Here are the latest rugby headlines on Wednesday, October 12.
Ospreys and Wales injury latest
Alex Cuthbert has still to return to training, five days before Wayne Pivac names his Wales squad for the autumn Tests.
But Gareth Anscombe and Justin Tipuric are back in team practice.
The Ospreys will be without all three players, plus fellow Wales international Gareth Thomas, for the home BKT United Rugby Championship date with reigning champions the Stormers in Swansea on Friday evening.
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“Dan Lydiate, Stephen Myler and Sam Parry return, which is good, but in relation to others, nobody else is back from their injuries,” reported the region’s head coach Toby Booth.
Of Anscombe and Tipuric, who have been nursing rib problems, Booth said: "The boys are out on the pitch running around; the only person who isn't is Cuthbert. The boys are close, the nature of their injuries are pain management rather than repair and strength. As soon as they are able they will take the field, I am sure.”
Thomas faces a minimum 12-day layoff after his head knock last week, but the Ospreys will have the likes of Alun Wyn Jones, Adam Beard, Tomas Francis and George North available to face the Stormers, who have started the season with three bonus-point wins.
One player who won’t be on duty against the South Africans is back-rower Will Griffiths, who has a knee injury that will require surgery and sideline him for the rest of the year. "We lost Will to injury in the Ulster game last weekend,” said Booth. “That was disappointing and he will be a long-termer.”
“How long he’s out for will be determined by what they see during surgery but he is going to need some form of knee repair and those normally start at the 12-week bracket if there are operations involved,” added Booth. “It might be shorter depending on the degree of the injury but you are looking around the three-month mark, I would have thought.”
Crushing Wasps announcement
Wasps have announced they intend to go into administration in the coming days, with the financially troubled club now facing relegation from the Gallagher Premiership.
A statement put out by the club revealed it has pulled out of this weekend's match with Exeter Chiefs as it has become clear it is unlikely to meet Monday's deadline to pay an unpaid tax bill.
A spokesperson for Wasps Holdings Limited, said: “Since filing a notice of intention to appoint administrators on 21st September, we have been working tirelessly to secure the long-term future for Wasps Holdings Limited, and all of the organisations and clubs that sit within the Group.
“Negotiations to secure deals that will allow the Men’s and Women’s rugby teams, netball team and the arena and associated business to move forward are ongoing. However, it has become clear that there is likely to be insufficient time to find a solvent solution for the companies within the group, and it is therefore likely that they will enter into administration in the coming days with a view to concluding deals shortly thereafter.
“While the companies within the Group all represent strong and viable businesses, the reality is that they have insufficient cash at this time to continue to fund operations until these complex negotiations have concluded. We have therefore been asking potential funders and investors to provide bridging finance to provide enough time for a solvent solution to be found. Regrettably, this has not been possible to date, although we will continue to pursue this until the very last opportunity.
“In light of the current situation, we have therefore taken the decision to withdraw the Wasps Men’s team from this Saturday’s league fixture against Exeter Chiefs. This was an extremely difficult decision to make and we recognise that this will not only impact on our players, staff and supporters, but also Exeter Chiefs and the wider rugby community. However, we strongly believe it is the right course of action when, at this time, we are unable to meet our regulatory requirements in the absence of fully concluded deal negotiations.
“We understand that this news will be disappointing and concerning for everyone involved. Our immediate focus will be on ensuring that all of our players and the staff of Wasps and the arena are fully updated and given the support they need.
“While these are challenging times, we remain confident that new owners will be found that will allow the clubs and businesses within the Group to move forward.
“We will not be making any further statement at this time.”
England star banned after knocking himself out
England international and Wasps fly-half Jacob Umaga has been banned for three weeks following the incident that saw him knock himself unconscious.
Umaga was involved in a dangerous collision with Northampton winger Courtnall Skosan after misjudging his aerial challenge. He required gas and air after knocking himself out, and was then given his marching orders for the incident.
After the game he was charged with tackling, charging, pulling or grasping the jumper in the air, contrary to World Rugby Law 9.17.
The actual games he misses will be determined by when his club declare him fit again after the head injury.
Vunipola banned for recklessness
England prop Mako Vunipola has received a three-week ban after being sent off in Saracens' Gallagher Premiership victory over Newcastle.
But it means he will be available for England's autumn Tests, starting against Argentina on November 6.
Vunipola, who has won 70 caps, was dismissed for dangerous play in a ruck or maul at Kingston Park.
He will miss Premiership games against Bath and Exeter, plus a Premiership Rugby Cup appointment with London Irish.
The suspension will be reduced by one match if he successfully completes World Rugby's coaching intervention programme.
Vunipola's case was heard by a three-man independent disciplinary panel, the Rugby Football Union said.
Read next:
Tom Shanklin names the gifted young Wales bolter Wayne Pivac must pick for autumn Tests
The final Wales experiments and wildcard call-ups Pivac will consider this week
World Cup ball to be named in memory of Welsh rugby legend as beautiful gesture made
Scarlets rule out immediate move for Wales internationals despite centre crisis
