by Here are your rugby headlines for Monday, May 6.
Marler apologizes after an angry moment
England prop Joe Marler has apologized after conceding a needless 77th-minute penalty that cost Harlequins a chance to come back from Champions Cup semi-final defeat by Toulouse.
Marler has always been a controversial and outspoken character but his decision to dislodge Toulouse star Thomas Ramos, which led to the referee canceling a penalty, has been widely criticised.
After Marler’s stupid moment there was no way back for Harlequins who slipped to a 38-26 victory in France.
“F**ed it. I’m sorry. Harlequins fans were huge. Boys were incredible.” Marler wrote on the X social media platform.
READ MORE: Gatland must stand firm in crucial selection decision despite heavy criticism as Wales star returns
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Banned Springboks star issues cryptic statement
Former South African star Elton Jantjies has vowed to return to the rugby field once his drugs ban is complete.
The 33-year-old received a four-year ban by the SA Institute for Drug-Free Sports (SAIDS) in August 2023 after testing positive for the banned substance Clenbuterol. Jantjies did not exercise his right to have his case heard before an Independent Doping Hearing Panel in January this year despite claiming his innocence.
The 2019 Rugby World Cup winner released a video on social media over the weekend revealing his goal to return to the game. “A lot of people have a lot of questions about my rugby life, but just know that I’ll be back sooner than you think,” Jantjies said.
“Through all the research, all the facts, and all the evidence, many organizations involved me being tested for something I’ve never used. I will go into more detail about missing my second World Cup, but I am not negative about it because I am preparing myself for much more, something much bigger.
“I’m focusing on the next cycle, but there are some things I have to sort out, but I’m very positive. I truly believe that these last few months have been a blessing in disguise.
“Yes, I want to play rugby and I want to do what I love, but it has created other opportunities for me. It created a lot of answers for me in my personal life and in my rugby career.
“There were a lot of people I looked up to, but they let me down badly. People I believed in.
“It’s a big eye-opener, so when I go back to the rugby field there will be a different version of Elton. I want to thank all the family members who are supporting me.
“I have a lot of fans who support me and just believe that I will be back on the field sooner than you think. I have all the right answers, I have all the facts and I have all the evidence against many organizations that are not doing it the right way.”
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The Irish center is set to return against Ospreys
The Ospreys could face Ireland star Garry Ringrose on Friday night and he is expected to return from injury for Leinster, who host the Welsh club.
Toby Booth’s side are the only team from Wales in contention for a place in the United Rugby Championship play-offs at the end of the season and ideally need to register at least a point in the RDS on Friday night. Facing Leinster in Dublin is always a tough proposition but it will be even more difficult if Ringrose, who missed Ireland’s entire Six Nations campaign, is back in goal.
Ringrose returned to full training last week following a shoulder injury and will undergo further assessment this week before a final decision is made on his involvement while Ireland goalkeeper Hugo Keenan could also be available.
Edinburgh to sign the brother of the Scotland international
Edinburgh have announced the signing of Scotland-qualified center Mosese Tuipulotu from Australian Super Rugby outfit the Waratahs.
The 23-year-old qualifies for Scotland courtesy of his grandmother and Tuipulotu is expected to eventually follow his brother Sione into the national squad. Like his brother, the young Tuipulotu is an explosive ball-carrying center with good footwork and an excellent offloading game.
“I am delighted to be moving over to Edinburgh in the coming months. I’m excited to go over there and experience something different to what I grew up with,” he told the Edinburgh website. “I was talking to my brother [Sione] quite a few and there are a few boys in Sydney who went over to Edinburgh.
I’ve watched a few URC games and it’s an exciting competition so I’m really looking forward to being amongst them. I’ve never played against my brother, and the Edinburgh v Glasgow game looks great to be a part of.
“If I happen to get the chance to play there, I’m sure it will be a special moment with Sione on the other side. I will try to reveal it!”
