Here are the rugby evening headlines on Tuesday, February 1.
Warren Gatland linked with French club job
Former Wales coach Warren Gatland could be set to return to the northern hemisphere to take up a job in France.
Reports in France say Lyon coach Pierre Mignoni is set to step down at the end of the season.
And RMC report that Gatland is on the shortlist to replace him.
They add that the three-time Lions head coach, who left Wales to take up a job with the Chiefs as head coach, is interested in the role.
After his sabbatical to take charge of the Lions in South Africa, he's returned to the role of director of rugby in Hamilton, with his stand-in Clayton McMillan having impressed enough to be handed the full-time head coach role.
McMillan revealed recently that Gatland is taking a hands-on approach to the role, helping out defence coach David Hill. However, it's not out of the question that he could be tempted by the offer of a return to the northern hemisphere in the guise of a head coach.
Former France international Xavier Garbajosa is another name that has been linked with the post as Mignoni prepares to walk away from the French club a year before his contract was due to expire.
Wales ramp up intensity in training
Wales have held a series of intense training sessions that have been a step up from those during the autumn series.
The autumn campaigns are generally geared towards exposing inexperienced players to the rigours of Test rugby whilst also trying to pick off some of the best sides in the world.
But the Six Nations is competition rugby, winning is the only thing that matters and it is showing in training.
"We work extremely hard, I can guarantee you that," said Josh Adams.
“Everybody has really hit the ground running. Noticeably, my end anyway, the training intensity and the way we that we have prepped this first week and a half has been considerably better and more intense than what we were in the autumn.
“When I talk about intensity and hitting the ground running, I meant that everything we are doing – it’s no different to the autumn really – is at a much higher intensity.
“I think there is a lot more zip to it, a lot more bite in our play. That breeds confidence.
When pressed on why that was the case, Adams said: “It’s the Six Nations. I’d like to think everybody’s game picks up at this time. There is a lot of excitement building into the Six Nations, it’s advertised well, it’s the best international competition in the world.
“When you come into a Six Nations camp, you know what’s ahead. That adds to the intensity.
“There’s no ‘we can see how it goes, we can build on this’ because we have to win. It’s about winning now.
“That probably adds to why the intensity rises.”
Ireland dismiss Wales' injury problems
Ireland have played down the impact of Wales' well-documented injury problems ahead of Saturday's Six Nations opener.
Wayne Pivac's side arrive in Dublin as reigning champions but hindered by the absence of a host of star names.
Captain Alun Wyn Jones is among those unavailable, in addition to fellow British and Lions Leigh Halfpenny, Ken Owens, Justin Tipuric and Josh Navidi.
While Ireland have the luxury of being relatively injury-free, skipper Sexton dismissed suggestions the situation gives the hosts a significant advantage.
“We haven’t spoken too much about who they are missing. We have spoken about who they have got. They played in November with a lot of the same injuries and picked up some good results and good performances.
“They had injury issues in the Six Nations last year and they ended up winning it.
“We are preparing to play against a very good Welsh team that has been on a great run of form over the last year. We see a big tough test ahead and that’s what we are preparing for.
“The guys that are injured for Wales have big reputations because they have played multiple Test for their country, they have performed week-in, week-out.
“But these other guys that are coming in are excellent players. They are at the start of their journey and could go on and have the same careers as the guys ahead of them.
“So there’s not one ounce of complacency in our squad over the calibre of player they are missing because they have got some excellent players to come in and replace them.”
Ulster winger Craig Gilroy has been cited over the horrific incident against the Scarlets which saw Ireland v Wales referee Jaco Peyper come in for huge criticism.
During the first half of last Friday’s URC game at Belfast’s Kingspan Stadium, Gilroy put in a shoulder to the head of opposite number Tom Rogers, whose neck rocked back dramatically.
It was a sickening collision, with Wales winger Rogers going on to fail a HIA after leaving the field following treatment.
Peyper, who will take charge of Saturday’s Six Nations opener in Dublin, ruled it was foul play by Irish international Gilroy.
But he decided there was sufficient mitigation to bring the punishment down from a red to a yellow card.
England's troubles ease
England insist Courtney Lawes and Jonny Hill are still in contention for Saturday's Guinness Six Nations opener against Scotland at Murrayfield.
Lawes has yet to complete the return to play protocols for concussion, while Hill is struggling with a foot injury, with neither forward able to take part in training on Tuesday.
Eddie Jones names his team for the Calcutta Cup clash on Thursday morning and forwards coach Matt Proudfoot maintains that they could be involved.
"Courtney is still going through his return to play processes and he's progressing through that," Proudfoot said.
"We'll have a look at how Jonny Hill comes through his process. So far everybody is looking in a good state.
Lawes' last outing was for Northampton against Ulster on January 16 when he left the pitch early after taking a knock and, since coming into England camp last Monday, he has been unable to train.
A stress fracture has prevented Hill from playing since Exeter faced Harlequins on January 8 and, given his lack of game time, he appears increasingly unlikely to be involved against Scotland.he biggest injury concern due to the concussion he sustained playing for Northampton against Ulster on January 16.
The likely replacement to ankle surgery-victim Owen Farrell as skipper has yet to pass the return to play protocols and is running out of time to prove his fitness.
England also have concerns over lock Jonny Hill because of a foot injury, while wings Jonny May and Anthony Watson have been ruled out of the entire Six Nations.
It is hoped that centre Manu Tuilagi and flanker Sam Underhill will play some part in the tournament following their respective hamstring and concussion issues.
Want the latest Welsh rugby news sent straight to you? Look no further.
