Here are the evening rugby headlines on Tuesday, February 15.
Rival coaches fear Halaholo
Willis Halaholo has been backed to prove he's worthy of a place in the Wales team against England, with Dai Young revealing he's the player opposition coaches fear.
The Super Rugby-winning centre has missed Wales’ opening two Six Nations matches after damaging his hamstring in training with Cardiff.
But now he’s fit again and will be looking to stake a claim for a place against Jones’ England at Twickenham when he returns to action at home to Zebre on Friday evening.
He has been released from the Wales squad to get some game time and, if he hits the ground running, he will add further to the competition for midfield spots, alongside Nick Tompkins, Owen Watkin, Jonathan Davies and the versatile Josh Adams.
Read more: All the Wales players released from the squad today
“I know he’s been nursing his hamstring, having twinged it a little bit,” said Cardiff director of rugby Young..
“I think Wayne said last week was a little bit touch and go, but Willis has come through training this week.
“I’m sure he sees this as an opportunity to show everybody he’s 100 per cent fit and to put his hand up for selection.
“I think we’ve all seen what Willis can bring to the game.
“He’s got that valuable commodity of being able to beat people and he’s got the ability to give you go-forward, even off slow ball.
“He’ll certainly put his hand up, I’m sure. It’s for Wayne to look at in on selection.
“But, from our point of view, we always see Willis as a real attacking weapon for us.
“When we’re talking to other coaches in the league games, they’ve always got a focus on Willis and all feel he’s a threat.
“So I’m sure that’s the case right across the board.”
Prop Rhys Carre and No 8 James Ratti join former Hurricanes star Halaholo in being available to Cardiff for the Arms Park clash with Zebre having been released from the Wales squad.
Scotland star's Six Nations over
Scotland and Lions prop Rory Sutherland is set to miss the rest of the Six Nations after injuring his rib and shoulder against Wales.
Sutherland came on as a second half replacement but didn't last long before having to depart.
And it's now been revealed it's likely to mean his tournament is over.
"He's got a badly bruised shoulder, AC joint and rib up top," said Worcester head coach Steve Diamond.
"It's painful. Don't know whether it's fractured or not but he's looking to be out between four and six weeks."
Dragons sign fly-half
Irish fly-half JJ Hanrahan will join the Dragons this summer from French club Clermont Auvergne.
The Dragons said that 29-year-old Hanrahan, who previously played for Munster and Northampton, had agreed a long-term deal.
Dragons rugby director Dean Ryan told the Welsh region's official website: "We are delighted that JJ will join us next season.
"JJ will give us added competition for the 10 jersey and brings with him a wealth of experience - from his time at Munster to most recently in France - that will be of huge benefit to our squad."
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Scarlets keep Lousi
Sam Lousi has signed a contract extension to stay at Scarlets.
The 30-year-old lock has made 30 appearances for the region since joining them from New Zealand's Hurricanes in 2019.
"Sam has been an important member of our side this season and is a big part of our plans moving forward," said Scarlets boss Dwayne Peel.
"He is a tremendous athlete with a superb skill-set which fits in with how we are looking to play the game."
Lousi added: "Myself and my family are happy to be staying in west Wales.
"The squad here at the Scarlets is building nicely and I'm excited to see where we are heading."
Beirne gets new deal
Ireland and Munster forward Tadhg Beirne has signed a contract extension with the Irish Rugby Football Union until July 2025.
The 30-year-old has won 27 caps for his country, scoring six tries, and become increasingly influential under head coach Andy Farrell.
Beirne's fine form led to him being selected by the British and Irish Lions last year and he made two Tests appearances on the tour of South Africa.
He has started both of Ireland's matches in the current Guinness Six Nations campaign, lining up alongside James Ryan in the second row against Wales and France.
"I have made some tough decisions in my career but this was an easy one," Beirne said in a statement.
"Representing Munster, Ireland and the Lions over the past few seasons has been fantastic and I am looking forward to contributing in red and green in the years to come."
Beirne made his Ireland debut against Australia on the 2018 summer tour and travelled to the 2019 World Cup in Japan.
He came through the system at Leinster but joined Welsh club Scarlets in 2016, winning the PRO12 title a year later, before moving to Munster in 2018.
