Here are the latest rugby headlines for Monday, August 16.
Finn Russell lined up for big money Japan move
Japanese side Green Rockets Tokatsu are reportedly ready to offer Lions star Finn Russell a contract worth in excess of £1million, which would make him one of the best paid players in world.
Russell, who's currently contracted to French side Racing 92, emerged with plenty of credit during the recent series defeat at the hands of South Africa, and is now widely seen as one of the most creative 10s in the game.
According to the Rugby Paper, the Green Rockets are among his growing list of admirers, with director of rugby Michael Cheika seemingly placing the Scot's signature at the top of his wishlist.
In what is just the latest in several big-money moves within the Japanese game, the same publication claims that the deal would see the 28-year-old's wage overtake that of South Africa’s Handre Pollard and New Zealand Charles Piutau, both of whom are currently two of the sport’s best paid stars.
Argentina 'more physical than the Lions' says Kolisi
Springboks captain Siya Kolisi says Argentina were 'more physical' than the British and Irish Lions, after leading his side to an impressive victory over the Pumas on Saturday.
The world champions made 10 changes to the side that emerged victorious from the last Lions test, but still managed to run out with 32-12 winners in Port Elizabeth.
Argentina have only been together in the Rainbow Nation a week, but nevertheless showed plenty of willingness to attack the world champions.
"We worked hard, but it was tough today," Bok captain Kolisi said afterwards. "This challenge was different to what we faced against the Lions.
"It was a little bit more physical, Argentina give you challenges at the breakdown and are street-smart in general play. It was all about who could execute better.
"But we have been working hard as a squad and the guys who came in gave everything."
Lewis-Hughes ready to come back stronger
Shane Lewis-Hughes says he's determined to bounce back from his injury set-back and return stronger than ever ahead of the upcoming season.
The Welsh international has returned to pre-season training following a recent shoulder injury picked up last season, and admits he's itching to get going again.
“I’m very good. I’m not going to lie, it’s been a very frustrating time missing all the rugby I have in the last five or six months,” he told the region's website.
“It wasn’t a great time, but I’m looking forward to what’s ahead. But, to be honest, when you’re in professional sport you’re quite lucky.
“I’ve got to prove myself again really. We’ve got so many good back-rowers and youngsters coming through too.
The back rower will also no doubt be hoping to eventually win some more caps for Wales, having been handed his international debut in the Autumn Nations Cup.
However, he admits that he has his work cut out if he's going to win the attentions of head coach Wayne Pivac, and says he's focus is on succeeding in the capital.
“Unfortunately, that’s the position everyone wants to play in Wales now. If international honours happen, they happen but I’m not looking at that just yet. My first aim is to get back into the Cardiff team.”
Tributes to Newport legend
Newport have paid tribute to former player Rhys Morgan, who has died aged 67.
Prop Morgan played 539 games for the Black and Ambers between 1973 and 1989, standing second on the club's all-time appearance list.
Morgan, capped by Wales against Scotland in Cardiff in 1984, was inducted into Newport's Hall of Fame in 2012.
A statement on the Newport website announced Morgan had died on Friday.
"We send our condolences to his friends, family and all who knew and loved him," the club said.
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