html
[ad1]
Rugby Updates for Saturday, October 12
Former Wallaby Star Faces Legal Issues
An international arrest warrant has been issued for Rocky Elsom, a former Australian rugby player known for his flanker position. Now aged 41, Elsom has recently been convicted of charges including forgery and mismanagement of financial assets. Reports from various French media outlets such as AFP and L'Equipe indicate that he has received a five-year prison sentence linked to his tenure as president of RC Narbonne from 2015 to 2016. During this period, the club experienced severe financial troubles that ultimately resulted in their demotion to semi-professional status.
Accusations suggest Elsom embezzled close to €700,000 while holding his position at RCN, allegedly benefiting himself and certain players at the club. Prior to his court appearance this week in Narbonne, it is reported that he had "vanished." Interestingly enough, just days ago he was interviewed by the Times and mentioned taking up a coaching position in Dublin at the Catholic University School.
Refereeing Assignments Announced for Autumn Tests
Wales has confirmed the match officials scheduled for their Autumn Tests against Fiji, Australia, and South Africa next month. The opening game against Fiji will see Luc Ramos from France officiate, while New Zealander James Doleman will handle the third encounter against Australia. The highly anticipated showdown with South Africa will be managed by Karl Dickson.
Craig Evans from Wales is among six referees designated for two significant Test matches throughout this Autumn series. He is assigned as referee for Scotland versus Fiji at Murrayfield Stadium and England’s face-off against Japan held at Allianz Stadium. Additionally, Evans will serve an assistant referee role during fixtures including Scotland v South Africa and Ireland v Argentina.
Ian Davies of WRU's national elite performance referee management commented: “It brings me great joy to see Craig Evans selected among Tier 1 countries such as England facing Japan or Scotland challenging Fiji.” He praised Craig’s commitment despite personal challenges over the year: "His late father Martyn would undoubtedly take pride in watching him succeed."
Welsh officials Ben Whitehouse along with Adam Jones have also been appointed Television Match Officials (TMO) throughout autumn competitions.
Ospreys Welcomes Key Players Back
In preparation for their match on Saturday against the Bulls, notable players are rejoining Ospreys’ lineup including Justin Tipuric—one of their star flankers—Gareth Thomas alongside Kieran Williams who are making returns after setbacks.
New signing Kieran Hardy looks set to debut as a substitute behind Will Greatbanks; meanwhile Morgan Morse celebrates his milestone 100th appearance under coach Toby Booth’s leadership. With four wins out of their last five matches versus South African sides in URC play but having faced losses against Bulls recently adds intrigue heading into this clash.
Booth remarked about encountering these physically demanding teams: "When facing sides from South Africa you have embarked on a strenuous battle upfront.” Recalling past mistakes when they last met down south without proper breakdowns inspires confidence moving forward towards executing strategies effectively.
Ospreys Starting Lineup: Max Nagy; Iestyn Hopkins; Owen Watkin; Keiran Williams; Ryan Conbeer; Dan Edwards; Reuben Morgan-Williams; Gareth Thomas; Dewi Lake; Tom Botha ; James Ratti ; Adam Beard ; Jac Morgan (captain) ; Justin Tipuric ; Morgan Morris
Substitutes: Sam Parry , Garyn Phillips , Ben Warren , Lewis Jones , Will Greatbanks , Kieran Hardy , Luke Scully , Jack Walsh
Dragons Make Four Changes Ahead of Lions Face-Off
The Dragons F.C., welcoming back prop Leon Brown—previously sidelined due to illness—will field four alterations ahead of Sunday’s encounter with Lions team members . Brown steps into starting roles alongside Rodrigo Martinez down front row positions adding depth . Harri Keddie figures back into selection functioning within plays confined behind forwards meeting expectations led by Coach Dai Flanagan whose remarks reflect high regard toward upcoming competition dynamics .
Confident yet cognizant about recent records—the Dragon's haven’t achieved victory over any South African side since early February when besting Cheetahs narrowly by three points—and they confront challenge hosting Lions who’ve only succumbed twice across twelve previous matches facing Welsh opponents brings undeniable intensity .
Flanagan articulated appreciation towards Lion's physical gameplay expressed fascination noting advancements made under Ivan van Rooyen director expertise recognizing promising talents sequentially rising amidst successful recruitment refining skills widely beyond initial conditions leading each member daring offensive avenues ventures taken collectively exemplified through conscientious teamwork evidenced upon pitch structure elements harmonized effectively potentacy amid local advocacy resonating belief earning respect ultimately emphasized crowd presence tomorrow leading victories driven positive morale thus claimed place away again hardwood environment producing detailed explorative interactions allowing prosperity flourish continuing legacy wondrous enthusiasm coupled balancing excellent outreach fluency reflected through overcoming hurdles displaying memorable participation lingering emotionally trailblazing circumstances inherently showcasing growth upgrade path ensuing promise confidently onward .
Dragons Starting Lineup: Angus O’Brien ; Rio Dyer ; Joe Westwood ; Aneurin Owen ; Jared Rosser； Lloyd Evans； Rhodri Williams； Rodrigo Martinez； Brodie Coghlan； Leon Brown； Ben Carter (capt); Matthew Screech， Shane Lewis-Hughes， Harri Keddie， Taine Basham
Substitutes: Oli Burrows， Cameron Jones ， Chris Coleman ， Ryan Woodman ， Dan Lydiate ， Dane Blacker ， Will Reed ， Ewan Rosser
[ad2]
