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Here are your rugby evening headlines for Sunday, January 18.
Nigel Davies delivers verdict on first match after return
Nigel Davies insists Scarlets have set their benchmark under his leadership after taking positives from his first game in charge, despite another setback in Europe.
The interim director of rugby saw his side bow out of the Champions Cup with defeat at Northampton Saints, a result which confirmed Scarlets will finish bottom of their pool after losing all four matches in the competition.
Costly home defeats to Bristol Bears and Pau had already left qualification hopes hanging by a thread, and while Scarlets could have dropped into the Challenge Cup, their European campaign is now over entirely — leaving them with a two-week break at the start of April.
However, Davies believes the performance at Franklin’s Gardens offered genuine encouragement as his attention turns firmly to dragging Scarlets off the foot of the United Rugby Championship table and into contention with their Welsh rivals.
“I was delighted by how we took the challenge on,” Davies said. “I’ve told the players they’ve set their standards this week with how they’ve applied themselves mentally and physically.”
Scarlets face a demanding run in the URC, hosting Ulster before trips to Benetton, Edinburgh and Connacht, with the Six Nations break interrupting their campaign.
While Davies was pleased with the attitude and intent shown against Northampton, he was quick to identify discipline as a major issue. Scarlets conceded 15 penalties and repeatedly found themselves on the wrong side of referee Kevin Bralley.
“The difference against Northampton was our scrum,” Davies added. “If we had parity then we would have won.”
Saints boss Phil Dowson was impressed with the west Walian side, saying after the match: “We did enough, and we’ll look at that as a performance and how we went into that game to make sure we’re hopefully better for it next time.
“With the way the Scarlets have been playing recently, it (their performance at the Gardens) was no surprise because they’ve always scored a lot of points.
“I was actually really impressed with their defence because we actually put quite a lot of pressure on them and they dealt with it.
English star walks out on club mid-season
Former Saracens lock Joel Kpoku has left Section Paloise with immediate effect, walking away from the Top 14 side despite having 18 months remaining on his contract.
Pau confirmed on Friday that Kpoku requested an early release from the deal he signed in 2023, which had been due to run until the summer of 2027. The club agreed to the request, bringing an abrupt end to his time in Béarn after just a season and a half.
In a statement, Pau said: “Joel Kpoku has requested to be released with immediate effect from his commitment to the Section. The club has agreed to favourably accede to his request.
“The Section thanks Joel for his work and dedication during his 18 months in Pau and wishes him the very best for the rest of his career.”
The 26-year-old, who stands 6ft 5in and weighs 126kg, arrived in the south-west of France with high expectations on a three-year deal but struggled for game time this season. He has made just five appearances during the current campaign, only two of which were starts, and is understood to have been unhappy at the club.
Kpoku, who can operate in the second row or back row, is now a free agent and available to join a new side immediately.
Once regarded as one of the most physically imposing young locks in the Premiership, the Newham-born forward left Saracens in 2021 to join Lyon under Pierre Mignoni, a move that revitalised his career. During his first season in France, he helped Lyon win the Challenge Cup after battling injuries and limited opportunities in north London.
Kpoku comes from a rugby family, with twin brother Jonathan currently playing for Albi in France’s Nationale, while younger brother Junior is reported to be closing in on a mid-season move to Toulon — a club coached by Mignoni.
Whether Joel Kpoku follows his brother to the south coast of France or is tempted by a return to the Gallagher Premiership remains to be seen.
Bristol fall to Bordeaux in top spot battle
By Press Association
Bristol were outgunned in their duel with Bordeaux for top spot in Pool Four of the Investec Champions Cup after falling 27-15 at a rain swept Ashton Gate.
The current European champions did the bulk of the damage in the first half with Gabriel Oghre’s early try quickly overhauled by two from Louis Bielle-Biarrey and a third by Nicolas Depoortere.
All three Bordeaux tries came off turnovers with Bristol living dangerously in wet conditions with loose kicking and poor decision-making contributing to their 17-5 deficit.
The Bears rallied with Benhard Janse van Rensburg showing his strength to cross in the 65th minute but they continued to make mistakes that let the visitors wrestle back control.
France wing Bielle-Biarrey went over for his hat-trick to secure the man of the match award and the outstanding Matthieu Jalibert added two penalties in a strong finale by the Top 14 heavyweights.
The result means Bordeaux finish top of the group to claim home advantage until the semi-final stage, while Bristol must travel for their round of 16 tie.
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