Here's your rugby evening headlines for Friday, 12 August.
Brain injury lobby group hit back at World Rugby
A brain injury lobby group has accused World Rugby of “disrespecting modern-day players”, with the global governing body's reaction to the concussion lawsuit branded “incredibly frustrating and offensive”.
World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin hit back at the legal action in an interview with The Telegraph, where he disagreed with lobby group Progressive Rugby's mandatory stand-down proposal, claimed that the number of players involved in the lawsuit is lower than the 185 reported and told current players they should engage with the governing body rather than join the legal action. He also confirmed that World Rugby had ceased dialogue with Progressive Rugby due to the fact some of the lobby group's members are part of the legal action.
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However, Progressive Rugby, which boasts members such as former Wales international Alix Popham, has now responded to Gilpin's interview, taking issues with a number of his comments.
“We know from speaking with players currently in the elite game that changing rooms have never been more receptive to information around the importance of looking after their brain health,” a Progressive Rugby spokesperson told The Telegraph.
“World Rugby reject a mandatory minimum stand down period following brain injury because of the alleged behaviour of those playing prior to 2011. We believe this is a disrespectful assumption of the modern player who now has vast amounts of knowledge compared to the prior generation.
“While we respected World Rugby’s decision to cease player welfare discussions, it was naturally disappointing given the critical need for genuinely independent voices to be at the table. It was also somewhat baffling given World Rugby had been aware, since our formation in February 2021, that we had a very small number of members who are involved in the litigation.
“However, what we do find incredibly frustrating and offensive, is the inference that Progressive Rugby is part of, or somehow benefits from the ongoing litigation.
“Each member of Progressive Rugby gives their time for free, and we are fiercely proud that our only driver is the welfare of players and the continued success of the game. While we clearly have deep sympathy for those living with the effect of early onset dementia and CTE, our focus is solely on learning from the mistakes made in the past so we can better protect the current and future players of this great game.”
Wallabies could drop to all-time low in rankings
Despite their ongoing issues, the All Blacks won't be able to fall any lower in the world rankings this weekend, but rivals Australia could drop to an all-time low.
Should New Zealand lose to South Africa, even by more than 15 points, they would still not slip any lower than their current position of fifth. However, victory would see them jump back above England to fourth.
As for the Springboks, they are currently level on points with France - but sit just behind Les Bleus in third once the points are rounded up to three decimal places. However, any victory would move them to second and close the gap on first-placed Ireland.
In the Rugby Championship's other fixture, neither Argentina nor Australia can improve their position based on the result of their encounter. Argentina will remain ninth whatever happens, while the Wallabies cannot move up from sixth.
However, a heavy defeat of more than 15 points would see Australia dropping below Scotland, to equal their lowest ever ranking of seventh.
Sharks source funding to stay in Premier 15s
DMP Durham Sharks have been successful in sourcing the funding required to play in this season's Allianz Premier 15s.
Following a combination of crowdfunding, sponsorship and public support, the Sharks have managed to raise the required funds to meet the necessary standards and will therefore participate in the upcoming season as planned.
In a statement, the club offered their thanks to "everyone who has supported the Sharks in any way in recent weeks. The backing of members, supporters, sponsors and the general public has been incredible and has truly shown the power of sport. We would also like to thank the RFU for their support over what has been a very testing time for the club.
The club will continue to work hard to develop further commercial revenue streams to ensure a sustainable future for the Sharks and women’s rugby in the North East".
A Sharks player statement added: “We would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude for all your donations, messages of support and help in sharing our predicament to the wider public. It would not have been possible to secure this outcome without you. We truly are a team of the people."
Read more:
What Wales rugby players have to amid glamorous weddings, stunning getaways and imminent new arrival
Mike Hall's new beginning after a life at the heart of Welsh rugby and football
What became of the 42 rugby players officially named the most promising in Wales
Ex-Springbok hospitalised after alleged assault and Welsh region clarify situation
Captain demands Welsh region regain respect they lost and Springboks 'will rue' dropping star
