Here are your rugby headlines on Sunday September 11.
Sexton dubbed the best
Ireland and Lions star Jonathan Sexton has been dubbed the best player of the professional era.
The tribute comes from Irish wing Andrew Conway who named his team-mate after being asked who he would call the greatest rugby player in history.
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"There's a few people," Conway responded, report SportsJoe, before saying: "Johnny Sexton, in my opinion, is up there.
"He's got four European Cups, a Grand Slam, four Six Nations championships, six URC titles, Lions tours, he's beaten New Zealand multiple times, he's got over 100 caps.
"If you look at the impact that Johnny has on rugby matches when he's playing, versus when he's not playing, it's crazy. It's really, really crazy. And the fella is 37, so that plays its' part - to be still going at this age plays a massive part into answering that question.
"I know that he's announced he's retiring after the World Cup, so he obviously has a big 12, 15 months ahead. If we can do what we are planning to do what we are driving towards, I don't think that question would be in doubt. But, at the moment, he is definitely up there."
New Zealand legends Dan Carter and Richie McCaw are widely regarded as the finest since the days of Gareth Edwards, with Brian O'Driscoll, Shane Williams and Jonny Wilkinson among the best in recent times from the northern hemisphere.
Rees-Zammit ready to roar
Louis Rees-Zammit is hoping to kickstart his season in style as Gloucester meet Wasps today.
While rugby and football in Wales was cancelled over the weekend, the English Premiership began in thrilling fashion with four games on Saturday and another two today.
The first of those sees Rees-Zammit line up for the wing for the Cherry and Whites, the start of what promises to be a huge year with the World Cup in France around the corner. The game is on BT Sport 1, with Sale meeting Northampton in the other game.
Even though Rees-Zammit plays today and Tommy Reffell started for Leicester at Exeter, Northampton say Wales captain Dan Biggar has not been considered for selection for their opener.
Genge off to a flier
Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam talked up the influence of England star Ellis Genge after his two tries helped the Bears to a 31-29 victory over Bath in their Gallagher Premiership opener at Ashton Gate.
On debutant Genge, who joined from Leicester in the summer, Lam said: "He was itching to go last night, and then he had to hold back. He said a few words before the game, he wanted to go out there and get stuck into the game. His actions back up his talk. Ellis has come in and fitted into our culture really well.
"For the first try Ellis scored, everyone was in the right place. It was a great start with him scoring. We didn't get many chances after that and had to guts it out."
This eagerly anticipated contest was originally scheduled for Friday night but was pushed back 24 hours, resulting in no television match official being available.
Lam continued: "There was a lot of niggles and off-the-ball stuff and that's what's going to happen when you don't have a TMO. It was five tries to two and all that matters is the five points."
Neath confirm Brew deal
Neath have confirmed the signing of vastly experienced Wales wing Aled Brew for the upcoming season.
The 36-year-old, who won nine Wales caps, finished with professional rugby after a spell with the Scarlets in 2020.
But the iconic Welsh club say on their website: "The powerful winger who joined Neath straight out of youth rugby with Neath Athletic Colts is now eager to play again and Neath supporters will be glad to have him back home where he will bring experience and power to The Gnoll club’s strength."
Neath are aiming to challenge for promotion from the Welsh Championship to the Indigo Premiership this term.
“Aled played in James Hook’s testimonial in June and in Billy Twelvetrees’ game recently and it was obvious he’s still a very good rugby player. He’s an athlete who’s quick, strong and knows where the try line is," a Neath official told WalesOnline when we first reported the move might be happening on Friday.
"We want to take the club forward on and off the field and Aled can play a significant part in that process."
Neath meet Bedwas next weekend.
English club set for takeover
Worcester director of rugby Steve Diamond has revealed that a deal could be reached for an investor to buy the financially-stricken club in the next three days.
Speaking after the Warriors were swept aside 45-14 by London Irish in their season opener, Diamond said that co-owners Colin Goldring and Jason Whittingham are in advanced negotiations with a prospective buyer.
Worcester face administration because of debts in excess of £25million, including a £6million tax bill, and their players have still not been fully paid for August, with September's payroll fast approaching.
"In the next 72 hours there may some news of a potential investor," Diamond said. "This news is a boost but we don't want a false dawn. I have been around rugby for a long time and there aren't too many people who want to put their hand in their pockets and buy rugby businesses.
"If the owners have found somebody then great and no doubt they will speak to me."
Worcester may have leaked seven tries in a rusty start to the Gallagher Premiership - their financial problems prevented them from playing any warm-up games - but Diamond was relieved they were able to participate at all.
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"We have played our first game and in the trajectory of new Worcester, if we didn't fulfil our fixture we were out of it," he said. "We managed to play the fixture and we need to improve.
"This was a bit more than just a rugby match. The bad news of what happened on Thursday with the Queen, the country is in shock, so you have got to put things in perspective.
"We are a rugby club that has run out of money and the owners need to find some or sell it and we will continue to be a rugby club."
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