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Here are the latest rugby headlines on Wednesday, July 15.
Irish rugby coach killed in Welsh accident
A hugely respected Irish rugby coach was killed in a motorbike crash in Snowdonia, it has emerged.
The Irish Times report former Ireland and Scotland women’s head rugby coach Philip Doyle died after a motorbike crash on Beddgelert Road, Nant Gwynant.
The 61-year-old suffered fatal injuries in a single-vehicle collision on June 25. His inquest opened in north Wales on Wednesday where it was confirmed Doyle was found by a member of the public.
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North Wales Police previously said officers were called shortly after 11.30am to reports of a single-vehicle collision involving a motorbike on the road between Nantmor and Nant Gwynant. The inquest was adjourned while further investigations continue.
Doyle was one of the most respected figures in women’s rugby. He guided Ireland to a historic Women’s Six Nations Grand Slam in 2013 before leading the team to the semi-finals of the 2014 Rugby World Cup.
He also coached Ulster Women between 2015 and 2016 before becoming head coach of Scotland Women in April 2019, where he began his tenure by overseeing the team’s first-ever series victory in South Africa.
Following news of his death, Ulster Rugby paid tribute to the former coach, describing him as “a hugely respected coach and advocate for the women’s game”.
The club said: “Philip led the Ireland women’s team to a historic Grand Slam in 2013 and a Rugby World Cup semi-final in 2014.
“He also coached Ulster women in 2015 and 2016, leaving a lasting impact on players and everyone who had the privilege of working with him.”
Blackrock College described a “profound sadness” at the news and hailed Doyle, affectionately known as ‘Goose’, calling him “the most influential coach in the history of women’s rugby”.
The club added: “At Blackrock, Goose was far more than a list of achievements. He was a mentor, a friend, a storyteller, and a constant source of encouragement.
“He cared deeply about the people he coached. He gave players confidence, challenged them to be better, and reminded everyone around him why rugby is such a special game.”
Wales ‘must throw a punch’
Nicky Smith says Wales must “throw a punch” against South Africa after admitting they failed to lay a glove on Argentina.
Wales face the Springboks in Durban on Saturday looking to bounce back from their defeat to Los Pumas and end their tour on a high.
Smith believes Wales’ biggest regret from the Argentina loss was not taking the game to their opponents.
“I think what was most disappointing was we didn’t feel like we threw a punch,” he said.
“We reacted after half-time and wrestled a bit of momentum back, but by then it was probably too late. Against a side like South Africa, we’ve got to start fast.”
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The experienced prop knows another huge challenge awaits against the world champions’ powerful pack but says that is exactly the sort of test players relish.
“You want to test yourself against the best, and they’re double world champions for a reason. That’s what excites you as a front-rower.”
Smith believes Wales can take confidence from their own set-piece, which has impressed so far on tour.
“Our set-piece has gone well. The scrum has been a real weapon for us, but now we face the ultimate test. That’s the exact opportunity you want as a pack.”
Rather than fearing the hostile atmosphere at Kings Park, Smith says the message from the coaches has been for Wales’ young squad to embrace the occasion.
“We understand the scale of the challenge, but the message has been to get excited. We want to throw our punch and see where it gets us. It’s about making sure the younger boys are excited by the opportunity, not fearful of it.”
One of those youngsters is tight-head prop Ben Warren, who scored his first Test try against Argentina after making his debut against Fiji. “It’s been pretty special,” said the 22-year-old. “To get my first cap and then score my first try has been unbelievable. The speed and physicality of everything is on another level. It’s a massive jump from the URC.”
England welcome competition between Earl and Pollock
By Duncan Bech, Press Association Rugby Union Correspondent, Buenos Aires
England have highlighted the impact of Ben Earl as Steve Borthwick faces calls to unleash Henry Pollock from the start in Saturday’s clash with Argentina in Santiago del Estero.
Pollock delivered a high-octane hat-trick in a 32-minute cameo off the bench in last weekend’s 11-try destruction of Fiji and a host of former internationals, including Ben Youngs, Chris Ashton and Jeremy Guscott, have have demanded his promotion to the back row.
But the athletic 21-year-old is competing for the number eight jersey with Earl, who has been one of the most consistent performers of the Borthwick era and England’s go-to ball carrier.
After two rounds of the Nations Championship, Earl is positioned third in the carrying charts across all teams with the bulk of his hard explosive yards into the heart of the opposition pack.
Head coach Borthwick names his team for the final leg of the July tour on Thursday, and England senior assistant coach Richard Wigglesworth insists both options are under consideration.
“There’s no resistance to Henry playing but Ben Earl has been one of our best players for a long, long time,” Wigglesworth said.
“There’s always a clamour to get someone in, but there’s not that much of a clamour to get someone else out of the team, so we’re looking at both. We always want competition for places – that’s really healthy.”
All but one of Pollock’s 12 caps have been won as an impact sub and the expectation is that he continues in that role against the Pumas. Wigglesworth denies England have been too conservative with his development.
“Henry’s done an awesome job off the bench in terms of the pace and dynamism that he brings against tiring legs,” Wigglesworth said.
“But we’re fully aware of what he can do from the start because of what he’s done for Northampton in big games.
“I don’t think we’re being that cautious with Henry. He’s forced his way into the team.
“He played for our Under-20s and England’s senior team in the same Six Nations, so that’s not a cautious move by us.
“He went on the British and Irish Lions tour last year on the back of what he did with us. We know we’ve got a strong back row, but we’re happy with what he’s doing for us.”
As ever, a question mark hovers over the the midfield combination of Seb Atkinson and Henry Slade – who started against Fiji – potentially being broken up by the promotion of Benhard Janse van Rensburg.
