English Boss Tips Welsh Star for British and Irish Lions
In the latest rugby news, Exeter’s director of rugby, Rob Baxter, expressed confidence that Welsh lock Dafydd Jenkins is in the running for a spot on the British and Irish Lions team. Despite recovering from knee and shoulder surgeries that caused him to miss the autumn internationals, 22-year-old Jenkins has made a strong return by starting three Premiership games for Exeter. As a pivotal player in previous Six Nations and World Cup matches for Wales, Jenkins is now eyeing a spot on the Lions tour to Australia, with the first Test set for July 19 in Brisbane. Baxter praised Jenkins’ work ethic and leadership on and off the field, projecting a bright future for the young talent.
Welsh Rugby Targets In-Form Leicester Tigers Player
In other developments, Wales has reportedly made contact with Olly Cracknell, an uncapped back-rower from Leicester Tigers, ahead of the upcoming Six Nations tournament. The 30-year-old former Wales under-20s international and Ospreys player has been instrumental for Leicester this season, catching the attention of Welsh selectors. Despite never earning a cap for Wales, Cracknell’s strong performances have impressed his club coach, Michael Cheika, who believes the player is ready for Test rugby. Cheika commended Cracknell for his intelligence, physicality, and consistency on the field, endorsing him as one of the top back-rowers in England at present.
Setback for Italy as Wing Faces Six Nations Absence
Italy’s Six Nations campaign suffered a blow as wing Louis Lynagh underwent surgery for a knee injury, ruling him out of the upcoming tournament. Following a successful procedure on his lateral collateral ligament, Lynagh is expected to focus on his recovery and rehabilitation, missing out on a chance to feature in the Six Nations matches. Despite his absence, Lynagh’s contributions to the Italian national team have been notable since his debut last year, showcasing his talents and potential on the international stage. The setback adds to Italy’s challenges as they prepare for the prestigious competition.
Netflix’s Six Nations Documentary Faces Uncertainty
The behind-the-scenes documentary series “Full Contact” covering the Six Nations is facing uncertainty amid reports that Netflix may withdraw from the project after the upcoming second series. Concerns about viewer engagement and a shift in Netflix’s sports content strategy have raised doubts about the future of the show. With the competition’s broadcasting rights potentially up for grabs, the documentary’s fate remains uncertain as organisers navigate evolving media landscapes. While the second series promises more insights and access to the tournament, the future of the documentary beyond the upcoming season remains in question.
Summary of Rugby News Update
In summary, the rugby world is abuzz with speculation and developments as players and teams gear up for the upcoming tournaments. Welsh star Dafydd Jenkins has garnered praise for his potential Lions selection, while Olly Cracknell’s outstanding form has caught the attention of Welsh selectors. Italy faces challenges with key player injuries impacting their Six Nations campaign, while the future of the Six Nations documentary on Netflix hangs in the balance. As rugby fans await the unfolding of these storylines, the excitement and anticipation for the upcoming matches continue to build.