Here are today's rugby headlines on Thursday, February 3.
WRU 'embarrassed' by what happened
Welsh Rugby Union CEO Steve Phillips has admitted some of the drink-fuelled incidents reported at the Principality Stadium during the autumn internationals were "embarrassing".
It's been revealed the WRU considered banning booze altogether from the stadium but decided, in the end, to shut bars after half time for the Six Nations.
A move to selling weaker beer is also being introduced.
Speaking about the new measures, Phillips said: "It’s all about our customers and our fans. We have a very passionate fan base and a magnificent stadium.
"We know players love playing here and we have something really special. It’s something we are really proud of.
"Some of the stories we heard were embarrassing. We’re not being forced to do this, but we think it’s the right thing to do.
"It wasn’t a difficult decision at all. We’re going to drop a bit of revenue, but it’s the right thing to do.
"Having a drink at the game is part of the culture and what people want. Some people will say it’s going too far.
"Others will say it’s not far enough. We’re asking people to come here and be responsible. Come and enjoy the game and have a good day, but be responsible."
Other measures include phasing in a 4.1% beer to replace the current 5% Heineken product. However, the WRU stopped short of introducing a full stadium ban despite a number of incidents and complaints in the autumn.
"We did consider it," said stadium manager Mark Williams.
"But when we looked at the surveys, being able to access alcohol in moderation was a big part of the matchday experience for many fans. So banning that would have been a blind punishment."
Read more: Live updates as Wales and Ireland name teams for Six Nations opener
Every Wales player snubbed by Irish star
Ireland and Lions international Sean O'Brien has snubbed the entire Wales team when picking his best Six Nations XV from this year's squads.
Not a single Welsh player makes the team picked on the House of Rugby special, with former Lions team-mates Liam Williams and Dan Biggar among the senior stars to miss out.
O'Brien's side contains six French players, four from Ireland, three England stars and one each from Scotland and Italy.
Wyn Jones and Josh Adams were the two Welshmen who came closest to selection, eventually missing out to Cyril Baille and Damian Penaud.
O'Brien's XV: 15. Hugo Keenan (Ireland) 14. Damian Penaud (France) 13. Robbie Henshaw (Ireland) 12. Virimi Vakatawa (France) 11. Monty Ioane (Italy) 10. Marcus Smith (England) 9. Antoine Dupont (France) 1. Cyril Baille (France) 2. Rónan Kelleher (Ireland) 3. Tadhg Furlong (Ireland) 4. Maro Itoje (England) 5. Paul Willemse (France) 6. Jamie Ritchie (Scotland) 7. Tom Curry (England) 8. Gregory Alldritt (France)
Tuipulotu signed up
Wales Women's potential superstar of the future has signed a WRU retainer contract.
Gloucester-Hartpury second row forward Sisilia Tuipulotu joins the elite performance programme, along with Bristol Bears full-back Kayleigh Powell.
Tuipulotu is 17st 11lbs and has left coaches stunned by her strength and power test scores.
Wales Women head coach Ioan Cunningham said: “Both players are very exciting prospects and it was great to get to know them better in our recent camp. We were very keen to get them into our environment as we feel they have huge potential. Sisilia is so young but the impact she could make over the coming years is massive. Now that she is able to train with us weekly, we feel her potential to develop physically and technically is off the scale."
Tuipulotu said: “It feels amazing, especially given my age and how long I’ve been playing.
"Rugby has always been big in my family just playing touch and passing the ball around with my brothers and cousins. My dad played for Tonga and Newport and my cousin Carwyn plays for Scarlets. Watching what they do inspires me to be like them or even better. My aim now is to get my first cap, either in the Six Nations or in the World Cup which is around the corner."
Jones pays tribute to Davies
Jonathan Davies has been described as a "brilliant player and brilliant person" as he prepares for membership of international rugby's 100-club.
Davies will clock up a century of Wales and British and Irish Lions Test match appearances if he features in Saturday's Guinness Six Nations opener against Ireland.
And it would also represent a major triumph over adversity, considering how serious injuries have often stalled the 33-year-old Scarlets centre's career.
Lions player of the series against New Zealand in 2017, Davies has overcome major knee issues, displaced metatarsals in his foot and a ruptured chest muscle - among other injuries.
It also meant he missed major events like the 2015 World Cup and entire Six Nations campaigns in 2018 and 2020.
But despite those setbacks he has remained among Wales' most consistent performers since making his debut against Canada in Toronto almost 13 years ago.
And Wales assistant coach Stephen Jones, a former Wales and Scarlets playing colleague, has no doubt about Davies' continued influence at the highest level.
"Jonathan Davies is a brilliant player and a brilliant person. He is a key member of our group," Jones said.
"He drives standards and is a class act - it is as simple as that. With the brain, knowledge and wealth of experience Jonathan has - with his physical attributes - he is a massive asset to us.
"It is so important to remember the injuries he has had along his career have been serious ones. It shows a mental toughness and resilience that Jonathan has.
"We know what a world-class person and player he is, but the incredible work he puts in behind the scenes to carry on his career has been a testament to him. He should feel very proud.
"If you look at last year's Six Nations, Jonathan came into it with an injury. He then figured halfway through the tournament, and his games got better and better."
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