No Guinness Men’s Six Nations, but there was plenty going on in the rugby world these past seven days.
No Guinness Men’s Six Nations, but there was plenty going on in the rugby world these past seven days.
Gallagher PREM Rugby was front and centre with seismic news over how the tournament would be organised from the end of the season on while one of their leading clubs was also in the spotlight with one of their most famous adopted sons linked with a return.
The Top 14 and United Rugby Championship played a round of matches, and Super Rugby Pacific hit Round 3.
Meanwhile, contract dealings and potential coaching appointments occupied column inches as the roller coaster of comings and goings carried on.
Oh, and Eddie Jones had something to say.
Read on for ATR’s favourite soundbites…
“The professional game must evolve if it is to thrive. The previous structure was not delivering the financial stability, investment confidence or wider system benefits the game now requires. This reform is about safeguarding the future.”
RFU CEO Bill Sweeney defends the decision to turn PREM Rugby into a franchise system:
“The misguided reporting is disrespectful to Brendan Venter, who will be assuming the DOR responsibilities from Mark McCall at the end of the 25/26 season. It is also disrespectful to Andy and the IRFU.”
Disrespectful, yes, but Saracens aren’t ruling out a move for Andy Farrell:
“It feels like the right time for my wife and I to head home. We’ve spent four years here, reached some big milestones together and built memories we’ll always cherish. Returning to Australia and starting the next chapter of our lives is something we’re really looking forward to.”
James Ramm prepares to say farewell to Northampton Saints:
I had to get out of the group because I was too negative. I thought about completely isolating myself from my teammates for longer, but after talking with other players I quickly realised that it wasn't a good idea. I then rejoined the group, without being too present either because I wasn't playing, but just enough so that a gap wouldn't open up when I had to come back.”
Clermont scrumhalf Baptiste Jauneau admits he didn’t take his injury well:
“Tom was brilliant last year, and you thought England had found the right guy (at No.8) and he is my sort of player. The game hasn’t changed and you need to win the gain line battle and that means big hitters or players who will take two or three opponents to drag you down and that guy is Tom Willis.”
Nick Easter thinks there’s a Tom Willis-shaped hole in the England team:
“It’s probably not true that I’ve had an interview with them, but I have had conversations with people in that club and that’s basically it. Ultimately, it’s not my decision to stay on in the future. You need to look after yourself and your family as well, but I love Cardiff. I don’t want to move anywhere else at this moment in time.”
Cardiff boss Cornel van Zyl is happy where he is thanks, he just wants job security:
“Of his own admission a couple of fumbles, few passes and kicks but he added a really calm head. Gave us direction … he played strong and physical and that’s important. He’s in there, really happy with that hit-out as a first time. Wasn’t complete, but it was good and strong.”
Reds boss Les Kiss is happy with Carter Gordon’s progress:
“It’s great. It’s such a good environment, such a good bunch of lads. We are definitely one of the best, if not the best club in the world. Your learnings every day are just amazing.”
Leinster flanker Scott Penny wouldn’t mind extending his contract at the season’s end:
“I thought Steve made some very uncharacteristic comments about a title-decider against France, looking ahead. Steve is the most pragmatic and intelligent coach you could meet, but to look ahead for any team is fraught with danger. We all know that.”
Eddie Jones thinks Steve Borthwick dropped a clanger with his pre-Six Nations wishes:
“That’s the only thing that’s let us down, it’s just our execution and our skill set. I think once you get that right, once you tidy that up, we’ll definitely get back on the horse a little bit.”
Crusaders Christian Lio-Willie is confident they will overcome their early season slump:
“I still think any shape and size can play. Things change tactically depending on who you’re playing or who you play for, but I still think that saying goes strong.”
Wales fullback Blair Murray comes out in defence of the little uns:
“He has got to be up there with one of the dirtiest players going. Massive unit, filthy, punching, headbutts, elbows. Did he ever get done for gouging? Probably never got caught, but probably did it.”
Joe Marler shares his thoughts on Bakkie Botha:
“All fight, no poo. Fake tough guy for me. It’s exactly what I used to do, fake tough guy.”
More Marler musings, this time on Eben Etzebeth: