Today's rugby news as Springboks publish photo evidence in major row and Gatland lieutenant saddened
The latest headlines from Wales and around the world
Warren Gatland and Robin McBryde
(Image: Getty Images for Barbarians )
These are your latest rugby headlines on Monday, June 2.
Coach produces photo evidence in major rugby row
South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus has come out in defence of his under-fire scrum-half Jaden Hendricks after the Springbok sparked controversy during the Sharks' stunning penalty shootout victory over Munster in the URC quarter-finals.
After 100 minutes of rugby in Durban, the two teams could not be separated with the scoreline at 24-24, meaning the match went down to a place-kicking competition.
Munster selected Jack Crowley, Rory Scannell and Conor Murray for their kicks, while the Sharks chose Hendrikse, his brother Jordan, and Bradley Davids.
The shootout turned ugly when Hendrikse scored his second kick but immediately fell to the ground, claiming to be suffering from cramp. He was treated by physios on the pitch, but this saw him obstruct Crowley, who was due to take a kick from the same spot.
There were immediate suspicions that Hendrikse had intentionally collapsed to throw Crowley off his kick, and they appeared to be confirmed when he was caught on camera winking at the Munster fly-half while lying on the ground.
As a result, Hendrikse's actions sparked anger among the Munster players, who remonstrated with the referee, while fans and pundits around the world have also voiced their disapproval of what unfolded.
However, Erasmus has appeared to defend Hendrikse - who he recently selected for the Springboks' summer alignment camp - by sharing a photo of the scrum-half's leg while he was lying on the floor.
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The picture shows that the player's calf was undeniably cramping at the time, with Erasmus posting the picture on X alongside a shrugging emoji.
There was a mixed response from the coach's online followers, however, with many questioning why Hendrikse couldn't have been treated elsewhere on the pitch and asking why the wink was necessary.
McBryde saddened by Welsh problems
Former Wales coach Robin McBryde has admitted it is tough to watch Welsh rugby's struggles right now.
McBryde, who served as forwards coach under Warren Gatland for years during a period of huge success, is now with Leinster and was speaking after this weekend's win over the Scarlets that ended Welsh rugby's season. It comes on the back of 17 straight defeats for the national side and a bitter row behind the scenes between the WRU and Ospreys and Scarlets, with the number of regions likely to be cut.
The former Wales hooker has been saddened to see the demise of the national team and continuing problems at regional level since his departure in 2019, although he praised the Scarlets for their efforts in the 33-21 URC play-off defeat.
McBryde told the BBC: "It's very hard. I know a lot of people involved in Welsh rugby both nationally and regionally. They are trying their best. It's very tough to watch from the outside in.
"It's great from a Scarlets perspective. They came here, they fired a shot. Hopefully things will get better, they have turned a corner and things will improve from here."
McBryde previously said: "The situation makes me really sad from a Welsh point of view. I'm very much on the outside looking in but the biggest concern for me is it seems rugby has lost its soul in Wales.
"I don't think anyone is enjoying themselves. There's not a lot of people watching the game and it's just very sad."
North speaks out after disappointment
A disappointed George North has issued a message to Provence supporters after his side missed out on a place in the Pro D2 play-off final. The former Wales international was hoping to help his side secure promotion to the Top 14 in his first season out in France, but that dream came to an end when they fell to a 38-17 defeat to Grenoble in the play-off semi-final on Thursday evening.
While fellow Welshman Sam Davies delivered a superb performance pulling the strings for Grenoble, North had a frustrating evening as he was withdrawn from the action after 52 minutes, with his team falling to defeat despite having a man advantage for the final 25 minutes after Richard Hardwick was shown a red card.
Earlier in the match, North had been floored by a thumping tackle from Thibaut Martel, with Grenoble scoring on the resulting counter attack after the ball was spilled loose. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.
It was a disappointing end to what has been an impressive first campaign for the 33-year-old, who has made a good impression both on and off the field in his new home.
And North has now assured supporters that he and his teammates will put the disappointment behind them, with focus already turning to next season.
Taking to X, he wrote: "Not the way we wanted to finish. Recovery and refocus for next season."
Smith: We're ready for the challenge
By PA Sport staff
Glasgow head coach Franco Smith believes they are better equipped to face Leinster in next weekend's semi-final than recent trips to Dublin.
Defending champions Warriors set up a BKT United Rugby Championship last-four encounter at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday when they secured a five-try 36-18 triumph over the Stormers at Scotstoun on Friday night.
Leinster were not at their best in their quarter-final but had enough to beat Scarlets 33-21 at the Aviva Stadium.
Warriors lost 13-5 in the Irish capital in the final match of the regular URC season and were thrashed 52-0 there in April in the Champions Cup.
Smith said: 'You must put the Leinster games in perspective. The first one, we were in the middle of the season, there were a lot of injuries in that period. There were so many out at that certain stage.
'The expectation (on Leinster) was massive because they hadn't played their top team since the Six Nations. Everything worked for them. Nothing went well (for us).
'If that happens with Leinster, they could put international teams away like that. That's what we took from that.
'The next time, we were more ready for the challenge. Hopefully, that will help us this time.'
Emotions run high as five bow out
By PA Sport Staff
Emotions were running high as Edinburgh's season ended with defeat in an 11-try thriller in South Africa.
Edinburgh made a flying start in Pretoria on Saturday but conceded three tries in 13 second-half minutes and ultimately went down 42-33 against the Bulls in the United Rugby Championship quarter-finals.
Wes Goosen and Ross Thompson both scored doubles and Ewan Ashman also crossed but Edinburgh's hopes of the title were dashed.
It was a final game in Edinburgh colours for Jamie Ritchie, Ali Price, Mark Bennett and Javan Sebastian while Robin Hislop watched on knowing that he has now played his last match.
Head coach Sean Everitt revealed it was a 'very emotional changing room' after the game with his five departing players 'absolutely gutted'.
'Ali Price has come to work every day since he's joined Edinburgh with a smile on his face, which is really contagious amongst the team and it certainly brought a lot to the table,' he added.
'You look at a guy like Jamie Ritchie that's been at the club for 11 seasons. He's been really outstanding since I've been there for the last two years.
'One of the standout players, player of the year last year and was also a nominee for player of the year this year.
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'We will miss him. His competitive edge and leadership is something that we will miss and we wish him well going forward.'
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Today's rugby news as Wales legend issues Louis Rees-Zammit warning and Lions star summoned
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'He might have maybe six games before the Autumn Internationals," he told Fruity King. "As long as he plays and he shows that he's finding his rhythm again, I think he will be back in the Wales squad sooner rather than later. 'But it will not be straightforward. You look at the youngsters coming through and the experience of someone like Josh Adams. There's Tommy Rogers, Blair Murray who has been outstanding this year. 'Back three is an area of strength for Welsh rugby. So he's going to have to show that he can compete at that level again. Knowing what Steve is like, he's not just going to pick him because he is Louis Rees-Zammit." "Louis needs to understand that and deliver on the field," Davies added. "That's the challenge that lies ahead of him now. "Whatever he's done in the last couple of years I'm sure it's been good for him, but rugby is a different game. He will have respect, and people will know what he's about. He'll probably have a bit of a target on his back as well." 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They would try and get them on the ball a lot. Bath would no doubt be in the market. Obviously they're champions and have an extremely talented squad. 'Then you're looking at the French teams, would a Toulon want to come in for him or would a Racing? Sometimes as we've seen it doesn't always end that well as we have seen with Owen Farrell. 'Some players do struggle. It has to be a mixture of the two things. One, you've got to look after yourself financially, but two, there has to be the challenge, and the level of competition and drive you want in your decision as well.' Sheehan cited after final Lions Test Dan Sheehan is facing a citing after the British and Irish Lions' third Test defeat in Sydney. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. The Ireland hooker cleared out Wallabies fly-half Tom Lynagh in the first half, leading to the Australian failing a HIA. The incident has since been referred to the citing commissioner after footage of the clearout circulated on social media. Sheehan's case will be considered by the on-duty Independent Foul Play Review Committee (FPRC) today. Andy Farrell not ruling out leading the Lions again Andy Farrell has left the door open to coaching the next British and Irish Lions tour in New Zealand after overseeing a 2-1 series victory against Australia. The tourists had been bidding to seal a clean sweep in the Test series - something not achieved by the Lions since 1927- but their hopes of a 3-0 victory were dashed as the Wallabies won the final Test in Sydney. However, despite that disappointment, Farrell can look back on a first Test series victory for the Lions since 2013 - putting him in pole position to lead the Lions next time around. 'Everyone knows what I think about this concept and I suppose that says it all,' he said. 'I love everything that the Lions is about and I've thoroughly, thoroughly enjoyed the last eight weeks. 'There are always ups and there are always downs, but the inner circle is a special place to be. 'Read into that what you want but I suppose four years, there's a long time between drinks isn't there?' Gatland - 'Protect the Lions at all costs' Former Wales and Lions coach Warren Gatland says that the touring side must be protected at all costs. There have been calls to change the format after the Lions largely dominated Down Under, but Gatland - who coached the tourists in 2013, 2017 and 2021 - says the current format must be kept untouched. Show more "We have to do everything we can to protect this - because it's special," Gatland said on Sky Sports. "When I was involved in my first tour, we had 12 games. Then it was reduced to 10, and now it's down to eight. There's been pressure to cut it further - maybe down to six, with just three Tests and three warm-up games. But to me, that wouldn't be a Lions tour. Show more "You want it to feel like a proper tour. You want the fans involved, the players to have opportunities, and for it to resemble the old tours where they played twice a week. That's what Lions rugby is all about. "Yes, you can reduce the number of games, and yes, it's tough on domestic competitions and national teams every four years - but people make compromises because this is bigger than the game itself. "It's hugely important to the southern hemisphere nations, and it's brilliant for the Lions fans, the players, and the experiences they create."
