Today's rugby news as Wales-linked coach makes admission and Welsh star suffers injury

Here are your rugby morning headlines for Sunday, December 1.

Cheika doesn't want to start thinking about Wales speculation

Leicester Tigers coach Michael Cheika had admitted that he doesn’t want to start thinking about speculation linking him with replacing Warren Gatland as Wales coach.

The former Australia and Argentina coach is currently on a one-year deal with the Gallagher Premiership club, with there being an option for a second year with the side.

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However, as things stand, that option has not been taken up. And with Gatland facing scrutiny after 12 Test defeats on the bounce, Cheika is one name that has been linked.

“I didn’t want to start thinking about those things because I want to concentrate on doing the best job I can," he said. "It can distract you from doing the things that you need to do now. The rest will look after itself when the time comes.”

Scotland coach Gregor Townsend has played down reports of Steve Tandy being favourite to replace Gatland should he go, while another potential candidate in former Scarlets coach Brad Mooar is out of the frame after taking up a role as assistant coach at the Crusaders.

Wales star suffers shoulder injury

Wales international Mackenzie Martin suffered a shoulder injury on Saturday during Cardiff RFC's Super Rygbi Cymru win over Pontypool.

The 21-year-old, who made his Test debut earlier this year, was forced off injured during the 27-10 win at the Arms Park.

Martin wasn't named in Wales' autumn squad, having featured in the Six Nations and summer squads. His injury capped a tough day for Cardiff, with back-row Ben Donnell and prop Ed Byrne forced off injured against the Dragons.

It's unclear what the extent of the injuries are, with Cardiff defence coach Gethin Jenkins admitting post-match he was unsure on the situation of all three.

However, as Cardiff prepare to head into the Challenge Cup, all three will be assessed in the coming days.

Joe Schmidt: Australia still have work to do ahead of next year’s Lions series

By Ed Elliot, PA, Dublin

Australia boss Joe Schmidt is optimistic next summer’s British and Irish Lions series will be competitive following an agonising 22-19 defeat to Andy Farrell’s Ireland in Dublin.

Former Ireland head coach Schmidt looked set to enjoy a memorable return to the Aviva Stadium before Gus McCarthy’s late try snatched victory for the hosts.

The Wallabies, who endured a miserable 2023 World Cup under Eddie Jones, do not play another Test match before the first of three showdowns with Farrell’s Lions next summer.

Following wins over England and Wales and a defeat to Scotland this month, Schmidt believes there are encouraging signs from his team but concedes there is plenty to work on looking ahead to 2025.

“Maybe not yet,” he replied, when asked if his squad are ready to take on the Lions.

“But I think – and I hope – our supporters and supporters of the Lions can see enough in what we’ve delivered in these last four weeks to think that they’re going to be entertained and that it’s going to be a contest.

“That’s what I’d love to see; maybe not yet, we’ve still got some work to do, for sure.

“There were times tonight where we’ve still got some guys who’ve only played a couple of Tests and they’re still learning, and they’re not going to get a lot of learning as far as Test matches are concerned next year but the Super Rugby window will be great for them, to build again.

“The Super Rugby coaches, I talk to them often and we’re going to try to keep building that momentum, and by the time the Lions arrive, I’m hoping you’ll see a Wallaby team worthy of taking them on head on.”

Dragons 'need to accelerate' learning tough lessons

Dragons interim head coach Filo Tiatia admitted his side failed to make pressure count after falling to a bonus- point defeat to Cardiff.

The Gwent side's long wait for a win over Cardiff in the league goes on, despite taking an early lead after a slow start from the Arms Park outfit.

“I am disappointed because we built a lot of pressure and momentum in that first half but didn’t capitalise on the opportunities,” said Tiatia after his first match in charge since Dai Flanagan's departure.

“The players need to accelerate where we are at around learning when we have momentum and those missed opportunities.

“I really enjoyed the fightback and the character we showed, while some of our young guys that came on sparked a bit of life in the dragon when we were chasing the game.

“But we just can’t chase a game like that and have to make sure we poke our nose through the gaps to build momentum and move the scoreboard.

“I am pretty happy with the decisions that they are making on the field but it’s just about maximising and getting points when we do have their foot on their throat.”