Here's your round-up of the latest rugby headlines for Wednesday, December 22.
Young wanted Cardiff v Scarlets clash moved
Cardiff director of rugby David Young admits he would have been in favour of postponing his side's festive derby clash with the Scarlets and says the decision to play behind closed doors will deal a substantial financial hit to the region.
The hammer blow of a Boxing Day Arms Park game without fans after the Welsh Government's announcement follows hot on the heels of Cardiff's nightmare trip to South Africa.
While admitting that his side will need certain assurances if they are to return to the Rainbow Nation in the new year, Young would have preferred the upcoming Scarlets clash to be played at a later date in order to allow supporters through the turnstiles.
First Minister Mark Drakeford will hold a press conference today and is likely to talk more about the decision to ban crowds. You can follow live updates here.
"It didn’t come across my desk moving it somewhere else, but what we would have liked to have done is postpone it to a time where supporters could attend the game," he said.
"Not for only the supporters, who showed they wanted to come by buying tickets, but from a financial and commercial point of view it’s one of our biggest days.
"Even if it wasn’t on Boxing Day I’m sure it would have had a big commercial uptake. We looked at that, but we were knocked back on that.
"I’d be lying if I were to say training wasn’t a little bit flat today. Everyone felt a little bit flat. We want to look forward to the game and playing a big Welsh derby, but everyone felt a little bit disappointed as we were all looking forward to it."
Young insists his side are doing their best to focus on rugby, but admits the financial implications of playing games behind closed doors again are likely to be a concern for the region.
"It’s not the first thing on your mind the financial implications, but when you do sit down and think about it, it’s a worry.," he continued.
"We’ve been here before, it’s not something we want to go back to, but none of us know whether this is for a couple of weeks or longer really. The shorter the better for us."
Lam's dire warning over lockdown threat
Bristol boss Pat Lam has warned tighter restrictions in England would leave many Premiership clubs struggling to survive.
Unlike Wales and Scotland, restrictions on clubs in England are currently unchanged, but Prime Minister Boris Johnson has refused to rule out the possibility of further measures being introduced.
It has left clubs facing something of an anxious wait, with Lam admitting that many will struggle to survive if a lockdown were introduced.
He told The Guardian : "People look at us and think, ‘They have got [owner] Steve Lansdown, a billionaire,’ but what people tend to forget is we don’t have what Steve is worth. Steve has put in his time here close to £80m of his own money into Bristol rugby, and that is a lot.
“We have a fantastic product. Professional rugby is a great game, but the reality is there are a lot of wealthy people who are losing money. I don’t mean to be doom and gloom, but this is not as cosy as people think.
"I am pretty sure PRL [Premiership Rugby Limited] will be talking to the government. The decision by the Premier League to keep going was an important one for rugby as well.”
Scottish derby to go ahead without fans
Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh are set to play out their upcoming festive derby matches behind closed doors.
As part of their efforts to combat the spread of the Omicron variant of Covid-19, the Scottish Government has announced a cap of 500 spectators at outdoor events, starting from December 26.
Glasgow are due to host their local rivals at Scotstoun the day after, with the return match pencilled in for January 2.
Warriors' managing director Al Kellock said: "We understand that this will come as a disappointment to many, as our fixtures with Edinburgh are always amongst those greeted with the highest anticipation by all associated with the club.
"However, wellbeing of everyone across the country is paramount as I'm sure you'll agree."
Munster game off
Munster's United Rugby Championship Irish derby clash with Leinster on Boxing Day has been postponed because of an outbreak of Covid-19 at the Dublin-based province.
Leinster have now lost a second match to coronavirus after Friday night's Heineken Champions Cup trip to Montpellier was cancelled for the same reason, resulting in a 28-0 defeat being awarded against them.
A date for the rearranged game is being identified as Covid-19 continues to play havoc with the rugby schedule across Europe.
French star announces retirement
French flanker Kevin Gourdon has announced his retirement from professional rugby at the age 31 due to a heart problem.
Gourdon, who played 19 times for his country, announced the news on La Rochelle's official website.
"Unfortunately it's something we can't control, I'm not in a position to do anything to make the situation different, so I have no regrets," he said.
"I've been lucky enough to have a busy career, I've experienced a lot with Stade Rochelais, the Pro D2, the fight to stay in the Top 14 and then a few years later the final phases. It's a lot of memories, a lot of emotions."
Gourdon joined La Rochelle from Clermont in 2012 and played 221 games for the club as they rose from the second division to last season's Champions Cup final.
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