Here are your rugby headlines for Friday, March 24.
WRU chair insists governance vote is just the start
Welsh Rugby Union chair Ieuan Evans insists that a vote for proposed governance changes is just the start of what the governing body have planned.
Sunday's extraordinary general meeting in Port Talbot will see clubs vote on a motion which includes an increase in the number of independent representatives (INEDs), who are appointed rather than elected, from three to six. A reduction in the number of elected national or district members on the board from eight to four, with one of those positions still automatically occupied by the Community Game Board chair, has also been proposed. 75% of all member clubs need to vote in favour in order for the motion to be passed.
“We love a watershed,” Evans told the Telegraph. “In Wales we have them every fortnight.
"But you sense it is a significant moment in our history, potentially a momentous moment in our history in terms of putting ourselves forwards as a progressive, forward-looking organisation that is able to optimise all its resources. This is the national sport of Wales and this is the national governing body. We need to run this in a fit-for-purpose way.”
Insisting that Welsh rugby cannot take for granted the passion usually reserved for the sport in this country, Evans added. “We were taking massive liberties that we can ill afford. It is a significant moment in our history. And this is just the start. It doesn’t come to a conclusion on Sunday with a positive vote. It is then we start.”
Sexton thought of O'Gara during Grand Slam celebrations
Ireland fly-half Johnny Sexton says his thoughts turned to predecessor Ronan O'Gara as he celebrated winning the Six Nations Grand Slam on Saturday.
The 37-year-old broke O'Gara's Six Nations points-scoring record during the victory over England last Saturday, a match which was Sexton's final outing in the tournament. The man he succeeded, both in the Irish jersey and in the record books, wasn't afforded such a cheery farewell to the tournament, with injury ending his Ireland career mid-tournament.
"I spoke to ROG last week," Sexton told The Good, the Bad, and the Rugby podcast. "It was funny that we were speaking when we were tied but I haven't heard from him yet since I broke the record!
"Honestly, the one time I did think of ROG was at the end of the game and the reception that I got. I really felt for him because he was a legend of Irish rugby and he didn't get to finish on his own terms in a green shirt. And he deserved to as much as anyone.
"You look at the send-off Brian [O'Driscoll] got, the send-off Paulie [O'Connell] got - I know he finished with an injury, but winning the Six Nations on his final game, I did feel for him in those moments. He deserved it."
The fans' Wales Six Nations verdict: Have your say
Williams: Chance to lay down World Cup marker will help Six Nations hangover
Shane Williams believes the opportunity to put a marker down for the World Cup later this year could help players get over a dreadful Six Nations campaign in the final weeks of the season.
Having finished fifth with just one win to their name, players now return to their clubs with Welsh rugby still gripped by uncertainty and all four Welsh clubs sitting in the bottom half of the URC table. There are still European knockout stages to contend with, too, meaning the return to the domestic game could offer some sort of respite for some after a Six Nations campaign which was as testing off the pitch as it was on it.
The chance to make a statement ahead of the World Cup is another reason why Williams believes players will be eager to get back to their clubs.
"It's no secret that it didn't always go plain sailing for me with Wales," he said. "In fact, I don't think it's ever gone plain sailing with the national team in Wales. It's nice sometimes to be going from a club that aren't doing particularly well and getting away from that to a new environment with international rugby. It can work the other way as well.
"It's no secret that the Six Nations didn't go particularly well. I think they probably played their best game last against France. I'm sure there were lads who weren't involved that much during the Six Nations who are now looking forward to going back to their clubs and proving themselves. There's a World Cup around the corner and they'll want to be involved in that: not just as a spectator or a tackle-bag holder, but starting. There's a lot of players who will be involved this weekend, jostling for position.
"Guys like Mason Grady will have a point to prove. It's great that we have got things to play for this year, particularly in terms of international honours."
Wales’ record try scorer Shane Williams is part of the Viaplay TV team bringing every game live from the BKT United Rugby Championship throughout the season including all the knock-out stages and the grand final. This Saturday Shane Williams will be joined by Ross Harries, Tom Shanklin, Rhys Ap Williams and Lauren Smith for live and exclusive UK coverage of Ospreys v Dragons from Swansea.com stadium with all the build-up from 12.30pm (with a 1pm kick off). Visit www.viaplay.com for more information. Viaplay is available on Sky, Virgin TV, Amazon Prime and online through the Viaplay App.
Connacht sign Argentine international Cordero
Connacht have signed Argentina international Santiago Cordero from Bordeaux Begles. The 29-year-old, who can play wing or full-back, scored 29 tries in 67 appearances across four seasons in France, having played for Exeter Chiefs before that.
At a time when Welsh sides are currently struggling to keep hold of the talent they have, seeing their rivals in the URC recruiting players of Cordero's ability is all the more galling.
“Santiago’s arrival is a real statement of intent by the club and I’m absolutely thrilled he has chosen to progress his career with us,” Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins. “He is a genuine world-class talent with a wealth of experience at the highest level, and being in the prime of his career he will no doubt make an immediate impact.
“Having got to know Santiago during the recruitment process, it’s also clear he is also a brilliant bloke who will bring energy and character to the club, both on and off the field. I know our supporters will be very excited by this news, and like them I look forward to seeing Santiago wearing the green of Connacht for the next two years.”
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