England rugby captain Jamie George has branded the behaviour of Saracens academy player Totoa Auvaa as "unacceptable" following a nightclub incident that led to England cricketers Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson being dropped from the second Test against New Zealand. The incident occurred at London's Rex Rooms nightclub on June 8, where Auvaa threw a punch at Atkinson that missed and struck an England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) security guard. The guard required stitches but chose not to report the matter to police. Auvaa escaped formal sanctions, with Saracens describing the events as "regrettable for all parties involved" while remaining supportive of the young back-row forward.
George Speaks Out on Auvaa's Actions
Speaking to The Times and The Telegraph, George said: "He's a young kid who has only left Samoa once. He is immature. He is a rabbit in the headlights in London. He's a good kid, but he's got it wrong. There's no disputing that. But we need to make sure that we establish that sort of behaviour is unacceptable." George added: "There's also a bit of me that thinks we've got to look after him because he doesn't know right from wrong at the minute. We'll look after him. We will make sure that he's got role models around him." The fallout saw Stokes and Atkinson omitted from the second Test while an investigation was carried out into an alleged breach of team protocols. Both players were later cleared to return after an independent Cricket Regulator investigation found "insufficient evidence" against them. A separate ECB investigation also cleared them, though both received written conduct warnings for breaching specific contractual obligations. They returned to England's squad for the ongoing third Test against New Zealand.
Williams Returns After Nine-Month Injury Layoff
Wales second-row Teddy Williams is eager to return after a "tough" nine-month absence due to a serious foot injury sustained while playing for Cardiff in October. The 25-year-old lock has been named in the starting XV to play the Barbarians this weekend. "I'm chuffed to be back," said Williams ahead of his first Wales appearance since the victory over Japan in Kobe last July. "It's been a while. I was absolutely thrilled when I got called into the squad and then to be playing this week is special for me." He described the injury layoff as tough: "It was a very long time. It's probably the first time I've experienced this sort of unexpected injury for such a long period of time. I think you've just got to use the time to try and grow as a person and physically. I've used the time to come back stronger and hopefully we'll see tomorrow that I'm ready to go again." Williams added that he does not need to return to his previous level but rather come back different, with a new outlook on day-to-day life and his profession as a rugby player.
Former Ireland Women's Coach Philip Doyle Dies at 61
Philip Doyle, the former Ireland Women's head coach who led the side to their historic Six Nations Grand Slam in 2013, has died aged 61. Doyle had two spells in charge of the national team, first taking over in 2003 as Kevin West's successor and remaining for three years before returning in 2010. During his second stint, he oversaw the most successful period in Ireland Women's rugby history, guiding the team to their first-ever Six Nations Grand Slam in 2013. He also led Ireland to a landmark victory over New Zealand and a fourth-place finish at the 2014 Rugby World Cup before stepping down after the tournament. He later coached Scotland Women in 2019 but left a year later amid the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. Doyle also held coaching positions with Blackrock College Women and Ulster Rugby's women's programme. Tributes have poured in, with Blackrock College describing a "profound sadness" at the news and hailing Doyle, affectionately known as 'Goose', as "the most influential coach in the history of women's rugby." The club added: "At Blackrock, Goose was far more than a list of achievements. He was a mentor, a friend, a storyteller, and a constant source of encouragement. He cared deeply about the people he coached. He gave players confidence, challenged them to be better, and reminded everyone around him why rugby is such a special game."
Fiji Keep Door Open for Hughes and Vakatawa
Fiji are keeping the door open for former England and France internationals Nathan Hughes and Virimi Vakatawa. Both were named in a wider training squad earlier this summer but did not make the 32-man squad for the Nations Championship. Both will feature for the Barbarians against Wales this weekend. Interim Fiji head coach Senirusi Seruvakula said: "We put in the best 50 but there are other players outside that 50 who we are still monitoring and know that they are available. That is why I'm making all the connections with all these players, talking to them regularly, telling them the expectations and how we are going to do these three matches in the Nations Championships. It's a big year this year, we got these three games then the Pacific Nations Cup in Japan and then the remaining Nations Championships games in November. So, anything can happen and we want to start with the foundations, get the 32 in and after the first three Nations Championships matches, they might have to return to their clubs or get injured, so the door is always open."
Beard Aims for Top 14 Title with Montpellier
Wales second-row Adam Beard will look to pick up a second piece of silverware before joining up with Steve Tandy's squad. The former Ospreys lock has already played his part in Montpellier's Challenge Cup victory during his first season in France. Claiming a Top 14 title on Saturday night would be a remarkable achievement against favourites Toulouse, who are seeking their fourth straight title. Montpellier head coach Joan Caudullo said: "We're going to prepare for war. We'll see if it works or not. I don't want us looking like idiots." Regardless of the result, a run to the Top 14 final caps a successful first season for Beard, even though he has been linked with a move to Lyon. The final has been overshadowed by off-field legal troubles, with Montpellier president Mohed Altrad under investigation for tax fraud. The National Financial Prosecutor's Office confirmed a preliminary investigation for tax fraud had been started on Altrad group. According to AFP, searches were conducted at various locations in France, and the tax authorities are reportedly demanding €331 million from the 78-year-old Altrad.
Koch Targets Conversion Against Wales
Two-time World Cup winner Vincent Koch is targeting a rare feat against Wales this weekend—knocking over a conversion. The Springboks prop has been showing off his kicking skill from the tee in training with the Barbarians this week. The Baa-Baas posted a video of the 36-year-old tighthead slotting over a kick. Koch claimed that Barbarians coach Scott Robertson has given him the green light to have a shot at goal on Saturday. "He (Robertson) actually said if I score a try I can convert the try, so we need to get another move so I can at least score the try," said Koch.
Hawkins Set for Senior Wales Debut
Teenage scrum-half Lily Hawkins has opened up on her "hectic year" as she prepares to make her senior debut for Wales on Saturday. Named on the bench to face the Barbarians in London, a cameo would mark an incredible rise through the pathway—progressing from college rugby, age-grade, and the Celtic Challenge this season. She also balanced sitting her A Level exams ahead of joining Wales camp. "It's been a bit of a hectic year," said Hawkins. "I've gone from college to PDC (player development centre) to the U18s, to Gwalia Lightning, to U21s, to seniors now, but I've loved it all. There's quite a few youngsters coming through into this environment now and I think it's just been a great opportunity for us all."
Murrayfield Open to Hosting NFL Match
Scottish Rugby bosses are "very open" to hosting an NFL match at Murrayfield. Their interest comes after the Scottish Football Association expressed a desire to host an American football fixture at Hampden Park. New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft has proposed an NFL match in Scotland following the impact of Scottish football fans during the football World Cup. Several matches have been played in London, while the Stade de France in Paris and the Melbourne Cricket Ground will be featured in the 2026 NFL season. Olaf Gueldner, chief customer officer at Scottish Rugby, told Scotland Rugby News: "Scottish Rugby is very open to discussions with the NFL. We have significant ambitions to develop Scottish Gas Murrayfield into a year-round destination for world-class sport and entertainment in Scotland. We have the capacity, expertise and energy to showcase the very best that NFL brings to sport." Murrayfield previously hosted NFL Europe outfit Scottish Claymores between 1995 and 2000.
