Here are the latest rugby headlines on Saturday, December 23.
All Blacks appoint Welshman
The All Blacks have named Welshman Jon Gardner of their new teaching employees for 2024.
The Welsh analyst joins probably the most well-known worldwide staff in rugby after beforehand working with new New Zealand head coach Scott Robertson on the Crusaders.
Pontypridd-born Gardner has constructed an enormous status within the efficiency evaluation world and was seen as an necessary appointment by Robertson as he takes on the most important job of his profession.
He has been out in New Zealand since 2015 after beforehand being with the the Dragons in Wales below Lyn Jones. Get the latest Welsh rugby information despatched straight to your inbox at no cost with our day by day e-newsletter
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Dragons combat to maintain Dyer and Wainwright
The Dragons say they’ll combat to maintain key gamers Rio Dyer and Aaron Wainwright as each Wales stars obtain curiosity from England and overseas.
Both have been on superb type this season, however they’re out of contract on the finish of the season and can make choices on their futures within the coming weeks. Dyer has maybe the most important alternative of all as he would turn into ineligible for Wales if he turned down a suggestion from a Welsh area and moved to England or France. He at present has 14 caps – 11 in need of the 25-cap rule.
“We need to hold our greatest gamers, it is so simple as that,” Dragons head coach Dai Flanagan mentioned.
“To try this we’ll make honest and trustworthy presents to permit them to make the very best choice for themselves and households.
“I’m positive we would lose gamers alongside the best way however hopefully not anybody who we need to hold.
“Guys like Aaron and Rio are taking part in rather well and Dragons need to take some credit score for that with the best way we handle gamers and the group
“We are very targeted on individual improvement. We’re by no means going to have the ability to signal gamers like Leinster or Racing however hopefully we will carry gamers at a sure degree and take them to the subsequent.
“Perhaps sooner or later then they’ll ultimately outgrow us, however hopefully the membership will develop to a degree they will not try this in future.
“I’d say to each these gamers, whenever you have a look at the stage they’re at of their careers, how they’re creating and now peaking, we are the place to proceed to do this and I’m positive they’re conscious of that.”
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Wales duo impress
Wales worldwide duo Sam Davies and Tyler Morgan have been named within the French Pro D2 staff of the season to date.
Davies is the highest goal-kicker in the complete competitors since becoming a member of Grenoble in the summertime and has gained common plaudits for his performances regardless of Grenoble’s relative struggles. He has scored 148 factors to date this season however Grenoble at present sit in 14th position.
Morgan, who performed centre for Wales on the 2015 World Cup, has additionally been impressing at Biarritz, who’re fifteenth.
Vannes at present high the aggressive league, with Tomas Francis’ Provence Rugby second as they search promotion to the Top 14 earlier than the summer time arrival of George North.
Vakatawa sensational after return from coronary heart drawback
Bristol boss Pat Lam hailed the returning Virimi Vakatawa’s contribution as his aspect outmuscled Newcastle 21-13.
Having suffered 11 defeats in a row, Falcons raised their recreation for the go to of the Bears and have been nicely within the contest at 7-6 down within the second half.
But Vakatawa’s strive helped the guests draw back and Lam spoke effusively concerning the Fijian-born star, who has come out of retirement to characteristic within the Premiership.
The France worldwide was compelled to step away from the sport final yr after medics at French giants Racing 92 refused to let him play resulting from a coronary heart anomaly.
“The saying is ‘type is momentary, class is everlasting’, and he’s a category participant,” mentioned Lam.
“I do not assume there’s something incorrect together with his head, I believe he is had a yr off the sport and I do not assume many rugby gamers would come again off that and are available straight again into it.
“But he is proven indicators each recreation [that] he is getting higher and higher and having final week off, he received extra accomplished.
“The trainers mentioned he is extra snug with the blokes, with the best way that we play, and he was actually, actually good tonight.”
