Here are the latest rugby headlines on Monday, November 7.
Dyer caught off guard by tears
Rio Dyer says he hopes he has made his family proud with his tearful try-scoring debut for Wales against New Zealand.
The Dragons winger marked his first cap in style as he came off his wing to slice through to the line off a pre-planned move after 25 minutes at the Principality Stadium. Ahead of kick-off, he was seen with a tear in his eye as he lined up amid a rousing rendition of Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau.
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“The experience I had, running out to that anthem, I think I got a little bit emotional," he said. "I don’t really cry often, but that caught me off guard a bit and that will be a moment I will never forget."
In an interview released by the Welsh Rugby Union, he continued: “A try on debut, I don’t think anyone can ever imagine that, especially against a team like the All Blacks. It was such a surreal moment for me. I couldn’t believe it. I had about 14 family at the game, which is a decent amount. I was just going out for them, trying to put in a performance to make them proud and hopefully I did that.”
Reflecting on Wales’ 55-23 defeat to the All Blacks, the 22-year-old said: “It wasn’t the result we wanted, we had been working hard throughout the week to try and turn them over, but they were just too good in the second half.”
WRU plead for witnesses after Wales v New Zealand altercation
The WRU are urging witnesses to an alleged altercation during Saturday’s Wales-New Zealand game to contact police after an 80-year-old bystander was hurt. The alleged incident took place between two other men at the Principality Stadium, with the 80-year-old man being taken to hospital for treatment. Two men, aged 20 and 32, were arrested on suspicion of assault.
A WRU spokesperson said: “We are aware of an incident that took place at Principality Stadium (on Saturday afternoon) and are fully cooperating with South Wales Police. We are extremely sorry to hear that a supporter was injured during the incident, and we encourage anyone who witnessed the incident to contact South Wales Police.”
A spokesperson for South Wales Police said: “Shortly before 4.30pm (on Saturday 5 November), South Wales Police was called to reports of an altercation between two men at the Principality Stadium. The two men involved, aged 20 and 32, were arrested for assault and remain in police custody. An 80-year-old male bystander was injured and was taken to hospital.”
Anybody with information is asked to contact South Wales Police via ‘Provide more information to be added to a crime report | South Wales Police (south-wales.police.uk)’ and quote 2200375175.
Finn Russell recalled
Finn Russell has been recalled to the Scotland squad for this Sunday’s Test against New Zealand as a replacement for the injured Adam Hastings. The Racing 92 outside-half was a controversial omission from Gregor Townsend’s original group for the Autumn Nations Series.
Hastings, Blair Kinghorn and Ross Thompson were all chosen ahead of Russell, with Townsend citing “form and consistency” as the key reasons for the 30-year-old’s non-selection. Gloucester’s Hastings has now returned to his club after being forced off with a head knock during Saturday’s 28-12 win over Fiji at Murrayfield, while he is also having a knee issue assessed.
The 62-cap Russell pressed his case for a recall by scoring a try and landing four kicks at goal as Racing 92 defeated Perpignan 44-20 on the weekend.
Murray's autumn over
Lions scrum-half Conor Murray has been ruled out of the rest of Ireland’s autumn campaign after injuring his groin in Saturday’s win over world champions South Africa in Dublin. The Munster man’s 100th cap ended early when he was forced off in the first half.
Ulster second row Iain Henderson has returned to the squad, while uncapped Leinster prop Michael Milne has been called up ahead of this Saturday’s encounter with Fiji at the Aviva Stadium.
Centre Robbie Henshaw, who was forced to withdraw from the Springboks game, will return to training this week, while Tadhg Furlong, Johnny Sexton and Stuart McCloskey are recovering from knocks picked up in the 19-16 win.
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Barbarians name Wales duo in matchday squad
The Barbarians have named their 23-man match-day squad for Sunday’s meeting with an All Blacks XV at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Welsh internationals Rhys Webb and Aaron Wainwright are joined by the likes of England prop Joe Marler, French winger Teddy Thomas, Kiwi flanker Luke Whitelock and Springboks speedster Raymond Rhule, with nine different nations represented.
Co-coach Ronan O’Gara has brought a number of his star turns from European champions La Rochelle with him for the game against a strong All Blacks XV outfit that is set to feature the likes of Damian McKenzie, Brad Weber and skipper Patrick Tuipulotu, plus Warren Gatland’s son Bryn.
Barbarians squad — backs: George Bridge (New Zealand), Antoine Hastoy (France), Tawera Kerr Barlow (New Zealand), Dillyn Leyds (South Africa), Joe Marchant (England), Charlie Ngatai (New Zealand), Remi Picquette (Stade Rochelais), Raymond Rhule (South Africa), Teddy Thomas (France), Rhys Webb (Wales), Ihaia West (Toulon).
Forwards: Facundo Bosch (Argentina), Camille Chat (France), George Henri Colombe (La Rochelle), Cedate Gomes Sa (France), Joe Marler (England), Zach Mercer (England), John Ryan (Ireland), Romain Sazy (La Rochelle), Lekima Tagitagivalu (Fiji), Aaron Wainwright (Wales), Lauret Wenceslas (France), Luke Whitelock (New Zealand).
Former Ireland international dies
Tributes have been paid to former Ireland international and European rugby chief Paul McNaughton who has passed away aged 69. The Leinsterman won 15 caps in the centre for his country and went on to serve as both chairman and a board director of EPCR, the organisers of the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup.
EPCR chairman Dominic McKay said: “All at EPCR are hugely saddened to hear of Paul McNaughton’s passing. Many of us knew Paul well and recognise his significant contribution not just to EPCR, but to Irish rugby and the game more widely. He was highly regarded by all who worked with him, and indeed knew him.”
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