Here are your rugby headlines from the Six Nations, Wales and beyond for Saturday, February 20.
Stunning Taulupe Faletau shines
Wales and Bath back-rower Taulupe Faletau was named man of the match in his side's 16-14 win over Gloucester on Friday night.
Released back to his club during a fallow week of the Six Nations, Faletau was fed a quick pass by Tom de Glanville before charging over on the stroke of half time.
It was part of a vintage performance from the Lions man, which drew huge praise from fans and his club boss Stuart Hooper, who said: "Taulupe is a quality guy, as well as one of the best back rows in the world. He just wanted to come back and step up for these lads.
"On Tuesday, he was sore having played two massive internationals for his country, but he turned his body round in 48 hours and put in that shift out there, which is a credit to him. He's a tremendous bloke and a tremendous Bath man."
Cardiff Blues-bound Rhys Priestland racked up 11 points to secure the vital derby win.
Faletau and Louis Rees-Zammit came through unscathed in the clash, just a week before Wales play England in the Six Nations.
Sam Davies' decision backed
Dragons coach Dean Ryan has backed Sam Davies' decision to kick the ball out and settle for a losing bonus point defeat against Leinster in Friday night's PRO14 match.
The Dragons fought back from 35-15 down to get within a score, but chose to end the game at 35-29, with Davies booting the ball dead.
The decision sparked a big reaction among fans on social media, with many disappointed the Welsh side didn't go for victory. Others understood the pragmatic approach.
“I think it was the right decision,” director of rugby Ryan told the South Wales Argus.
“That was against one of the best running sides in Europe and let’s be honest, if you are sat at home on your couch then you don’t quite understand how heavy that pitch is.
“I don’t think that we were going 80 metres and we are at a stage where a point against Leinster is quite a smart move at the moment, and we’ve got to go and get some points next week [against Zebre].
“It was absolutely the right decision otherwise we are just going to cut our own throats, but we could have got to that point earlier in the game and then something might have been on, so that’s for us to work on.”
Dan Carter retires from rugby
One of the game's greatest ever players, Dan Carter has officially announced his retirement from rugby.
In a statement, he said: "I've thought about this on so many occasions but today is the day and I am very grateful that I can do it on my terms. I'm officially retiring from professional rugby.
"A sport I've played for 32 years which has helped shape me into the person I am today. I can't thank everyone who has played a part in my journey enough - from my team-mates, opponents, coaching and management teams, sponsors and in particular you, the fans.
"A special mention to my friends and family who have supported and guided me through my career. Mum and Dad, thank you for everything you have sacrificed for me.
"My wife Honor for being my rock and allowing me to fulfil my dreams while raising our beautiful family - I can't thank you enough.
"I'm excited about my next chapter in life and what that will look like. For now, I'm sad to walk away from playing but the timing is right. Rugby will always be a part of my life. Thank you."
The 38-year-old won the last of his 112 All Blacks caps with a man-of-the-match display in the 2015 World Cup final win over Australia.
He has since played for French club Racing 92 and Japan's Kobelco Steelers.
Dupont to miss crucial Six Nations match
Antoine Dupont is now expected to miss the Scotland match at Stade de France next Saturday after testing positive for coronavirus.
He will have to isolate for 10 days, as per updated French government rules, MailOnline report.
The scrum-half, seen by many as the best rugby player in the world right now, is the fourth member of the French camp to have the illness.
It follows confirmation earlier this week that French head coach Fabien Galthie had tested positive, as well as assistant William Servat and another member of the backroom team.
