The latest rugby news from Wales and beyond
World Cup final TMO reveals sinister email
Rugby World Cup final official Tom Foley has received death threats and abuse, including a sinister email sent to his children’s school.
Foley was the TMO during the showpiece event in France last month, that saw South Africa claim their second consecutive World Cup at the expense of New Zealand. Get the latest World Cup news by signing up to our newsletter here
World Rugby have recorded 2,000 death threats to officials in total in recent weeks. Some of the messages Foley has recently received include threats to “hunt him down” and the hope that he would die in a car crash.
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The referee appeared on the Two Locks and Cox podcast, and noted one email sent to the school of his children: “Most of it you can take. A lot of it is just from keyboard warriors. But when they know enough information that it could be a problem, that’s when it gets worrying,” he said.
“(My children’s) school even had an email. It’s a tiny minority. Think of the millions of people who watched that game. It’s still a tiny percentage but the problem is – how are we going to get people to referee? The sport as a whole is going to suffer.”
Foley also told BBC News that he had never experienced anything like that before, in all his 20 years of officiating: “You can’t hide behind this faceless façade. It’s cowardice. It’s complete cowardice.
“They wouldn’t say it to you in the street. So why do they feel that they can say it online?”
Rugby player dies suddenly at 29
New Zealand women’s rugby player Melita Williams has died at the age of 29.
The death has left her team-mates in “shock and sorrow”, as her sudden passing was revealed on social media.
The front-rower played for Auckland’s Harbor Rugby Hibiscus in the country’s top tier during the last two years, and the team paid tribute, saying: “She lifted us up when we needed it the most with her energy (and) determination, always showcasing her love for the game.”
The Eden Rugby Club for which Williams previously played in the Lady Hawks team, posted on Facebook, and said her passing is a “tremendous loss for our community.”
“She was not only a talented and dedicated player, but also a kind, compassionate, and inspiring individual. She was a shining example of what it means to be a true rugby player and a remarkable human being.”
Posonby Rugby Club also shared their sympathies, saying: “Melita was not only a talented player. but also a cherished member of our Ponies whanau (family).
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“We are deeply saddened that she will not celebrate her wonderful achievement,” she was due to be presented with a women’s blazer later this week, having played 40 games for the team.
“Rest in love, Melita. You will be sorely missed.”
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Taine Plumtree confirms he will miss Six Nations
Scarlets flanker Taine Plumtree has confirmed he will miss the 2024 Six Nations.
Dwayne Peel revealed the Swansea-born man would require surgery, but now the player himself has provided clarity on social media.
Posting to Instagram, Plumtree attached a photo of him with the Scarlets team, along with the caption: “Shoulder asked for four months. Back soon.”
Wales kick off their Six Nations campaign against Scotland on February 3 in Cardiff, which is just over two months away. Not only is it frustrating for Wales, but Scarlets will be without one of their key players during their European Challenge Cup group stage phase, as well as a large chunk of their United Rugby Championship fixtures.
Plumtree has earned two caps for Wales since being called up for the World Cup training squad, most recently featuring in a non-capped match against Barbarians at the Principality Stadium.
England flanker to join Top 14 giants
Northampton Saints flanker Lewis Ludlam is set to join French outfit Toulon, reports The Telegraph.
The 27-year-old has played in two World Cups for England, and has earmarked value and length of offer as the reasoning for his departure from the Gallagher Premiership.
Ludlam joins fellow England international David Ribbans at Toulon, and will also link up with Wales legend Dan Biggar at the iconic club.
The back-rower is the latest on a long list of England internationals who have decided to move to the Top 14, with Henry Arundell, Joe Marchant and Jack Willis already plying their trade over the English Channel.
Ludlam will be available for Saints and England selection for the rest of the season, as he will not join up with the French club until next summer. From there, he will be ineligible to represent England.
Fellow England international and Gloucester hooker Jack Singleton is also set for French switch, according to RugbyPass. The 27-year-old is making an immediate switch to Toulon, but in this case as a medical joker. Kyle Sinckler is also rumoured to be joining the club.
All Blacks captain calls for eligibility rule change
New Zealand captain Sam Cane says New Zealand Rugby should review their eligibility rules.
Cane is currently out in Japan, and has started a new stint with Suntory Sungoliath. The flanker believes that the eligibility rules on players playing outside of New Zealand should be changed.
At the moment, if you play abroad, you cannot represent the All Blacks. Fellow All Blacks Richie Mo’unga (Toshiba Brave Lupus) and Leicester Fanga’anuku (Toulon) have already decided to pause their international careers in favour of a challenge overseas.
Cane will not miss any internationals during his time in Japan due to the short length of his contract, but he has still spoken out on behalf of all those players who’ve signed multi-year deals abroad.
