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Hawkins says he has no regrets over his move to Exeter Chiefs in 2023(Image: PA)
These are your evening rugby headlines on Wednesday, February 18.
World Rugby issue statement amid fury
World Rugby has urged fans to be patient after they were left furious while applying for tickets for next year’s Rugby World Cup in Australia.
The first batch of tickets went on pre-sale for the 2027 tournament at 1am (UK time) on Wednesday, with registered fans able to secure a limited number of seats for matches. However, fans were left frustrated as many reported being kicked off the ticketing site due to having “restricted access”.
Others reported wait times of several hours while in the queue to buy tickets, with one angry supporter describing it on social media as “the worst ticketing sale I’ve ever experienced”.
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However, rugby’s governing body has defended the system and insisted that it was “performing as intended” during the pre-sale, which will continue until March 4.
In a statement, the tournament organisers said: “The system is performing as intended during the Presale. It is designed to manage the high volumes of interest we typically see for Rugby World Cup, which can mean long wait times for some fans.
“Robust verification measures are in place to protect the integrity of the tournament and ensure tickets are secured by genuine fans. Maintaining secure access remains our priority.”
World Rugby added that fans who had not created or activated their ticketing accounts in time would get another opportunity to buy tickets in May, with a specific date for this “application phase” yet to be confirmed.
“The application phase gives all fans the opportunity to apply for tickets,” the organisers added. “Where demand exceeds availability, a ballot process will take place.
“The ballot process ensures fans have an equal opportunity to purchase tickets. We will have further announcements on this process soon.”
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Hawkins: No regrets over England move
By Phil Blanche, Press Association
Joe Hawkins says Wales must beware Scotland’s midfield threat of Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones in Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations clash.
Hawkins and fellow Scarlets centre Eddie James are expected to line up against the British and Irish Lions pair as Wales attempt to end a sorry run of 13 successive Six Nations defeats.
Captain Tuipulotu and Jones, who scored two tries in the 31-20 Calcutta Cup victory over England last weekend, form arguably the best centre partnership in the Championship and have fellow Lion Finn Russell inside them at fly-half pulling Scottish strings.
Hawkins said: “Tuipulotu’s obviously a powerful ball carrier, but he’s got nice subtle skills as well. Jones has got a bit of gas and some nice running lines, so they complement each other well.
“They’re quite a settled centre partnership, so whoever gets the chance (to play for Wales) this is a good test. I’m sure whoever plays will be looking forward to testing themselves against a Lions partnership and be right up for it.
“Russell has a good passing game and good kicking game, what he’s done at Bath and with Scotland speaks for itself. He seems to just play what he sees really, which is to play off instinct, and that is good for any player.”
Scotland have won the previous three fixtures between the two sides, with Wales’ last win coming at Cardiff in 2022. Hawkins played in Wales’ 2023 defeat at Murrayfield before leaving Ospreys for Exeter in a move that ruled him out of the World Cup later that year.
He fell short of the 25-cap rule for players plying their trade outside Wales, but was eligible to play for his country again after joining the Scarlets last summer.
Asked if he regretted not staying around for the World Cup, Hawkins said: “Not at all. Don’t get me wrong, it was always tough watching Wales during international windows while I was down in Exeter.
“But the playing experience and life experience I had from moving down there has put me in good stead for the rest of my career. I’m still only 23, so I’ve got a few good years ahead of me.”
England star urged to ‘express himself’
By Duncan Bech, Press Association Rugby Union Correspondent
Henry Pollock has been told by Steve Borthwick to express himself after England’s rising star was given his first Test start with the aim of bringing Allianz Stadium to its feet.
Pollock has been promoted to number eight for Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations clash with Ireland after all seven of his previous appearances were made as an impact replacement.
The swaggering 21-year-old thrives on the big stage having blazed a trail into England’s senior team at the end of the 2025 Six Nations and then winning a place on the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia.
Now Borthwick wants him to ignite the revival after last Saturday’s 31-20 defeat by Scotland damaged England’s title aspirations.
“Henry’s full of energy, full of character and full of beans and he’s already achieved so much in a very short space of time,” the head coach said. “He’s larger than life and each new level you challenge him with, he seems to thrive.
“As a player, he gets people excited, he gets people jumping up and down with joy. He can bring a euphoria to people that not many players can. I will challenge him to express himself, be himself, while also bringing the self sacrifice that a team sport needs. Do both.
“He does it wonderfully well and I am looking forward to seeing him do it from the start.”
Pollock’s promotion sees the back row reshaped with Ben Earl moving to openside flanker and Tom Curry coming in at blindside flanker. Sam Underhill and Guy Pepper drop to the bench to make room.
While the Northampton showman is a favourite among England fans, he is cast as a pantomime villain by opponents with French teams in particular looking to wind him up during European games.
Borthwick added: “He seems to thrive on that doesn’t he? It seems to just keep fuelling more of the energy that is within him. I find it incredible watching him – there are not many players like him. We want superstars in the game.”