The Premiership resumes on Friday with two matches as Bristol Bears take on Sale Sharks and Gloucester host Bath in the big West Country derby.

Bristol Bears v Sale Sharks

England international Harry Randall will make his 100th appearance for Bristol Bears in their Premiership clash with Sale Sharks on Friday.

The scrum-half, who co-captains the side alongside Steven Luatua, will become the 51st player to reach the milestone and the ninth youngest.

Randall continues his half-back partnership with AJ MacGinty, while in midfield, Academy centre Joe Jenkins replaces the injured Semi Radradra at outside centre.

There’s also a return to action for Joe Batley in the second-row, with Magnus Bradbury returning to number eight.

Meanwhile, double Curry is on the menu for Sale as Tom returns from a hamstring injury to join brother Ben in the Sharks line-up.

Director of rugby Alex Sanderson has picked an unchanged backline with the only changes coming in the pack, as Tom Curry wears the number six shirt, replacing Jono Ross, who slots in at number eight in place of the injured Dan du Preez.

Simon McIntyre for Bevan Rodd is the only front-row change with the Mancunian prop lining up alongside Akker van der Merwe and Nick Schonert.

Jean-Luc du Preez and Jonny Hill team up once again in the second-row, with Tom Curry, captain Ben Curry and Ross in the back-row.

Scrum-half Gus Warr starts again alongside George Ford at half-back, with Manu Tuilagi and Rob du Preez outside them in the centres.

In an unchanged back three, Tom Roebuck will line up alongside fellow speedsters Tom O’Flaherty and Joe Carpenter.

Ewan Ashman, Bevan Rodd and Coenie Oosthuizen make up the front-row replacements, with Josh Beaumont and Sam Dugdale covering the rest of the forwards.

Homegrown trio Raffi Quirke, Sam James and Arron Reed are the rest of the substitutes.

Form: Bristol Bears’ four game winning run in Premiership Rugby ended with their 24-46 defeat at Leicester in Round 21. Bristol have won their last three Premiership fixtures at Ashton Gate since their 26-all draw there with Leicester on 3 December. The last time the Bears lost at the venue in the competition was when Saracens were the visitors on 5 November. Sale Sharks have won just one of their last four Premiership matches: 35-24 at home to Saracens on 5 March. The Sharks have won only once away from home in Premiership Rugby since early October: 24-18 over Harlequins at the Twickenham Stoop on 8 January. Sale’s only defeat in their last six encounters with Bristol in Premiership Rugby was 15-32 on their most recent visit to Ashton Gate in January 2022.

The teams:

Bristol: 15 Charles Piutau, 14 Siva Naulago, 13 Joe Jenkins, 12 James Williams, 11 Gabriel Ibitoye, 10 AJ MacGinty, 9 Harry Randall (cc), 8 Magnus Bradbury, 7 Fitz Harding, 6 Steven Luatua (cc), 5 Chris Vui, 4 Joe Batley, 3 Max Lahiff, 2 Harry Thacker, 1 Ellis Genge
Replacements: 16 Will Capon, 17 Yann Thomas, 18 Kyle Sinckler, 19 Sam Jeffries, 20 Dan Thomas, 21 Andy Uren, 22 Sam Bedlow, 23 Ioan Lloyd

Sale: 15 Joe Carpenter, 14 Tom Roebuck, 13 Rob du Preez, 12 Manu Tuilagi, 11 Tom O’Flaherty, 10 George Ford, 9 Gus Warr, 8 Jono Ross 7 Ben Curry (c), 6 Tom Curry, 5 Jonny Hill, 4 Jean-Luc du Preez, 3 Nick Schonert, 2 Akker van der Merwe, 1 Simon McIntyre
Replacements: 16 Ewan Ashman, 17 Bevan Rodd, 18 Coenie Oosthuizen, 19 Josh Beaumont, 20 Sam Dugdale, 21 Raffi Quirke, 22 Sam James, 23 Arron Reed

Date: Friday, April 14
Venue: Ashton Gate
Kick-off: 19:45 BST (18:45 GMT)
Referee: Luke Pearce
Assistant referees: Adam Leal, Andrew Jackson
TMO: Dean Richards

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The Cherry & Whites side to face Bath at Kingsholm is in. 🍒

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— Gloucester Rugby (@gloucesterrugby) April 13, 2023

Gloucester v Bath

Gloucester have made two changes to their starting side that went down to La Rochelle as they prepare to face Bath in the Premiership on Friday.

Argentina international Mayco Vivas starts in the front-row, after making his first Gloucester start in La Rochelle two weeks ago.

He is joined by young hooker Seb Blake and Jamal Ford-Robinson, who replaces the injured Kirill Gotovtsev.

Freddie Clarke, who was awarded try of the round for his acrobatic score in La Rochelle, combines with Matias Alemanno in the second-row once more.

The Premiership’s top ball carrier, Ruan Ackermann, also picked up an injury in La Rochelle, so he’s replaced in the back-row by experienced Ben Morgan.

Morgan packs down at eight, with Jack Clement switching to blindside flanker. Captain Lewis Ludlow starts at openside.

The backline is unchanged from the Cherry and Whites’ narrow Champions Cup exit a fortnight ago.

Stephen Varney and Billy Twelvetrees are the half-backs, with Seb Atkinson and Chris Harris in midfield.

Ollie Thorley, Louis Rees-Zammit and Santi Carreras form a dangerous back three.

On the bench, Ciaran Knight comes in to cover the front-row alongside Henry Walker ad Harry Elrington.

Cam Jordan and Freddie Thomas offer more forward cover.

Charlie Chapman, George Barton and Jonny May are on standby for the backs.

Meanwhile, Bath head of rugby Johann van Graan has made two changes to his backline for the trip to their West Country rivals.

Academy graduate Max Ojomoh comes into the centre to partner England international Ollie Lawrence while Tom de Glanville returns at full-back meaning a switch to the wing for Matt Gallagher.

The team is otherwise unchanged from the win over Exeter Chiefs last time out. Captain Ben Spencer and Orlando Bailey make up the half-back positions and wing Joe Cokanasiga completes the back division.

Beno Obano, Tom Dunn and Will Stuart combine in the front row, backed up by the second-row pairing of Josh McNally and GJ van Velze.

Ted Hill, Chris Cloete and Miles Reid make up the back-row.

Form: Gloucester’s only victory in their last six Premiership Rugby matches was 28-26 at home to Harlequins on 17 February. This is also the Cherry and Whites’ only victory at Kingsholm in their last four encounters in all competitions. Bath’s five game losing run in the Premiership ended with their 36-19 eclipsing of Exeter Chiefs at the Recreation Ground in Round 21. Bath’s only away victory in the competition in the past 12 months was 17-10 t Newcastle on 5 November. Gloucester have won their last three fixtures against Bath in Premiership Rugby since Bath’s 16-14 win at the Rec in February 2021. Bath’s most recent victory at Kingsholm in Premiership Rugby was 43-20 in April 2018.

The teams:

Gloucester: 15 Santi Carreras, 14 Louis Rees-Zammit, 13 Chris Harris, 12 Seb Atkinson, 11 Ollie Thorley, 10 Billy Twelvetrees, 9 Stephen Varney, 8 Ben Morgan, 7 Lewis Ludlow (c), 6 Jack Clement, 5 Matias Alemanno, 4 Freddie Clarke, 3 Jamal Ford-Robinson, 2 Seb Blake, 1 Mayco Vivas
Replacements: 16 Henry Walker, 17 Harry Elrington, 18 Ciaran Knight, 19 Cam Jordan, 20 Freddie Thomas, 21 Charlie Chapman, 22 George Barton, 23 Jonny May

Bath: 15 Tom de Glanville, 14 Joe Cokanasiga, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 12 Max Ojomoh, 11 Matt Gallagher, 10 Orlando Bailey, 9 Ben Spencer, 8 Miles Reid, 7 Chris Cloete, 6 Ted Hill, 5 GJ van Velze, 4 Josh McNally, 3 Will Stuart, 2 Tom Dunn, 1 Beno Obano
Replacements: 16 Niall Annett, 17 Valeriy Morozov, 18 D’Arcy Rae, 19 Fergus Lee-Warner, 20 Sam Underhill, 21 Max Green, 22 Piers Francis, 23 Josh Bayliss

Date: Friday, April 14
Venue: Kingsholm
Kick-off: 19:45 BST (18:45 GMT)
Referee: Christophe Ridley
Assistant referees: Anthony Woodthorpe, Jack Makepeace
TMO: Tom Foley

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Toulouse have today completed a deal to sign previously loaned Monaco winger Corentin Jean, on a four-year deal.

The French forward impressed in his loan spell with the side last term, when he was deemed surplus to requirements by his parent club.

Jean featured 18 times in Ligue 1 and set up his team mates for a goal on five occasions, netting once himself. He also featured in Toulouse’s Coupe de Ligue run, and scored once in the process.

At 21-years-old, Jean will certainly arrive with promising potential, and will undoubtedly have a better chance to fulfill it with vital playing time at TFC.

S.H.

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Leinster have announced their second high-profile re-signing of the day after Ronan Kelleher put pen to paper on a fresh deal with the province.

The 25-year-old hooker has committed his future to the side as he celebrates a recent Six Nations Grand Slam playing for Ireland with a new Leinster contract.

Kelleher has struck up an outstanding partnership at hooker with team-mate Dan Sheehan in recent seasons and that is set to continue after Thursday’s news.

Joins James Lowe in re-signing

The international front-row, who came through Leinster‘s academy, made his senior debut in February 2019, against South African side the Southern Kings.

Solid form meant he subsequently went on to claim his first Ireland cap in the 2020 Six Nations, coming off the bench in their 19-12 victory against Scotland.

He follows Leinster team-mate James Lowe in agreeing a contract extension, while James Ryan and Josh van der Flier also agreed deals on Tuesday this week.

Kelleher has struggled with an injury for Leinster this term and will hope it does not affect his game time in the end-of-season run-in for the in-form province.

Following the 2022/23 season, the powerful yet mobile hooker will look to impress in Ireland’s World Cup warm-ups in the hope of making their final squad.

Dane Blacker moves to Dragons

Elsewhere in the URC, the Dragons have announced the signing of scrum-half Dane Blacker, who joins the region on a long-term contract from the Scarlets.

One of the most exciting talents in Welsh rugby, Blacker will make the switch to Rodney Parade this summer and be reunited with former boss Dai Flanagan.

The 24-year-old number nine was called up by Wales last year for the end-of-year internationals and been previously capped at U18s, U20s and Sevens level.

The dynamic back previously played for Dragons twice on loan during the 2017/18 season, scoring on debut against Ulster, with Flanagan a fan of the player.

“I’ve known Dane since he was 18-years-old and I’m really excited to bring him into our club next season,” said the coach.

“Dane is a hugely talented and driven young player, but also the right character for our environment. He has international aspirations with Wales that we want to help him achieve as a Dragon.

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“His arrival gives us real strength at scrum-half and a healthy competition for places next season. We’re looking forward to the impact we know he will make with us.”

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Blacker said: “I’m really excited by the opportunity at Dragons and, having spoken to Dai, I’m looking forward to being a part of the club’s vision for the future.

“In addition, I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone at Scarlets for all their support and backing throughout my time in West Wales, especially the fans who have been incredible during my time at the club.

“We have a few big games left and I’m looking forward to being a part of a strong finish to this season!”

Former Monaco full-back Elderson Echiejile has passed his medical at Sivasspor and moved to the Turkish club.

Elderson struggled to cement his place in Monaco’s first XI, starting just 33 games in Ligue 1 across his three seasons at the club. Over the course of the last year, he has been forced to find games elsewhere, with a brief loan spell in Belgium, at Standard Liege. He then moved on loan to Sporting Gijon, in January 2017, where he played just 4 times.

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The Nigerian international passed a medical on Friday afternoon ahead of his proposed transfer to Turkish side Sivasspor. Sivasspor’s official Twitter account tweeted, “Elderson Echiejile has signed a contract worth 1 year at Sivasspor.”

A.R.

Western Force wing Zach Kibirige showed his class as he scored a stunning try late on in his team’s 36-16 loss to the Waratahs on Saturday.

The visitors were looking to throw everything at the Waratahs to try to get back in the game, and centre Hamish Steward floated a crosskick out wide. Kibirige rose beautifully to claim the ball out of the air but still had a lot to do.

The wing, however, knew exactly what he was looking to do as he gathered himself and chipped the ball over the last defender to cross for the try.

It was a brilliant effort but only a consolation try in the end.

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— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) April 15, 2023

Earlier on, Waratahs fly-half Ben Donaldson broke the deadlock with a penalty in the ninth minute as both sides settled into the game.

Click here to see teams and scorers

The hosts would also score the first try as a sumptuous inside ball from scrum-half Jake Gordon sent Izaia Perese in for a 16th-minute try. Donaldson made no mistake with the conversion.

Force star Jake Strachan responded with penalties on either side of a 33rd-minute Mark Nawaqanitawase try as Donaldson added the extras. A lively first half from Gordon was rewarded as he collected a loose ball off his laces to run in unopposed.

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The Waratahs would score next through a rumbling Harry Johnson-Holmes in the 53rd minute, with Donaldson once again adding the extras.

The visitors were looking to spark something and chase the game scoring through Mana Mataele in the 59th minute. There was a lull in scoring as the game opened up, ultimately sparking the outrageous Kibirige try.

However, deservedly so, Perese would have the final say as he crossed for his brace in the final few minutes, with Donaldson adding two more for good measure.

It was an important bonus point win for the Waratahs, who will be happy to return to winning ways.

Video credit: Super Rugby Pacific.

Lille right-back Sébastien Corchia is set to seal a move to a top European club before the end of the week, the player’s agent Mikkel Beck told Get French Football News exclusively this morning.

“We are looking for a good project for him outside Lille. I think also that there is a little surprise probably in the making. I am working on finding the right project for him and very soon we might have a good project for him.”

When asked about reported interest from Galatasaray for Corchia, Beck had the following to say:

“You mention Galatasaray which for me is a very big club in terms of history and followers and fans. But there are also other big clubs in for him at the moment. Like I said, we might have an interesting solution very soon from one of the biggest clubs in Europe. We are pretty happy in the interest that clubs are showing in Sébastien.”

Read Mikkel Beck’s full interview with Get French Football News later this week.

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The Blues have received a boost after All Blacks back-row Akira Ioane was named on the replacements bench for their Super Rugby Pacific encounter against the Waratahs in Auckland on Saturday.

Ioane has been sidelined for most of the season after sustaining a knee injury in the Blues’ 60-20 victory against the Highlanders in their season opener in Dunedin.

In other news, the Blues’ clash against the Waratahs will be a significant one for Beauden Barrett and Harry Plummer as both bring up milestones. Barrett will play his 150th Super Rugby match while Plummer will make his 50th appearance for the Blues.

Patrick Tuipulotu to lead the side

Meanwhile, with regular skipper Dalton Papalii still ruled out with an injury to his ribs Adrian Choat gets the nod to start on the openside flank while All Blacks lock Patrick Tuipulotu will captain the side.

After having a bye last weekend, Blues head coach Leon MacDonald said his side are keen to return to action against the Waratahs.

“The bye week came at a good time for the boys, and it’s been pleasing to see them return to work this week exuding energy and focus,” he told the Blues’ official website.

“There’s no easy games in this competition and the Waratahs pose threats across the park, we’ve had a good look at the video and have a few ideas on where we want to attack them on Saturday night.”

The team

Blues: 15 Stephen Perofeta, 14 Mark Telea, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Harry Plummer, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Finlay Christie, 8 Hoskins Sotutu, 7 Adrian Choat, 6 Anton Segner, 5 Sam Darry, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu (c), 3 Nepo Laulala, 2 Ricky Riccitelli, 1 Ofa Tuungafasi
Replacements: 16 Soane Vikena, 17 Jordan Lay, 18 James Lay, 19 Cameron Suafoa, 20 Akira Ioane, 21 Sam Nock, 22 Bryce Heem, 23 Zarn Sullivan

Date: Saturday, April 22
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
Kick-off: 19:05 local (08:05 BST, 07:05 GMT)
Referee: Paul Williams (New Zealand)
Assistant Referees: Dan Waenga (New Zealand), Angus Mabey (New Zealand)
TMO: tbc

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Unai Emery gave an exclusive interview to L’Equipe yesterday in Detroit, right before lunchtime. A few hours before their first international Champions Cup game against AS Roma, the Parisian coach (45 years old) spent 45 minutes, and looked back on his past season, and provided an in-depth overview. He also discussed the new one, which has barely begun. The technician also revealed a very positive nature on his ways – what does not kill you makes you stronger. He also insisted on his regular exchanges with PSG president Nasser al-Khelaifi, and sporting director Antero Henrique. This trio wants to bring PSG to the height of European football and win the Champions League.

What state of mind are you in during this pre-season period?

I am focused on football all year round, and when the summer is about to end, I look forward to starting again… The enthusiasm for the upcoming season is there. The summer break is long. You want to come back to be with the team and prepare games.

Similarly, concerning the Bilbao conference you attended with other coaches, was your vacation period a “studious” one? Or did you take a little break?

When on vacation, I can do things that I would not usually be able to, like spend time with my son and family or see friends in Hondarribia (his hometown in Spanish Basque Country). Since I have been a coach, I have not missed a day. And with PSG, this summer, I stayed in contact with Antero (Henrique), even during my summer vacation.

What do you like to do during your holidays?

I like being with my 14 year-old son in Valencia, where he lives. I also spend time in Hondarribia. I like to go to the beach and mountain, to go walking and to play sports. For example, I play tennis, and I am not too bad (smiling) against players that are at my level.

Was last season the most demanding one of your career?

I started my career at the young age of 32. I have always understood myself as being a part of the process and learning from these different positive and negative experiences. I would say that last season was great, with difficulties. It was a year for me to learn and progress. There were good and bad moments, but I consider it to be to be an experience which will help me become a better coach.

What did you take away from it?

By nature, I think a lot more about the present and future, than the past. All my experiences are good learning tools. I am a positive person. There were five titles up for grabs, but we came away with three (Trophée des Champions, Coupe la Ligue and Coupe de France), and the two most important ones got away. For PSG, the most important thing is to grow, progress and win titles. That’s the challenge for next season.

Do you think you made mistakes or failed?

I analyzed everything from last season with my staff, including the good and the bad moments. I think this first season was important for my progression in PSG. With the president, we always talk a lot to know what can and need to improve. The project is in the works. I had meetings with the president and Antero Henrique in order to define the strategy for the upcoming season. When I came back from vacation, we met up to see where the project currently was.

What is that strategy?

We spoke about that recruitment, and the team line-up. We all agreed that we needed to recruit a great offensive player. The club is working on that; it is the main objective. We also said that we had to keep our best elements like Marquinhos, Verratti etc. 

Who would you like to recruit in attack? Alexis Sanchez? Mbappé?

PSG wants to recruit the best players in the world from the best clubs in the world. Last December, when the team was not going as well, the president and I met up to speak about potential players that could improve the team. If we want to compete with Bayern Munich, FC Barcelona, Real Madrid and win the Champions League, we need to recruit a top 5 player. We are looking to sign one this summer. Sanchez and Mbappé are great players, plus Mbappé is French. I want French players in a French team. 

We have heard a lot about Neymar during these last few days. We imagine that he is a player that you would like to have…

Since he came to Barcelona (in 2013), I was able to witness Neymar’s impressive progression when at Sevilla. And now, he is a top 5 player in the world. The president and the club have been working for years to attract the greatest players. The team, but also the fans, would be happy to have a top 5, 6 or 7 player in their ranks, to add to the great players that are already here. But we know that this quest will not be easy. Maybe we will manage, maybe not. How many more signings are you expecting this summer?

It is difficult to improve this team. I only want players who will help us progress. Following Maxwell’s retirement, we signed Yuri (Berchiche). I spoke with Serge (Aurier) to tell him that I would like for him to stay and continue to work with him. He said that he wanted to leave, and that he preferred to stay in Paris to prepare his departure. So we took Dani Alves, an experienced player and a winner. We also want a midfielder.

Like Fabinho?

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We want a defensive midfielder who is good with the ball at their feet and who can fit into the style of the team. I spoke with Grzegorz Krychowiak. He is a player of quality who can play in a great team. But, in PSG, when certain players arrive, they have to be ready to take it a step further, to adapt to the team. It is not the same here as it is elsewhere. So, it is best for him to find a team which would best suit his style of play.

How do you see Adrien Rabiot, who does not want to play as a defensive midfielder?

Rabiot progressed a lot last season, like Presnel Kimpembe. We worked a lot with him. He would prefer to play as an 8, and we will make sure that he plays more in that position.

Would you like to recruit a new goalkeeper?

I am happy with Alphonse Areola and Kevin Trapp. With that being said, we are always looking out for ways to improve each position. If the club has the possibility to sign a goalkeeper to improve the team… Both goalkeepers want to play, but I do not know if it will be the case. This will depend on their performances.

If both goalkeepers stay, will Trapp remain the starter?

Last season, I gave them my trust. They both played and both managed good performances, but both went through rough patches. I have not decided who will be number 1, so the starter will have to come get their place. I will not say who it is before then.

Why did you decide to switch goalkeeping coaches?

When I came last year, I wanted to come with Javi Garcia, a right-hand man who I like a lot and whose work I am familiar with. I asked the club, but they said that it was not possible. I asked him again this season, I spoke with Nicolas (Dehon) and told him I was happy with him and his work. But I wanted to work with my right-hand man.

Why do you no longer count on Hatem Ben Arfa? Was it your decision?

With regards to Ben Arfa, we met with the president and Antero, and took a decision together. It is never easy when players do not train with the first team, but he is in good conditions to work. Pablo Villanueva, one of my assistants, is with him and the others who stayed. Simon Colinet, the physical coach, is also there, and there are physiotherapists and a doctor. We have a lot of players in our team. It is a club decision. He is a good player, but here, to go higher and win your place, it is a lot harder.

What is your relationship with Antero Henrique like?

Since his arrival, we have been speaking. Work is easy with him, he is experienced, and is available all the time. You can call him at 4 am and he will be available. 

… Do you not sleep?

(Laughing) I am also available at all times. My former president in Valencia told me you have to be. He could call his colleagues anytime he wanted. 

There were also two major departures in the sporting management: Olivier Létang and Patrick Kluivert. Did you ever feel threatened?

The results are the most important things for a coach, the work put in, and being honest. I only think about winning games, working to progress and being honest. I watch it all. For the rest… I’m free.

What relationship did you have with Kluivert, with whom you did not always agree with, most notably on the recruitment?

A good relationship, just as I did with Olivier (Létang). The latter was the first to contact me and with whom I had my first meeting before seeing the president.

Patrick left, it was the club’s decision. We did not always agree, that is true, but we spoke and he is a person with who it is difficult to not get along with.

To come back on last season, what did you take away from it? 

There were two halves. During the first half, we lost four games, which is too much to aspire to win. Afterwards, during the second half, we rectified these problems and found a clearer path. Our statistics were also good, with twenty-five wins, two defeats and three draws in thirty matches. We were able to showcase our individual qualities in a collective effort, with Angel Di Maria and Edinson Cavani who managed his best goal scoring season. There was also the contribution of some young players like Kimpembe and Rabiot. Lucas also had a good season. We need to start this new year, with the mentality from the second half of the previous one.

You had a great summer preparation in 2016, most notably in the US. The positive elements seem to have quickly disappeared. Why is that?

The reality of the pre-season was that after four defeats, there was another one. Sometimes, there are unexpected things which happen. We looked for a balance with which we came back strong, and the individualities came back well in the group. We spoke a lot, between the group and individually. With our talent and good collective attitude, the team will be even better. We have the same ideas, but what is certain, is that we will start out better tactically. Our team is better prepared this year, with better communication between us, the staff and players. I find training sessions to be better, and the players show their desire to do well. They have the second half of season mentality.

What remains from the match against Barcelona?

The joyous explosion from the home leg (4-0), and the plunge of the away leg both remain. It is important to be reasonable, and not be too enthusiastic and discouraged after. We learned. We needed this experience. This is football: what you do with the ball and what you do with your mind.

You were perhaps missing something at the end of the match… 

Yes, maybe, but it is an experience. Maybe we thought that we could play like we did at home following the first leg. But in the Nou Camp, against Barcelona, it is not possible. Barça really pushed us, and the referee did not control the match. Overall, there were positives from both games. I’d say it was 50-50. 

Do you think this upcoming season will be better?

The better you know your team and players, the faster things can be put into place, and the easier it becomes to do what you want. This is the type of progression I am looking for, and I believe that I can do more with this team.

Do you plan on changing your system? Perhaps going towards a 4-4-2?

We found a balance with our players here, who like to have control of the game and possession. It is difficult to change systems with three attacking players, as it is our strength. We scored 85 goals in 30 games during the second part of last season with this system. Di Maria scored more, we saw Verratti shooting more, Matuidi and Rabiot running into the opposition penalty area. We found a balance with a 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1, so it is difficult to change.

What do you expect from this pre-season tour?

We have players like Cavani and Di Maria who resumed quite late. It is a bit short, but they followed a routine during their vacation. We will make do. In any case, they are professional and have maintained themselves.

What are your ambitions for next season?

I do not look that far forward. There are five trophies to play for, with the first one against Monaco in the Trophée des Champions on July 29th. I want a team with an identifiable style of play, and if we can have a collective force with our individual talent, as well as winning spirit, we can aim for all titles, even the most difficult ones, like the Champions League.

Y.H.

Exeter Chiefs boss Rob Baxter thinks that new signing Joe Hawkins will not have to put his Test career with Wales on hold following his move to the Premiership. 

Hawkins was one of three new signings announced by Exeter this week, with current Ospreys teammate Ethan Roots and former Newcastle fly-half Will Haydon-Wood also joining the Premiership side.

Confusion over Joe Hawkins’ eligibility

The 20-year-old’s move to the Premiership has thrown his eligibility for Wales into question, having represented the nation five times since his Test debut against Australia last year.

He earned four caps during the Six Nations this year but still falls short of the 25 required to represent Wales while signed on at a club outside of the country.

The previous selection policy for players outside of Wales had a 60-cap dispensation clause. There was also an exception for uncapped players contracted outside of Wales to qualify while their current contact was in place; this meant Louis Rees-Zammit and Tommy Reffell could make their debuts.

Following the announcement of Hawkins’ signing at Exeter, Baxter was asked about the youngster’s international future.

He was careful not to disclose confidential information but said he did not sign the player with the expectation that his Test career would be put on hold.

“All this came about before any eligibility rules came about. The WRU (Welsh Rugby Union) have asked me the same question,” Baxter explained.

“I said to them I can only really send them paperwork with the player’s permission, but he has got it all. So as far as I know, the WRU will sort that out with the player and the player’s agent.

“It is for them to provide all the information, not for me. I don’t see it being a problem because of the timing of when we got everything signed. That is all I can say on that.

“We haven’t signed him on the expectation that he won’t play for Wales if that is what you’re asking me. I haven’t got the expectation that he will be here. I expect him to play for Wales.”

Wanting Hawkins to improve at Exeter

The contract row between the WRU, the regions and the players left several players questioning their future in the final six months of their contracts.

Baxter confirmed that he had conversions with several Welsh players over the last six months.

“It has been a difficult situation,” Baxter added.

“I have probably had discussions with half-a-dozen players in Wales who haven’t known where they have stood for six months.

“There’s been a lot of chats about their futures and what their options might be. But they are all proud Welshman who want to play for Wales.

“So none of them have been easy decisions in terms of leaving Wales, let alone some of the guys we’ve spoken to who knew they would be giving up their Wales careers.

“I would like to think Joe is a player who will be here for a long time. I am not looking at him thinking he will be OK for two years.

“We want him to play for us, keep improving and hopefully become a core player in a group that can stay together for a long time and achieve some success together.”

READ MORE: Premiership exodus: England stars Maro Itoje and Marcus Smith consider moves abroad – report
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24-year-old French midfielder and Stoke City man Giannelli Imbula has agreed personal terms with AS Monaco ahead of a possible move, according to L’Équipe.

A personal terms agreement was reached last week, and the former Marseille man is now waiting for a deal to be struck between AS Monaco and Stoke City.

After having a loan with option to buy offer rebuffed, Monaco are seeking to bring the Premier League side’s demands down, currently seeking between €15m and €20m in a straight transfer fee.

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