Here are your rugby morning headlines for Wednesday, January 3.
Billy Vunipola ‘in talks’ over profitable transfer to Japan
England star Billy Vunipola is in talks to affix Gareth Anscombe’s Suntory Sungoliath, in keeping with the Daily Mail.
The 31-year-old has been linked with a transfer to the Tokyo facet earlier than, however as an alternative signed a contract extension with Premiership champions Saracens. But he has not had the sport time he would have favored for the reason that World Cup concluded and he may look to Asia for his subsequent transfer.
Swathes of gamers are choosing the Land of the Rising Sun owing to its profitable offers. Wales star Anscombe being one. The Wales fly-half stays underneath contract in Japan, regardless of Suntory Sungoliath cancelling his registration for the Japan League One season after the fly-half underwent surgical procedure.
Japan’s season runs till May, with Anscombe aiming to be again in time to play a good chunk of the season. Whether Vunipola joins him and Liam Williams out in Japan stays to be seen.
Dupont in sevens coaching
France captain Antoine Dupont will as we speak attend his first day of rugby sevens coaching forward of the Paris Olympics, the French Rugby Federation have introduced.
The talismanic scrum-half introduced in November that he would miss the upcoming Six Nations with a purpose to make the change to sevens and signify his nation at their home Games this summer time. There is an opportunity he may additionally miss the 2025 Championships, with a transfer to Japan rumoured to be on the playing cards after the Olympics.
Dupont will be a part of 16 different seven-a-side gamers on Wednesday on the nationwide Marcoussis centre forward of his two world circuit sevens occasions in Vancouver and Los Angeles in February and March respectively. He will then briefly return to Toulouse in the direction of the tip of the season, earlier than switching again to the Sevens programme in time for the Olympics in July.
He beforehand instructed BBC Radio 5 Live that he’s “very excited however a bit of bit scared” in regards to the huge transfer, including: “I’ll have a really busy 12 months, however I really like that and I’m excited.”
Announcing the change, he mentioned: “”For all sports activities followers, the Olympic Games are legendary. Being in a position to host such a sporting occasion in France, it’s going to be an unbelievable occasion.”
Barclay clarifies ‘lorry’ remark
Former Scotland worldwide John Barclay has sought to make clear the feedback he made after branding the sight of a lorry on the Ospreys’ United Rugby Championship conflict with Cardiff making a ‘mockery of the league’.
The ex-Scarlets back-row made the declare after posting a picture of individuals watching the Ospreys’ 27-21 victory in Bridgend on the again of a truck. Posting a picture of the lorry behind the one set of posts, Barclay mentioned: “This was at Ospreys vs Cardiff. It makes a mockery of the league.”
However, the truck was truly used for a singer to carry out on pre-match, with one other getting used as a jersey museum on the Brewery Field.
Some followers felt Barclay’s feedback have been harsh, with one consumer responding: “A pre-match band stand that a number of supporters jumped on after which have been swiftly requested to depart makes a mockery of the league? I believe the wasteful quantities of intercontinental journey may be a safer case for that time.”
Another replied: “Wasn’t a stand. Temporary construction for a band.. These feedback are unfair to Bridgend and Ospreys.”
After dealing with some backlash, Barclay, writing on the platform X, responded with: “Couple factors to make clear my opinion: 1. I watched the sport. It was a superb recreation. 2. The recreation is struggling & wants sponsorship. 3. Sponsors must see the sport at its finest to take a position 4. Playing on sub customary pitch with lorries behind isn’t recreation at its finest.”
Bristol signal Fiji star Mata
Bristol have introduced the signing of Fiji and Edinburgh back-row ahead Viliame Mata.
Mata, who scored a strive for Fiji in opposition to World Cup quarter-final opponents England in October, will transfer to Bristol for the 2024-25 season. The 32-year-old has made greater than 100 Edinburgh appearances since becoming a member of them in 2016.
Bristol rugby director Pat Lam mentioned: “Viliame is among the strongest and thrilling back-row gamers within the recreation, so we’re delighted to be bolstering our pack with a participant of his world-class calibre subsequent season. Sign as much as our WalesOn-line rugby WhatsApp service right here.
“His performances as a centurion for Edinburgh and on the recent Rugby World Cup in France for Fiji, showcased his expertise and talent on the high stage.”
