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These are your evening rugby headlines on Tuesday, January 20.
‘Tough’ Wales phone calls emerge
Wales head coach Steve Tandy admits he made a series of “tough” phone calls ahead of announcing his first Six Nations squad, with more players left “frustrated” at being left out of his plans.
Tandy named his 38-man squad on Tuesday, with 77-cap tighthead Tomas Francis returning to the international fold for the first time since the 2023 Rugby World Cup, while uncapped Leicester Tigers wing Gabriel Hamer-Webb was a shock inclusion.
Several players who missed out on a place in the autumn squad, such as Sam Costelow and James Botham, have been recalled ahead of the tournament, which for Wales starts away to England on February 7.
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However, there were some notable omissions with the likes of Tommy Reffell and Rio Dyer missing out alongside fellow absentees Callum Sheedy, Morgan Morse and experienced duo Jake Ball and Ross Moriarty.
Addressing the media after naming his squad, Tandy admitted that he had been making calls until 9.30pm last night, with some “disappointed” players on the other end of the phone when he told them the bad news.
“There was [some tough calls],” the Wales boss said. “Look, that’s great. There were lots of phone calls we had last night as coaches where it wasn’t so much unlucky but that’s where the competition is heading.
“That’s where we need to be. The more phone calls I’m having where people are frustrated they aren’t in or they feel disappointed they aren’t in, that’s where we need to be.
“If you were phoning people and they were saying ‘we totally get it’ or ‘I’m not doing this’…,” he added. “Whereas there were lots of tough calls. But, ultimately, I think it’s really important we have those tough calls with the players.”
Pointing to Costelow forcing his way back into the squad after being left out of the autumn campaign, Tandy continued: “It’s not just about the good news, it’s about just because you are out… you look at Costy, he was out and now he’s back in.
“So, you see that we are connected with the boys in the regions. The assistant coaches do a brilliant job connecting with the players outside of campaigns as well, which is really important for us.
“It goes back to us as coaches being there for them. Any added frustration or anymore detail or feedback the players want, we’ll be there for them.”
France to drop Six Nations bombshell
France head coach Fabien Galthie is set to drop a major Six Nations bombshell by omitting the nation’s record try-scorer, Damian Penaud, from his squad, according to reports in the French media.
The 29-year-old wing has 40 international tries after breaking Sergio Blanco’s previous record of 38 in November, while he has scored eight times for club and country so far this season.
However, he is set to be left out of Galthie’s 42-man squad when the France boss announces his selections for the tournament tomorrow, according to L’Equipe.
Penaud is not the only star set to be axed, however, with the French newspaper also reporting that experienced centre Gael Fickou will also be missing from the squad.
The 31-year-old, who captained Les Bleus against South Africa in November, is just two Tests away from becoming the third Frenchman to win 100 international caps.
However, he looks set to wait to hit his century, with Galthie reportedly choosing to launch his title defence without the Racing 92 star, or Penaud, in his ranks.
Scotland name Six Nations squad
By Anthony Brown, Press Association
Experienced forwards Jonny Gray and Dave Cherry have been included in a 40-man Scotland squad for the Guinness Six Nations.
The France-based pair return to Gregor Townsend’s group for the first time since last year’s championship after playing no part in the summer and autumn campaigns.
There are few surprises in a squad comprising 19 Glasgow players, nine from Edinburgh and 12 Exiles.
Bristol utility back Tom Jordan has been included despite suffering an injury scare in his club’s Champions Cup clash with Bordeaux at the weekend.
The most notable omissions include Andy Onyeama-Christie, Cam Redpath, Alex Samuel and the uncapped Gregor Hiddleston, who had been touted for a call-up after starring in the Champions Cup with Glasgow, although all bar Samuel have been named in the Scotland A squad to face Italy in Rieti on February 6.
Scotland kick off their Six Nations campaign away to Italy on February 7.
Forwards: Ewan Ashman, Josh Bayliss, Magnus Bradbury, Gregor Brown, Dave Cherry, Scott Cummings, Alex Craig, Rory Darge, Jack Dempsey, Freddy Douglas, Matt Fagerson, Zander Fagerson, Grant Gilchrist, Jonny Gray, Nathan McBeth, Liam McConnell, Elliot Millar Mills, D’arcy Rae, Jamie Ritchie, Pierre Schoeman, Rory Sutherland, George Turner, Max Williamson.
Backs: Fergus Burke, Jamie Dobie, Darcy Graham, Adam Hastings, George Horne, Rory Hutchinson, Huw Jones, Tom Jordan, Blair Kinghorn, Stafford McDowall, Finn Russell, Kyle Rowe, Ollie Smith, Kyle Steyn, Sione Tuipulotu, Duhan van der Merwe, Ben White.
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