Here's your rugby evening headlines for Tuesday, 11 April.
Wales pair open up on moves to English club
Wales duo Dillon Lewis and Jarrod Evans have opened up on their moves to Harlequins after their Cardiff departures were confirmed on Tuesday.
Deals to England have been expected for some time, with Quins having been reported as the destination a while ago. Regardless of how heavily moves were trailed, both still come as a blow to the Arms Park side.
Speaking about his move, Wales tight-head Lewis said: "I am over the moon to have signed here and can’t wait to get going in the summer. I am looking forward to meeting the boys and playing at The Stoop.
"Their brand of rugby and also seeing the culture and environment off the field as well. I’m excited to have the opportunity to work with Adam Jones and the likes of Joe Marler and Will Collier. I have big aspirations to improve as a player”.
Fly-half Evans added: "I’m really looking forward to coming up here. It’s a massive club with a great style of play. One of the things that really attracted me was playing in this league and I am looking forward to challenging myself.
"They’ve got some really classy players here – I’m looking forward to get going with them. When we come up here, it will make the transition easier. I can’t wait to get going!"
Josh van der Flier new deal
Josh van der Flier has signed an extension to his deal with Leinster, keeping him in Ireland until 2026.
The flanker, who won world player and European player of the year in 2022, made his 50th international appearance for Ireland against England in the penultimate game of their Grand Slam campaign.
Speaking after the deal was signed, van der Flier said that it is a “privilege to be a part of two incredible rugby environments.”
“I am very grateful to the coaches at both Leinster and Ireland who have helped me to develop my game over the years.
“I appreciate that I get to go to work each day with some of my best friends, doing something that I love.”
Springboks fitness coach backs claims that team are “better prepared” than in 2019
SA rugby’s head of athletic performance Andy Edwards backs the claim made by Rassie Erasmus that the Boks are better prepared for the upcoming World Cup than in 2019.
“We are now more aligned as a group, and I definitely agree with Rassie that it’s going to hold us in good stead,” Edwards told TimesLive.
“You have got Ireland who are the reigning Grand Slam champions and are ranked No. 1 in the world. Everyone is also talking about France in France and weirdly New Zealand are seen by some as the underdogs.
“As the Springboks, we are comfortable with where we are at and can take confidence from being settled as a group. Not settled in a comfortable way but to keep pushing.
“It’s a healthy group that continues to show they can operate at the highest level and keep performing on the international stage.”
Edwards replaced Welsh fitness guru Aled Walters, who had been part of the 2019 triumph, in 2020.
Newcastle appoint new head coach
Newcastle Falcons have appointed former England international Alex Colding as their new head coach.
Colding, who is currently working as a forwards coach for French side Oyonnax, is set to replace the departing Dave Walder.
Walder has already stepped down from his duties as head coach, with Mark Laycock currently in interim charge with the team bottom of the Premiership. But safe from relegation thanks to the demise of Wasps and Worcester.
Former Wales coach Wayne Pivac had reportedly been the first choice for the role, but it is claimed terms couldn't be agreed.
“There’s a lot of exciting talent in the squad”, said Colding.
“Our job as a coaching staff is to help the players in every way we can to continue to develop, and give them real clarity on how we want to play."
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