Here are your rugby morning headlines for Sunday, January 28.
Legend O’Driscoll on Sheedy’s ‘massive transfer’
Ireland and Lions legend Brian O’Driscoll has branded Callum Sheedy’s mooted swap to Cardiff a “massive transfer” and thinks he’ll carry “course” to the Arms Park aspect’s attack.
The Daily Mail report that Sheedy will go away Bristol on the finish of his present contract this summer season and return to the membership whose academy he got here via. Sheedy needs so as to add to his 16 Wales caps and should play in Wales after this season beneath the 25-cap rule.
The 28-year-old missed out on a place in Warren Gatland’s Six Nations squad with harm, however his robust kind earlier than that meant he’s a real contender for the Wales quantity 10 shirt going ahead. And O’Driscoll believes it is a transfer which might actually bolster Cardiff’s attack.
“No doubt it is a massive transfer. A preferred signing for Cardiff, the followers love him and so they suppose he’ll carry an enormous quantity of vitality and course to their group,” O’Driscoll stated on TNT forward of Bristol’s recreation in opposition to Bath this afternoon.
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Gatland’s sigh of aid
Warren Gatland may have breathed an enormous sigh of aid on Saturday night following Saracens’ conflict with Exeter Chiefs.
Wales skipper Dafydd Jenkins captained the guests on the StoneX Stadium, whereas centre Nick Tompkins lined up for the hosts.
Both performed the complete 80 for his or her respective sides however emerged seemingly unscathed following their exploits.
Saracens gained the sport 40-22.
Jenkins and Tompkins will now return to the Wales camp to proceed their preparations for the Six Nations conflict in opposition to Scotland on Saturday.
Welsh tyros prepare in opposition to senior aspect
Wales’ under-20s squad educated in opposition to Warren Gatland’s aspect on Friday in preparation for the upcoming Six Nations.
As either side ramp up their preparations for this yr’s event, Wales two most senior XVs went toe to toe on Friday in what under-20s boss Richard Whiffin stated was wonderful preparation for each.
“It’s nice. We are per week away from the beginning of the Six Nations and either side get to coach in opposition to groups who do not know what the calls are and it is extra reasonable prep going into the event,” Whiffin stated.
“The boys actually learnt the velocity the sport is performed at, on the prime finish, and likewise the understanding that you just’re not essentially going to win each collision, which we did not, and it was an important studying expertise for all of them. It’s very good we acquired the chance to do it and hopefully it is the primary of many.”
Wales and Cardiff again Mason Grady stated: “When I used to be under-20s I could not wait to get to senior stage. It’s good for these to see what it is all about and for us it is good preparation to run some strikes in opposition to the lads.”
Under-20s participant Harri Ackerman added: “It’s vital to point out the extent we need to aspire to.”
Lancaster offers Owen Farrell Lions verdict
Racing 92 boss Stuart Lancaster sees no purpose why Owen Farrell should not be picked for the subsequent Lions tour.
Farrell stepped away from worldwide rugby earlier than penning a take care of the French membership, for whom he’ll bear a medical subsequent week.
Owen’s father, Andy, is the Lions coach for the 2025 tour of Australia and has not dominated something out with reference to selecting his son, citing there is no such thing as a rule which stipulates {that a} participant must be taking part in inside the UK as a way to get picked.
And, talking concerning the prospect of Farrell junior getting the decision for subsequent yr’s Lions squad, Lancaster stated: “It’s as much as the Lions committee or whoever makes these selections for the Lions.
“On a Lions tour, you’re all the time getting gamers introduced in any approach in the course of the tour. It’s not such as you set off on the tour with a gaggle of gamers and the identical group of gamers end.
“I remember in 2013 the likes of Brad Barritt, Christian Wade, the guys get called up so if a player happens not to be available for the first game but then he is available for the rest of the tour and you are a good player, then why wouldn’t the Lions want to pick them?”
