These are your rugby headlines on Monday, December 2.

Cardiff now 'flying the flag' for Wales

Former Wales star James Hook says Cardiff are now "flying the flag" for Wales in the URC and has backed them to keep getting results after climbing to fourth in the table.

Matt Sherratt's side, who finished 12th last season, soared up the table after beating the Dragons at Cardiff Arms Park and the Scarlets, Ulster, Connacht and Lions all fell to defeats. It was a difficult weekend for most of the regions, with the Ospreys also losing away to Zebre, but Cardiff were able to give Welsh rugby a lift with a 31-23 victory over their nearest rivals.

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READ MORE: Tom Shanklin calls for one 'full fat' region to be chosen as Wales' main team

With their next URC matches including a return fixture against the Dragons and home clashes against the Ospreys and the Sharks, Hook sees no reason why Sherratt's men can't build on their strong start to the season and make themselves at home amongst the playoff spots.

"You look at the confidence around the club right now ever since that comeback win over Ulster, there's a real resilience," said the former Wales fly-half.

"Cardiff are flying the flag. They're getting wins, which breeds more confidence, and Matt Sherratt will be targeting this block of games to make sure they are in those top positions at the end of the season."

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Former Welsh rugby chief dies

Tributes have been paid to a "legend" of rugby in North Wales who has died.

Austin Thomas was a former WRU Regional Community Manager for North Wales and has been credited with making a "massive impact" on developing rugby across the region, increasing participation levels, growing clubs in the area and setting up the successful RGC 1404 side and RGC Academy.

A well known rugby personality across North Wales, Thomas retired from his WRU role in 2015.

Several tributes have been paid to him following his death, with a statement from RGC reading: "We are sad to hear of the passing of Austin Thomas. As a former WRU Community Manager in north Wales, Austin made a massive impact on developing rugby across the region. Thoughts go out to all his family and friends from everyone at RGC."

Regional Coach Development Officer Tim Hoare also paid tribute, writing: "Extremely sad to hear of the passing of former WRU North Wales Community Manager Austin Thomas. A long time manager and colleague.

"So many happy memories, did a lot for me and so much for North Wales Rugby. A lovely man. Thoughts with family and friends"

Sheedy targets consistency

Cardiff fly-half Callum Sheedy said he is "not far away" from putting together a consistent run of games as he looks to hit top form for his hometown club ahead of the Six Nations.

The 16-cap international returned to Wales this summer after leaving Bristol Bears and admits that he may have been guilty of being too eager to please in his first few games for Matt Sherrat's side. However, Sheedy says being back in Cardiff is "awesome" and is confident he can clean up any sloppiness and keep his team maintain their strong start to the season.

“Naturally, going into a new club, you can almost try too hard at times," he told the Rugby Paper. "Maybe I have been guilty of that. I was disappointed with the game at home to Glasgow [a 36-52 loss] in terms of defensively. I let the side down a bit there. I have shown some nice touches, but I haven’t put together that 80 minute performance. I would like to be a bit more consistent in my performances.

“I am always looking to improve and hopefully I can put a consistent run of form together where I cut silly mistakes out of my game and my skill execution improves. I don’t think I am far away. I am very fortunate that I have got classy players playing around me, which makes my job easier.”

Reflecting on his first few months at Arms Park, Sheedy added: “The connection the players and the crowd have here is really special, with all the kids running on the pitch at the end of the game. I love it. I think it’s awesome.

“As players, we are in the entertainment business. Without the crowd, we are nothing, so to have the chance to put a smile on their faces is great.”

Smith opens account but Leicester sunk

By PA Sport Staff

Scotland winger Arron Reed scored twice as Sale recorded a thumping 39-25 bonus-point win over rivals Leicester at Salford Stadium.

Reed's brace laid the platform for a blistering period early in the second half which saw young prop Asher Opoku-Fordjour also touch down as the Sharks romped to victory.

The first half was an altogether tighter affair and ended 12-11 to the hosts with tries from back-rower Dan du Preez, making his 100th Sale appearance, and prop Bevan Rodd. Michael Cheika's Tigers scored through Nicky Smith, Freddie Steward and George Martin but Sale ran out worthy winners and claimed a sixth score through Luke Cowan-Dickie.

Leicester began brightly and forced Sale deep inside their own 22-metre line inside the opening exchanges. The hosts were forced to defend furiously to keep the Tigers out as they built numerous phases.

Sale finally buckled in the 11th minute when Welsh prop Smith ploughed his way over the line from close range inside the right channel.

Fly-half Handre Pollard skewed his conversion attempt well wide but Leicester's early 5-0 advantage was the least they deserved for their vibrant start. The Tigers continued to probe and Pollard kicked a penalty in the 19th minute to extend their lead.

Sale barely escaped their own half during the opening quarter but they finally fashioned an opening midway through the first half when Rob du Preez sent a teasing grubber kick to the left corner. Reed narrowly failed to ground the ball under pressure from a Leicester defender, but the Sharks kept the pressure on and Dan du Preez touched down in the right corner in the 23rd minute.

Moments later Pollard kicked his second penalty to put Leicester 11-5 up after Sale were guilty of obstruction. But in the 31st minute, the hosts scored their second try when Rodd went over from close range after good work from a line-out and some quick handling close to Leicester's line.

Rob du Preez then converted Rodd's try to put Sale 12-11 ahead at the break before they extended their lead two minutes into the second half. A superb break inside the left channel saw the hosts cut Leicester apart as the ball went through several pairs of hands before Reed finished off in the corner.

Five minutes later, Reed scampered over again for his second and Opoku-Fordjour then collected possession and charged under the posts for Sale's fifth try.

Leicester hit back through Steward's well-taken try down the right flank, which Pollard converted, after Joe Heyes had been sinbinned for an illegal challenge on Hyron Andrews. But Sale scored again through the impressive Cowan-Dickie and Rob du Preez converted, giving him a nine-point haul with the boot in total, before Martin touched down late on and Jamie Shillcock converted.