Today's rugby news as Faletau's Lions chances take turn and URC star has career ended at 26
Today's rugby news as Faletau's Lions chances take turn and URC star has career ended at 26
The latest rugby news from Wales and around the world
Taulupe Faletau of Cardiff
(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd )
Here are your rugby headlines for Tuesday, May 6.
Lions captain contender to undergo 'procedure'
By PA Sport Staff
Ireland and Leinster captain Caelan Doris is set to undergo a "procedure" on a shoulder injury.
The 27-year-old has been touted as a potential British and Irish Lions captain for this summer's tour of Australia. Lions head coach Andy Farrell is due to name his squad for the series on Thursday.
Back-rower Doris, who scored a try in his province's 37-34 Investec Champions Cup semi-final defeat to Northampton on Saturday, has been ruled out of next weekend's United Rugby Championship clash at home to Zebre.
A short update from Leinster read: "Caelan Doris will have a procedure this week on a shoulder injury and a further assessment will be carried out afterwards."
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Farrell's Lions begin their three-match Test series against the Wallabies on July 19 in Brisbane before playing in Melbourne a week later and finishing in Sydney on August 2. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here.
Any potential injury to Doris could open the door to Wales' Taulupe Faletau, who was excellent in Cardiff's recent win over Munster at the Arms Park.
Welshman Faletau toured with the Lions in 2013, 2017 and 2021 and would be a useful addition to Farrell's squad, if selected.
URC player has career ended by neck injury at 26
Ruhan Straeuli, the flanker for South African side the Lions, has been forced to retire from rugby at just 26 years old due to a severe neck injury.
Despite undergoing surgery in March, Straeuli's career could not be salvaged. The towering 6'4, 112kg player shared his decision through an official statement from the Lions.
"Unfortunately, the playing chapter of my rugby career has ended sooner than expected," he said. "I would like to thank everyone who has supported me in my career. It has been an absolute privilege to be able to give my all for the city of Joburg."
Straeuli's journey with the Lions began on trial in September 2020, and he quickly made his mark, being selected for a pre-season friendly against the Pumas at Ellis Park. His tenure with the franchise saw him rack up 47 appearances and score eight tries, spanning the Currie Cup (23 matches), United Rugby Championship (15), Challenge Cup (6) and three friendlies.
The son of Rudolf Straeuli, the Lions' CEO and member of the victorious 1995 Rugby World Cup Springbok team, Ruhan has a rich rugby heritage.
Prior to his time with the Lions, he played for Stellenbosch University in the Varsity Cup and was a schoolboy rugby star at Glenwood High and Menlopark, also turning out for the Blue Bulls' Under-18 Academy team.
Global rugby sensation hints at retirement
Rugby phenomenon Ilona Maher has hinted at hanging up her boots, calling on fellow players to seize the opportunity of this summer's World Cup to emerge as the next big name in the sport.
Maher dazzled yet again on Friday night as a record-breaking crowd of 10,518 spectators — the largest ever for a women's rugby match in the United States — flocked to CPKC Stadium for the Pacific Four Series opener.
The social media icon, with an impressive five million followers on Instagram and 3.5 million on TikTok, shared her thoughts after the USA clinched a 26–14 victory, expressing uncertainty about her future in rugby.
"I do make my brand about growing rugby, but I think it's not just me growing it. It's all of us. It's my team-mates - all of us who need a little bit of the spotlight as well," she said.
"I think the spotlight has been on me a lot, but I hope this World Cup brings more people out and creates more rugby superstars.
"I'm getting up there. I love playing and it's a big part of my life, but I don't know how much longer I'll do it. So I want to leave it in a better place."
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Following her stint with Bristol Bears which concluded in March, Maher has maintained a gruelling schedule, managing her burgeoning media and business interests alongside her commitment to rugby.
"I feel like I haven't really stopped, honestly. I'm trying to soak up all these moments. I did a swimsuit shoot with SI (Sports Illustrated). I did a little bit of Dance with the Stars tour. Then I was home for a few days," she added. "I don't have many free moments, but when I do, I try to train for this [Pacific Four Series] as well.
"So it's kind of balancing business and being a social media person, as well as being a rugby player."
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