Here are the latest rugby headlines on Monday, April 22.
Dragons coach furious with team again
Dragons coach Dai Flanagan was furious with his side's efforts after they were blown away in a miserable first half against Benetton.
The Welsh side were 19-0 down at the break and should have been punished further with the Italians continually creating chances. The 36-19 defeat was the latest reverse on the road for the beleaguered Welsh region who have not won an away game in the URC since April, 2022.
Flanagan's mood after the game was a familiar one this season
“I’m bitterly disappointed,” he said. “Our error rate was through the roof and our competitiveness didn’t exist first half.
“There are errors in our game that allow the game to go away from us and moments in matches that we are not executing on.
“We need to be better and we need to start better. Then, when we have momentum swings, we have got a chance.
“We’ve got to look at ourselves. It was an opportunity missed.”
Provence seeking medical joker to cover North
Provence are reportedly seeking a medical joker for Wales centre George North
The 121-cap international ruptured his Achilles in his final international appearance for Wales at the end of the Six Nations.
North is set to swap the Ospreys for Provence this summer, having signed a deal with the Pro D2 club. However, the promotion-chasing French outfit are looking around for cover as North recovers from such a serious injury that will see him miss the start of next season, according to RugbyPass.
The Ospreys star, who has won 121 International caps, is due to join Provence, who are currently second in the Pro D2 table, next season on a two-year contract, but a debut will have to wait until he is fit again.
But in the meantime, Provence, who are a point behind league leaders Vannes, want someone in as temporary replacement for North.
Booth blown away by players' heart
Ospreys coach Toby Booth's mood could not have been more different to that of Dai Flanagan's after his team's epic win over the Stormers in South Africa. The Welsh region are right in the URC play-off mix after the 27-21 victory.
Luke Morgan scored two tries, while hooker Sam Parry and flanker Harri Deaves also touched down. Jack Walsh kicked two conversions and a penalty, keeping the Ospreys firmly in contention after comfortably the most impressive performance by a Welsh region this season. In fact, it was one of the most impressive wins since the regions were formed in 2003.
Booth said: “I am so proud to be here talking about a team that has so much resilience and so much ability to find a way in difficult moments. They have got big hearts.
“When we talk about finding a way, often it’s built on competitiveness, heart, energy, a never-say-die attitude. We are a good team when our backs are up against the wall, for sure. That comes from a group that cares about each other a lot and are prepared to do things that take no talent, because those are the things that get it done - and it got it done.
“I thought it was quite ironic that the three players I spoke to as they came off were disappointed that the Stormers got a losing bonus point at the death. That probably tells you quite a lot.”
Scottish duo pay tribute to Ken Owens
Scottish duo John Barclay and Chris Paterson have paid tribute to former Wales captain Ken Owens after his retirement last week.
The Scarlets and Lions hooker called time on his career after struggling to recover from a long-term back-injury.
And, speaking on Premier Sports, his former Scarlets team-mate Barclay was full of praise for Owens.
"Ken was captain for the five years I was there," he said. "He was the first guy I met at the club, the most welcoming guy.
"The kind of guy I loved playing with. Really abrasive, didn't particularly look like a rugby player, but one of the best players I played with.
"Just give me the ball and I'll run, physical, put his body on the line. Undoubtedly a Scarlets legend."
Former Scotland full-back Paterson was equally effusive with his praise for the former hooker.
"Incredible career for the Scarlets, Wales and Lions," he added. "18 seasons and however many games.
"I remember off-field as well. Last year, immediately after the Scotland Wales game when Scotland won, I had to do a formal function with the captains shortly after and he couldn't have been better.
"I almost felt a bit sorry for him because of how the day had gone. It was just the start of the talk around strikes and he was brilliant. A top man on and off the field."
