Your latest rugby morning headlines for Saturday, June 25.
French rugby rocked by bullying scandal
World Rugby admits it is "concerned" by allegations of bullying by staff within the France 2023 World Cup organising committee.
Employees of the Groupement d’Interet Public France 2023 - who are organising next year's global showpiece - raised concerns to French newspaper L’Equipe amid worries over a culture of fear and “management by terror”. The report also states that some staff claim to have been verbally abused and overworked.
An investigation into the claims is set to take place in due course, and World Rugby stated they welcome the news that the allegations will be thoroughly reviewed.
READ MORE: South Africa call Wales 'desperate' as Springboks coach reveals dinner conversation with Pivac
“World Rugby is concerned by media reports in relation to alleged working conditions within the France 2023 organising committee,” a statement read. “The wellbeing of the rugby family is paramount and World Rugby has formally raised the allegations with the Board of the France 2023 Organising Committee and the FFR.
“We note that the matter is being considered by the France 2023 Ethics Committee and we welcome the French Sports Ministry’s call for a comprehensive investigation to be undertaken by the labour office. It would be inappropriate to comment further until the outcome of these ongoing investigations.”
The World Cup in France gets underway on Friday, September 8, 2023, with the final set to be played on Saturday, October 28.
Boks: Wales tough to ‘beat into submission’
Springboks prop Trevor Nyakane believes Wales won't go down without a fight in their three Test summer tour.
Wayne Pivac's men head to South Africa as underdogs, with key injuries and a lack of form leading many to expect not just a 3-0 whitewash, but for the world champions to inflict heavy defeats on Wales. However, Nyakane believes that Wales aren't the sort of side who will go away easily.
“Wales is one of the sides from the northern hemisphere that never lets go. Some teams you can beat into a submission, but Wales are one of those that will keep coming until the whistle blows," said Nyakane at a press conference in Pretoria.
“We know there is going to be a lot of physicality, there is going to be a lot of experience and guys trying to impose themselves in the game. They have good captaincy as well.”
READ MORE: Outrageous dummy and try in Welsh student rugby match leaves world stars in awe
Jones awaits Cheika jibes
Eddie Jones admits he's awaiting to be on the receiving end of numerous jibes from Michael Cheika when his England side take on Australia next month.
Jones' troops face the Wallabies in a triple header next month having been beaten by Ireland, France and Barbarians in their last three fixtures. But Jones has an immaculate record against his home country, winning all eight of his games against Australia during his time as England head coach.
Jones and Cheika - who left his role as Wallabies head coach in 2019 - are close pals, and the England chief is fully expecting the current Argentina boss to chuck some grenades his way when the summer series begins in July.
“It was always good fun against Cheika,” Jones said. “Having that experience of playing against each other, knowing each other reasonably well and then having a bit of fun on the international stage – it certainly added a bit to the games.
“Dave [Rennie] is a very respected coach, but I don’t think we’ll have the same level of interaction that we had with Cheika. I see Cheika’s still on the television looking very smart. I’m sure he’s going to be making some comments somewhere along the line.”
Jones went on to add: “Australia is a place where you can become a special team. “You just look at the record between Australian and English sporting teams.
“We’ve got 10 blokes here who have done it before, being the only English rugby team to win in Australia. You find out a lot about the players. And for the players, it’s a great opportunity for them to be part of something special.”
Alphonsi to stand for RFU president
Maggie Alphonsi is bidding to become the new president of the Rugby Football Union, according to The Telegraph.
The former England international - who won 74 caps for her country - is set to stand for election to take the role from 2025, the same year in which England will host the Rugby World Cup.
If successful in her quest to land the plum role, Alphonsi would become the first woman and person of colour to hold the post. "The time is right to stand," she told The Telegraph.
"The first goal was to help England win the right to host the World Cup in 2025 and now the most important thing for me is the visibility of being a proactive leader and role model within the game.
"As a former player, Jason Leonard did a fantastic job as RFU president in 2015 when we hosted the men’s World Cup and if I was elected to be in that position in 2025 it would send out a clear statement to the world that the RFU is definitely forward-thinking in ensuring that we lead with diversity and get a different range of perspectives, opinions and voices on the sport.
"It is not just about being a woman, a person of colour or a certain age, it would highlight that as a governing body we are moving away from stereotypes and showing that we are the modern game and that sport is open for all, including the senior leadership roles as well. That is what makes 2025 so poignant.
"I would see it as a top priority to ignite and connect the game to get behind the World Cup and support the different teams."
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