Sale Sharks back row Jacques Vermeulen has been handed a four-match ban after being sent off during his side's victory over Saracens. The South African was shown a 20-minute red card in the 19th minute of Sale's 21-17 win at StoneX Stadium on Sunday after a dangerous tackle on Tomos Williams.
Vermeulen suspended for four matches
Vermeulen was cited for an offence contrary to World Rugby Law 9.11, which covers reckless or dangerous play. He accepted the charge and has now been suspended for four matches.
The ban rules Vermeulen out of Sale's Premiership fixtures against Harlequins, Newcastle Red Bulls and Bath, as well as their Champions Cup clash with Glasgow Warriors. He will next be available for Sale's Premiership Rugby Cup meeting with Bristol Bears on November 6. His next league appearance is not expected until December 6, when Sale host Exeter Chiefs.
All Blacks rocked by double injury blow
New Zealand have suffered a double injury blow ahead of their Bledisloe Cup Tests against Australia, with Richie Mo'unga and Fehi Fineanganofo both ruled out. Fly-half Mo'unga suffered a calf injury during training on Tuesday, with scans confirming a tear.
The All Blacks say his return-to-play timeframe has yet to be determined and will depend on his progress over the coming weeks. Winger Fineanganofo has also been ruled out after suffering a concussion and hamstring injury while playing for Bay of Plenty against North Harbour in the final round of the NPC regular season.
Fineanganofo initially passed his head injury assessment during the match but subsequently failed further assessments and will now serve the mandatory 12-day stand-down period. Scans also confirmed an upper hamstring injury. Canterbury and Crusaders back Chay Fihaki has been called into the New Zealand squad as Fineanganofo's replacement. The All Blacks have not yet decided whether to bring in a replacement for Mo'unga.
Wales hooker fulfils Christmas wish after dream debut
Shanelle Williams has already ticked one childhood ambition off her Christmas list after making her Wales debut. The 19-year-old hooker came off the bench during Wales' 50-19 victory over South Africa in the WXV Global Series in September, with her family watching from the stands at Cardiff Arms Park.
Williams, who started playing rugby with Gwernyfed RFC aged eight, had written on her Christmas list as a child that she wanted to play for Wales. “I didn't actually know that there was a women's team,” Williams told the BBC. “I used to tell my dad that I was going to play for Wales with the boys. Then I obviously realised that I actually can play for Wales.”
Her older sister reminded her of the Christmas wish after Williams won her first Wales Under-18 cap. Now, after earning her first senior cap, the Brython Thunder player is targeting more appearances for Wales. “It's quite a nice reminder that I have been working for this for so long, so it has all been worth it,” she said.
Williams has been included in Wales' 30-player squad for two Tests against Japan later this month as they complete their 2026 WXV Global Series campaign. The first match takes place in Tokyo on Saturday, October 24, before the sides meet again in Saitama seven days later.
Williams admits the step up to senior international rugby has been significant but says she has relished the challenge. “It's definitely been a step up, but I've been enjoying it,” she said. And having already fulfilled one childhood dream, Williams has another target. “Definitely, I want to add to that tally.”
