The rugby stories making headlines on Thursday, June 11
07:28, 11 Jun 2026Updated 12:15, 11 Jun 2026
Hollie Davidson was in charge of a stormy URC semi-final (Image: 2026 Icon Sport)
Here are the latest rugby headlines on Thursday, June 11.
Davidson criticised over ‘back chat’
Referee Hollie Davidson has come under rare fire for her handling of last weekend’s URC semi-final play-off between Leinster and Stormers.
The ill-tempered match saw players clash in a half-time tunnel tussle, while South African pundits and fans were unhappy with the officiating on show.
Davidson, who could now miss out on being in charge of the URC final, had to make a number of big calls during the match and was faced with frequent questioning from both teams during the match. JOIN OUR WALES RUGBY FACEBOOK PAGE Latest news, analysis and much more
Former referee Owen Doyle called out what he saw as one key error after Davidson failed to issue a straight red to Ruan Ackermann for a violent clearout on Leinster hooker Rónan Kelleher. He also believes she should have stamped out the “backchat” she was receiving.
Doyle wrote in his Irish Times column: “Former South African referee Tappe Henning, now in charge of the URC referees, announced recently that backchat to referees would no longer be tolerated. It was a welcome statement. It came after all 18 rounds had been played, so it was overdue, but better late than never.
“Hollie Davidson needed to apply that zero-tolerance approach during Leinster v Stormers at the Aviva Stadium last Saturday. Instead, she unwisely permitted constant questioning of her decisions. It was unsettling and while the World Cup remains in her sights, she is not yet on the plane. There is work to be done.
“At about the hour mark, Davidson complained that her decisions were being frequently challenged. It was too little too late. The two skippers, Caelan Doris and Ruhan Nel, were also in her ear incessantly. All a referee should need to do is give a clear reason for a sanction, as in ‘the penalty was for your number three being offside’.”
Former Springboks coach Nick Mallett was also critical of some of the decisions, saying via KickOff Rugby: “A critical one was the lineout where they jump across the lineout and interfere with the Stormers in the 22 at 13-11.
“I think that should have been picked up and that should definitely have been a penalty to the Stormers.
“And had they got that penalty, they could have kicked it in the corner, and they’ve got a devastating maul, which would most likely have scored a try because I think they [Leinster] were really huffing and puffing in those last 12 minutes at 13-11. They were struggling.
“So, you know, I don’t think some of the decisions were correct. If you play away from home, that’s what you’re going to get.”
Sacked Fiji coach hits back at false health claims
Axed Fiji coach Mick Byrne has hit back at his exit from their national team, pointing to misplaced fears over his health.
Back in April, the Fijian Rugby Union announced they had “mutually agreed to part ways” with the Australian. Given the widely respected coach had a long list of achievements during his time in charge, including a first win over Wales in Cardiff, his departure came as a surprise.
Fiji’s chair John Sunday reportedly told local media that Byrne’s health had been a factor – leading the coach to receive well-wishes and messages.
However, Byrne – who has managed prostate cancer in the past – told Nine.com.au he has since been cleared and insists there are no health problems that would stop him doing the job.
“I just want to clear the air on my situation, I didn’t resign, and I do not have any ongoing health issues,” Byrne told the Australian outlet.
“The chairman coming out, he was respectful in what he said but he was just incorrect. I don’t have any ongoing health battles, and they knew that.
“It’s challenged me around future earnings. I don’t want to harp on it too much because it just fuels a bit of that fire, and I want to continue working.”
Mick Byrne led Fiji to victory over Wales in Cardiff in 2024(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd)
Nine.com.au say they have seen Byrne’s medical report, which reportedly says “there are no medical concerns that would reasonably interfere with his ability to continue performing his current professional duties”.
Byrne ultimately reached a settlement to leave the FRU, with the governing body on the lookout for a new coach for the national team and their Super Rugby franchise Fijian Drua at the moment.
“I was just disappointed that it was mentioned that I resigned because of ongoing health issues,” Byrne said. “That’s not the case at all.
“I was removed from my role so that Fiji Rugby could move in a new direction.”
He added: “What was disappointing when I went to the Highlanders game in Ba, there was a great number of people who came up to me and were very sympathetic towards me and basically saying, ‘We’re praying for you coach, we hope everything’s well and we wish you all the best, we know you’re not well.’
“I felt like a bit of an imposter telling them there was nothing wrong with me. I didn’t want to sound unappreciative when I was talking to them. But it was difficult because I’m trying to let them know that I’m actually 100 per cent good.”
Wales star signs on at Cardiff
Cardiff Rugby have announced Wales international Sam Wainwright has signed a new deal to remain at the club.
The tight-head prop joined the Blue & Blacks on a one-year deal from the Scarlets last summer but has now extended his stay in the capital. The man from north Wales made 10 appearances during his debut season at the Arms Park.
Cardiff Rugby head coach Corniel van Zyl said: “Sam has really impressed us this year. He is a big man with a lot of potential and is nearing his prime as a tight-head prop.
“Day to day he is all in. It doesn’t matter whether he is in the match-day 23 or helping the squad prepare, he is exactly the same, bringing intensity, energy and commitment. He gives his all to the team and his peers.
“He has done well for us this year and that has been reflected in his inclusion in the Wales Six Nations squad and again this summer.
“I am pleased he is staying and look forward to seeing what he can bring moving forward. He is competing with two other internationals and we are confident they can push each other onto greater heights, raising standards and team performance.”
Wainwright, now 28, joined the Scarlets from Saracens in December 2022, having progressed through Rhyl and District RFC, and RGC 1404.
Wainwright said: “Myself and my family are over the moon to sign for another two years at Cardiff.
“This is a special club with special players, people and supporters and it is exciting to see where we can go as a team.
“Moving to the Arms Park has been like a breath of fresh air for me. It has really challenged me on the pitch and the competition for places is driving me to be a better player and person.
“We have a brilliant group and I have so much gratitude for the opportunity to continue playing here. After the progress we made during the past season, I am really excited for the future and I’m hugely motivated to play my part.”
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