Here are the latest rugby headlines on Thursday, September 1.
Fiji international signs for Pontypridd
Welsh Premiership side Pontypridd RFC have pulled off a major coup by signing Fiji international Nikola Matawalu.
He joins the club as player/skills coach from French Top 14 side Racing 92, and will be studying at the University of South Wales alongside his rugby commitments.
The 33-year-old scrum-half/wing played against Wales at the Principality Stadium last November, amassing 41 caps for his country in his career so far.
Pontypridd RFC head coach Justin Burnell said: “This is another fantastic example of Pontypridd RFC and USW once again working hand in hand to enable a professional rugby player who has decided to concentrate on his career after rugby. Niko will be studying BSc (Hons) rugby coaching and performance and will become a part time player/skills coach for Pontypridd RFC and a performance coach for Pontypridd Schools Dewar Shield Team.”
England Women v Wales TV details announced
Wales' final Women's Rugby World Cup warm-up against England on Wednesday, September 14, will be broadcast live on ITV, it has been announced.
ITV, the official broadcasters of the World Cup in New Zealand which kicks off on October 8, will show the match at Bristol's Ashton Gate live on ITV4 and ITV Hub.
Wales have returned home from a week-long training camp in Canada which culminated in a warm-up Test last weekend, a 31-3 defeat. Canada showed why they are ranked fourth in the world with their physical, running game but were admittedly match-hardened having been in action already this summer, while Wales were playing their first match since April with an experimental side.
World Cup favourites Red Roses, meanwhile, face USA this Saturday in their first warm-up game.
Worcester find finance to keep squad together for another month
Worcester have bought some breathing space in their battle for survival after finding the finance needed to keep their squad intact for at least another month.
Just hours after announcing the cancellation of their pre-season match against Glasgow on Friday, the Warriors met a 4pm deadline set by players for payment of their salaries for August. However, staff will only be paid 65 per cent immediately with the outstanding money owed to be cleared within five days.
It means the feared player exodus has been avoided for now - as of midnight on Wednesday players could signal their intention to depart Sixways on breach of contract.
Co-owner Jason Whittingham said: "While we've been working to find the investment that will keep Worcester playing Premiership rugby for years to come, we've also been focused on the important short-term task of making sure we can pay our loyal and valued staff and players this month.
"I'm pleased to say that we have secured funds. We will fulfil the terms of our players' contracts and pay them in full for August today (Wednesday). This is of course crucial in retaining our talented squad for this season.
"With that vital task in hand, our full focus returns to the long-term survival of the club. In the past two weeks we have been looking at every possible option that will keep Premiership rugby at Sixways. We've narrowed down discussions to three motivated and credible buyers who have proven funds."
Co-owner Colin Goldring revealed to employees on Tuesday that it was unlikely payroll for August would be met due to the club's finances being frozen by HM Revenue & Customs while they chase unpaid tax. But while this prospect has failed to materialise, Worcester's involvement in the forthcoming Gallagher Premiership season still remains in doubt ahead of their opener against London Irish on September 10.
England heading back to Jersey ahead of autumn internationals
England will return to Jersey for their pre-autumn training camp as they plot victories over World Cup rivals New Zealand and South Africa.
Eddie Jones' squad will spend five days in the Channel Islands from October 26 and will be based at Jersey Reds, the setting for last year's camp which preceded a clean sweep of wins against Tonga, Australia and the Springboks.
"We're looking forward to getting started and these camps will be crucial preparation for big games this autumn," Jones said.
"We have 13 Tests before the World Cup so each game is a great learning opportunity and a chance to keep moving forward for this young team. It's vital that we keep building our cohesion and adapting tactically.
"We enjoyed our time in Jersey last year, it has excellent facilities and the island is a great setting for a productive training camp. It helped us lay the foundations for a successful autumn campaign and we want for more of the same this year."
Mirroring their group schedule at next year's World Cup, England's first two matches of the Autumn Nations Series take place against Argentina and Japan.
On November 19 they face under-performing New Zealand, who have plummeted to fifth in the global rankings, before closing the month at Twickenham with the visit of South Africa.
"Our game is based on the traditional strengths of set-piece and physicality so we are aiming to set the tone in November, starting with an impressive Argentina team," Jones said.
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