All Blacks take shot at Johnny Sexton and stunning British and Irish ‘Super League’ talks held

The latest rugby news stories from Wales, the Rugby World Cup and beyond

British and Irish Super League talks
High-level talks have been held about establishing a British and Irish ‘super league’ that would transform domestic rugby in Wales.

The Telegraph report meetings have been held between executives from the Home Unions and the Premiership and URC, with initial discussions taking place at the Rugby World Cup. WalesOnline has also been told of conversations between powerbrokers amid renewed interest across the board in a concept many have desired for some time.

England’s Premiership clubs had shown little interest in changing their status quo in recent years, but the financial turmoil that has engulfed the game and seen three top tier English clubs disappear has changed the landscape significantly.

“There’s an energy to create a better future for the club game,” one leading executive at the World Cup told the Telegraph.

“We’re all flatlining, surviving, and making ends meet, whereas if you’re really serious about growing the game, we need to look at what formats are open to us and what would it take to be brave enough to step into that new world?”

Proposals, which are yet to be drawn up in any significant detail, would see South African and Italian teams also involved, with the URC and Premiership amalgamating, potentially into two divisions with relegation and promotion.

A new-look ‘FA Cup-style’ European knockout competition with French clubs is also said to have been mooted.

While there is clearly still a lot of detail to be thrashed out, the Telegraph report the new league could be given a target start date of three years from now.

All Blacks in dig at Sexton
All Blacks coach Ian Foster has responded to questions about Rieko Ioane’s apparent goading of Johnny Sexton by aiming a subtle dig at the now-retired Ireland captain.

Sexton was caught on camera raging at the All Blacks centre immediately after the final whistle of Ireland’s quarter-final defeat. Reports later surfaced claiming Ioane had been mocking the Irish fans with hand gestures just yards from a devastated Sexton. You can see the incident here.

Asked for his reaction, Foster seemingly made reference to Sexton’s recent indiscretions with match officials following last season’s Champions Cup final, according to the Irish Independent. The Irishman was banned for three matches for verbally attacking referee Jaco Peyper.

“It happens on most sporting parks when tensions are high and a lot at stake,” Foster shrugged.

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“Unfortunately recently it’s also included players saying a few things to referees. Is it right for the game? I don’t know. You don’t hear a lot of players complaining about it.”

Captain Sam Cane had similar feelings, saying: “It’s players’ different personalities and emotions running high in those moments.

“There’s always people who have different tactics but it’s always just left out there.”

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Lloyd targets Wales return
Scarlets star Ioan Lloyd says he is pushing to be included in Warren Gatland’s next Six Nations squad after making a return to Welsh rugby from Bristol Bears

The 22-year-old fly-half, who has two caps for Wales, had been given the opportunity to stay at Ashton Gate but turned down a new contract to move back over the bridge and fight for a place in the national team.

“My biggest dream has always been to play for Wales and the opportunity to come back and play for a club like the Scarlets was just too good to turn down,” he said in an interview with his new club ahead of the new URC season. “I still very much want to play for Wales. Getting into the Six Nations squad would definitely be my target.”

While a versatile black, Lloyd has also made it clear that he sees his future at fly-half, even if that means competing with new teammate Sam Costelow, who featured for Wales four times at the World Cup.

“No 10 is my main position and that’s the one I want to play,” he said. “As a fly-half, you need to know what everybody else on the pitch is doing. So playing in different positions over the last couple of years, I have been able to see things through other people’s eyes and hopefully that makes me a better player.

“The rich history of 10s here at the Scarlets is unbelievable. To be able to put on that jersey and try and put my own little mark on it, I can’t wait.”

“Sam is an unbelievable player,” Lloyd added. “He’s someone I’ve played with a lot through the years at age-grade. Hopefully we can benefit each other and help each other out and I can learn a lot off him and maybe he will learn a bit off me. I am excited for that dynamic and to challenge each other.”

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New Zealand recall Telea after protocol breach
New Zealand have recalled wing Mark Telea and lock Sam Whitelock for Friday’s Rugby World Cup semi-final against Argentina in Paris.

Telea was left out the All Blacks’ 28-24 quarter-final victory over Ireland after breaching team protocols.

The 26-year-old starts on the left flank in place of Leicester Fainga’anuku, who drops out of the matchday 23, despite scoring the first of the Kiwis’ three tries against the Irish.

Veteran second row Whitelock swaps roles with Brodie Retallick in the other alteration to Ian Foster’s starting XV to win his 152nd cap. Retallick is on the bench.

Samisoni Taukei’aho takes the spot of fellow hooker Dane Coles among the replacements.

Three-time winners New Zealand are strong favourites to progress and would face England or reigning champions South Africa in the final.

Yet underdogs Argentina have won two of the past seven meetings between the nations, including a landmark first success on New Zealand soil – 25-18 in Christchurch – in last year’s Rugby Championship.

New Zealand team: B Barrett; W Jordan, R Ioane, J Barrett, M Telea; R Mo’unga, A Smith; E De Groot, C Taylor, T Lomax, S Whitelock, S Barrett, S Frizell, S Cane (capt), A Savea.

Replacements: S Taukei’aho, T Williams, F Newell, B Retallick, D Papalii, F Christie, D McKenzie, A Lienert-Brown.