The latest rugby news from Wales and around the world
These are your latest rugby headlines on Tuesday, January 6.
England call in man of the moment
Exeter Chiefs star Greg Fisilau has been called in by England head coach Steve Borthwick to attend a pre-Six Nations alignment day, according to reports.
The 22-year-old, who is uncapped at senior international level, has been in fine form for Exeter in recent weeks, helping his much-improved side to wins over Saracens and Leicester Tigers and being shortlisted for the Gallagher PREM player of the month award.
His eye-catching performances have seen him backed for an England call-up and Borthwick is seemingly interested in involving the powerhouse back rower in his plans, after including him in a select group of invitees to join his elite player squad for pre-tournament meetings at Pennyhill Park, according to the Telegraph.
The England boss won’t name his squad for the Six Nations until later this month, and Fisilau’s attendance at the alignment day doesn’t necessarily confirm his inclusion for the tournament.
But if the Chiefs man is included, he will add to the embarrassment of riches that Borthwick currently has at his disposal in the back row, with Ben Earl, Henry Pollock, Chandler Cunningham-South, Sam Underhill and Tom and Ben Curry among his other options.
If selected, however, Fisilau may fancy his chances of taking the No.8 spot, with Earl and Cunningham-South, who both played at the back of the scrum for England during the autumn internationals, also able to play elsewhere.
With Borthwick’s backing, he could even find himself involved in England’s tournament opener against Wales on February 7, with his side looking to defend their crown and Wales desperately seeking to avoid another heavy loss following their 68-14 drubbing last year.
Former international captain dies
Former Samoa captain Susuga Alesana has died at the age of 72.
Playing at No.8, Alesana made his debut for his country against Tonga in 1979 and went on to captain the side on the international stage. He later became a EFKS church minister and sought to change the lives of Samoa’s youth through his dedication to faith and rugby.
He died on December 29, with the tragic news confirmed on Monday (January 5) as Manu Samoa paid tribute to their former captain.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, loved ones, and the wider rugby community following the passing of Rev. Susuga Alesana, aged 72,” a national team statement read.
“Rev. Susuga was a former Manu Samoa Captain and proudly represented Samoa as Manu Samoa #142. He made his debut for Manu Samoa against Tonga in Suva, Fiji, in 1979, leaving a lasting mark through his leadership, humility, and service to the game and to his faith.
“A man of rugby, a man of God, and a servant of Samoa,” the statement continued. “His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who wore the blue jersey alongside him and those he inspired beyond the field.
“Rest in peace, Rev. Susuga Alesana (1953–2025). Forever a part of Manu Samoa and Lakapi Samoa.”
Dragons star Owen: Our confidence is growing
Dragons return to European action this week determined to translate their recent home form onto the road when they travel to Treviso to face Benetton.
Buoyed by a superb New Year’s Day bonus-point victory over Scarlets at Rodney Parade, the region have now won their last three matches on home soil, a run which has helped lift confidence after a frustrating start to the campaign.
That latest success came in emphatic fashion, with Dragons running in four tries in a 28-5 derby win, but centre Aneurin Owen insists there is still more to come from the side as they prepare for a stern away test in Italy.
“It’s a bit of mixed emotions,” Owen said. “We are very happy with the win, five points, but there’s a part of me which feels we didn’t quite produce the performance we can.
“The confidence has grown amongst the group and we know we can play better, but we’re happy with the five points to start the new year.
“We know we’re a physical team and we speak a lot about discipline and showing trust in our defence and that was one area which was good. Scoring four tries is great, but we still feel there’s a lot more to come from us.”
Dragons’ recent upturn in results began with a European win over Lyon, and Owen believes that breakthrough has been key in changing the mood within the squad after a run of narrow defeats earlier in the season.
“This has been an odd season,” he added. “The performances have been there or thereabouts but we’ve been unlucky with a few results and know what we can do if the confidence is there.
“The confidence is the big thing for us. To get that win against Lyon has been the spark and to back it up against Connacht you see that confidence grow and you see the best from everyone.
“We just need to keep building, keep working hard and try to get more results.”
Dragons will hope that growing belief can travel with them to Treviso as they seek to build on their European momentum against a Benetton side known for being formidable on their own patch.
Follow all of our channels to ensure you stay up to date with the latest Welsh rugby news. Sign up to our free daily newsletter here and our WhatsApp channel here for all the breaking news.
