Latest news with #ProD2
Extra.ie
19-07-2025
- Sport
- Extra.ie
TV View: Ronan O'Gara and rest of Sky Sports pundits left underwhelmed by 'flat' Lions Test
Rugby has really missed Sky Sports. Yes, the British broadcasting giants can go over the top. Some of their coverage verges on the hysterical at times. But, boy, can they get viewers excited and engaged ahead of a big match. Yesterday's first Lions Test was no different. From the moment Wolfmother's adrenaline-pumping anthem 'Joker and the Thief' came pumping out during the opening credits, the stall was set out. Warren Gatland. Pic: INPHO/Dan Sheridan Warren Gatland lead a stellar cast of pundits pitchside at a heaving Suncorp Stadium. 'The greatest rugby supporters in the world are in full voice,' said Sky Sports presenter Alex Payne as he passed the torch over to Miles Harrison, Dan Biggar and Ronan O'Gara in the commentary box. Anyone who has ever been to a Top14 or ProD2 game in France would challenge that viewpoint. Anyway, we digress. Ronan O'Gara. Pic: Sky Sports There's something comforting about having Harrison on comms. The voice of so many great Lions moments as well as many heady Heineken Cup days, he was in fine form yesterday. Biggar and O'Gara, meanwhile, have proven an inspired choice on co-commentary duties. The former Test fly-halves mixing insightful analysis with plenty of good humour. Dan Biggar. Pic: Sky Sports Both were full of praise for Finn Russell during that dominant first quarter. Game recognises game. As for some of Andy Farrell's selection calls, Biggar backed the Lions boss. Finn Russell. Pic: Patrick Hamilton/AFP via Getty Images 'Beirne has big games in big games,' said the former Wales out-half after the Munster man snagged his second turnover penalty in the space of 18 minutes. ROG was living every second of this Test match. 'No!' was O'Gara blunt assessment when he saw Jake Gordon shaping to dink a kick behind this suffocating Lions blitz defence. Hugo Keenan duly fielded the ensuing chip with ease. Australia's Nick Frost and Tadhg Beirne of the Lions compete for a lineout. Pic: INPHO/James Crombie But it soon became clear that this was not going to be a Test epic and you could hear O'Gara and Biggar beginning to wane. 'Australia just can't get any momentum,' was the view of Sam Warburton back in the Sky studio. Gatland didn't see much hope for the hosts either during the half-time analysis. 'I'd be pretty happy. The dominance is starting to show in terms of gainline, carries. Australia are hanging in there. They need to score early in the second half. Otherwise this could be a bit of a blowout.' Dan Sheehan scores a try. Pic: INPHO/Dan Sheridan Cue Dan Sheehan crossing after about 90 seconds. Game over. The energy seemed to drain out of Biggar and O'Gara after that. It was becoming obvious that this first game – and perhaps the entire Test series – is going to be one-way traffic. Then Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii seemingly barged his way through Ben Earl and Bundee Aki, two of the second-half cavalry, to give the ailing Aussies a glimmer of hope on the hour mark. No try in the end. It was that kind of night for the hosts. 'Tadhg Beirne is made of concrete,' O'Gara noted as the Wallabies continued to run into a red wall of Lions defenders. In the end, the hosts managed a few consolation scores, but this never really felt like a real contest. 'It just feels a bit flat doesn't it,' Biggar observed in the dying minutes of this encounter. Few would argue with the Welshman's assessment. Even Sky Sports were struggling to hype up what was essentially a non event.
Wales Online
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
George North makes feelings clear on Shaun Edwards as brutal 'Wall of Shame' remark revealed
George North makes feelings clear on Shaun Edwards as brutal 'Wall of Shame' remark revealed The former Wales wing is now out in Provence playing Pro D2 rugby, but has taken a look back on his international career George North (Image: The Rugby Pod ) Wales legend George North has revealed his love for former coach Shaun Edwards — describing him as the best he's ever worked under — and revealed the unique and ruthless motivational tactics the ex-defence guru used to get the best out of his players. Now playing in France with second-tier side Provence, North was interviewed by former international team-mate Dan Biggar as part of a candid catch-up on life after Welsh rugby. And while North touched on his love for life in France and the challenges of adapting to a new rugby culture, it was his memories of working under Edwards with Wales that stand front and centre in his mind. North, who earned 121 caps for Wales and four for the British and Irish Lions, recalled Edwards' notorious 'Wall of Shame' – a blunt post-match review pinned up for all to see. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack for the exclusive five-week tour diary from Japan and Australia. 'The nicest one I ever had was just empty, 'No comment',' North smiled, during the interview on The Rugby Pod. 'That only happened a couple of times!' Recalling one stinging piece of feedback from Edwards, he laughed: 'I had one I remember. It said, 'Do you know what you're doing? Do you listen?' I'd not done what he wanted, or I'd not listened!' Biggar chipped in with his own memory after one particular match, adding: 'We had come down and next to your name was 'Not international standard – sort it!'' Article continues below But behind the brutal honesty was a coach who, North said, cared deeply and commanded total respect. 'The best coach I've been under is Shaun Edwards. Hands down,' North said. 'If I said it was love and holding my hand, I'd be lying. He got the best out of me.' North described Edwards as 'obsessed' with preparation and detail — especially in defence — but praised his humility in owning mistakes when things went wrong. 'Each week he'd have extras based on who we were playing – like at Murrayfield, he was big on dead balls, so we'd spend all week chasing hundreds of them. "Little things like that. The thing I think is incredible about Shaun - everyone at this level is accountable - but he would be the first to put his hand up and say 'I didn't prepare you right'. "He would give you all the tools, ride you like a banshee to be the best you could be, but if they brought something to the table you weren't prepared for he would be the first to put his hand up. That's something I really admired about Shaun." Shaun Edwards and George North during Wales training in 2019 (Image: © Huw Evans Picture Agency ) North also recalled the relentless energy and volume Edwards brought to training, especially for back-three players, whom he held to the highest standards. 'He was unreal. His defensive plan was black and white – you had your role and by God, he held you to it. 'If I was on the other side of the pitch and it wasn't even my fault, he'd still be shouting at me! I can still hear him now shouting, 'Get up, you're never injured!'' Despite the hard edge, North said Edwards always stayed in touch and was 'one of the nicest blokes', adding: 'He still sends me a message.' North also spoke about his move to Provence, where he has settled into life in the south of France with his wife Becky and their two young sons. 'The lifestyle is brilliant,' he said. 'The boys want to be outside all the time — on their bikes, in the skate parks, the swimming pool. It's amazing for that.' He admitted adapting to French rugby has taken time, going from a highly structured environment in Wales to a more free-flowing, unpredictable style. 'Some of it was next level, other bits were nuts,' he said. 'But I found a bit of a groove by the end of the season.' Reflecting on his career's toughest moments, North pointed to injuries that robbed him of potential Lions appearances in 2017 and 2021. '2017 Lions was tough," he said about the hamstring injury which saw him flown home prematurely after two Tests. "That's the only place you want to be and I just didn't get a chance. My hamstring ripped and it took a fair while to absorb that. "Between 2013 and 2015 I just wasn't hissing, just getting marked. That was when social media kicked in and everyone was telling everyone everything. I found that really tough. It wasn't through not trying - it was maybe over-trying. "But injuries are the worst. In 2021 I felt I was playing really good rugby at that time and the Lions tour to South Africa (was coming up) and I ruptured my ACL. "I thought I had a fair crack of the whip to be on that tour so that sits with me. "The injuries, the ACL, the injury with the Lions in 2021, not that I would have been picked, I should ask Gats (Warren Gatland). But they are the ones I found hard because there's nothing you can do about it. Article continues below "With form or social media, you can do something about it - but injuries is the pits for me."
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Tonga flanker Fifita leaves Scarlets for France
Born in Tonga, Vaea Fifita played 11 Tests for the All Blacks before switching to the country of his birth [Huw Evans Picture Agency] Tonga flanker Vaea Fifita is leaving Scarlets to join Montauban in France's Top 14. The 33-year-old, who can also play at lock, moved to Parc y Scarlets from Wasps in 2022 and signed a contract extension in August 2024 to extend his stay in Wales. Advertisement Fifita, who scored 10 tries in 56 matches for Scarlets, joins Montauban following their promotion to France's top division as Pro D2 champions. "It's not been an easy decision for myself and my family to move from Scarlets and I have really enjoyed my time at Parc y Scarlets with a great group of players," Fifita said. "We have been warmly welcomed into the Scarlets community from the moment we arrived three years ago, but I think this is the right move for us as a family at this stage of my career, with the opportunity to experience and play in the Top 14." Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel said: "We thank Vaea for his great contribution to our club. He has produced some outstanding moments during his time here at the Scarlets and we fully understand and support his decision to want to play in the Top 14. Advertisement "We wish him and his family well for their move to France." Scarlets have signed back row Tristan Davies from Ospreys for 2025-26. when they will play in the European Champions Cup next season. Peel's side have been drawn against defending champions Bordeaux-Bègles, finalists Northampton Saints, Pau and Gallagher Premiership's Bristol Bears. They return for pre-season next week looking to build on an impressive end to 2024-25 which saw the club reach the knockout stages of the United Rugby Championship as the only Welsh side to finish in the top eight. "We have worked hard to retain the core of our squad, a lot of home-grown Welsh international talent and made some exciting additions as well," added Peel. Advertisement "As a group, we are looking forward to getting back together, welcoming some new members into our squad and putting in the work before a big opening to the season at home here against Munster at the end of September."
Wales Online
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Major star leaves Scarlets as sudden announcement made
Major star leaves Scarlets as sudden announcement made Vaea Fifita has been at the Scarlets for three years, playing 56 times Vaea Fifita of Scarlets avoids the tackle from Luka Matkava of Black Lion (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd ) Tonga international Vaea Fifita has left the Scarlets to join newly-promoted French Top 14 side Montauban. The French club reached the top flight after defeating Sam Davies' Grenoble following an unlikely Pro D2 play-off run. They have now moved to sign the 33-year-old Fifita, who also previously played Test rugby for New Zealand, ahead of their first season back in France's top division. Fifita leaves Llanelli after three years, having joined from Wasps back in 2022. It's understood the Welsh side have received a transfer fee as part of the move and have a replacement signing lined up. During his time at Parc y Scarlets, the mercurial lock and back-row played 56 times, scoring 10 tries. 'It's not been an easy decision for myself and my family to move from Scarlets and I have really enjoyed my time at Parc y Scarlets with a great group of players," said Fifita as he bid farewell. "We have been warmly welcomed into the Scarlets community from the moment we arrived three years ago, but I think this is the right move for us as a family at this stage of my career with the opportunity to experience and play in the Top 14. Article continues below 'I have some fantastic memories in a Scarlets jersey and I'd like to thank everyone at the club - coaches, players, staff and, of course, the fans for their support and friendship over the last three years. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack for the exclusive five-week tour diary from Japan and Australia. 'I look forward to watching this exciting young Scarlets squad continue to develop and challenge over the coming seasons.' During his time in Llanelli, Fifita shone, being named in the United Rugby Championship's Elite XV after his first season at the club. He was linked with a move away from the Scarlets last year, but Fifita - who won the Super Rugby title during his time with the Hurricanes - ultimately ended up signing a new deal. 'We thank Vaea for his great contribution to our club; he has produced some outstanding moments during his time here at the Scarlets and we fully understand and support his decision to want to play in the Top 14," said Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel. 'We wish him and his family well for their move to France.' The Scarlets return to pre-season next week as they prepare for a campaign back in the Champions Cup, having reached the URC play-offs this season. Peel added: 'We have worked hard to retain the core of our squad, a lot of home-grown Welsh international talent and made some exciting additions as well. Article continues below 'As a group, we are looking forward to getting back together, welcoming some new members into our squad and putting in the work before a big opening to the season at home here against Munster at the end of September.'
Wales Online
18-06-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Rugby fans storm pitch and fight as top players chased into dressing room
Rugby fans storm pitch and fight as top players chased into dressing room 15 riot police attempted to break up the violence as players fled to safety Grenoble and Perpignan fans stormed the pitch after their huge Top 14 promotion play-off match and traded blows in ugly scenes. The two teams had clashed for a place in the Top 14 next season before chaos erupted and players fled to the sanctuary of the dressing room. Grenoble, who Welsh international Sam Davies plays for, lost the match 13-11, but it's the behaviour of fans that's become the story. Footage published by Ovalie Media on X shows fans appearing to throw punches and kicks as others attempt to dispel the chaos. Fifteen French riot police officers (known as CRS), holding shields and wearing helmets, took to the field to calm things down. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. Perpignan president Francois Riviere confirmed supporters allegedly chased Perpignan players into the changing rooms after the game. He said: "I had two players chased all the way to the locker room entrance. "They were guys who were in the locker room area, a controlled zone, but who wanted to fight my players. Article continues below "It's incredible, I've never seen anything like it! While the Grenoble staff were perfect and very kind." A wider view of the violence can be viewed below. Content cannot be displayed without consent Riviere added: "I am sorry for this atmosphere, which is not (a good) one. I have rarely seen such hostility in my career. "I was struck by this atmosphere, struck to see that you had CRS (riot police) who were forced to enter a rugby field wearing helmets. "My shirt was completely stained with blood, because I came to help supporters in difficulty! I have never seen anything like that." Article continues below For Wales international and former Dragons fly-half Davies, the loss was a second blow in as many weeks, after losing the initial Pro D2 play-off match against Montauban, who will play Top 14 rugby next season. It's three seasons in a row, now, that Grenoble have lost out on promotion. It comes as an even more frustrating outcome considering that they topped the Pro D2 with 98 points, 21 more than Montauban. Davies' electric performances have captured the French second division and his services have reportedly attracted interest from other clubs in Europe, although he signed a new deal with the club in January.
