These are your rugby headlines on the morning of Saturday, August 3.
Kolisi on verge of shock exit
World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi is on the verge of leaving Racing 92 less than a year after joining the French giants.
The Telegraph report the Springbok great has held talks with the Top 14 side over an immediate contract release, with a return to South Africa heavily tipped.
The 33-year-old joined the Parisians after the Rugby World Cup final after eight years with the Stormers and two with the Sharks.
His time in France, although financially rewarding, has been anything but smooth sailing. He’s on a reported £1million salary with the European juggernauts but he has been on the receiving end of some brutal criticism – from his own club’s owner.
“[Siya] had a remarkable start to the season, where he was a unifying presence off the field,” Racing 92’s owner, Jacky Lorenzetti, told Midi Olympique following their defeat to Union Bordeaux Bègles in the quarter-final stage of the Top 14 play-offs. “The break was harmful for him. He put on weight, lost form and yesterday he was anonymous. On the back row, we got used to having an ultra-present warrior, called Wenceslas Lauret. For now, Siya isn’t reminding me of him. But I think that will change next year.
“[Josua] has brought nothing – we must be clear. He was not the impact player that we expected.”
The Sharks are said to be leading the chase to bring Kolisi back home.
England to play Ireland A as Welsh side remains mothballed
England A will play Ireland A at Bristol Bears’ Ashton Gate Stadium in February next year, it has been announced.
The match is set for Sunday, February 23, following England’s senior team’s game against Scotland at Twickenham and Ireland’s match against Wales in Cardiff in the third round of the Six Nations.
England A have also secured a match with Australia A this November at the Stoop during the Autumn Nations Series, having revived the team earlier this year to play Portugal after an eight-year hiatus.
The fixtures come as the Wales A team remains mothballed after being officially resurrected in 2016. Despite that announcement eight years ago, Wales A have still not played a fixture since 2002.
Concerns around scheduling, lack of opposition and taking players away from the stretched regions have stood in the way, but there are calls to change course. The WRU’s talent and pathway manager Andy Lloyd recently said a return should be seriously considered, arguing it could be a useful tool in bridging the gap between age grade rugby and the professional game. “I think an A team definitely has to be on the cards over the next few years but also what I would say is we’ve got to help the regions as well,” said the former Ospreys forward.
“We are putting a lot of pressure on a lot of young players at the moment so it has to be discussed. Ireland and England have a lot of players not playing much rugby and they are struggling to find some games for them. I completely understand why they are doing it.
“I think it should be discussed but we can’t just chuck games in over the top of people without properly forming a part of their season. We have a group of players needing that extra level so I think it should definitely be discussed and looked at but it can’t just be thrown in..”
England’s upcoming fixture against Ireland A will follow a familiar format, with the coach being chosen by the RFU in consultation with Premiership Rugby, and the matchday 23 being selected by Steve Borthwick and RFU executive director of performance Conor O’Shea.
“Next year’s game is a fantastic development opportunity for the respective unions, each of whom possesses some of the most exciting young prospects in rugby,” O’Shea commented.
“Our aim is to have consistent gametime in each international period for our emerging players. This fixture, alongside the Australia A game, is testament to the work being put in to ensure there is a window of opportunity for players and coaches outside of the England senior men’s set-up.
“We look forward to welcoming Ireland’s players and staff to Ashton Gate in 2025. It is a fantastic stadium worthy of hosting what promises to be a memorable occasion for all involved.”
Davidson makes Rugby Championship debut
By PA Sport Staff
Scotland’s Hollie Davidson will make her Rugby Championship debut as an assistant referee later this month.
The 31-year-old has been appointed to run the line for Australia’s clash with world champions South Africa in Brisbane next Saturday and again when the sides meet for the second time in Perth a week later, the first woman to hold the position in the competition.
Davidson, who claimed another first when she was part of the on-pitch officiating team in a men’s Six Nations fixture in February, took charge of the Springboks’ Test victory over Portugal in Bloemfontein last month.
A statement on World Rugby’s official website read: “Four assistant referees and four Television Match Officials will make their Rugby Championship debuts with Hollie Davidson (Scotland) to become the first woman to hold the role in the competition.”
Davidson’s appointment as one of 11 debutants comes as the game prepares for a 24-team World Cup in Australia in 2027.
Men’s Emirates World Rugby high performance match officials selectors chairman Brett Robinson said: “The new strategic plan that we have in place is designed to ensure that we promote and support greater depth in our team, and this selection is the embodiment of that plan in action.
“There are 11 debutants within the selection, which is exciting. For them, and us, this is a continuation of a journey where the goal lies beyond Rugby World Cup 2027.
“For others, this is about arriving in Australia in peak form. For all, we are here to help them achieve their goals, and that is very exciting. Congratulations to all selected.”
England’s Luke Pearce, Matthew Carley, Karl Dickson and Christophe Ridley and Ireland’s Andrew Brace will take charge of five of the 12 matches, while Davidson, Pearce, Carley, Brace, Dickson and Welshman Craig Evans will serve as assistant referees and Wales’ Ben Whitehouse, Ireland’s Brian MacNeice, England’s Ian Tempest and Stuart Terheege as TMOs.
Scott returns for third time
PA Staff
Former Scotland centre Matt Scott is relishing the chance to end his career with Edinburgh after returning to his hometown team for a third stint.
The 33-year-old has signed a one-year deal at the Hive Stadium after bringing the curtain down on his four-year spell with Leicester.
Scott, who won 40 Scotland caps between 2012 and 2021, began his professional career with Edinburgh and then returned in 2018 following two years at Gloucester.
“I feel very excited to be given the opportunity to return to Edinburgh for a third time,” he told the club’s website. “It will be great to lace up the boots again with some old friends as well as some new ones.
“I hope to offer plenty of value to the squad having been in a Premiership winning team at Leicester, full of World Cup winners and seasoned internationals.
“I’ve learned a tremendous amount from being in that winning environment and I’m excited to add some of that to our talented squad at Edinburgh.
“The city is home for me and, having recently moved back up with my family, the opportunity to play out my final matches as a professional in my hometown is very special and I feel grateful to have been given the opportunity to do so.”
Head coach Sean Everitt is pleased to have added such a reputable centre in the wake of Chris Dean’s recent departure.
“We’re delighted to bring a player of Matt’s talent, calibre and experience back to the club,” he said.
“He’s a league winner and Test match animal capable of playing in both centre positions, giving us great options and variety in our game for the season ahead.
“Matt’s leadership qualities are exceptional. His ability to guide and mentor our young centres is a key factor in bringing him back to the club. We believe he will be a fantastic role model for our next generation of talent.
“He’s an Edinburgh boy who cares greatly about the club and, from what I hear, is a popular player among the squad and supporters alike, which is testimony to both his ability and character.”