These are your rugby headlines on Monday, September 26.
Worcester set to be suspended as staff told to collect belongings
Worcester Warriors are set to be suspended from all competitions today by the Rugby Football Union due to a lack of insurance cover or long-term financial plan.
Staff at the club have been asked to come and collect their belongings from Sixways before 4.30pm on Monday afternoon as directors anticipate their suspension from all competitions. The stadium will then be locked up ahead of the RFU's 5pm deadline.
The Telegraph report that, in a text message to players and staff, managing director Peter Kelly stressed that “this is not the end of the club”.
“Conversations remain ongoing but it’s not certain whether we will be able to satisfy the RFU’s requirements by the deadline stated,” read the reported message. If we do not meet all of the criteria then it is highly unlikely that we will be opening the stadium on Tuesday.
“To that end, the stadium will be open until 4.30pm tomorrow in order for staff to collect their personal belongings.”
Flanagan: Changing room was emotional
Dragons boss Dai Flanagan says he was proud of his team's display after they shocked Munster at Rodney Parade.
It was the Men from Gwent's first win over Munster since 2015 and their first win at home in more than 18 months.
Understandably, emotions were running high at the full-time whistle.
“I am pretty calm and level-headed but there are a lot of people around me that are a bit more excited,” said Flanagan.
“There were some coaches in the stand who were quite emotional, they have been through a lot, so it is important that they enjoy the moment.
“The crowd have been through a lot as well and I can assure them that the players have felt that pain as well and are working very hard to try and make sure this becomes normal and not a one off.
“There was still a lot of error and if we are honest we can be much better, and that is the exciting thing given the talent and individual players. I was really proud of the effort, energy and how they fought for each other.
“These players have been hurting and it was a tough year and a half for the players, coming in I saw that with fresh eyes.
“This shows they care about the place and it’s important that we take steps forward each week now. We’ve really got to enjoy this moment. You can feel the hurt and the pain, it’s the same for the fans. Enjoy the night and look forward to next week because we have to make sure this isn’t a one-off.”
Rowntree furious with performance v Dragons
Munster head coach Graham Rowntree says he was "shocked" by the performance of his team against the Dragons on Sunday.
The Dragons hadn't won at home for over 18 months but stunned the Irish province at Rodney Parade, running out 23-17 victors.
“I told the lads I’m not happy with our discipline, inaccuracy, the way we were forcing things and our error count,” said the Munster head coach. “I can’t have this.
“I was surprised about our inaccuracy particularly going into their 22, and our inability to keep the ball in that key area.
“That really shocked me I will be honest with you. Whoever you play you are going to have a challenge particularly when you play away from home regardless of what’s happened in the Dragons camp this week.
“I expected better in terms of the stuff we can do better. It was just so poor.
“We had eight turnovers in the first half and were ill-disciplined. We lost lineouts, knocked on and we never got a foothold in the game.”
Scotland ready for Welsh 'grudge' match
Scotland Women captain Rachel Malcolm says she loves playing against Wales as the two teams gear up for their World Cup showdown next month.
Ioan Cunningham's squad have just touched down in New Zealand ahead of the tournament, which sees Wales face Scotland first up. And Malcolm has revealed Wales' "super physical" approach is why she's in the game - with a spot of revenge also not far from her mind.
"I love playing against Wales," she said. "It's probably on one of my favourite opponent because they're a super physical team and I love defending. It's one of those games where you know you're going to have to get stuck in and put your head in dark places and all that stuff.
"It's a bit of a grudge match. Over the last couple of years, that game has gone either way from one year to the next. It's always been super tight and a good contest. That's what we want.
"Obviously Wales got the better of us in the Six Nations so they've got the upper hand at the minute but we'll see what happens on the day."
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'Model pro' and ex-Scarlets captain given chance to sign for another Welsh team
Toby Booth's side throw away victory late on despite Keelan Giles' try double
