Here are the latest rugby headlines on Tuesday, August 30.
WRU preliminary employment tribunal hearing to be held
An employment tribunal that will see the Welsh Rugby Union face serious allegations from a former employee will move a step closer this week.
A preliminary hearing is set for Thursday, ahead of the tribunal which will hear accusations of sexual discrimination against the Union.
Among the allegations, previously reported by MailOnline, the complainant has accused individuals within the governing body of joking about raping her and comparing her to Hitler. She says she reported several alleged inappropriate incidents to the WRU but no action was taken.
Her grievance letter — which is reported to have been sent to the WRU in April last year — says she was "suffering with work related stress and extreme anxiety caused by multiple, systemic failings of the WRU to provide a fair and supportive environment within which to fully execute the demands of my role".
A WRU statement said at the time: "The grievance was taken extremely seriously by the WRU and was the subject of a comprehensive investigation by an external law firm. Following that investigation, the grievance was not upheld. No further comment will be made at this time given the ongoing Employment Tribunal claim."
England star's humble response to Eddie Jones' hook
Rugby star Danny Care has insisted he "can take it" after being replaced before half time while playing for England in the third Test against Australia.
Earlier in the summer, the Harlequins scrum-half was axed on 36 minutes, with Jack van Poortvliet coming on in his place. Eddie Jones' side were trailing at the time and would go on to win the match and the series.
The 35-year-old was making his big comeback after not featuring for England since 2018, so the substitution came as a shock to many.
Care showed remarkable humility and sportsmanship in his response to the call by Eddie Jones. He explained to the BBC's Rugby Union Weekly Podcast that he would rather it be him than a younger player.
"In a way I would have preferred that he did it to me, rather than to do it to someone like Marcus [Smith], as a young lad making his way."
"I'd like to think that I can handle it a little bit better than one of the younger lads, because I'm old enough and I've been chopped a lot of times!"
"I can take it and I can probably see the bigger picture a little bit more whereas if it happened to a younger lad earlier in his career it could have a fairly detrimental effect on him over the next few years."
First Worcester player set to leave amid chaos
Players and staff at Worcester Warriors have been told they are unlikely to be paid on Wednesday, according to reports, with highly-rated flanker Kyle Hatherell set to be the first player to leave the club amid the turmoil.
The Telegraph reports a message was sent to staff on Tuesday morning, with co-owner Colin Goldring explaining that HMRC’s winding-up petition means it cannot access the funds required to meet its requirements.
Under the Premiership Standard Form contract, players can apply for a breach of contract if they are not paid, with the club given 14 days to rectify the situation before the player can join another club for nothing.
Hatherell, who is on the fringes of the England squad, is said to be heading for France.
Mercer in contention for World Cup after return
Zach Mercer has placed himself in contention for a spot at next year's World Cup after agreeing to join Gloucester ahead of the 2023-24 season.
Mercer has been a star of the French Top 14 since joining Montpellier a year ago, helping them win the title, but playing overseas has made him ineligible for England selection.
The dynamic 25-year-old former Bath number eight won two caps in 2018 but his recent form has resulted in calls for an international comeback.
Upon joining Gloucester next June, he will become available for selection by England head coach Eddie Jones.
"Zach has a top-class work-rate, outstanding ball-carrying skills and is solid in defence. He will undoubtedly bring a further dimension to add to our current back row," Gloucester head coach George Skivington said.
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