Here are your morning rugby headlines for Saturday, June 26.
Carter flattered by Alun Wyn Jones comparison
Wales' newest second-row Ben Carter says he is flattered by comparisons to talismanic lock Alun Wyn Jones.
The Dragons lock is one of six uncapped players in Wayne Pivac's summer squad and, despite only making his Dragons debut in November, the 20 year-old has been toured as a long-term replacement for Jones by Wales coach Wayne Pivac.
"Yeah, it is a really nice thing to hear and a nice thing to say because we all know what sort of player Alun Wyn is," said Carter.
"He is one of the best but I am just in the camp giving it a good crack and doing my own thing here."
You can read what Pivac said about Carter here.
New Lions star ignoring social media trolls
New Lions wing Duhan van der Merwe has revealed that he's been receiving abuse on social media.
The Scotland star was born in South Africa, leading to some abuse online over his selection for the tourists.
However, van der Merwe has been trying to turn a blind eye to what has been said on social media.
"I've had a think about that and I'm just going to ignore those kinds of bits," he said.
"I've just been ignoring the stuff that people have been saying on social media and those bits. I know how I feel in my heart sitting here representing the Lions and that's all that matters.
"You get the odd comment here and there about 'He was born in South Africa, he shouldn't be representing Scotland the Lions, he's going back to South Africa and he shouldn't be representing the Lions,' all those kinds of bits.
"I don't want to really go into detail about that, but I just put all that behind me and focus on what I can focus on."
Asked if that kind of criticism motivates him, Van der Merwe simply said: "Yes, it does."
Sir Clive Woodward picks out key Lions combination
2005 Lions coach Sir Clive Woodward, the last man to take charge of the touring team on British soil, believes there is only one combination on show against Japan today that could prove pivotal to the Test series
"Saturday’s game is a welcome one off, against very singular opponents but even with the Lions very tight, constricted schedule I wouldn’t be reading too much into the Lions selection - with one exception," he wrote in his Mail column.
"That one selection I do feel has implications for the Test series? I note with interest that Warren has wasted no time in putting his two powerhouse centres Robbie Henshaw and Bundee Aki together, the old Connacht combo from a few years back.
"Possessing that power and real physical presence in midfield could be key against the Boks and I suspect that Gatland would be a happy man if the two Ireland centres immediately got back to their best alongside each other."
Ospreys hand out end of season awards
The Ospreys handed out their end of season awards on Friday night.
Keiran Williams scooped the double after an impressive season for the Glynneath centre, collecting both Young Player of the Year and Players' Player of the Year.
Williams had been widely expected to make his Wales debut this summer, but was ignored by Wayne Pivac.
After being left out, he told WalesOnline: “I was hopeful I might sneak in, so there is a bit of disappointment, but I’ll have a few weeks off, return to training with the club and hopefully start next season a better player."
Supporter’s player of the Year was awarded to second-row Adam Beard and Player of the year was awarded to Morgan Morris after a breakthrough season for the backrower.
Try of the season went to Josh Thomas for charging down Leinster’s kick in the 76th minute at the RDS back in March this year which saw the Ospreys come away with the win against and secure Champions Cup qualification for next season.
The Unsung Hero award was awarded to Gareth Thomas of Ystradgynlais RFC after being nominated by several members of his club for all his efforts over the pandemic.
'Time to step up' for the Lions
Alun Wyn Jones insists it is time for the players to take centre stage when months of uncertainty over the British and Irish Lions tour end with Saturday's opener against Japan in Edinburgh.
Jones leads the Lions into a rare home fixture, a maiden appearance against the enterprising Brave Blossoms and also their first outing at Murrayfield.
Twenty-four hours later they will depart for South Africa, where the tour will take place in defiance of a rising number of coronavirus cases that have forced the host nation into partial lockdown.
Alternatives such as relocation to these shores or Australia were considered as the expedition to the home of the world champions was placed into doubt by the pandemic, but with the visit of Japan it will finally have lift off.
"It has been a long time. Everyone was looking on before at the selection with regards to will it, won't it," said Jones, who will be embarking on his fourth tour.
"It went on for so long to now being 24 hours from the first game. There has been a tremendous amount of work and effort to get it going and now it's down to the players to get going as well.
"The challenge is to come together to create what is going to be a winning series with the Test side.
"You look at the Lions and that's what it's all about, it's what you want to be part of and I'm sure I'm not the only guy in the squad who's chomping at the bit to get on with it."
