Contrary to recent reports, Bristol Bears have confirmed that they are not pursuing the signing of Welsh rugby legend Alun Wyn Jones.
Speculation had emerged suggesting that head coach Pat Lam had expressed interest in recruiting the 170-cap international lock for the upcoming 2023/24 season, despite Jones being 37 years old and having retired from the international game.
However, Bristol Live has now clarified that these rumors are unfounded.
Additionally, there were rumours linking Jones to potential moves from Ospreys to Bath or Gloucester, but his reported salary demands of approximately £350,000 may pose challenges for Premiership clubs already operating near the salary cap limit.
Addressing his future recently, Jones said: “As I said in my statement, there was a dialogue going along and it was the right time essentially.
“[As for] whatever’s next, if something pops up, there might be something domestic, I won’t be back with the Ospreys.
“But if nothing does I can be pretty happy with my innings anyway, but we’ll see what comes in the next few months”.
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ITV set to announce blockbuster World Cup team, Jonny Wilkinson and Brian O’Driscoll confirmed
Brian O’Driscoll and Jonny Wilkinson are among the names set to be confirmed by ITV as pundits for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
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The ITV Sport regulars will provide expert analysis for September’s highly-anticipated tournament in France.
ITV will be the Rugby World Cup UK broadcaster exclusively in 2023.
Following ITV’s production and broadcast of the most watched ever Rugby World Cup in 2019, this new deal means all the action from the tournament will be shown exclusively free-to-air to UK viewers on its channels.
The 2023 tournament in France will take place between 8 September and 21 October 2023 with IITV showing all 48 games exclusively live.
Niall Sloane, ITV Director of Sport, said: “The Rugby World Cup has become a prime fixture every four years on ITV, so, following such a successful tournament in 2015, we’re delighted to be able to announce we will continue to be the competition’s home until 2023.
“And our new deal kicks off with exclusive coverage of the women’s tournament in Ireland later this year, which, along with the rights to the World Rugby U20 Championship, broadens our association with elite rugby.
“Rugby World Cup 2015 was the most widely viewed rugby event ever, the live audience for Rugby World Cup 2015 increased by a factor of 48 per cent over the last edition in New Zealand, with live viewership through 106 broadcasters reaching nearly 724 million homes worldwide.”
ITV 2023 RUGBY WORLD CUP PUNDITS:
SIR IAN MCGEECHAN
McGeechan, a highly respected coach, is a master of the game, possessing unparalleled knowledge and extensive experience. His profound understanding allows him to communicate with gentle authority and provide clear explanations that cater to both devoted fans and casual observers.
Sir Ian is equally adept at discussing tactical intricacies as well as the human element of the sport. With a remarkable track record, he has encountered and accomplished virtually everything in his field, earning universal admiration from his colleagues. SiMAGGIE ALPHONSI
Alphonsi MBE, born on December 20, 1983, is a remarkable former rugby union player hailing from England.
Her position on the field was as a flanker, and she made significant contributions while representing Saracens W.R.F.C. and the national team of England before retiring in 2014.
Alphonsi’s exceptional achievements in the sport earned her numerous accolades. In 2010, she was honored as the Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year, a testament to her outstanding performance. Her remarkable contributions to rugby were further recognized when she was inducted into the prestigious World Rugby Hall of Fame in November 2016. This momentous occasion coincided with the opening ceremonies for the Hall’s inaugural physical location in Rugby, Warwickshire.
Alphonsi’s dedication, talent, and impact on the game have solidified her status as a revered figure in rugby, inspiring future generations of players to strive for greatness.
SIR CLIVE WOODWARD
Born on January 6, 1956, Woodward OBE is an esteemed figure in English rugby, having excelled both as a player and a coach.
He made his mark as the coach of the England team, leading them from 1997 to 2004. It was under his guidance that England achieved a momentous triumph in the 2003 Rugby World Cup.
Woodward’s coaching prowess extended to the international stage, as he also took charge of the 2005 British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand. Although the test series ended in a 3-0 defeat, his leadership and strategic acumen left an indelible impact.
Presently, Woodward OBE shares his insights and analysis as a pundit for ITV Sport. He actively contributes to their coverage of prestigious rugby events such as the Six Nations and Rugby World Cup, providing viewers with expert commentary and expertly dissecting the game.
