Here’s the morning rugby news for Sunday, December 10.

“Amazing” Devi Lake

Four-try hero Davy Lake was typically low-key despite a superb individual performance in the Ospreys’ Challenge Cup clash against Benetton, but others were thoroughly impressed by him.

Lake bagged four excellent tries as the Ospreys kicked off their European campaign with a 43-34 victory. However, despite being the obvious choice for man of the match, Lake was quick to share the praise with his teammates. Get the latest Welsh rugby news by signing up to our newsletter here.

“To be honest, I rarely score a goal,” he told Viaplay. “It was hard work by the guys and just me hitting with the back of the hammer. But congratulations to everyone for the week’s work in terms of putting the hammers to work. “I was lucky to receive this.”

However, Wales legend Shane Williams said Lake was irresistible, adding: “We all know how lethal he is from five yards out. He is incredible. I love his work rate, he’s done a lot even before the first down and his defense is like Well, it’s nasty and aggressive. He works very well with Jack Morgan. “They hunt in packs and it’s very efficient.”

Arundell withdraws from Six Nations

New England star Henry Arundell reportedly turned down the opportunity to play in the Six Nations.

The Telegraph reports that Arundell will sign a new contract extension with Racing 92, rejecting the RFU’s hybrid contract offer that would see him sign for Bath and therefore be eligible to represent England.

The 21-year-old is expected to announce his intentions this week after a brilliant start to his career in Paris, scoring four tries in his first two matches.

Arundell was initially allowed to play for England this season despite being based in France due to the exceptional circumstances surrounding the collapse of his former club London Irish. But the latest negotiations around the Professional Gaming Association mean its participation in the Six Nations is dependent on the signing of an RFU hybrid contract for the 2024-25 season before the start of the tournament.

Listen to the latest Welsh rugby podcast

A fire broke out in the stadium.

A fire broke out in the stands at the Sharks – Po European Challenge Cup match in Durban.

The video shows flames erupting in the 55,000-seat stadium shortly after the game. An ingenious employee rushed to put out the fire, which was probably caused by an electrical fault.

No one was injured, the club confirmed.

The young Welshman was praised after an “excellent” performance against the best in the world

Cardiff youngster Mackenzie Martin was praised by his manager for an “outstanding” performance against Toulouse.

The Blue and Black may have suffered a 52-7 defeat, but the performance of powerful defensive player Martin, who played for Cardiff in the Indigo Premiership less than a month ago, was positive as the 20-year-old made the transition for your first try. in Cardiff in his third senior appearance of the season.

“I thought they gave it their all until the end,” Sherratt said. “The difference is probably that every time they got to our 22 they took it because they had a lot of strength and we made some mistakes and we didn’t have the same firepower as them in that area.

“I thought Mackenzie Martin was excellent today. This is his third or fourth game, playing against some of the best players on the planet in some of the toughest conditions away from home in Toulouse.

“And it didn’t feel out of place. If they continue to work hard and the same goes for Lucas de la Rúa, the first starter and the place to do so, then they and Cardiff will have a very bright future.

“For many of our guys, it will be an experience that will accelerate their development as they sit back and learn from it.”

Welsh star shines against English champions

Wales-ranked Bulls number 8 Cameron Hanekom was the best player on the pitch as the South African side beat Saracens in their Champions Cup opener.

England number 8 Billy Vunipola saw red for a “reckless” dismissal from Hanekom as the Bulls won 27-16. But as well as being involved in the game’s theme song, Hanekom was impressive throughout, with several people on social media predicting the Springboks would visit him soon.

Hanekom qualified for Wales through his grandmother and Warren Gatland watched him earlier this season when the Bulls beat Cardiff at the Arms Park. However, it could be in vain if South Africa make it clear they have a future in the green jersey.

The Bulls scored two tries in the first half through David Creel and Janko Swanepoel, with Johan Goosen’s boot beating Owen Farrell.

Kanan Moody scored the third goal for his team before Elliot Daly and Theo McFarland each had a try.