Tonight's rugby news as squad 'shocked' by Sherratt news and Wales international dies
These are your evening rugby headlines on Thursday, February 13.
Squad 'shocked' by Sherratt news
Cardiff captain Liam Belcher has admitted he and his team-mates were "shocked" when head coach Matt Sherratt told them he was taking over as interim Wales boss for the remainder of the Six Nations.
The Englishman was named as the temporary replacement for Warren Gatland on Tuesday, after the New Zealander's second stint in the Wales hotseat came to an end following a torrid losing run of 14 successive Test matches. Sherratt will now take charge of Wales for their remaining Six Nations matches against Ireland, Scotland and England.
READ MORE: Wales international has 'funny feeling' about Matt Sherratt and his appointment
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By Sherratt's own admission, things moved quickly earlier this week and Belcher admits the squad were caught somewhat off guard by the news, despite the efforts of one wannabe rumour-monger who ended up accidentally predicting the appointment.
Reflecting on the events of Tuesday, the hooker said that Sherratt, who became emotional when announcing the news, has the full support of the squad at Arms Park and believes the appointment will only benefit Cardiff in the long run.
"We got told by him at 12pm in the team meeting," said Belcher. "I think it's great for the club, great for him personally and it shows that we're doing something well at the club as well. On the whole, it's a positive for the club, obviously unfortunate circumstances for Warren. But on the club's behalf, it's great that he gets to go up there, see international rugby, learn from that and bring that experience back for us.
"Corey [Domachowski] made a rumour up that Jockey was going up there, so that caught him off guard. When he said that he actually was going, Corey had his arms up saying he couldn't believe it. So he's got a new role now as a journalist!"
"Everyone was shocked, to be fair," the Blue & Blacks skipper added. "He got a bit emotional and it goes a long way with the group, being like that. He obviously said how much he cares about Cardiff, and how excited he is obviously for that challenge as well, to go up there. Nobody expected it, but it was more pride from the boys and an excited feeling for him going forward.
"It's brilliant. Any experience he picks up going up there, it will only help us as a club, whether that's on the field or off the field, culture wise. Anything that can help us, I think it goes a long way for us."
Wales player dies
Wales Deaf player Gemma Williams has died.
The tragic news was announced "with deep sadness" by the Welsh Rugby Union Deaf side, with Williams, who was born in 1985, leaving behind her wife Louise and their two children, Honey and Reuben.
In a statement, WRU Deaf said: "It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of one of our women’s squad members, Gemma. Our hearts go out to Gemma’s wife, Louise, and their children, Honey and Reuben, during this difficult time.
"We want Louise and the children to know that they will always be part of our WRU Deaf family. We are here for them and will offer any support they may need."
A further post from the Welsh Rugby Union read: "Tragic news today @WalesDeaf Rugby. Our hearts go out to Gemma’s wife, family & friends."
Other teams have also paid tribute to Williams, with Australian Deaf Rugby saying: "Our sincere condolences go to Gemmas family and friends and the whole WDRU family."
England rookie 'can match prime Wilkinson'
Former England star Courtney Lawes says he "sees no reason" why rookie fly-half Fin Smith can't become as good as Jonny Wilkinson was in his prime.
After 22-year-old Smith came off the replacements bench for a brief cameo against Ireland in the opening round of the Six Nations, he was promoted to the starting lineup against France and rose to the challenge in style, delivering a Player of the Match performance as he helped Steve Borthwick's side to a memorable 26-25 win.
Following his heroics, Lawes believes that the nine-cap international's ceiling is higher than most, making a comparison between him and Wilkinson, who is regarded as one of the finest English rugby players of all time.
“I have every confidence that [England] can push on now, especially with Fin Smith at fly-half. He’s got the tactical mind that an international number 10 needs” the Brive flanker wrote in his Times column. “I don’t see any reason that he can’t be as good as Jonny Wilkinson was in his prime.
"I have been impressed with him ever since he joined Northampton Saints from Worcester Warriors. I saw him really step up a level last season in terms of taking responsibility and becoming a leader as Northampton won the Premiership and reached the semi-finals of the Champions Cup.
“Fin is inexperienced, but he seems really experienced," Lawes added. "That’s just his mindset and the way he carries himself."
Ireland lock down duo
By Ed Elliot, PA
Ireland internationals Tadhg Beirne and Garry Ringrose have signed contract extensions with the Irish Rugby Football Union.
Munster captain Beirne has agreed a new two-year deal which runs until the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, while Leinster centre Ringrose has committed until the end of the 2027-28 season.
Beirne, who can operate in the second row or at flanker, has 58 international caps after helping his country begin their Guinness Six Nations title defence with victories over England and Scotland.
He represented the British and Irish Lions against South Africa in 2021 and was one of four Ireland players named in World Rugby’s men’s team of the year for 2024.
“It is a source of great pride to represent Ireland and Munster and I am delighted to continue to do so for the foreseeable future,” said the 33-year-old, who made his Test debut against Australia in 2018.
“I am hugely excited about the future and will do my best to hopefully deliver for our amazing supporters over the coming seasons.”
Ringrose came off the bench during Ireland’s 32-18 success at Murrayfield on Sunday to claim his 65th Test cap after starting the 27-22 victory over England the previous weekend.
“I am delighted to extend my stay in Ireland with Leinster and I’m hugely excited about the future of Irish Rugby,” said the 30-year-old, who made his international debut against Canada in 2016.
“With some huge Tests coming down the line at club and international level, I believe that there are bright days to come and I look forward to playing my part as we drive forward towards hopefully even more success.”
IRFU performance director David Humphreys described both players as “world-class” talents.
