-Credit:Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd
Your rugby evening headlines on Monday, January 13.
Wales to make new appointments this week
Warren Gatland has confirmed new members of his backroom team should be announced this week.
After the Welsh Rugby Union’s review, details of which were revealed in December, it was announced Gatland would remain in charge for the time being.
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Another element of the review confirmed the WRU would be considering changes to Gatland’s coaching staff “immediately”.
Abi Tierney told WalesOnline: “There could be [changes to coaching staff]. We’re just working through what those options are, based on what the data tells us and who is available. That’s one of the things we’re looking at.
“We’re looking at the coaching set-up, based on the analysis we’ve done and some of the particular areas, whether there are any changes we can make. We’re not yet at the point to say whether that means change. We’re working through that.”
Speaking about those possible changes, Gatland provided clarity in today’s press conference. He said: “We’ll probably make an announcement later in the week, in terms of a couple of individuals coming in in managerial roles and support staff within the team.”
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Wales bring in two uncapped players
Wales have included two uncapped players in their Six Nations squad.
The 34-player collective was revealed on Monday, with Scarlets wing Ellis Mee and Ospreys fly-half Dan Edwards the only two players to have never pulled on the red jersey.
Edwards has been in fine form for the Swansea-based region and many expected him to be called up this time around. Mee has been a great acquisition for Scarlets this season and has earned himself a call-up too. You can read about the squad in full here.
Speaking about their inclusion in the squad, Gatland gave his reasoning.
“We’ve been impressed with him,” he said of Edwards. “We were hoping to have him in, in the autumn. We’ve been impressed with how he’s played. He’s matured and looks a quality 10.
“For us, it’s the one position where we’ve spoken about developing some depth. Someone like him gets an opportunity to stake a claim. We’ve been impressed with how he’s controlled games. His kicking game has improved.”
“He’s pretty exciting,” said Gatland of Mee.
“He’s got a good presence. He’s good aerially. He’s an option at full-back going forward. The back-three has been a concern for us with depth. We’ve got more options with Josh Adams back.”
Junior Springbok murdered
Two men have been arrested after ex-Cheetahs and Griquas tighthead prop Piet Bester was allegedly murdered in a district outside of Bloemfontein over the weekend.
The 63-year-old played for the Junior Springboks in 1992, while he featured in the Currie Cup in the 1990s.
Police spokesperson captain Loraine Earle confirmed two suspects had been arrested in connection with the murder of the retired magistrate.
It is believed that Bester was hit with a sharp object on his head on his smallholding outside of Bloemfontein.
“The arrests were made possible through the close cooperation and swift action of the local farming community and police,” a police statement read.
“On Sunday, 12 January 2025, the body of Mr Bester was discovered by a worker at his residence in the Glen district at approximately 09:00. He was lying in a pool of blood, having sustained multiple wounds.
“Thanks to the invaluable support of the farming community resulting in the apprehension of two suspects. This breakthrough demonstrates the strength of community-police collaboration in addressing crime.
“Police investigations are ongoing, and the suspects are expected to appear in court soon.
“The investigation officer remains available for further information and appeals to the public for any additional details that may assist in this case.”
While Bester never went on to play for the Springboks, he did turn out for a Junior Springboks team against New Zealand that featured Kobus Wiese, Ruben Kruger, Tiaan Strauss, Joost van der Westhuizen and Jannie de Beer.
All Black gifts boots to Ireland legend’s son
All Black superstar Jordie Barrett kindly gifted his boots to Ireland legend Ronan O’Gara’s son.
La Rochelle, who are coached by O’Gara, faced Leinster, who Barrett currently plays for, with the Irish outfit securing victory over their Top 14 opposition.
Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, O’Gara posted a photo of his son holding up Barrett’s orange boots with the message: “Thank you Jordie Barrett. He will never get to wear size 46 but gone off to bed so happy…a classy gesture…Congratulations to Leinster… hopefully we get another go.”
The win over La Rochelle was Leinster’s 12th successive victory, beating their opponents 16-14. There was one try and one penalty for either side in a bit of a slugfest, which was eventually determined by a successful conversion.