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Here are the latest rugby headlines on Thursday, December 7.
World star quits sport
Wallabies winger Mark Nawaqanitawase has sensationally turned down a chance to play against the British and Irish Lions by quitting rugby union. Arguably Australia’s best player, the 23-year-old has reportedly signed a two year rugby league contract with NRL heavyweight the Sydney Roosters.
The news is a huge blow for the Wallabies as they begin a massive rebuild in the wake of Eddie Jones’ brief and disastrous tenure.
Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh said: “We are disappointed – Mark has been a strong player over the last 12 months. However, the outside backs are a position of strength for us, with great depth coming through.
“We are confident we are well-stocked with talented wingers for the future.”
READ MORE: The best and worst Welsh team over 20 years and 2,383 games of regional rugby
READ MORE: The regional team of the season so far as young Welsh talent grab chances
Beauden Barrett latest player who needs ‘mental refresh’
Beauden Barrett has stated that he wants to “mentally refresh” as he begins a year long sabbatical away from the All Blacks. The star player is spending a season in Japan before returning to play for New Zealand next year.
The 32-year-old will play in the Japan Rugby League One season this weekend after signing for Toyota Verblitz along with international team-mate Aaron Smith.
Barrett committed to a new World Cup cycle with the All Blacks on Monday by signing with New Zealand Rugby until the end of 2027.
He said: “There’s still a strong desire to play for the All Blacks — I’ve made that pretty clear so that’s why I’m super grateful to be here and to mentally refresh,” he said.
“I do find that it’s a great experience here, you learn so much as a player and I can take that back to New Zealand also.”
World Rugby to prosecute abusers
World Rugby is to launch prosecutions against abusive fans in five different countries as it takes a stand against the sickening online attacks on players and officials.
The Mirror report the governing body has been able to “unmask and identify abusers and take action through law enforcement agencies”.
Working with data science company Signify Group, which uses a AI-driven Threat Matrix service to root out online abusers, World Rugby describes this development as a “ground breaking moment for sport in general”.
A spokesperson said: “The authorities are beginning to take their first prosecutions thanks to this programme and It looks like we’ll be successful in taking action against the worst kind of abuse in a number of different jurisdictions.
“Constructive debate, criticism that’s fair game, that’s never going to change. This is not about muzzling free speech, it is about protecting people, their families from racial, sexual, discriminatory and threatening behaviour, including death threats, which is just not acceptable.”
The move comes after Wayne Barnes called for action following his decision to leave the sport, while World Cup final TMO Tom Foley has also stepped down from international duty. Both men received death threats during the World Cup. It also follows news Owen Farrell is stepping away from Test rugby following years of abuse.
A World Rugby spokesperson continued: “People are misguided if they feel that an alias, or whatever they might have on social, protects them,” the spokesperson added. “Even if a person hides behind an alias they can be identified and charged.
“In multiple countries we hope prosecutions will send a clear message that such behaviour is not tolerated.
“We will continue to do everything possible to protect and support our international match officials and their families, by bringing abusers to justice.”
Tuilagi to return
By Andrew Baldock, PA Rugby Union Correspondent
Manu Tuilagi could make his first appearance since the Rugby World Cup in Sale’s European opener against Stade Francais.
Sale rugby director Alex Sanderson has confirmed the powerful England centre is available for the Investec Champions Cup clash at AJ Bell Stadium on Sunday.
Tuilagi, who has been sidelined due to a hand injury, last played when England beat World Cup bronze medal match opponents Argentina in Paris almost six weeks ago.
“Manu is up for selection,” Sanderson said.
“He is more enthusiastic and energetic than most of the 19 and 20-year-olds we’ve got knocking around the place.
“He is loving being out there. He was bouncing around today and just looking a guy 10 years younger than what he is.”
Sale head into Europe on the back of an impressive domestic campaign that has seen them win six out of eight Gallagher Premiership games.
They top the Premiership table, but find themselves in a pool that includes current European champions La Rochelle and four-time winners Leinster.
Sanderson added: “It’s Europe – big teams, a big competition. It feels like every game is a knockout.
“We don’t want to be the whipping boys of this group, which I think most people had us down to be when the pools were announced.
“That is proper motivation for us, to step out of that shadow. They are all hard groups, but this is way and above the hardest.
“It is a brilliant opportunity to see how you stack up against the best. That is our take on it.
“Stade are almost top of their tree, then it is Leinster the week after – perennial finalists – and La Rochelle, the current champions, not to mention Stormers, who were probably the best team in South Africa last season.
“What an opportunity – biggest teams, biggest crowds, best venues. It’s as close to international rugby (as) you will get.
“We have made a decent statement in the Premiership, and we want to continue that momentum through the Champions Cup.”
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