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URC chief Tappe Henning(Image: Dave Rogers – World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)
These are your evening rugby headlines on Tuesday, May 26.
URC chief threatens crackdown
United Rugby Championship head of match officials Tappe Henning has warned that the league may have to adopt a “zero-tolerance” approach towards players appealing for decisions if the trend continues to worsen.
Speaking during a URC media briefing, the former Test match referee said that officials are growing increasingly frustrated by players calling out to appeal for offsides and dangerous tackles and warned that stricter measures could be brought in to stamp it out.
While he admitted that emotional reactions on the field of play were understandable, Henning added that players must respect the referee and a crackdown on poor behaviour will have to take place unless attitudes begin to change. Win free tickets to watch Fiji v Wales in Cardiff this summer.
“It is becoming excessive,” the 64-year-old said. “We do not want to go into a zero-tolerance approach, but if it does not improve we will get to a point where we apply zero tolerance.
“The referee will try to manage it early in the game and request the captain to take control of his players. What we definitely do not want is four or five players surrounding the referee.”
“We understand disappointment and frustration from players, but if the referee draws the line in the sand, we expect players to respect that,” he added.
“That will be one of our discussions tonight to ensure our playoffs remain a spectacle.”
Welsh club in mourning
Tributes have been paid to a rugby player from Bridgend after he died following a fatal road traffic collision last week.
Emergency services were called to the B4265 Wick Road in the Vale of Glamorgan at approximately 3pm on Friday (May 22) following reports of a collision a Suzuki motorcycle and a red Toyota Yaris. Tragically, despite the efforts of emergency responders, 37-year-old Robert Curl was pronounced dead at the scene.
Mr Curl’s rugby club, Cefn Cribwr AC, have now paid tribute to their player, saying he was “taken from us too soon.”
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“An incredibly sad time for all associated with our club,” the statement read. “We send condolences from our Rider family to all of Rob’s family, after he was tragically taken from us too soon.
“RIP Curly. Once a Rider, always a Rider.”
It comes after Mr Curl’s devastated family paid a heartfelt tribute to the “loving father and partner” in a statement shared by police over the weekend.
“As a family we are devastated at the loss of Robert, a son, brother, loving father, loving partner, uncle, grandson and nephew as well as a friend to many,” the statement read. “He touched so many people’s lives and will be loved and missed always.”
The driver of the Toyota Yaris is assisting officers with their enquiries about Friday’s fatal incident, but police are continuing to appeal for witnesses who saw the collision, or either vehicle prior to the incident, to come forward.
Officers are also asking anyone with relevant dashcam or CCTV footage to contact them. Anyone with information is urged to contact South Wales Police quoting reference number 2600159686.
Scotland trio set for return
By Anthony Brown, Press Association
Glasgow hope to have Scotland trio Matt Fagerson, Jamie Dobie and Scott Cummings available for their tilt at United Rugby Championship glory.
Stand-off Dobie and lock Cummings have both been sidelined by injury since the Six Nations earlier this year, but have returned to training ahead of Friday’s quarter-final at home to Connacht.
“Jamie and Scott trained last week, so we just need to see how they react,” defence coach Scott Forrest said on Monday. “We’ll just wait and see whether they’re actually in the mix this week, or obviously if we get past this weekend, then is it going to be the week after.”
Back-rower Fagerson missed the last match of the regulation URC season as Glasgow sealed top spot with an away win over Ulster.
“That was probably a little bit more of a precaution,” said Forrest. “He trained at the start of the Ulster week and then pulled up towards the end of the week, nothing too serious. He just felt his groin a little bit, so again, he should be back in the mix.”
Gregor Brown and Huw Jones are both set to miss the visit of Connacht.
“It’s a tough one for Gregor,” said Forrest. “It was his first game back from his hamstring injury and he’s tweaked his calf against Ulster. We’ll just need to see how he reacts.
“Huw’s still recovering in terms of his foot injury. He didn’t train last week. He will hopefully play again this season but whether it’s this week or semi-final, again if we get there, then we’ll just wait and see. But he’s still being led by the S&C and the medical team.”
This weekend’s match is set to be Glasgow’s last of the season at Scotstoun regardless of whether they progress or not. If they get through, their semi-final is set to be at Murrayfield, while they are hopeful that they would also be able to play their home final at the national stadium if they go all the way.
Scottish Rugby chiefs are trying to negotiate with concert organisers to ensure the stadium is available for Glasgow’s potential involvement in the final on June 20.
“We still don’t have confirmation,” said Forrest, when asked about the possibility of being able to play a final at Murrayfield. “If that happened obviously, it would be great for our fans and it would be great for us but until it’s confirmed we don’t really want to pay too much attention to it.
“And having been knocked out in a quarter-final of the European competition already (against Toulon), we’re trying not to talk or look past this Friday night against Connacht.”
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