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Today’s rugby news as French club aim to sign three Wales internationals in new twist
These are the latest rugby headlines on Tuesday, June 20
Agen identify Patchell, Webb and Morgan
French outlet LaDepeche report that Agen have Rhys Patchell in their sights.
Agen ply their trade in France’s second division and are currently the subject of a takeover bid.
The same outlet state that recruitment is currently at a standstill, but should Louis-Vincent Gave and Jean-Baptiste Aldigé complete a deal for the club they could bring with them Patchell’s compatriots Rhys Webb and Tyler Morgan. For the latest rugby stories sent straight to your inbox, sign up here.
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Fly-half Patchell is a free agent after his contract expired with the Scarlets. He has previously been linked with a move to the Dragons. LaDepeche state Agen have identified the former Cardiff No.10 as the replacement for outgoing Elton Jantjies.
Webb released a statement earlier this month stating he would be retiring from international rugby to secure a club contract which would offer him security.
France always seemed the likely destination for the 34-year-old scrum-half.
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Former England and Scotland coach joins Bath
Former England and Scotland head coach Andy Robinson has joined Bath.
He teams up with head of rugby Johann van Graan as part of his coaching team at The Rec. Former Scotland international Stevie Scott has also joined as scrum coach.
It’s a return home for Robinson, a full 25 years after leading Bath to European victory. Robinson will take up the role of the new head academy coach, having served in a consultant role last term.
Van Graan said: “I’m excited to have Andy with us and I couldn’t think of a better man to coach here at Bath.
“Andy has achieved a tremendous amount in both his playing and coaching career and is a well-known face in the city. It’ll be great for all of us here to have someone so deeply connected to Bath’s professional rugby history.”
Robinson added: “I’m glad to be back at Bath and I’m looking forward to making a change on the pitch. There’s a great group of players here and I’m excited to see what I can achieve with the team.”
Foster happy to go under radar
New Zealand coach Ian Foster say he’s happy to be flying under the radar ahead of the World Cup in France later this year.
The All Blacks are gunning for their fourth World Cup win but have had a turbulent year which has seen defeats to Ireland and Argentina on home soil.
The bookies have them second favourites behind hosts France to lift the trophy and although confident, Foster says that people doubting their credentials is a good thing. Asked by New Zealand media whether his team could win a record fourth World Cup, Foster said: “Absolutely.
“The good thing is not too many other people think we can. That’s a slightly unusual space to be in as All Blacks. It doesn’t change our belief.
“But belief is only one thing: you’ve got to put it to work. We’ve got a job to do, and can’t wait to start.”
“Last year we had a bit of adversity, we got tight, and we’re actually craving as many big games as we can get at the moment,” he added.
“We want to go in fully loaded to this Rugby Championship. I think it’s important for us to get back up to speed really quickly, and get our game right.”
New coaching ticket get to work
New Scarlets coaches Jared Payne, Albert van den Berg and Shane Carney have arrived in Llanelli and have got down to work with the west Wales region.
Players returned to pre-season training yesterday, with new signings Ioan Lloyd, Alex Craig, Teddy Leatherbarrow, Charlie Titcombe and Tomi Lewis among those put through their paces on day one.
Speaking to WalesOnline earlier this month, van den Berg revealed what attracted him to Pary y Scarlets.
“I wanted to seize this opportunity to grow as a coach,” said van den Berg. “I’ve been in the South African system for a long time, while I’ve also coached in Japan for a few years.
“For me personally the opportunity to go over there to coach Scarlets, and share some ideas with Dwayne Peel, Gareth Williams and Jared Payne will be great. The Scarlets have always played an attractive and attacking brand of rugby.
“If you look at Franco Smith who is with Glasgow, the way they want to play they sometimes run from their own 22, and Scarlets are a similar team. “As a player I was an athletic lock. I wasn’t one of the big ball carriers who was big into mauls and scrums.
“I liked it when the game opened up and it turned into a sevens-style of rugby.
“That’s one of the things that Scarlets do offer is that brand of rugby that I can buy into, and share ideas with the guys.
“I want to try to help them build on that.”
