Here's your rugby headlines for Saturday, September 17.
Welsh regions begin campaigns
Wales' four rugby regions begin their season today as the United Rugby Championship gets under way.
Cardiff are the first team in action as they take on Munster at the Arms Park at 3.05pm. Focus then switches to the Welsh derby that sees Scarlets host Ospreys at 5.15pm.
The Dragons finish things off with an away trip to Edinburgh at 7.35pm.
Springboks dietician speaks out
The Springboks rugby team's dietician has issued a statement denying being with Elton Jantjies at a guesthouse ahead of a match against New Zealand.
Reports the pair were engaged in an affair saw them both leave the South Africa camp in Argentina ahead of today's match.
On Friday, Jantjies issued a statement apologising for his conduct but denying an affair with Boks staff member Zeenat Simjee. You can read that in full here.
Now Simjee has spoken out, insisting it wasn't her with Jantjies, demanding an apology from the newspaper that printed the original allegations and saying she wants to get her life and career back together.
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Her statement read: “I am the subject of some extremely negative media reports over the last week, tarnishing me personally and degrading my dignity.
“I appreciate the support of my fellow Springbok management team members who concurred with my choice to return home to work through this with the support of my family and relevant professionals.
“I chose to maintain a dignified silence while the media storm was raging, as I am severely traumatised by what has transpired.
“Let me unequivocally state that I am shocked at the level of sensational journalism from the newspaper that first published the article. I am devastated by the fact that a journalist and his newspaper could publish such damaging allegations on false and baseless hearsay. It is disappointing.
“As a young professional, I hold my profession in high regard. In the same light, it is an honour and privilege to represent my country and be part of the Springbok team. As a person of values, I will not bring about disrepute to myself, my family, my profession and all the many incredible people that have been kind, positive and supportive towards me throughout this ordeal.
“The weekend ahead of the Test week in Mbombela, I had been with my parents dealing with family bereavement. So, the allegations of me spending time with Elton Jantjies at a guesthouse is devoid of any truth.
“This has cast an extremely negative aspersion and disgraceful perspective on my character to which other media houses have also added their perspective. I appeal to the original publisher to retract and apologise for the negative sentiment cast on me.
“I am committed to the Springbok team and would like to expediently get this behind me so I can continue with my professional responsibilities to the Springbok team.”
Worcester owner reportedly threatens to sack staff over statement
One of Worcester Warriors co-owners has reportedly threatened to sack individuals for circulating a statement voicing grievances of the club's staff.
A number of English news outlets are reporting that matters turned sour on Friday despite the club managing to meet a deadline that enabled Sunday's Premiership clash with Exeter to go ahead.
The Telegraph report that Colin Goldring, one of Warriors’ co-owners, threatened to sack individuals for circulating a statement that mentioned “continual broken promises and lack of communication from those above”, while directors are believed to have accessed the club's official Twitter account to delete the post.
“We have had a lovely letter from the RFU thanking staff for their efforts,” a club source told the Telegraph. “But all we have heard from the owners is threats with menace at a time when most staff are being destroyed mentally and financially.”
Springboks captain expecting tough battle in Argentina
South Africa captain Siya Kolisi is expecting a tough battle against Argentina as the Springboks look to keep their Rugby Championship title alive.
South Africa face Argentina at Estadio Libertadores De América in Buenos Aires in their penultimate match of the competition on Saturday night, needing to win the match to remain in the title race.
“It helped a lot in our preparation that we could adapt to the conditions and time zone in Argentina over an extended time and also to have time to explore and experience the similarities between South Africa and Argentina,” said Kolisi.
“We are expecting a tough battle against the hosts, and we know have to bring as much intensity as possible from the outset because they start games strongly.
“We had a good week-and-a-half of training and a few days off as well last week, so we are looking forward to the clash.”
New Glasgow coach 'not a magician' after debut defeat
New Glasgow coach Franco Smith says he's "not a magician" after falling to a 33-11 defeat against Benetton.
The former Italy coach had hoped for a more extensive pre-season ahead of the new URC campaign, but despite plans for matches against Worcester and Ulster, they only ended up playing Ayrshire Bulls. And after a heavy defeat in Italy, Smith admitted the lack of pre-season had played a part.
“There is still some of the pre-season sitting in their legs,” the new head coach said. “We did not have the opportunity to get rid of the cobwebs in a friendly. We can simulate against ourselves as much as we want - unfortunately it’s not games played.
“I’m trying not to use this as an excuse. But there’s a reason why warm-up games are played, especially when there is a new coach.
“In the first half of the game they reverted to old habits. It was better in the second half. We can improve a lot now that we have had a game and I know the players.”
“Absolutely not," he added when asked if players had been overworked ahead of the new season. "It is impossible to overwork players at the beginning of the season.
“We are at the beginning of the process. I’m not a magician.”
Read more:
What time is Argentina v South Africa kick-off and what TV channel is it on?
Eddie Butler's many acts of kindness emerge after sudden death
