Here's your rugby evening headlines for Thursday, 28 July.
Night matches could be banned in France
Night matches in France could be banned ahead of the upcoming domestic season.
French sports minister Amelie Oudea-Castera claimed that nocturnal sports competitions could no longer take place this winter due to an initiative aiming to achieve energy savings. If implemented, it would affect the upcoming Top 14 and Pro D2 campaigns - with a number of matches being played at night in TV friendly slots.
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The ministerial aim is to achieve energy savings by avoiding the use of stadium lighting, with Oudea-Castera telling French media that banning floodlit matches is one option open to them.
“It could be this winter, so that sport is at the heart of the desire to support the ecological transition.”
In response to the proposals, French rugby bosses said action had already been taken in the sport to reduce clubs' energy footprint and that talks would continue with the Government.
“There are many subjects to be discussed and this approach must ensure that the economic and organisational balances of the competitions are respected, of which the evening matches are a very important element.”
Glasgow closing in on new coach
Glasgow Warriors are believed to be closing in on the appointment of Franco Smith as their new head coach.
The Times report that the former Benetton, Cheetahs and Italy coach is understood to be nearing a deal with the Scottish side. Smith has been the Italian federation’s director of high performance since being replaced as Italy coach by Kieran Crowley last year.
The club have been linked with a host of big names, including Dean Richards and Todd Blackadder, since parting ways with Danny Wilson in June after the 76-14 United Rugby Championship quarter-final loss to Leinster.
Italy flanker signs new deal after injury nightmare
Italy flanker Jake Polledri has signed a new deal with Gloucester ahead of a return to action after nearly two years out injured.
The 26-year-old has not played since suffering a significant knee ligament injury while on international duty in November 2020. During his time out of the game, he underwent several operations on his knee to aid his recovery.
Polledri signed for Gloucester in 2017, going on to make 46 Premiership appearances for the Kingsholm outfit. That same year, he made his Test debut for Italy - winning 19 caps to date and being a part of the 2019 World Cup squad.
"Jake is a truly world class player and we are so glad that we have him back and fit at Gloucester Rugby ahead of next season," said Gloucester chief operating officer Alex Brown.
"He has worked incredibly hard to recover from a career-threatening injury and we're all looking forward to seeing him at his best again when the season starts in September."
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