While many took time to catch their breath over the Christmas period, rugby players weren’t so fortunate as a full programme of Gallagher PREM Rugby, Top 14, and United Rugby Championship (URC) matches took place.
While many took time to catch their breath over the Christmas period, rugby players weren’t so fortunate as a full programme of Gallagher PREM Rugby, Top 14, and United Rugby Championship (URC) matches took place.
There were some strong performances, a few teams grabbed a well-needed point or victory, and there were bumper crowds who were royally entertained.
Plus, a move for one of rugby’s most famous faces.
Here’s what tickled ATR’s ears this week…
“While I had hoped to complete my career at the Sharks, I have to be there for my family who were unable to relocate to Durban. This decision wasn’t easy, but it is about being closer to my kids. I leave with nothing but respect for the Sharks and real belief in where this team is heading.”
Siya Kolisi explains why he’ll be Cape Town bound at the season’s end:
“We wanted to reconnect with the basics. When the environment makes you doubt yourself, when you're losing matches, when you're not playing well. You have to focus on the things you can control, and it's true that we played a great match.”
Clermont's Thomas Ceyte knows what it took to end their losing run against Bordeaux-Begles:
“It’s been well documented that Red Bull want to build something at Newcastle. We’re in the early stages of that and the boys are excited by it.”
Newcastle Red Bulls head coach Alan Dickens knows good things will take time after their first point of the season:
“I enjoyed Christmas and had a brilliant roast. My missus did a fantastic one. Last week was dreadful, but today is alright, so I can have another roast tonight.”
Sale Sharks hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie reveals what fuels his performance:
“It's a tough place to come and I thought we started the match with real positive intent. We weathered some different periods and were under pressure from Munster, but the defence was good. There was great character from the group. It wasn't a perfect performance but there was lots of guts and fighting spirit, so we'll take the four points.”
Leinster boss Leo Cullen will settle for an away win over Munster:
“I’m very happy that he’s signed. I knew a bit about it potentially before. He’s a brilliant signing, a brilliant guy.”
Jamie George is ready to roll out the Saracens red carpet for Tomos Williams come summer:
“We went out and got the win because, in the final play, we weren't timid. We played our game, and that's what makes us strong.”
Bayonne coach Grégory Patat hails his team’s ability to keep the faith:
“There’s no silver bullet for it at the moment. It is more medium to long term what we need to look at with our squad. Tonight, you saw the best and the worst.”
Head coach Jason Gilmore sums up the challenge facing Harlequins right now:
“It is a nine-week block before we got into the Six Nations. It’s a risk, but today it paid off.”
Northampton Saints Director of Rugby Phil Dowson is happy to have rotated his squad:
“In attack they looked a little bit helpless, they didn’t seem to hit the weak shoulders, they were running straight into people; we didn’t see the Quins style, the Quins flair, and in defence they were so soft, they just looked soft tonight, which is a worrying thing.”
Danny Care is concerned by what he saw from his Harlequins in defeat to Bristol Bears:
“Over 40 players have gone on to play international rugby or go to the Olympics. So, there’s that for those kids that want to represent their country, but also there’s the other part of it, kids having fun and learning the values of rugby.”
Ex-Wallaby Morgan Turinui sings the praises of the Global Youth Sevens:
“It’s like Test cricket and 20/20 cricket, there’s a completely different story. It’s a derby, there’s more to playing this game than there is to us playing any other team.”
Glasgow Warriors head coach Franco Smith explains why the derby with Edinburgh is unique:
“The club gave me everything when I look back. They gave me my shot to play and that earnt me international honours. Now I want to deliver some performances to say thank you.”
Jake Ball hopes his return to Scarlets is as good as the first time: