Here are the latest rugby headlines on Monday, May 29.
South Africa international stabbed and dad shot during farm robbery
Former South Africa hooker Lukas van Biljon was stabbed several times and his 70-year-old father was shot during an alleged robbery at their family farm, according to reports.
The 47-year-old ex-front rower and his dad were injured during the incident in the South African province of the Free State on Friday night, with police since arresting two of the six alleged attackers.
Free State police spokesperson Captain Loraine Earle said, via news24, "At about 00:30 [on Saturday], the police were called to a smallholding at Oranjeville, where the Van Biljon family is staying. It is alleged that six armed men entered the house." Capt Earle added that the Test star's father, André van Biljon, tried to call for help from other farmers on the radio, but the robbers fired several shots and he was wounded in the chest and hand. "[The robbers] also tied the children with cable ties," said Earle.
Jones to hold talks with Wales after World Cup snub
Wyn Jones is set to hold talks with Wales forwards coach Jonathan Humphreys after missing out on selection for Warren Gatland's World Cup training squad.
Scarlets loosehead Jones, 31, was a prominent omission from the Wales head coach's 54-man extended squad, with Gareth Thomas, Nicky Smith, Rhys Carre and uncapped duo Corey Domachowski and Kemsley Mathias being named instead.
The 48-cap Jones started three games in this year's Six Nations under Gatland and just two years ago was installed as his Test prop for the British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa. The Kiwi coach has spoken about his wish to improve the mobility of Wales' front five.
Speaking after appearing for a World XV against Barbarians at Twickenham on Sunday, Jones told BBC Sport: "I was disappointed not to get named in the World Cup squad [but] now I'll go back, work on my own game. [Gatland] briefly explained the decision but not too much.
"It was disappointing but then things like this [playing for the World XV] come up and it's one of these experiences in rugby you'll never forget. Now I'm going to meet Jonathan Humphreys soon to go through a few things with him and go from there."
Gatland's World Cup training squad has already begun to assemble, with players heading to the Vale on a rolling basis depending on when their club season ended. Wales will travel to Switzerland and Turkey for summer camps before World Cup warm-ups against England (twice) and South Africa before the World Cup in France this autumn.
Coaching trio extend Scotland deals as ex-Scarlets boss heads to World Cup
By Anthony Brown, PA
Scotland assistant coaches Steve Tandy, John Dalziel and Pieter de Villiers have followed the lead of head coach Gregor Townsend in extending their contracts until April 2026. Defence coach Tandy, forwards coach Dalziel and scrum coach De Villiers all joined the national team set-up in 2020 and have become valued members of the backroom staff.
Their new deals have been announced just weeks after it was confirmed that Townsend, whose initial contract was due to expire after the World Cup this autumn, would be remaining in his post for a further three years.
"The news that Steve, John and Pieter have extended their contracts is a real boost," Townsend said. "They are all key members of the coaching group and provide invaluable support to our players and myself. "Since coming on board all three have made a hugely positive impact to not only their individual areas but also to our all-round game and the environment. I'd like to thank Scottish Rugby for their support in keeping this coaching group together for the next few years. We enjoy working with each other and are determined to do all we can to bring out the best in this special squad of players."
Glasgow Warriors assistant coach Pete Horne and former All Blacks assistant coach and Scarlets boss Brad Mooar both joined Scotland's coaching group as assistant attack coaches for the Six Nations campaign earlier this year, and they will continue their roles during the build-up to the World Cup and into the tournament itself.
"It's great news that we've been able to secure the services of Pete and Brad for the Rugby World Cup too," said Townsend. "They both contributed to our group hugely during the Guinness Six Nations period. I'm looking forward to working with them again on the attack side of our game and helping improve the skills and decision making of our players."
Mental skills coach Aaron Walsh will also continue working with Scotland for the World Cup.
The squad are due to meet up this week to begin preparations for the World Cup in France, albeit several players will not join up with the group initially due to late finishes to the season with their clubs.
France announce new Six Nations venues
France have announced new venues for their home 2024 Guinness Six Nations fixtures, with Stade de France unavailable due to its use in the 2024 Olympic Games.
Les Bleus will first host title-defending Ireland in Marseille on Friday, February 2, at Stade Velodrome in round one. France will then host Italy in round three on Sunday, February 25, at Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille. The final fixture of Super Saturday in round five will see France host England on March 16 at Parc Olympique Lyonnais in Lyon.
The Stade de France has hosted all of France's men's Six Nations matches except for their win over Italy in 2018, which took place in Marseille.
France's home 2024 Six Nations fixtures (GMT kick-off times)
France v Ireland, Stade Velodrome, 2 February, 8pm
France v Italy, Stade Pierre-Mauroy, 25 February, 3pm
France v England, Parc Olympique Lyonnais, 16 March, 8pm
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