Here are your rugby headlines for the morning of Friday, July 19.
Galthie confirms Edwards exit
France head coach Fabien Galthie has confirmed he made the decision to part ways with defence coach Shaun Edwards, insisting a shake-up of his coaching team was necessary. Edwards is leaving alongside kicking coach Vlok Cilliers. Gerald Bastide, who worked with the French women's team, and Toulon's Maxime Petitjean will replace them for the new Nations Championship.
"I made the decision to modify the organisation that has been in place for six or seven years now," Galthie said ahead of Friday's friendly between France A and England. "It was necessary to evolve. That's why we have two new resources on the French national team staff."
"(Edwards) brought us his knowledge of the highest level, he brought us his expertise, he brought us his motivation, he brought us his loyalty and his commitment," Galthie added. It is the first time Edwards' departure has been officially confirmed, although the French Rugby Federation are yet to make an announcement.
French media reports have claimed Galthie lost faith in Edwards over the past year as the team conceded a huge number of tries despite winning the Six Nations in March. It is thought Edwards is still negotiating details of his exit package 18 months before the end of his contract, with the French possibly looking to block him from joining another top Test team ahead of the Rugby World Cup.
Ruddock Jnr lands new coaching job
Rhys Ruddock, son of Wales head coach Mike Ruddock, has taken charge of Lansdowne FC for the upcoming season in his first head coach job. The former Ireland international was previously coaching with the club, as well as Newbridge, having hung up his boots at the end of the 2024 campaign.
A statement on Lansdowne's X page said: "We are delighted to confirm Rhys Ruddock as our 1st XV Head Coach and Bobby Sheehan as Captain for the season ahead. Rhys brings a wealth of experience to the role, having represented Leinster on 225 occasions and earned 27 caps for Ireland during an outstanding playing career."
George Ford not worried by Itoje absence
By Duncan Bech, Press Association Rugby Union Correspondent. George Ford insists England have the resources to fill the leadership void that would be created if Maro Itoje is rested for next month's summer tour. Ford leads a scratch team into Friday's non-cap international against a France XV in Vannes, which provides the curtain raiser to the July Tests against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina.
Itoje has been stood down for the match and could see his break from the game extended until next season following a hectic 12 months that included leading the British and Irish Lions to victory over Australia. Ford insists England would be able to cope with the loss of their second row talisman as they build towards their Nations Championship opener against back-to-back world champions South Africa in Johannesburg on July 4.
The Sale fly-half said: "Even though Maro is our captain, leadership is always a group effort. Myself, Jamie George, Ollie Chessum has been stepping up brilliantly, Ben Earl – it's never just one guy, it's never just on Maro as the guy at the top. A great leadership team shares responsibility, help each other out and bring their different strengths and weaknesses to the party."
