Friday Round-Up

November 20, 2015
3421
Ultimate Rugby

Friday Round-Up

"No malice in stamp" - Danny Wilson

Cardiff Blues coach Danny Wilson says there was "no malice" in the apparent stamp that saw hooker Matthew Rees sent off in the loss to Harlequins.

Ex-Wales captain Rees was dismissed after connecting with Nick Easter's head at a second-half ruck in the European Challenge Cup clash.

"There's definitely no malice in it. It looks possibly like a clumsy situation," said Wilson.

Rees will face a disciplinary hearing to determine any punishment.

But Wilson hopes the player's record will be taken into consideration.

"Matthew is not that type of player. He's a very diligent professional with an extremely positive record behind him, which hopefully will go with him when it's discussed," said Wilson.

Harlequins went onto win the game 32-20 and secured a late bonus point thanks to a late Danny Care try.

Eddie Jones confirmed as England boss

Eddie Jones has been named as England's first foreign head coach.

The 55-year-old Australian has agreed a four-year deal with the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and will start in December.

The former Australia and Japan coach succeeds Stuart Lancaster, whose three-and-a-half-year spell ended after England's failed World Cup campaign.

"I hope to build a new team that will reflect the talent that exists within the English game. I believe the future is bright for England," Jones said.

"I'm now looking forward to working with the RFU and the players to move beyond the disappointment England suffered at the World Cup."

Jones leaves his role as head coach of South African franchise the Stormers - who he only joined in September after leading Japan in the World Cup.

His first match will be England's Six Nations opener against Scotland at Murrayfield on 6 February.

Dan Hayes