that would presumably side-track me from the job in hand. As I mentioned earlier than, I’d fairly let the principle factor keep the principle factor in the intervening time. And if something comes sooner or later, I’ll take it because it comes.
“My grandmother was born and raised in Wales. They moved over to Wales.
“I’m undecided when. I’ve not likely spoken to them in fairly some time, however I’ll most likely have a chat with them to ask about it!”
His older brother, Storm, was a hooker who was as soon as on the radar of Wales under-19s. He spent a season coaching with the Dragons, earlier than becoming a member of Nottingham after being launched.
Brown holds talks with Bristol
The Rugby Paper report that Bristol Bears have held talks with Dragons and Wales man Leon Brown.
Twenty-seven-year-old Brown is out of contract at Rodney Parade subsequent summer time and whereas discussions have been held, the identical publication states phrases have but to be agreed between the events.
Brown has been capped by Wales 23 occasions however was not included in Gatland’s coaching squad for final summer time’s Rugby World Cup.
The Bears are additionally fellow tighthead Lovejoy Chawatama, who’s reported to have agreed a transfer to Ashton Gate for the 2024/25 season. He is ready to depart Harlequins come subsequent summer time.
Munster launch investigation
The Irish Times report that Munster have launched an investigation following an incident involving a fan throughout Saturday’s conflict with Bayonne at Thomond Park.
A confrontation broke out between the 2 units of gamers close to spectators after a Ben O’Connor kick and chase was halted alongside the touchline by a Bayonne participant.
As Georgian lock Konstantin Mikautadze discovered himself on the centre of issues, a fan’s arm emerged into shot, grabbing the enormous quantity 5 and pulling him violently. The man was holding a beverage in his different hand and there was a young boy sitting in entrance of him. You can examine and watch occasions unfold right here.
The incident is now topic to an investigation. “Munster Rugby are aware of an incident involving a supporter at last night’s game,” the province mentioned in an announcement to The Irish Times.
“We have commenced an investigation into same and will be taking appropriate action once the investigation is complete.”
Tributes to Lions nice
Tributes have poured in for former World Rugby chairman and British Lions nice Dr Syd Millar CBE, who has handed away aged 89.
Millar had additionally served as IRFU president for 12 years, whereas throughout his enjoying days he made 37 appearances for Ireland and an astonishing 39 for the Lions over three excursions between 1959 and 1966.
He additionally coached the vacationers in 1974 throughout their controversial South Africa journey and have become workforce supervisor on their return to South Africa in 1980.
“There aren’t many individuals who’ve given as a lot to the Lions, or our sport, as the nice Syd Millar,” mentioned the British and Irish Lions in an announcement.
“Three excursions as a participant, one as a series-winning coach and one other as a supervisor. He additionally served as a committee member, selector and chairman. It all provides as much as an incredible 9 excursions over six a long time.
“All our thoughts are with his family and friends. He will be greatly missed.”
World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont added: “I do know that I communicate on behalf of colleagues and the worldwide rugby household once I say that Syd Millar was a large of the sport on the world stage.
“As influential within the boardroom as he was good as a participant, coach and supervisor, Syd was a pure chief and visionary, somebody who cared deeply concerning the sport, its individuals, values and future.
“Syd led the game by a few of its most defining moments, driving ahead the enlargement and improvement of the game past its heartlands. He was an inspiration to me, and lots of aspiring directors, and he will probably be enormously missed.
“All our thoughts are with the Millar family and friends at this difficult time.”
