Your top rugby news for Thursday 30th November.

Lee Halfpenny loves life in New Zealand

Lee Halfpenny has loved life in New Zealand since arriving in Christchurch this week and living in his former coach’s house.

The former Scarlet has signed for Super Rugby team the Crusaders and, along with fellow Welshman Rhys Patchell, will become the first Welsh player to play for a New Zealand rugby club.

Speaking to his new team, Halfpenny posted a joint Instagram post with the Crusaders where he explained how things are going so far: “It was great coming to Rugby Park and meeting everyone here, the players, the staff, everyone. They were very welcoming and friendly.

“It was great to have a look around and get to know the city. There are some really good places with cafes and restaurants. Highlanders signing Rhys Patchell are hoping to catch up.

“We stayed with Brad and Anna Moir, who were amazing from the moment we arrived and let us stay with them. They just showed us around and told us where to go.

“Brad obviously trained here and also coached Rhys and I at Scarlets, so it will be great to catch up with them again at some point.”

Halfpenny trained with Steve Rakes, boss of R7 Fitness, in Gorseynon before heading abroad. Rakes was impressed with his attention to detail and you can read more about how Halfpenny trained here.

The Super Rugby season doesn’t start until 2024 and it kicks off in style with a huge match between Halfpenny’s Crusaders and the Chiefs on February 23. Wales face Ireland in the Six Nations on the same day.

Gareth Davies praises his classic rival

Scarlets scrum-half Gareth Davies has praised Cardiff Rugby winger Mason Grady.

The Llanelli team will face the Capital Region this weekend in another Welsh derby and Davies was asked how his team plans to contain the Cardiff backline, specifically Mason Grady.

“Just try not to give him space,” said Davies, who recently had the most prolific scrum-half in World Cup history for Wales in France.

“This is wreaking havoc on the band, isn’t it? Nobody knew about him 12 or 18 months ago, but as soon as he came to the World Cup camps at the beginning of the summer, I knew immediately: I knew he was going to be a great player.

“Whether he’s playing as a full-back or as a 13-year-old, he’s got it all. “He’s got strength, skill and speed, so we’ll have to keep an eye on him on Saturday.”

Dwayne Peel’s side have suffered a series of tough defeats this season and are currently bottom of the Rugby United Championship and will look to bounce back with a win over Cardiff in a 3pm kick-off this Saturday.

World Rugby and Woodward speak out against Farrell

World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont spoke after England captain Owen Farrell decided to leave the Test Match stadium.

Pharrell made the shocking announcement on Wednesday night, explaining that he needed time away from the international stage for his and his family’s mental health. It has also been confirmed that he will miss the Six Nations in 2024 but will continue to feature for Saracens.

“As a player, the last thing you want is to stop playing for your country,” Beaumont told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.

“He has been a great leader for England over the years. “You never want to live in a society where someone like Owen Farrell, who has been a great servant of rugby, has to be booed when he plays for his country,” Beaumont said.

“It is very disappointing for him and his family and he obviously feels he needs a break from the spotlight of international football to recharge and return.”

Sir Clive Woodward also weighed in on Pharrell’s decision to temporarily withdraw from the international stage: “We hope that with the decision he has made and the support he has received, he can now look forward with new freedom,” he said. for MailOnline.

“I hope Pharrell sets the tone and inspires new ideas in this area. Why don’t you take vacations as often?

“They certainly are. [the RFU] They will blame others – especially the media – and create another anonymous committee to investigate and defend their opinions without accountability. Pharrell will probably have to deal with this alone. This is so wrong.

“The RFS and other international parties should look at Farrell’s situation with real concern, but as an opportunity to better support players. The best companies in the world incorporate vacations into their HR processes as paid time off. Why not rugby?

“[Farrell] He will continue to play for his beloved Saracens and I truly hope this isn’t the last time we see him at Test level. We hope the break benefits him and he can return to international football when he is fit and ready.”

Keiran Williams is working hard to make Wales’ Six Nations squad.

Williams has been one of Wales’ centerpieces in recent years and was named man of the match when the Ospreys defeated the Scarlets last weekend. Despite his excellent form, the 25-year-old has already played once for his country but is working hard to take his game to the next level.

“Communication has always been a big factor in the game for me over the last few years and that’s something I’ve been working on and trying to improve on,” Williams said.

“It’s something I’ll probably have to work on over the next few years. Also, as a 12 in modern times, you need to be better than just carrying and moving your feet.

“You have to scan different things and you have to be good with the ball in your hands. That’s something I need to improve on and I hope I can do that in the future.”

Williams named Irish centers Bundy Aki and Harry Ringrose as two players he would like to emulate. “I think Irish defenders, given the way they play,” Williams said when asked which players in world football he is targeting.

“They can transport the ball easily and the distribution is very good. That’s what you need as an international center, because obviously the defense today is very strong and difficult to break down.

“When you have point guards on the defensive line it is easier for the team to create opportunities.”