These are the rugby stories making headlines on the evening of Wednesday, April 8
These are your headlines on the evening of Wednesday, April 8
Tiatia: We are a different team
Dragons head coach Filo Tiatia says they are “a different team” from when he started out with the club.
The Men of Gwent celebrated a famous European win at the weekend, beating Stade Francais Paris in an epic 36-31 display to progress to the last eight of the Challenge Cup.
Since arriving in Newport, Tiatia has seen slow progress being made. They sit just one place above next weekend’s opponents Zebre in the URC standings, but two wins and three draws is considerably better than last year’s showing.
And the former All Black says he was proud of the performance in France.
“From where we started, to where we are now, we’re a different team,” stated Tiatia.
“We’re trying to work on the things that are important for us as a group, but also the people of Gwent, who we represent. Getting to a performance that they’re proud of and they will latch onto.
“People that don’t know anything around Gwent or the game itself, they can get fascinated about ‘these guys scrap for each other’.
“That’s what people get attracted to – teams that stay in it. That’s what we’re trying to do. Something simple, but it’s meaningful for this group.
“I was proud of the performance last weekend. Now we have an opportunity to impose ourselves again. We’re have another chance.
“I was happy that we stayed in the fight, all the things we’ve been working on around mentality, how we stay calm, how we impose our game,” he added.
“We let them back in, particularly in the first half, and gave them opportunities with a lack of discipline.
“When you have momentum, you’re disciplined. When you don’t have momentum, it’s ill-discipline. It kills you.
“But the boys worked hard, particularly in the last 25 minutes, to stay in it. We get a score and then Wyn (Jones) puts us in the right position and dives over.
“I’m happy with how they’re growing and how we’re learning. We’re still learning, but we’re being consistent around what we’re trying to do.”
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Parisse named Italy assistant coach
Italian legend Sergio Parisse has been appointed as an assistant coach by Italy head coach Gonzalo Quesada.
Parisse won 142 caps for his country and is widely regarded as the country’s best-ever player.
He will move to a coaching role with the Azzurri this summer, having worked as a lineout and forwards coach at Top 14 club Toulon upon the conclusion of his playing days.
“Returning to Italy and being able to contribute from within the FIR [Italian rugby federation] to the growth of the national team and the entire rugby movement in my country is an extraordinary opportunity,” Parisse said.
“I’m delighted to be able to do so alongside a coach I worked with during my years as a player at Stade Francais and whom I have deep respect for, Gonzalo Quesada.
“I’ll be joining a high-level staff and having the opportunity to serve a group of athletes with great potential and a strong work ethic. Today, thanks to the work done on player development, Italy boasts a depth and talent superior to that of my generation, and being able to fit into this environment as a coach is a fascinating opportunity.”
Italy face Japan, New Zealand and Australia in the inaugural Nations Championship this summer.
Welshman breaks silence two years after bullying saga
Former Wales coach Ioan Cunningham says he hasn’t changed anything as he prepares to take on his former side this weekend.
The ex-Scarlets and Wales U20s coach is now a part of Scotland’s coaching team, with the Women’s Six Nations kicking off this weekend. Cunningham had served as Wales Women’s coach for three years.
Having helped them reach their highest-ever ranking, he left by mutual consent in November 2024 amid a player contract row.
At the time, the WRU issued an ultimatum for players to agree fresh-terms – even threatening to withdraw the national team from last year’s World Cup.
As Cunningham prepares to face Wales once again, having actually beaten them with Fiji at last year’s World Cup, he insists he is keen to put his exit from the Welsh job in the past.
“I think what happened has happened and we move on,” he told Scotland Rugby News. “I’m just looking forward to taking this team down there and getting the win hopefully.
Asked if he had to change anything in the wake of those allegations, he replied: “No, nothing at all.
“I wasn’t part of much of the process there so I’m just happy to be on the grass and coaching players.”
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