Your rugby evening headlines for Monday, October 10.
Two French clubs target Biggar
Dan Biggar's impending free agent status has put clubs across the world on alert, particularly after he signalled his desire to have an 'adventure' before he retires.
The Wales skipper is currently mulling over his next move after it was revealed he'll be leaving Northampton Saints next summer after five years at the club. He is now weighing up the pros and cons of potential moves abroad.
A return to Wales may be more palatable for his family life, but Biggar has also explained his personal desire to play abroad, which makes Japan or France likely options.
READ MORE: Welsh rugby winners and losers as Scarlets fans restless and 17 games called off
And French publication Midi Olympique are reporting that Top 14 clubs Toulon and Brive are already showing an interest.
A move to France may seem to be a happy medium between Wales and Japan. He would likely pick up a lucrative contract whilst being near enough to his homeland, making it relatively easy to visit family and return for international duty if he decides to continue his Wales career after the World Cup.
The down side, as he alluded to in his press conference last week, is that the Top 14 season is long and attritional, and will seriously test his durability. He will be 34 by the time he links up with whichever club he chooses after the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
As of last Friday, Biggar was adamant that he'd received no offers.
England star 'not a dirty player'
By PA Staff
Saracens head coach Joe Shaw defended Mako Vunipola's disciplinary record after a reckless clear-out earned him the first red card of his career in their 34-14 win over Newcastle.
Sarries ran in five tries to make it four Gallagher Premiership wins on the bounce, with the England prop's dismissal the only blot on their copybook.
Vunipola, 31, could face a ban after a clear-out on Tom Penny.
"The first thing about Mako is that he is not a dirty player," said Shaw.
"That's his first red card which, considering the amount of games he's played, says something. It was reckless but we'll see what happens in the coming days."
Shaw's side blew Falcons away in the first half, scoring 26 points without reply.
The bonus point was in the bag after 32 minutes when Max Malins crossed, adding to earlier tries from Alex Lewington, Kapeli Pifeleti and Alex Lozowski.
Bevan reflects on crucial penalty
Wales match-winner Keira Bevan said she was thinking of being back in Pontarddulais as she clipped over the match-winning penalty in the World Cup opener against Scotland on Sunday morning.
The scrum-half showed nerves of steel to knock over the decisive three points in the 85th minute of the match, securing an 18-15 victory for Ioan Cunningham's side.
"I’m just glad to get the win to be honest," said Bevan. "I backed myself to take the kick. I was striking the ball well in the warm-up on the off-chance I would be called upon.
“Stephen (Myler, kicking coach) will be happy. He’s helped me loads with my kicking recently to take my kicking to the next level.
“I just pictured I was back home at Pontarddulais, kicking with my dad as that’s where I feel the most comfortable and get the best out of myself.
“I’m just glad my parents could come and support us and managed to have a quick hug after the game.
“When you win, it’s always easier to reflect. We know we can’t be that ill-disciplined against New Zealand and Australia but to get a win in a World Cup, that’s the ultimate aim. To start well was massive for us. If we win a few more small moments in key times of the game, we will put ourselves in more good positions.
“Credit to Scotland too I think we kind of struggled to match them at times but we have this week to work hard and get ready for the Black Ferns now.”
Welsh hooker leads stunning comeback
On-loan Dragons hooker Ellis Shipp was at the centre of Hartpury's stunning comeback victory over Nottingham at the weekend.
Hartpury found themselves 24-0 down after 25 minutes at the weekend but fought back to win a remarkable match 39-31.
Shipp bagged his first try before the break, adding to an early effort from Mitch Eadie, ensuring the score at the break was not too ugly, though Nottingham were 31-12 up at the break and cruising.
But things got interesting very quickly. Tries from Matty Jones and another from Eadie got Hartpury's tails up and Shipp's second try came from another driving maul to get his side within touching distance.
The hosts went on to complete the comeback later in the second half.
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