Today’s rugby headlines: New Welsh rugby sensation describes ‘incredible’ moment as Vunipola receives big ban

Here’s the latest rugby news for Wednesday 3 January.

Morgan’s “amazing” moment

New Welsh rugby sensation Morgan Morse has spoken of the “incredible” moment he shot to fame with an incredible try against Cardiff on New Year’s Day.

The 18-year-old full-back left the crowd speechless when he scored a stunning shot from a mile out, ducking past defenders in terrifying conditions. The moment showed him a great future in football, having already played 15 times for the Wales under-20 team, despite his young age. Get the latest rugby news straight to your inbox for free with our daily newsletter.

“It was really good. “These guys are a really tight-knit group and I’ve been working on this for weeks,” Morse said.

“It was one of the best feelings I’ve ever had, it was incredible. There was space in front of me, so I thought I’d give it a try. It definitely felt like a change of momentum.

“Cardiff were superior to us in the first half, but the boys started firing in the second half and the momentum changed. It’s also great to play with the under-20s I joined.”

The try turned the tide in the Welsh derby in Bridgend, with the Ospreys claiming a 27-21 victory. Coach Toby Booth said of Morse: “The kid is fast! We know he has talent, that he can beat people and that he has a great physique, we all saw that in the under-20 category.

“He watched Morgan Morris, Justin Tipuric and Jack Morgan; “There are good people you can learn from.”

Vunipola suspended for four games

Andrew Baldock, Pennsylvania rugby correspondent

Saracens and England defender Mako Vunipola has been banned for four matches after being sent off against Gallagher Premier League rivals Newcastle.

Vunipola was sent off in the final minutes of Saturday’s match after a dangerous challenge on Newcastle hooker Brian Byrne.

He will miss Saracens’ Premier League games against Leicester and Exeter, as well as Investec Champions Cup games against Bordeaux-Bagle and Lyon.

However, Vunipola will be available for England’s first Guinness match against Italy in Rome on February 3 if manager Steve Borthwick decides to call him up.

And it could be timely given the current injuries to England’s three World Cup mainstays: Ellis Genji, Joe Marler and Bevan Rodd.

Vunipola’s case was examined by an independent disciplinary commission.

“The player accepted that the offense occurred but did not accept that he had reached the threshold for a red card,” the Rugby Football Union said.

“The commission confirmed the accusations and Vunipola received a four-game suspension.

“He is not eligible for the World Rugby coaching intervention program as he completed it in 2022.”

If Vunipola had not yet completed the program, he could sign up in that case and then wait for one game to be deducted from his suspension.

Dragons are sassy

Dragons boss Dai Flanagan was defiant after his side recovered from their Boxing Day humiliation against Cardiff to beat the Scarlets 13-12 on New Year’s Day.

After the dust had settled, he said of the vital win: “Despite all the pain the boys have been through, and rightly so because last week was unacceptable, it shows we’re not in that bad shape. It was difficult, but the celebrations show that it means a lot.

“At Gwent we are built on passion. And that. We are a talented region. “We are good people and you saw that.”

Captain Rhodri Williams added: “We were questioned last week. We had a lot going for us and what better way to respond than at home, in front of our fans, on Rodney Parade.

“The guys dug deep. “It was a physical battle and I don’t think we took a step back.”

Slade supports return to England

Andrew Baldock, Pennsylvania rugby correspondent

Exeter manager Rob Baxter has hailed Henry Slade’s impact on Chiefs this season and backed him in the fight for an England recall.

England manager Steve Borthwick surprised his squad last summer by leaving Slade, who won 56 caps, out of his World Cup squad.

Slade, however, responded impressively to guide Exeter to second place in the Gallagher Premiership table ahead of Saturday’s clash with leaders Northampton at Sandy Park.

He is the Premier League’s top scorer this season and has proven to be a key figure on and off the pitch.

And while Exeter’s exciting crop of young players – relative newcomers such as Immanuel Fahey-Waboso, Tom Wyatt and Greg Fisilau – have caught the eye, center Slade, 30, has provided a commanding presence.

Borthwick will announce his Guinness Six Nations squad later this month and Baxter said: “I’m very confident that Henry is there and in the mix.

“There are some central defenders who are playing well, but I’m sure he will be in the mix and so it’s important that he continues to play with the quality he has been playing with.

“He has a few weeks, some important performances. Northampton here in Saturday’s top of the table clash is a great opportunity to do that and then we move on to the European Rugby Cup in the next couple. weeks after that.

“There are huge opportunities for Slade to score and I’m sure he will take every opportunity.”

Slade was instrumental in Exeter’s title run and has also played in Europe, contributing heavily to Investec Champions Cup victories over previous tournament winners Toulon and Munster.

The cumulative effect has seen Chiefs enter 2024 with serious challenges on the domestic and European fronts.

And that’s no small feat, considering the departures of the likes of Jack Nowell, Sam Simmonds, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Dave Ewers and Harry Williams last year.

Baxter added: “There are two parts to this. His (Slade’s) experience and seniority only matter if he also trains and plays with the same energy and determination as younger players, because without that it means nothing.

“That’s what I like most about Henry’s performances, is that he trains, plays and speaks with an atmosphere and energy as if he were his age.

“But the good thing is he has hundreds more games of experience as well as international experience, which is valuable.

“One without the other would be less valuable to us, but the fact that he achieved both makes his contribution very valuable to us at this time.”