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<\/p>\nThe latest rugby news from Wales and around the world<\/p>\n
Hawkins says he has no regrets over his move to Exeter Chiefs in 2023(Image: PA)<\/p>\n
These are your evening rugby headlines on Wednesday, February 18.<\/p>\n
World Rugby issue statement amid fury<\/p>\n
World Rugby has urged fans to be patient after they were left furious while applying for tickets for next year’s Rugby World Cup<\/a> in Australia.<\/p>\n 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”.<\/p>\n 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”.<\/p>\n Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate<\/a> or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n In a statement, the tournament organisers said: \u201cThe 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.<\/p>\n \u201cRobust 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.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cThe application phase gives all fans the opportunity to apply for tickets,” the organisers added. “Where demand exceeds availability, a ballot process will take place.<\/p>\n “The ballot process ensures fans have an equal opportunity to purchase tickets. We will have further announcements on this process soon.”<\/p>\n Get the latest Wales Rugby merch at Fanatics<\/p>\n This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more<\/a> Various Price<\/p>\n Fanatics<\/p>\n Buy Now on Fanatics<\/a><\/p>\n The Six Nations is running from February 5 to March 14 and Wales Rugby fans can get the latest jerseys, hoodies and more at Fanatics.<\/p>\n Hawkins: No regrets over England move<\/p>\n By Phil Blanche, Press Association<\/p>\n Joe Hawkins says Wales must beware Scotland\u2019s midfield threat of Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones in Saturday\u2019s Guinness Six Nations clash.<\/p>\n Hawkins and fellow Scarlets<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Hawkins said: \u201cTuipulotu\u2019s obviously a powerful ball carrier, but he\u2019s got nice subtle skills as well. Jones has got a bit of gas and some nice running lines, so they complement each other well.<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re quite a settled centre partnership, so whoever gets the chance (to play for Wales) this is a good test. I\u2019m sure whoever plays will be looking forward to testing themselves against a Lions partnership and be right up for it.<\/p>\n \u201cRussell has a good passing game and good kicking game, what he\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Scotland have won the previous three fixtures between the two sides, with Wales\u2019 last win coming at Cardiff<\/a> in 2022. Hawkins played in Wales\u2019 2023 defeat at Murrayfield before leaving Ospreys<\/a> for Exeter in a move that ruled him out of the World Cup later that year.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Asked if he regretted not staying around for the World Cup, Hawkins said: \u201cNot at all. Don\u2019t get me wrong, it was always tough watching Wales during international windows while I was down in Exeter.<\/p>\n \u201cBut 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\u2019m still only 23, so I\u2019ve got a few good years ahead of me.\u201d<\/p>\n England star urged to ‘express himself’<\/p>\n By Duncan Bech, Press Association Rugby Union Correspondent<\/p>\n Henry Pollock has been told by Steve Borthwick to express himself after England\u2019s rising star was given his first Test start with the aim of bringing Allianz Stadium to its feet.<\/p>\n![\"Content](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/0_Untitled-11jpeg.jpg\"\/)
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