Here are your rugby evening headlines for Wednesday, 22 December.
Under-fire European bosses try to explain chaos
Under-fire European rugby bosses have issued a Q&A attempting to explain inconsistencies in how the first two rounds of the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup were handled.
Seven second round fixtures involving French sides were postponed with the intention of being rescheduled at a later date, despite the fact that other cancelled matches - including ones featuring the Scarlets and Ospreys - were deemed to be forfeits, resulting in 28-0 defeats against the Welsh sides.
"Following the unforeseen introduction of new travel measures between the UK and France, the decision to postpone Round 2 matches between UK and French clubs scheduled for last Saturday and Sunday was made as a result of EPCR being unable to obtain assurances that travel exemptions, which were already in place for players, club staff and match officials, would be honoured.
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"With health and welfare as prime considerations, the risk of players, club staff and match officials not being able to return home after the matches as a consequence of the travel measures was deemed to be too great.
"The intention is to reschedule the seven postponed fixtures, however, in a crowded calendar with a complex, ever-changing environment for EPCR’s stakeholders, the Board has the capacity to review its tournament formats in light of these exceptional circumstances.
"While regrettable and frustrating for clubs, supporters and other key stakeholders, the decision to cancel matches and to award match points is a direct application of regulations and Covid-19 protocols as set out in the 2021/22 Heineken Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup Participation Agreement.
"These regulations and protocols were signed up to in advance of the tournaments by all competing clubs, with the intention of ensuring that clubs who are in a position to contest the fixture are not prejudiced by the fact that a match could not be played due to the unavailability of players as a consequence of positive COVID-19 cases or related restrictions.
"So, the situation here is different to the postponements which were as a result of exceptional, unforeseen circumstances arising from changing border controls and entry requirements."
The Q&A also addressed Leinster's clash with Montpellier being cancelled, however there was no mention of the Ospreys' trip to Racing 92 - nor the forced forfeiting of the Scarlets' match with Bristol.
Cardiff star Fish cited after Champions Cup clash
Cardiff back Dan Fish has been cited for a tackle on Tyrone Green during last Saturday’s Heineken Champions Cup loss at Harlequins.
Despite having meant to have already retired from professional rugby, the experienced Fish answered the call after Cardiff were left without over 40 members of their squad after their South African nightmare.
A statement read: “EPCR has received a citing complaint against the Cardiff fly-half Dan Fish (No10) arising from his club’s Heineken Champions Cup round two match against Harlequins at the Twickenham Stoop on December 18.
“Fish is alleged to have made contact in a dangerous manner with the head of the Harlequins full-back Tyrone Green (No15) in the 80th minute of the match in contravention of law 9.16. The complaint was made by the match citing commissioner, Ciaran Scally (Ireland).
“Law 9.16 A player must not charge or knock down an opponent carrying the ball without attempting to grasp that player. Under World Rugby’s Sanctions for Foul Play, Law 9.16 carries the following sanction entry points – Low End: 2 weeks; Mid-range: 6 weeks; Top end: 10 to 52 weeks.
“Gareth Graham (England – chair), Tony Wheat (Ireland) and Yannick Jauzion (France) have been appointed as the independent disciplinary committee for the hearing which will take place by video conference on Thursday, December 23.”
Popular Fish has became a Welsh rugby cult hero due to his performances in the face of adversity over the past few weeks, but it could now all end in a ban.
Tributes paid to former Llanelli physio
Tributes have been paid to former Llanelli physio David Jenkins, better known as Dai Chips.
A loyal servant to the club through the 1980s and 1990s, a number of former players were quick to offer their condolences following the announcement of his death.
The Scarlets confirmed the news of his passing on social media.
They posted: "Saddened to learn that our former club physio David Jenkins, known to all as Dai Chips, has passed away.
"Dai spent the best part of 20 years in the role at Stradey looking after some great Scarlets squads of the 80s & 90s.
"Our thoughts are with family and friends at this time."
Former Wales international Emyr Lewis posted: "I went to see him when I was 16 after a specialist told me I would never play rugby due to my back.
"Dai Chips laughed and sorted me out over 3 weeks and didn’t charge a penny. Little did I know that he would be my physio at Llanelli RFC for the next 8 yrs. RIP Dai you will be missed."
Fellow former Wales internationals Jonathan Davies, Rupert Moon and Tony Copsey also all paid tribute to Jenkins.
Festive games called off
The entire Welsh Premiership Christmas programme has been called off amid a raft of club postponements following the ban on spectators attending matches.
Ebbw Vale’s televised meeting with Newport was the last of the fixtures scheduled for Monday (Dec 27) to bite the dust.
That follows the postponement of the other Premiership derbies - Cardiff v Pontypridd, Bridgend v Aberavon, Swansea v Llanelli and Carmarthen v Llandovery.
These are traditionally some of the most eagerly-awaited matches on the club scene and among the biggest money-spinners.
But with no fans allowed in through the gate due to new Covid restrictions, it has been decided to put the games off until a later date.
Former Ireland coach coy on Munster return
Declan Kidney has remained coy on reports linking him with a return to Munster next season.
Former Ireland coach Kidney has been working as London Irish's director of rugby since 2018 - with his work in England leading to him being tipped for a similar role as current Munster coach Johann van Grann gets ready to head for Bath next year.
The 62-year-old has a strong connection with Munster, having led the club to both of their Heineken Cup successes in 2006 and 2008.
But, while he wouldn't rule out a move, he also played things with a relatively straight bat.
“Look, jobs like that and positions like that, there is always going to be speculation,” Kidney said.
“I'm very happy here in London Irish and I really enjoy working with the lads.
“I have too much respect for my present job, too much respect for Munster, for the IRFU, to be getting into any hypothetical conversation.”
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