Wales international Matthew Screech has been left with a facial scar following an accidental collision with a Dragons teammate during training. The 33-year-old lock, who won his second Welsh cap against South Africa in 2024, displayed the scar above his left eye during Friday night's 80-14 pre-season win over the Scarlets.
Training collision and new fatherhood
Screech revealed he was caught by the elbow of teammate Thomas Young during a session. The injury came at an awkward time after he became a father just days earlier.
"We've got newborn photos next week," he explained. "So that's going to be nice! On Tuesday, Youngy caught me with an elbow across the head and split me wide open. But hopefully the camera lady can touch me up a bit next week. Fingers crossed anyway."
"[The baby] is looking at me a bit funny, but I don't know if that's because he's a newborn or what," Screech added. "He's good as gold, it's been great, a great first week with him."
The second-row, who is closing in on becoming the Dragons' all-time record appearance holder, is part of the region's leadership group for the season ahead. He will support co-captains Ben Carter and Angus O'Brien.
"We're just backing up the boys really, Carts and Angus," he said. "If there's anything they need, I'm trying to be a calming influence and do all those types of things. I'm just backing them up really, and if I can give any input during the games in a calming way, that's my role."
SARU president praises Springboks
The president of the South African Rugby Union has issued a statement following the Springboks' Test series victory over New Zealand, calling it "a moment of pride for our nation". Rassie Erasmus' side lost the opening game of the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series but won three successive matches to claim a 3-1 victory.
The triumph, capped with a 43-28 win in Baltimore on Saturday, cemented the reigning world champions' position as the best team on the planet with just over a year until the next Rugby World Cup in Australia.
SARU chief Mark Alexander praised Erasmus and his squad for achieving the "sporting milestone". A statement issued on Sunday declared that their performances showed "what it means to be South African".
"On behalf of SA Rugby, I extend heartfelt congratulations to Rassie Erasmus, Siya Kolisi and the entire Springbok team on winning the inaugural Castle Double Malt Rugby's Greatest Rivalry," Alexander's statement read. "This triumph is not only a sporting milestone but a powerful showcase of what it means to be South African, resilience, unity, and pride. We also express our sincere gratitude to the people of Baltimore, who welcomed this historic occasion with warmth and enthusiasm."
"The city turned green as thousands of supporters gathered to celebrate our team, creating an atmosphere that will long be remembered. We thank the Baltimore Ravens and the wider sporting community for embracing rugby and helping make this event such a success."
"A special word of thanks must go to our partners, the All Blacks, whose collaboration and spirit helped make this series truly exceptional," he added. "All of this was possible in partnership with the New Zealand Rugby Union, whose commitment and shared vision ensured the success of this landmark event."
"This Test in Baltimore was also part of World Rugby's growth strategy in the United States, serving as a vital step in preparation for the Rugby World Cup 2031. Together, we are laying the foundation for rugby's expansion into new markets and ensuring that the sport thrives on a truly global stage. This victory is a moment of pride for our nation and a symbol of rugby's power to unite communities across the world."
Donnell targets Ireland after Ulster move
Former Cardiff forward Ben Donnell is hoping to force his way into Andy Farrell's Ireland squad following his move to Ulster this season. The 26-year-old, who represented England at age-grade level, qualifies for Ireland through his father, who was born in Belfast.
"My dad being from here, I wanted to see what Belfast was like and what it was like for him growing up here, but also I'm Irish-qualified and it gives me the chance to play international rugby," Donnell told BBC Sport Northern Ireland. "At Cardiff, I wasn't Welsh-qualified so no matter how well I played I couldn't play international rugby there, so that is what attracted me."
"The club as well, I played here before the 3G pitch was in and it was packed and the atmosphere was amazing so that was another exciting thing that drew me in."
