These are your rugby evening headlines on Monday, May 6.
Marler apologises after moment of madness
England prop Joe Marler has apologised after conceding a needless penalty in the 77th minute which cost Harlequins any chance of a comeback during their Champions Cup semi-final defeat by Toulouse.
Marler has always been a controversial and outspoken character but his decision to needlessly lash out at Toulouse star Thomas Ramos, which led to the referee overturning a penalty, has been widely criticised.
After Marler’s moment of stupidity there was to be no way back for Harlequins who slipped to a 38-26 defeat in France.
“F***ed it. Sorry. Harlequins fans were huge. Boys were incredible.” wrote Marler on the social media platform X.
READ MORE: Welsh rugby captain suffers neck injury as referee steps in
Banned Springboks star releases cryptic statement
Former South Africa outside-half Elton Jantjies has vowed to return to the rugby field upon the completion of his drugs ban.
The 33-year-old received a four-year ban by the SA Institute for Drug-Free Sports (SAIDS) in August 2023 after testing positive for the prohibited substance Clenbuterol. Jantjies did not exercise his right to have his case heard before an Independent Doping Hearing Panel in January this year despite claiming his innocence.
The 2019 Rugby World Cup winner released a video on social media over the weekend revealing his goal of returning to the game. “A lot of people have a lot of questions in terms of my rugby career, but just know that I will be back sooner than you think,” said Jantjies.
“Through all the research, through all the facts, and all the evidence, a lot of organisations have been involved in terms of me being tested for something that I have never used. I will elaborate more in terms of me missing my second World Cup, but I am not negative about it because I am preparing myself for much more, something much bigger.
“I’m focussing on the next cycle, but I’ve got a few things that I need to sort out, but I am very positive. I truly believe that these last few months are a blessing in disguise.
“Yes, I want to play rugby and I want to do what I love, but it has created other opportunities for me. It has created a lot of answers for me in my personal life and my rugby career.
“There were a lot of people that I actually looked up to, but they disappointed me badly. People that I believed in.
“It’s a big eye opener, so when I get back to the rugby field there is going to be a different version of Elton. I just want to thank all my family members who are supporting me.
“There are a lot of fans who support me and just believe that I will be back on the park sooner than you think. I’ve got all the right answers, I’ve got all the facts and I’ve got all the evidence against a lot of organisations that’s not doing it the right way.”
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Ireland centre set for comeback against Ospreys
The Ospreys could face star Ireland centre Garry Ringrose on Friday night who is expected to return from injury for Leinster who host the Welsh club.
Toby Booth’s side are the only Welsh side in contention for a place in the end of season United Rugby Championship play-offs and ideally need to register at least a point at the RDS on Friday night. Facing Leinster in Dublin is always a tough proposition but it will be even harder if Ringrose, who missed Ireland’s entire Six Nations winning campaign, is back in the fold.
Ringrose returned to full training last week from a shoulder injury and will be further assessed this week before a final decision is made on his involvement while star Ireland full-back Hugo Keenan could also be available.
Edinburgh sign brother of Scotland international
Edinburgh have announced the signing of Scottish-qualified centre Mosese Tuipulotu from Australian Super Rugby outfit the Waratahs.
The 23-year-old qualifies for Scotland courtesy of his grandmother and Tuipulotu is expected to eventually follow his brother, Sione, into the national squad. In a similar fashion to his brother the younger Tuipulotu is an explosive ball carrying centre with good footwork and an excellent offloading game.
“I’m really excited to make the move over to Edinburgh in the coming months. I’m itching to get over there and experience something different to what I’ve grown up with,” he told the Edinburgh website. “I’ve been speaking to my brother [Sione] quite a bit and there’s a few boys in Sydney that have been over to Edinburgh.
I’ve watched a few games from the URC and it’s an exciting competition so I’m really keen to get amongst it. I’ve actually never played against my brother, and the derby between Edinburgh and Glasgow looks like a pretty cool fixture to be a part of.
“If I do happen to get the opportunity to play in it, I’m sure it’ll be a special moment with Sione on the other side. I’ll look to expose him!”
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