Here are the latest rugby headlines on Thursday, February 15.
Ireland undergo blow
Ireland star Hugo Keenan is ready to overlook his aspect’s Six Nations conflict with Wales.
The 27-year-old, who has change into one of many key males in Andy Farrell’s aspect, was compelled off within the second half of their 36-0 win over Italy on the weekend, with an obvious knee damage. The Irish Independent claims that the blow will rule Keenan out of the assembly with Wales in Dublin on February 24. SIGN UP: Get the brand new unique Inside Welsh rugby e-newsletter for full perception into what’s actually occurring round all the large points. This particular supply will get you full access for the complete yr for simply £10 as a substitute of £40.
READ MORE: Wales and Ireland to play one another in conventional pink and inexperienced jerseys for closing time as ban enforced
However, the identical report claims that the Leinster full-back’s damage is just not set to sideline him for the showdown with England on Super Saturday.
Keenan was changed after 55 minutes on the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, with Farrell telling the media at full-time: “Hugo has a bang on his knee, he’s limping and we are going to see how he’s within the morning.”
The full-back is a mainstay within the Irish aspect, having began final week in opposition to France, in addition to all 5 Rugby World Cup video games, and 25 of the 28 video games stretching again to February 2021 previous to that. In 38 appearances for Ireland, he has scored 12 tries, with three to his title already this season.
Listen to the latest Welsh rugby podcast
Cardiff to honour Barry John
Cardiff Rugby pays tribute to Welsh legend Barry John on Saturday, together with his household and associates attending the sport in opposition to Connacht.
John’s unhappy loss of life was introduced earlier this month. Cardiff revealed his funeral will likely be a small, non-public household affair, however they’ll honour his reminiscence forward of kick-off.
A press release learn: “On Saturday, we will likely be joined by Barry’s household, associates and former team-mates as we have a good time the lifetime of a rugby legend. With a small, non-public funeral deliberate, the household are encouraging those that want to pay their respects to attend Cardiff vs Connacht. Diolch.”
Nicknamed ‘The King’, John was thought-about one of many sport’s all-time greats, successful three Five Nations titles, a Grand Slam and two Triple Crowns with Wales.
He performed 25 occasions for his nation and 5 occasions for the Lions, whereas he additionally represented Llanelli and Cardiff at membership stage.
He died in hospital on Sunday, February 4. A household assertion learn: “Barry John died peacefully right this moment on the University Hospital of Wales surrounded by his loving spouse and 4 youngsters. He was a loving Dadcu to his 11 grandchildren and much-loved brother.”
Max Nagy indicators new take care of Ospreys
Ospreys full-back Max Nagy has signed a brand new take care of the Ospreys, growing his probabilities of turning into Welsh certified.
Nagy, 24, who’s at the moment injured, was in high-quality type at first of the season, sparking solutions he may come into the reckoning for Wales if he’s certified.
Nagy hails from Buckinghamshire however has been a Welsh resident since September 2018 – which is when he started finding out at Swansea University. During his time there, he signed for Swansea RFC and was additionally a part of the Ospreys Development aspect.
The Ospreys have been searching for clarification on if his time in Swansea as a pupil counts in the direction of his residency. Depending on the suggestions obtained, Nagy may already be certified, be available later this yr, or have to attend till 2027.
Speaking on the brand new deal, Nagy mentioned: “It’s an extremely proud second for me and my household. The Ospreys and Swansea University have been an enormous a part of my life; it is the place I’ve developed as a participant. I’m enthusiastic about what the long run holds for us as a staff and I’m trying ahead to contributing to our targets as a membership.”
Head coach Toby Booth mentioned: “Max is a testomony to our participant growth pathway and his athleticism and ability set make him a useful member of our staff.
“He’s received a really vibrant future forward of him, and we’re all excited to see how a lot additional he can take his recreation.
Beard relishing Ireland problem
By Andrew Baldock, PA Rugby Union Correspondent
Adam Beard says Wales will relish the dimensions of their problem in opposition to Guinness Six Nations title favourites Ireland in Dublin.
Wales haven’t gained a Six Nations recreation on the Aviva Stadium since 2012, drawing one and shedding 4 of the following conferences. And they face an Ireland aspect firmly heading in the right direction to realize an historic feat of successful Six Nations Grand Slams in successive seasons.
Having accounted for France and Italy in bonus-point trend, Andy Farrell’s staff will likely be backed by many to inflict comparable ache on Wales on February 24.
Wales misplaced their opening video games to Scotland and England – albeit by a mixed complete of simply three factors – so a tall order awaits them.
“Physicality goes to be one of many key parts of the sport,” 53-cap Wales lock Beard mentioned.
“You see the best way Ireland play their rugby. It is all about pace, successful collisions and the breakdown. Defensively, we’ve to match up with that bodily battle, and in attack it is about being medical and bodily. It will likely be a troublesome recreation, however one we’re trying ahead to.
“Ireland are a staff which are taking part in with confidence, and it helps when plenty of them play membership rugby collectively. We are excited to get caught into them.”
