Here are your rugby morning headlines for Monday, January 30.
Regions get green light for contract talks
Wales' four regional teams have been given the green light to begin contract talks with players, with acting WRU CEO Nigel Walker believing all player deals will be signed by the end of February.
There has been a great deal of uncertainty in Welsh rugby, with a mass exodus on the cards and regions in the dark over their budgets for next season. A contract freeze in place, it has led many to consider their futures, with lucrative offers from England and France proving tempting.
Walker, who replaced Steve Phillips in the WRU hotseat on Sunday on an interim basis, says the regions were given the nod last week to start negotiations, although a full agreement has still not been reached.
"The heads of terms were signed weeks ago and we're working towards a long-form agreement," Walker told BBC's ScrumV on Sunday night.
"An agreement was given to all the regions to start contract negotiations last Tuesday. We're expecting those to go through to the end of February where all contracts will be signed.
"We are making progress. Has it taken longer than it should have? Yes.
"I have enormous sympathy for players, their wives, their girlfriends and all coaches involved in the process."
Hook: Centre a big call for Ireland game
James Hook believes Keiran Williams could start at inside centre for Wales against Ireland next week because he is the most likely player to break the gain line against Ireland.
Inside centre is very much up for grabs as Warren Gatland prepares for his first Six Nations back in the Welsh dugout and former Wales back Hook believes Ospreys man Williams has a shot getting the 12 jersey next week.
READ MORE: Jiffy calls out 'absolute shambles' and asks Nigel Walker key question live on TV
"You look at Ireland against New Zealand last summer, second and third Test, they absolutely battered New Zealand physically," Hook said on BBC Scrum V. "Wales know the challenge there. The kicking game has got to be good.
"But gain line as well, Gatland isn't going to go too far away from that. You talk about gain line, centre is a big one for me. Does he go Keiran Williams? There is no better 12 in the squad at the moment to give you gain line. Does he give you anything else? I don't know.
"Joe Hawkins played so well against Australia, he has got a bit of everything. That's a big selection for me."
Former All Black announces he is gay
Former All Black Campbell Johnstone has come out as gay.
Johnstone played three Tests for New Zealand, including two against the British & Irish Lions in 2005. He made the announcement on Monday on a New Zealand current affairs television, revealing he had been "living a lie".
"If I open up that door and magically make that closet disappear, then we´re going to help a lot of people," said Johnstone who also played 38 times for Christchurch-based Crusaders.
"I pushed that side of me down deeper and deeper. I went to some interesting places."
There has already been a flow of support for the former prop.
"Rugby is a sport that is welcoming to everyone and a place where people should feel safe to be who they are. We want to be clear, no matter who you love rugby has your back," NZR chief executive Mark Robinson said in a statement.
New Zealand Sports Minister and former deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson, who is gay, said on Instagram: "Now with the All Blacks another barrier has been broken. I hope it inspires future generations to be open, happy and comfortable. There is still a long way to go, but this feels a very significant step."
Who will win the Six Nations? Vote in our poll below
England star ruled out of opener
Henry Slade has been ruled out of England's Six Nations opener against Scotland at Twickenham with a hip injury.
Slade picked up the knock during Exeter's game against Castres last weekend and has not recovered sufficiently to be considered for selection, but Jamie George is included in the squad ahead of the Calcutta Cup clash on February 4.
The Saracens hooker was initially withdrawn from the group after he was concussed in their defeat to Edinburgh last weekend. He will continue to work through his graduated return-to-play protocols.
Anthony Watson has also been recalled following injury, England Rugby confirmed in a squad update issued on Sunday evening.
England head coach Steve Borthwick said: "This is a very important week for us as we prepare for our first game against Scotland.
"We know that Scotland are an excellent side with a great coaching team led by Gregor Townsend. They're a settled squad who have been together a long time and have dominated this fixture in recent seasons.
"They will be coming to Twickenham full of confidence. We know we have a lot of work to do. The team trained very hard last week and are ready to go again this week.
"We can't wait to run out at Twickenham again in front of our incredible supporters."
WRU chair says time for 'incremental change' is over
Welsh Rugby Union chair Ieuan Evans says the time for incremental change is over, with significant change now needed after a week that has seen the union engulfed by allegations of sexism, racism and homophobia.
Speaking on BBC Radio Wales, Evans was asked about what genuine change would look like and how there can guarantee it will take place.
"The proof will be in six months' time when we’re able to show those changes," he answered. "The days of incremental changes are behind us.
"We’re now looking forward to making significant changes in what we do and how we behave, in terms of the cultural review, but also operationally. I believe we can do that. We need people to come along with us, as we’re a union of member clubs.
"This is about constantly challenging ourselves. We should be measured against other bodies and unions and constantly challenging ourselves. People are craving reassurance that we can achieve this and I believe we can."
Ospreys coach praises 'game-changing' star
Ospreys coach Toby Booth has praised 'game-changing' Morgan Morris after his man of the match performance in the win over Zebre.
The No. 8 has played a crucial part, either in the starting XV or offering impact off the bench, during the Ospreys' recent run of good form. It was no different against Zebre, with Morris scoring the Ospreys' third try before setting up the winning score in the comeback victory, leading to the praise from his coach.
"Morgan Morris is a class act and we're really pleased with him," said Booth. "He's only a young man still and puts his hand up all the time.
"He influences games. With the way professional rugby is, you need someone who influences games and he brings those game-changing moments. He's done that all the time since I've been here."
READ NEXT
Tonight's rugby news as FAW boss offers to help new WRU CEO and English duo set for France moves
Zebre 24-28 Ospreys: Much-changed Welsh side come from behind to claim bonus point victory in Italy
