This is your round-up of all of the latest rugby information for Friday, December 29.
Tuilagi sweating on Six Nations health
Sale centre Manu Tuilagi is now a doubt for England’s Six Nations Opener with Italy, having suffered one other groin harm.
The 32-year-old would not require surgical procedure, however early estimates counsel he could possibly be out of motion for round six weeks, after choosing up the harm whereas in motion for Sale in opposition to Saracens.
England tackle Italy in Rome on February 3.
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Alex Sanderson, Sale director of rugby, mentioned: “Manu has pulled his groin and we expect he’s going to be again throughout the Six Nations, however not for the primary week.
“I spoke to him and he’s like ‘I need to play and if I’m good to play it’s as much as England concerning choice’.
“He was in the frame before and I’ve stated before his intent to keep playing international rugby. Six weeks is the recommended time for the injury and Manu is saying four.”
Gatland to look at on
Wales head coach Warren Gatland will little doubt be preserving tabs on Bristol Bears’ conflict with Exeter Chiefs tonight.
Ashton Gate is ready for a Christmas cracker, with greater than 23,000 tickets bought for the match.
It can be one other alternative for Callum Sheedy to impress the Kiwi, with the fly-half named within the beginning line-up. With no Dan Biggar and Gareth Anscombe to select this time, Sheedy may properly be in with a shout of Six Nations choice.
In the Chiefs’ beginning ranks are Dafydd Jenkins and Immanuel Feyi-Waboso – two others who can be trying to impress Gatland and his teaching ticket.
Kick-off is at 7.45pm.
Williams – We need to take accountability
Rhodri Williams says his Dragons team-mates need to take accountability for the way of their Boxing Day defeat by the hands of Cardiff – and says they need to set the report straight in opposition to the Scarlets on New Year’s Day.
The Dragons have been hammered 55-21 within the capital on Boxing Day, and Williams pulled no punches in his evaluation of the competition.
“It was tough, and it was unacceptable from us as a group. That first half was down to the XV on the field,” he mentioned.
“We had a great week of coaching and we felt excellent coming into the sport. To be honest to Cardiff, they have been good, however we’ve to entrance up loads higher and cease the momentum.
“We will look again on the particulars, but it surely wasn’t ok from 1 to fifteen, we have to discover fixes and it was right down to individual errors.
“We have to be honest with each other and we have another derby on New Year’s Day, so we have to put things right quickly,” he added.
“It helps having one other derby so quickly, however we should take our learnings from that and have a look at it very carefully to ensure it doesn’t occur once more.
“It was robust within the altering room as you’d think about – it was 55 factors in opposition to native rivals.
“The gamers on the sector let the membership down and we’ve to place issues proper.
“It’s not good enough and we have to be honest with each other while sticking together.”
van der Merwe pens new Edinburgh deal
Scotland worldwide Duhan van der Merwe has penned a brand new deal that can maintain him at Edinburgh Rugby till no less than June 2025.
The British and Irish Lion is at present having fun with his second spell within the Scottish capital, and says signing a brand new contract was a no brainer. He mentioned: “Edinburgh is home for me. I like enjoying my rugby right here and it’s the place I’m happiest. I’m delighted to have prolonged phrases – I couldn’t think about enjoying wherever else at this level in my profession.
“Edinburgh has carried out a lot for me in my profession. I’ve all the time mentioned that I wish to repay the religion the membership has proven in me over the years, so it was a no brainer to signal a brand new deal.
“We’ve got a special group here and there is a real feeling of togetherness, with everyone buying into what Sean [Everitt] is trying to build. I’ve really enjoyed his coaching style and man-management so far. Playing under him is great, so long may that continue.”
