Here’s your round-up of all the latest rugby news for Friday, July 19.
Former Wales star backs Anglo-Welsh league
Former Wales international Josh Turnbull says it would be “fantastic” if the Welsh regions moved to play in an Anglo-Welsh league.
Cardiff Arms Park hosted two sell-outs against Harlequins and Bath Rugby last season, with the attendances pushing forward the idea of having an Anglo-Welsh league.
Speaking on the latest episode of the Sportin Wales podcast, Turnbull explained why he thinks it’s a good idea. The veteran retired from the game at the end of the season after a fine career, which saw him become the public face and voice of players during the turbulent uncertainty of Welsh rugby’s recent past.
“I just look back to what Cardiff did last year in terms of selling out the Arms Park on a number of occasions,” explained Turnbull. “Sale the year before, Bath, ‘Quins.
“An Anglo-Welsh league would be fantastic. It really would. It would bring back those old cross-border rivalries.
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“The URC was exciting when it first started because you are travelling somewhere new, you’re going to South Africa. You’re playing against the best South African players, especially when they took out the Kings and the Cheetahs. You’re playing against their four big teams.
“But, I think the travelling novelty has worn off a little bit now. I think it would be good, it would be exciting to have an Anglo-Welsh league.”
The WRU is tied in to the URC for the next two seasons but there have been reports of initial exploratory talks around the possibility of a new Anglo-Welsh league.
French duo placed under house arrest
France international rugby players Hugo Auradou and Oscar Jegou have reportedly been placed on house arrest in Argentina as they await trial for charges relating to the alleged sexual assault of a 39-year-old woman.
The incident is alleged to have occurred at a hotel room shortly after France’s win over Argentina on July 6 in Mendoza. Auradou, 20, and Jegou, 21, were arrested two days later in Buenos Aires as the France squad was preparing to leave for a match against Uruguay in Montevideo.
The pair deny the allegations of aggravated gang rape, a crime that carries a possible sentence of between eight to 20 years in prison.
“Given the level of evidence and the absence of procedural risk, it is possible to grant house arrest with personal bond for each of them,” a spokesperson told French outlet RFI.
“In addition, they will both be fitted with electronic bracelets.”
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Screech eager to make the most of fresh Wales chance
Matthew Screech says he’s ready to make the most of his latest Wales audition.
The 31-year-old has been named in the XV for the uncapped fixture against the Queenslad Reds in Brisbane, a match that has seen Warren Gatland name something of an experimental line-up.
Having earned only his second international cap in the defeat to world champions South Africa at Twickenham earlier in the summer, the Dragons lock is keen to impress.
“It’s great. It’s been a great tour, for me at the Vale and then out here. I’ve really enjoyed the process of training and I’m looking forward to putting the jersey on,” he said.
“It was a bit of a surprise to be honest. But I feel like I’ve adapted well when I’ve been here and really enjoyed all the sessions, the experience and the intensity of training. It’s been a real eye-opener. I’ve really enjoyed it.
“Obviously it’s a chance for me to go out and wear the jersey, which is really exciting for me. I’m just going to try put my best foot forward, try and do what I do, get involved and get my hands on the ball And I’ll just try help the team as best as possible.
“When I was originally in the squad [for my first cap], I had an Achilles issue and didn’t really train as much which was disappointing. I was super glad I got on in that last game.
“This time, I’ve been involved in every session and trained every day. It’s been a totally different tour this time for me and I really hope I’ve shown what I can do and what I’m about in training, so I can come here again to be honest.”
All Blacks vice-captain linked with surprise move
All Blacks vice-captain Ardie Savea is on the verge of a remarkable move to join Moana Pasifika, according to reports in New Zealand.
Savea is currently negotiating his contract with New Zealand Rugby, with the Super Rugby team he’ll represent following his return from a sabbatical in Japan being part of those discussions.
Although currently contracted with New Zealand until the end of 2025, Savea is thought to have a clause in his deal which allows him to move to another New Zealand Super Rugby side from the Hurricanes.
Having been expected to rejoin the Wellington side after his six-month stint with Kobe Steelers, the New Zealand Herald report that several sources state that the reigning world player of the year is set to join his brother, 54-cap All Black winger Julian, at Moana.
Scarlets forward Vaea Fifita has also been linked with a move to the Auckland-based side, who have ex-Wales player and coach Stephen Jones on their coaching ticket. WalesOnline understands Fifita will be staying in Llanelli, though.
Campbell relishing Wales test
Queensland Reds star Jock Campbell admits the enormity of leading out his team as captain against Wales in Brisbane still hasn’t sunk in.
However, while the scale of the occasion isn’t lost on him, the 29-year-old has backed his team-mates to go out and express themselves as they bid to compound a challenging summer for Warren Gatland’s side.
“Yeah I was surprised, he told rugby.com.au when asked about the moment he found out he would be skippering the side. “I think (when) Les just came up to me and told me it was a bit of a shock.
“I waited to get home, I’m not big on attention or anything so I didn’t call anyone straight away. I sort of just snuck it under the radar to my girlfriend and had a nice moment there.
“But it’s cool, I’m very proud and my parents are also very proud.
“I guess growing up in a small town like Inverell and playing for the Highlanders there and watching the men’s side on a Saturday afternoon kicking the footy around, to come up here and captain Queensland sort of hasn’t hit me just yet.
“After the Super season, sometimes you can lack good quality footy so to have the opportunity to play an international team like Wales is not lost on the group,” Campbell said.
“Everyone’s super excited and keen to get out there and show what we can do.”
