Leigh Halfpenny will again assist Wales' attack coach Matt Sherratt during the Nations Championship Tests against Fiji, Argentina and South Africa, after details of his summer role emerged. The former Lions full-back, who retired in May, has been brought into Steve Tandy's coaching team on a temporary basis for the second consecutive summer.
Halfpenny's Coaching Role and Impact
Halfpenny is believed to have applied for a full-time kicking coach position with the Welsh Rugby Union, which would involve working with the national team, pathways and regions. Sherratt praised Halfpenny's work ethic and respect within the squad, stating: "First and foremost, he's got respect from the group as a world-class player. He's not been a world-class player by accident, his work ethic is the best there is in terms of preparation, diligence and the amount of practice he does. I think that rubs off on the young backline."
Sherratt also outlined Halfpenny's specific focus: "We do kick strategy as a coaching group. Steve obviously has looked at that and myself, Danny (Wilson) and Murch (Pete Murchie) will have input in that. Pence has a lot of experience in back three and covering space and will add value to that. But mainly the technical side of goal kicking, especially the goal kickers."
Springboks Blocked from Capping Janse van Rensburg
South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus has revealed that the Springboks were prevented from selecting England-bound centre Benhard Janse van Rensburg due to a prior commitment by the South African Rugby Union. Janse van Rensburg, who qualifies for England on residency grounds and becomes eligible on July 8, has been named in Steve Borthwick's squad and is expected to debut against Fiji.
Erasmus said he held talks with the 29-year-old earlier this year and planned to call him up for June fixtures due to midfield injuries. However, SA Rugby chief executive Rian Oberholzer informed him that the union had already assured World Rugby and the Rugby Football Union that it would not attempt to cap the Leicester Tigers centre. Erasmus stated: "If I tell the honest truth with him... we had conversations with him and he was very keen to come. Then we wanted to [call him up] in June and give him a chance because we were thin at centre... and then I saw the CEO. He said, 'No, you can't... I already committed to England and to World Rugby that we won't go that route.'"
Despite the controversy, Erasmus expressed no issue with England's selection, adding: "I think it is a good thing if you can make the team better and he deserves it. We're glad he is not playing this match against us because we know him well. He's a tough man. That's why we considered him."
Easterby: Ireland Must Lay Down Marker Against Australia
Ireland assistant coach Simon Easterby has emphasized the need for his players to be ready for a physical Australia side aiming to "lay down a bit of a marker" ahead of the 2027 World Cup. Ireland kick off their Nations Championship campaign in Sydney on Saturday, with Dan Sheehan captaining a 36-strong squad that includes three uncapped players.
Easterby said at a press conference: "(They are) a physical team who will look to try and impose themselves on the opposition, something that we were well aware of, and their threats in attack, their ability to attack in a way that can create opportunities. Those are the things that we have spoken about in a bit of detail." He added: "(We are) just expecting a side who have probably got a chance to go and lay down a bit of a marker leading into a World Cup year, playing at home for the first time in a while, so it is exciting for us to be here in the first game."
Ireland's tour also includes matches against Japan and New Zealand. Uncapped Connacht trio Billy Bohan, Sam Illo and Sean Jansen are in the squad. Several key players are absent due to injury, including Caelan Doris, Jack Crowley, Andrew Porter, Mack Hansen and Tommy O'Brien. Easterby noted the positive start to camp, saying: "Sometimes players miss out for whatever reason, through injury or non-selection, and you get the opportunity to work with other players, and they have all slotted in really well. It is testament to the group that we have not had anyone drop out in training. They have worked hard, and I can say they have hit the ground running."
