Here are the latest rugby headlines on Thursday, June 15.
Crowley to leave Italy job after World Cup
Italy coach Kieran Crowley will leave his role after the World Cup later this year, despite wishing to extend his contract.
Former All Blacks full-back Crowley took over Italy in 2021, ending their 36-game losing streak in the Six Nations with a famous win over Wales in Cardiff in 2022. He also oversaw a historic first win over Australia last autumn.
Announcing Crowley's departure, Italian federation (FIR) president Marzio Innocenti said: "Kieran's time with Italian rugby is very positive. He has raised a group of boys, making them into men and players of high international level, and for this we will be eternally grateful to him."
But Crowley said he would have liked to be involved with the Italy team for the next World Cup cycle as well.
"I regret FIR's decision not to extend my contract," he said. "We have a young team that has gained good experience over the past year, with performances that have shown improvement in many areas. With a World Cup and four more years of international matches, we will have a group with an average of 50 to 60 caps, an exciting prospect. Unfortunately, I will not be part of this journey. I will be 100 per cent committed along with our staff to prepare this group of players [for the World Cup] in the best way possible."
Bristol not in the market for Alun Wyn Jones
Bristol Bears are not in the market to sign former Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones, according to reports. Test rugby's most-capped player brought his international career to a surprise end recently, with his club future also up in the air as he leaves the Ospreys.
Bristol, Bath and Gloucester have all been linked, but it would appear that the first of those clubs won't be signing Jones. Our sister title Bristol Live understands suggestions that Pat Lam was interested in signing the second-row ahead of the 2023/24 season are wide of the mark.
Wallabies star pleads not guilty
Australia international Kurtley Beale has pleaded not guilty to sexually assaulting a woman at a Sydney pub last year. The 34-year-old has been charged with one count of sexual intercourse without consent and two counts of sexual touching. He appeared at the Downing Centre District Court on Thursday.
Beale was arrested in December and was subsequently suspended from all forms of rugby by Rugby Australia.
"I'm devastated to be here today. I am not guilty," Beale said after appearing at Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court. "The truth will come out."
The 95-cap full-back returned to Australia last year after a spell with French team Racing 92 to play for New South Wales Waratahs.
RGC sign former Dragon as player/coach
RGC have signed Huw Taylor as a player/coach after the 27-year-old left the Dragons.
Taylor operated mainly as a blindside flanker after moving from Worcester in 2018 but also covered at lock, where he played when winning the 2016 World Rugby U20 Championship with England.
He also played for Bedford and made more than 50 appearances in the English Championship.
“I am excited for the new opportunity [head coach] Ceri [Jones] and RGC have given me," said Taylor. "To coach alongside playing will be a very different role than I am used to, but I am excited for a new challenge! I enjoyed coaching Ceri’s home side Usk RFC last season, alongside playing for Dragons.
"I have known and worked with Ceri since the age of 18, and I am looking forward to working alongside him again. I hope I can make a positive impact on the club, by firstly playing well in the RGC jersey but also helping develop some of the young talent that is already here”.
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