The Rugby Download: Omicron Chaos 🏉
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This Week In Rugby 🏉
😷 Omicron Chaos? The United Rugby Championship has been severely shaken up by the emergence of the Omicron variant in South Africa. Cardiff, Scarlets and Munster had all flown out to South Africa for fixtures before the announcement of the new variant and travel restrictions to the UK came in.
At time of writing, Scarlets have made it to Belfast, via Dublin, and are within a 10-day quarantine period. Cardiff are still in South Africa, they have been quarantining in Cape Town and were due to leave on Thursday, however flight delays mean they now should depart this morning. Munster have made it home but have had to leave 14 of their players and staff behind who tested positive for Covid.
The quarantine restrictions could have major ramifications for next weekend’s opening round of European cup rugby. Scarlets have called on the EPCR to allow rescheduling and their rivals, the Ospreys, have said they are “willing to help out” by loaning them some players. Cardiff have announced they intend to fulfil their fixtures with a shadow squad made up of academy players and their Welsh internationals who they left at home for rest. Munster, who also left their internationals at home, are likely to do the same.
Cardiff’s Chief Operating Officer Rhys Blumberg has called the Welsh Government out on Twitter, citing “Appalling empathy and support”.
🐯 New Tiger For Tea? It has been reported that World Cup winning Springbok Fly Half Handre Pollard will replace George Ford at the end of the season. Head Coach Steve Borthwick did not confirm the signing when asked at this week’s press conference.
🤼♂️ Wrestling With A Ban? Sale Sharks Wing Byron McGuigan has received a three game ban. This follows his red card for his off the ball MMA style throw of Nick Tompkins last Saturday.
🐑 Baa Baa Legal Action? The President of the Barbarians John Spencer announced he is considering legal action against Dylan Hartley and Jonathan Williams, following their scathing comments after the Baa Baa’s against Samoa was called off at the eleventh hour due to Covid in the squad. Spencer highlighted how closely they had followed the protocols and that they had 23 players who had tested negative and were ready to take to the pitch.
What’s On? 📺
Gallagher Premiership
Gloucester vs Bristol - Fri 7:45pm, BT Sport 1
Exeter vs Saracens - Sat 3pm, BT Sport 2
Leicester vs Harlequins - Sun 3pm, BT Sport 1
United Rugby Championship
Sharks vs Bulls - Fri 5pm, Premier Sports 2
Edinburgh vs Treviso - Fri 7:35pm, Premier Sports 1
Leinster vs Connacht - Fri 7:45pm, Premier Sports 2
Ospreys vs Ulster - Sat 3pm, Premier Sports 1
Glasgow vs Dragons - Sat 7:35pm, Premier Sports 1
Top 14
Bordeaux vs Toulouse - Sat 8:05pm, Premier Sports 2
Stade Francaise vs La Rochelle - Sun 8:05pm, Premier Sports 1
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Have a Ruck & Roll Weekend 🏉