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The latest news, views and gossip from the rugby world
These are your headlines on the evening of Tuesday, April 28.
Jones more than happy to take lie detector
Ospreys head coach Mark Jones says he is “more than happy” to take a lie detector test but would prefer to move on from the furore that surrounded their match with the Sharks earlier this month.
Sharks head coach JP Pietersen and owner Marco Masotti both made remarks that questioned the Ospreys’ integrity following the URC clash at the Brewery Field, with the latter suggesting Ospreys officials should take a lie detector test over events that led to uncontested scrums being used.
During the game Garyn Phillips was forced off the field with a hamstring injury and will miss the season run-in, Gareth Thomas failed his HIA and Tom Botha was struggling with a neck injury – leaving the Sharks questioning the legitimacy of the injuries post-match.
Couple that with the fume from South African fans and media over Ethan Hooker’s injury and the subsequent social media abuse of Luke Morgan, things have turned rather sour between the two clubs.
“We’ve done everything we needed to do during the game with the sub front row situation,” said Jones.
“I could be childish and produce a scan for Garyn but where’s that going to get anybody? Nowhere.
“I know they want me to take a lie detector test or something. I’m more than happy to do that. That’s not a problem. If that’s what it takes but, again, what good’s that going to do?”
Jones feels the whole situation was “blown out of proportion”.
“We are conscious we want to try to hold the game in high regard and trust the officials to get on with things and make the right decisions,” he added.
“There’s always going to be opinion and controversy in games. That’s why they are called laws, not rules, aren’t they? They’re open to interpretation.”
Wales prop signs for Quins
Wales prop Sisilia Tuipolotu has signed for league rivals Harlequins for the 2026/27 season.
Tuipolotu will leave Gloucester-Hartpury after making 67 appearances across six seasons in the West Country.
She has been capped 33 times by Wales and leaves The Circus with three consecutive Prem Women’s Rugby titles under her belt.
After confirming her move to TW2, Tuipulotu, 22, said: “I’m really excited to be joining Harlequins.
“I’m excited for the experience, to meet the team and learn from even more world-class players. I can’t wait to get going in the Quarters.”
Head coach Ross Chisholm added: “It’s hugely exciting to have secured the services of a player of the calibre of Sisilia.
“She will add to what is already an exciting front-row and group of forwards here at Harlequins. Sisila is a world-class operator and has shown in her performances for both Gloucester-Hartpury and Wales just how good she is.”
Gloucester-Hartpury said on social media: “Thank you, Sis. Gloucester Hartpury can confirm that Sisilia Tuipulotu will depart at the end of the current season to join fellow PWR side Harlequins.
“Everyone at Gloucester Hartpury would like to thank Sis for her time at The Circus and we wish her every success in the next chapter of her career.”
Gloucester-Hartpury are on course for their fourth title in a row this season, while Quins sit sixth in the PWR table.
Chapman signs for Edinburgh
By Anthony Brown, Press Association
Edinburgh have announced the impending arrival of Canterbury Crusaders scrum-half Louie Chapman on a two-year contract.
The New Zealand-born 25-year-old, who qualifies for Scotland through his Elgin-born grandmother, is set to move to the Hive Stadium “around autumn with the timeline dependent on Canterbury’s progress” in their domestic campaign.
Chapman told the Edinburgh website: “I’ve been doing my research and the more I’ve learned about the place, the culture and what the club means to this city, the more I can’t wait to get there and be a part of it.
“I’m looking forward to meeting the boys, getting to know the fans and really throwing myself into everything that comes with playing in Scotland. It’s going to be a brilliant experience and I just want to get stuck in and contribute as quickly as I can.”
Chapman is the third impending new arrival to be announced for next season, with Hurricanes centre Riley Higgins and Ealing Trailfinders back Geordie Gwynn set to join the club in the summer.
Edinburgh head coach Sean Everitt said: “We’re really excited to welcome Louie to Edinburgh. He has a huge amount of potential, but what stands out when you watch him is the maturity he brings – the control, the decision-making, the way he manages the game with tempo.
“Those aren’t attributes that come by accident, and for a player still on the right side of 26 who has developed in that Crusaders environment, they tell you a great deal about his ceiling.
“He’s Scottish-qualified, which adds another layer to this signing. We want players who see Edinburgh as a place where they can grow and push for the highest level. Louie is someone who fits that profile.
“He will come in and challenge our existing scrum-halves, and that competition will make everyone better. He’s another high-quality addition to a squad we are building with real intent.”
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