These are your rugby headlines on Tuesday, April 11.
Shane: Hawkins has made his bed
Shane Williams says Joe Hawkins has “made his bed” after signing for Exeter Chiefs.
Hawkins has left the Ospreys with just five Wales caps to his name, meaning he is fully 20 appearances off the required 25 to play for his country after the 60-cap rule was recently relaxed.
In his column for The Rugby Paper, Williams says people shouldn’t “point the finger” at the young centre “for cashing in on his undoubted talent”, stating that if he had his time again he would have probably signed for Toulon when he had the chance to during his Ospreys career.
READ MORE: Wales' murky 25-cap rule, a WRU probe and how it could blow apart Gatland's World Cup plans
Williams raised the issue of Hawkins’ World Cup availability, hoping against a return of infighting.
“The key question now is whether or not he is going to be eligible for Wales from now on,” he said. “Exeter’s rugby director Rob Baxter suggested he felt he would be, but how can he be with a mere five caps – 20 below the current minimum for inclusion if you play outside Wales?
“I just hope we don’t end up in a fight between a national coach who quite rightly wants his best players available to him, and the Professional Rugby Board, who run the top-flight game in Wales. Having just seen them reach a six-year agreement with the WRU, I’d hate to see a return to the bad old ways and days of mistrust and intrigue.
“Hawkins made a brave decision. As far as most people are concerned, he waved goodbye to his chances of playing in the World Cup this year and for Wales until he returns home. If somebody finds a way to circumvent the rules then I feel that could be even more damaging than the loss of the player himself.
“He’s made his bed…”
Wales are improving - Bern
England' Sarah Bern believes Wales are rapidly improving and says she can't wait to play in front of a record crowd in Cardiff this weekend.
A total of 8,000 tickets have been sold at the Arms Park on Saturday, surpassing the previous record attendance in Wales of 4,962 for their opening Six Nations win over Ireland.
Both teams are unbeaten so far in the tournament, meaning we are in for a fascinating clash in the Welsh capital, which will show just how far Wales are along in their progression.
Bern said: "Personally, I'm so excited for it. Having lived in Cardiff for a year, I know what a rugby nation it is.
"Just that buzz around the town will be absolutely amazing. To have the game sold out, the energy within the stadium - given the support that Wales have had so far and their recent results - it's going to be so exciting.
"It's definitely going to be a very exciting battle."
Wales last year followed England in handing out professional contracts to their players, a move which has seen an upturn in results and performances.
Bern says Wales' improvement has been noticeable. "I would say they have definitely made vast improvements," Bern added. "They'll put up a really strong fight.
"I know they've been working really hard on fitness levels, their set-piece, they've got a lot more structure into their game.
"At the same time, we're also working on our game. I just think it's going to be a really exciting game to watch, to be honest, and I hope we come out on top."
Trio sign new deals
Dragons trio Josh Reynolds, David Richards and Brodie Coghlan have all signed new deals at Rodney Parade,
Twenty-four-year-old Reynolds and full-back Richards have penned senior extensions, while Coghlan ha agreed new senior Academy terms which will see him train withe the first team.
Head Coach Dai Flanagan said: “It’s always exciting to see homegrown talent come through our system and develop with us.
“Josh is a young prop at the early stages of his journey who now needs game time. Being surrounded by experienced internationals, the likes of Rhodri Jones and Aki Seiuli, is vital to his development.
“Dai is a talent who showed us his potential with that double against Zebre before he unfortunately picked up an injury. He’s keen to get back next season and really kick on again.
“Brodie epitomises what a Gwent hooker should be. He’s tough, uncompromising and has made the most of opportunities this season to show his ability. We’re excited to see his continued progress.”
Sexton’s Leinster career over
Johnny Sexton has played his last-ever game for Leinster.
The fly-half was injured on international duty with Ireland during their Six Nations Grand Slam.
He’s underwent surgery on his groin after the England match and having indicated that he’ll hang up his boots following the World Cup later this year, it seems he has played his last game for the Dublin-based side.
“It’s a bit upsetting to miss out with Leinster,” Sexton told the Sunday Times. “People say, ‘you’ve still got the World Cup’ and that’s true, please God.
“What I wanted to get across was that in a sense, playing for Leinster meant as much as playing for Ireland, or almost as much.”
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