The News Review:
- Scarlets chief executive Gallacher hits back at critics
- Six Nations blow for Lamont
- Charteris signs new Dragons deal
- Munster ready for their latest ‘must-win’
Scarlets chief executive Gallacher hits back at critics
WalesOnline United Kingdom
The west Wales region’s chief executive insists that the Scarlets form on the field – they have lost their last 10 Heineken Cup games – is only a temporary blip in a long-term plan which he believes looks encouraging both on and off the pitch. In a frank interview with the Western Mail Gallacher talked about: The commercial and financial benefits of moving from down the road at Stradey Park His hopes of an upturn in form and future player recruitment Naming rights at the stadium The reasons behind Tim Griffiths leaving the board Gallacher says he is as frustrated as any Scarlets’ fan about the current results which sees the team go into their home Heineken Cup clash with Ulster tomorrow night having lost all three pool games this season. “I’ve been here 15 years. Winning games is important to fans and sponsors. People want to be associated with a winning team and I’m not losing sight of that” admitted Gallacher.
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Six Nations blow for Lamont
The Press Association
The 26-year-old Sale back suffered severe ligament damage during his club’s Heineken Cup victory over Montauban last week. He has now had an operation with Sale anticipating a lay-off of up to four months. Scotland launch their Six Nations campaign against title-holders Wales at Murrayfield on February 8 when Lamont – a full-back or wing – would undoubtedly have been part of coach Frank Hadden’s plans. Lamont will also sit out the remainder of Sale’s Heineken Cup pool campaign – and possibly the quarter-finals if Sharks progress that far. He is a strong contender for the Lions tour to South Africa next summer although those ambitions have now been dealt a major blow.
Charteris signs new Dragons deal
BBC News UK
The 25-year-old lock who won his ninth Welsh cap against New Zealand last month has signed on at the Rodney Parade region until the summer of 2012. Charteris said: “I was delighted to sign for another three years and am confident there’s good times ahead. The 6ft 9ins second rower will make his 89th appearance against Toulouse in the Heineken Cup on Saturday. Dragons coach Paul Turner is elated Charteris has committed his long-term future to the Gwent region. “We feel we have a nucleus of players that will serve the region in years to come” said Turner.
Munster ready for their latest ‘must-win’
Irish Times Ireland
However McGahan wants his team to provide the crowd with reason to roar. “It’s a well-worn statement that the Thomond Park crowd is only worth a couple of points on the board if you’ve played accordingly and if you’ve played well enough to get them behind you and be in a position. The consistency of refereeing in the Heineken Cup was also discussed at yesterday’s press conference. Arguably Munster were pinged harshly by Wayne Barnes at the ruck area and six times within goal-kicking range for the ASM outhalf Brock James. The concession of 10 penalties doesn’t mark a discipline crisis in the Reds camp even if McGahan admitted all were legitimate calls by the English official. Fellow countryman Chris White is in charge on Saturday and McGahan intends to have his homework done on the former teacher who incidentally officiated the 2006 Heineken Cup final between Munster and Biarritz. “I think if you’re looking over any particular competition whether it’s Magners Guinness Premiership or Super 14 Top 14 all referees are different in their interpretation of the rules.