Here is your round-up of all the latest rugby news on Tuesday, January 24.
Welsh Government: WRU allegations 'deeply concerning'
The Welsh Government says the allegations of sexism and misogyny within the Welsh Rugby Union are "deeply concerning" but insists the matter should be dealt with by the governing body.
A BBC documentary aired on Monday has shone a light on the alleged experiences of former employees of the WRU amid claims the organisation has a "toxic culture". It is claimed that one staff member used a racist term in a meeting and another said he wanted to "rape" a female colleague.
When approached by WalesOnline, a Welsh Government spokesperson said: “The issues raised in articles related to the ‘BBC Investigates’ programme are deeply concerning. Wales will not be a bystander to any form of abuse. We expect the WRU and other sporting bodies to provide safe environments for staff, players and children and young people who participate in the game at all levels. This is a direct matter for the WRU as it relates to their employment practices as an independent organisation. It is crucial that the organisation now demonstrates how its values are being consistently upheld by its actions.”
Regions release statements as pressure grows on WRU
Scarlets and Dragons have both released statements expressing their concern at the claims.
In response to the BBC investigation, the Scarlets said on Monday night: "The BBC Wales investigation into allegations of discrimination and misogyny at the Welsh Rugby Union is a reminder for everyone involved in rugby that our game has to drive out misogyny or discrimination of any kind. The allegations are for others to consider but the Scarlets wish to reaffirm our commitment to making rugby a safe and fair place for everyone."
Later in the evening, their Gwent counterparts took to Twitter to release an almost identical message, and it is highly likely others will follow as the pressure grows on the WRU to take decisive action.
Farrell keen to help lead tackle revolution
England captain Owen Farrell says he is keen to help lead a revolution in tackling techniques, after nearly missing the start of the Six Nations campaign due to suspension.
Farrell was suspended for four games by a judicial panel after being cited for a high tackle while in action for Saracens earlier this month, with officials dropping the sanction from the maximum six-week period and waiving one game due to Farrell's voluntary attendance at World Rugby's "tackle school."
England's new defense coach, Kevin Sinfield, has previously insisted that Farrell has recognised the need to change and was working on his tackling style.
"What it does is it makes you look at what you can do better," Farrell said on Monday when quizzed on the tackling tutorials. "I had to have a look at that and learn."
It comes as the RFU announced this month a radical new law that will apply to all levels outside the Premiership and second tier, requiring the tackle height to be lowered to the waist from next season.
"The RFU is trying to make sure the game is going in the right direction," Farrell added. "We as an England team want to make sure we're at the forefront of that. We want to make sure we're preparing in a way that we can play as hard and fair and safe as we possibly can. I want to play a big part in that."
Ireland captain Sexton opposes RFU's radical new tackle laws
Ireland captain Johnny Sexton has expressed vehement opposition to the Rugby Football Union's radical new tackle laws.
The tackle height will be lowered to the waist from next season for all levels of English rugby outside the Gallagher Premiership and Championship. The amendment, which is being implemented in a bid to improve player safety, has led to fears of a mass exodus from the sport, particularly among taller players.
While Sexton acknowledged there was work to be done to reduce dangerous tackles, he strongly disagreed with the rule change.
"I don't agree with it," replied Sexton, when asked about the topic. "There's no point sitting on the fence, is there? You've got tall people that play the game, it should be their decision to how they tackle.
"Of course, we have to get headshots out of the game but I think the tackles that we really need to get out of the game are the reckless, out of control, sprinting out of the line, tucking arms, all those type of ones. Hitting someone there (points to torso) should be an option.
"It's not like you can't get concussed chopping someone's knees. I see a hell of a lot of concussions with people getting their head on the wrong side, a knee to the temple or a hip even to the side of the head. So, strongly disagree."
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell fears the change could leave a tackling player as a "sitting duck" and more at risk of injury. The Englishman said it was "absolutely crucial" coaching methods were adapted to reflect the law change, which currently will not affect Irish rugby.
"I think it's super important that what has to come with that is the correct coaching and the correct way, the correct technique, because of the reasons Johnny has just said," said Farrell. "If you're just saying to a kid that you need to tackle lower, then you become even more vulnerable in my opinion. If you're just sitting there with your arms in front trying to wrap with your head down, you're a sitting duck waiting to happen. So the coaching and the technique of how it's applied to tackling below the waist is absolutely crucial - otherwise we're going to have a serious problem."
England head coach Steve Borthwick supports efforts to improve player welfare but is reserving judgement on the forthcoming rule change. Borthwick, who took on the national team role last month following the departure of Eddie Jones, said he will coach his players to tackle lower.
"There are more details to come, that's a key element here, a full understanding of that," he said. "The main thing is that globally we are trying to address this, to keep that physical intensity that we all love at its very core, and make it safe for generations. Whether this initiative is right, whether it's going to be tweaked and changed, because we are going to learn, we are going to get better and we're going to continue to try and make the game safe. That's going to be the main priority.
"People are trying to find solutions. With the England team, we are going to make sure we coach the players to tackle lower. Do I think we want to change every habit straight away? No. Absolutely not. But we are going to be trying and we are going to be learning as we go."
Gregor Townsend wants consistency from Scotland in Six Nations
Consistency will be key for Scotland boss Gregor Townsend when they launch their Guinness Six Nations campaign with games against England and Wales. Townsend's team head to Twickenham for a February 4 opener that will mark his England counterpart Steve Borthwick's first fixture as an international head coach.
It is a ground where Scotland had a miserable record, claiming just one draw amid 16 defeats between 1985 and 2017. But they held England 38-38 in a thriller four years ago, before toppling them 11-6 on their last visit in 2021.
"We know what a big challenge going to Twickenham is," Townsend said. "While we played really well two years ago, there weren't any spectators that day (amid the Coronavirus pandemic) so we know this is a bigger challenge. We believe the team is ready for that challenge.
"Accuracy and belief stand out. The accuracy in 2018 (at Murrayfield) especially our passing game, was excellent that day, and defensively we held firm. We talk around being more consistent. The last two Six Nations we've opened up with victories and haven't followed them up in round two. We have to improve within games as well, which is what really encouraged me in the Autumn Nations Series this season."
READ MORE:
Ken Owens stunned by call from Warren Gatland and Dallaglio blown away by Welsh team
Wales star set to be ruled out of Six Nations as Gatland names replacement last picked six years ago
Welsh Rugby Union accused of 'toxic culture' as former employees go public
Jamie George incident sparks outrage and calls for investigation
Wales' nailed-on Six Nations starter named and WRU allegations dominate headlines
