We are at the halfway point of the Top 14, Gallagher PREM Rugby, and United Rugby Championship (URC) and emotions are high as the three leagues take a fortnight’s break for the Investec Champions Cup and EPRC Challenge Cup.
We are at the halfway point of the Top 14, Gallagher PREM Rugby, and United Rugby Championship (URC) and emotions are high as the three leagues take a fortnight’s break for the Investec Champions Cup and EPRC Challenge Cup.
Elsewhere, the transfer window opened and there has been plenty of chat about who is moving where, who is signing, and plenty of happy coaches as new players have arrived.
Finally, we’ve seen a blossoming bromance between two of the sport’s leading players. Break out the flowers and read ATR’s favourite soundbites of the week…
“Some players on other teams, you just get along quite well, I just happened to form a good relationship with Siya, and it happened at the start of my career.”
Ardie Savea shares his feelings about Siya Kolisi:
“Off the field, he’s amazing; a great father, a great husband and is a great friend as well. Always chats with me when times are tough but he’s also there to celebrate, even when we play against each other. I love him a lot and I’m proud of him.”
That’s Amore! Kolisi returns the compliment:
“Every time my image is thrown up on the big screen the crowd are booing.”
Expect that anytime you coach against Leinster, Ronan O’Gara:
“It is funny how you guys run with the stories that social media spreads. Everybody jumped on the bandwagon, started rumours, and then it became a whole thing. Maybe it’s a way to sell more tickets, get the game more spicy. I don’t know why you guys did it.”
Bulls coach Juan Ackermann hits back at criticism after asking Rassie Erasmus for some help:
“Last week we were very, very close to getting the win, and we got over the line today. Relief. I really thought Gloucester put us under pressure in the middle of the second half, but we made the changes and the impact from the bench was certainly felt. We were under pressure there.”
You’ve got that winning feeling, and Newcastle Red Bulls head coach Alan Dickens likes it:
“We want people coaching the areas they’re really good at, so we’re stretched a little bit thin in a few areas and the focus isn’t quite what we want it to be. There’s a lot going on in the background, and there’s been one change already and things are going to change, but I can’t really talk about it until everything is signed, sealed and it is the right time to announce it all.”
Gloucester head coach George Skivington admits changes are coming:
“Thanks to all the fans who came out and were sitting in the snow for us.”
Not the conditions Ulster’s Werner Kok grew up playing in, in South Africa:
“Today, we were simply torn apart. We had talked about the collisions: we wanted to tackle low, bring them down quickly, but we were on the receiving end. In this sport, you can't play if there's no intensity.”
Aviron Bayonnais head coach Grégory Patat doesn’t sugarcoat their defeat:
“You have look at why you kick the ball. We kick the ball to get it back and attack in a better position. When you kick, you have to be prepared to kick on the transition. I don’t think kicking is going anywhere, but I’d like to see more teams try to attack off the back of it.”
Ulster attack coach Mark Sexton adds his thoughts to the kicking debate:
“There's a few things bubbling in the background where we are happy, they are heading in the right direction. Hopefully there will be a time where we can share some good news with our fans, but nothing I can report at this moment.”
Ospreys head coach Mark Jones stays tight-lipped on potential signings:
“Mission accomplished, with difficulty but with authority, nonetheless. It had all the makings of a tough game, but I think that after the good mentality of last week, we're on the same wavelength, with strong forwards. If we had been a little less undisciplined, the match would have been simpler. For the past two weeks, we've gotten back on track and are working well.”
Clermont boss Christophe Urios looks forwards with confidence after back to back wins:
“He's only just scratching the surface of his ability. If he keeps progressing on this journey, he has everything it takes to become one of the very best players in the world.”
Bristol Bears Director of Rugby Pat Lam predicts more greatness from Louis Rees-Zammit:
“I love working with Greg. He’s got everything you’d want from a back-rower. He’s physical, he’s abrasive, very game-smart, but he’s also got lovely soft skills. He’s playing very well at the moment. If he keeps playing like that, I’d imagine England can’t ignore him, but you’d have to ask them that question.”
Exeter Chiefs coach Dave Walder backs Greg Fisilau for international honours:
“I am leaving Tigers with a heavy heart. This club means everything to me, and it has been an honour to represent the badge. Unfortunately, a change in personal circumstances dictates that I cannot give the role the attention it deserves moving forwards, so I am stepping away.”
Dan Coles steps away from Leicester Tigers after 18 years on their payroll:
“You learn to suffer and adapt to the pain, but there’s no respite. Every two hours, bosh, up again, right, bosh up again. If you stop the boat doesn’t move, or you go backwards. You’re just prolonging the agony. Your mind starts playing games with you. It takes you to weird places. We’ve all been hallucinating.”
Former England sevens captain Ollie Phillips describes the joy or rowing the Atlantic: