These are your rugby headlines on Friday, October 21.
Dragons hurt by Moriarty omission
Dragons forward coach Mefin Davies says everyone at the club is hurt by Ross Moriarty's omission from the Wales squad.
The former Test hooker also said he feels the flanker's pain and that Moriarty is looking the best he's ever seen.
The abrasive powerhouse was not named in Wayne Pivac's 35-man squad for the coming autumn, with the Wales boss telling him to target the autumn.
But Davies has been left confused by the decision.
When asked about the non-selection, he said: "It's a very good question, I was waiting for this question, for the main reason that it's the best I've ever seen Ross as a person and a player.
"He's been available, he's played virtually every minute of every game and he's a great asset to the Dragons.
"To be honest with you, I feel his pain because he's gutted, absolutely gutted. But the great thing is that I know Ross will turn up on Sunday."
Davies added: "Going back to pre-season, with the changes that have happened here at the Dragons, he's been excellent, he's been positive, he's trained hard, he's been a great senior player, he's spoken up very well.
"There is no nonsense with Ross, that's the reality of it, and you need people like this at times. But also, the most important thing is that he's actually performed. I think that's the bit that has hurt the most for us all here at the Dragons and especially Ross.
"He has been playing very well for a run of games. He's got to stay fit and strong, and make sure that he keeps pushing.
"I'm sure opportunities will come for Ross again."
Edwards ponders future
Shaun Edwards has given his verdict on potentially coaching England after his contract with France expires.
The defence coach made a name for himself at Wasps with Warren Gatland before coaching Wales with him from 2008. The former rugby league man would go on to have a hugely successful time with the Kiwi, winning three Six Nations Grand Slams.
Edwards spent 12 years with Wales before securing a move to coach with Fabien Galthie and France in November 2019. He was offered a two-year deal with Wales, which he did not accept.
Speaking on The Good, The Bad and The Rugby podcast, hosted by Alex Payne, James Haskell and Mike Tindall, the former Lions coach was quizzed on his future.
"Would I like to coach England?" he said. "I love coaching. I've said many times what I'm interested in is long-term employment. I want to continue in international rugby.
"I've got a meeting with the French when we're in training camp, about extending and I'll listen to what they've got to say."
Haskell interjected, saying: "Have you got the phrase beaucoup de l'argent (lots of money) down?"
Edwards joked back: "I said to Dan Biggar 'can I borrow your calculator?'"
"F*****g hell!" replied Haskell. "That calculator has got a lot of space for zeros on it!"
Presenter Payne suggested that there would be sensible people listening that would "get their calculators out quite quickly and pull up a four-year contract".
Edwards' current deal with France Rugby will see him through until after the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Hogg's captaincy disappointment
Stuart Hogg has revealed his disappointment at losing the Scotland captaincy.
Jamie Ritchie, the Edinburgh back-row, was named skipper by Gregor Townsend this week.
"Congratulations to @jamie_t_ritchie on the captaincy, he’s been a stand-out player for us and will have my full support," Hogg wrote on Instagram.
"I’m naturally disappointed about not being captain - it’s been a huge honour leading my country and an integral part of my life. Some of my favourite wins in a Scotland jersey have came during this time. It won’t impact how I approach the game, I’ll always try my best to lead from my actions."
Hogg was named captain ahead of the 2020 Six Nations campaign and held the role for the best part of three seasons.
Sinckler signs new deal
Kyle Sinckler has signed a one-year contract extension to stay at Bristol Bears until summer 2024.
The England prop's Bears' contract was due to expire at the end of the current season, with a clutch of French clubs thought to be closely monitoring his situation.
But the 52-cap front-rower has opted to add another year to his West Country stint, having joined Bristol from Harlequins in July 2020.
"It's fantastic for the Bears to retain someone of Kyle's calibre. For him to re-sign with the Bears is a huge positive for the club," said rugby director Pat Lam.
"He is an outstanding professional with a wealth of experience in a crucial position and has added real value on and off the field for us. I'm pleased for everyone at the Bears that he will continue to contribute to our journey."
Sinckler has earned selection to England's autumn Test series squad, with boss Eddie Jones continuing to be a big admirer of the 29-year-old.
"It was an easy decision for me to stay at Bristol and I feel like I've got unfinished business here," said Sinckler.
"I'm excited for what's to come from this group and feel very blessed to play for a club with such incredible supporters."
READ MORE:
Rugby player in hospital after serious injury which saw Welsh match abandoned 15 minutes in
Wales full-back plan branded 'a real concern' as no outright successor on the horizon
Scarlets make emergency signing from English Premiership as team named for Connacht trip
Sam Warburton shows everyone how you're actually meant to clear out a jackaller in brilliant video
Six Nations set for major Netflix documentary as Wales and England agree to open doors
