Here are the latest rugby headlines on Thursday, February 15.
Ireland suffer blow
Ireland star Hugo Keenan is set to miss his side's Six Nations clash with Wales.
The 27-year-old, who has become one of the key men in Andy Farrell's side, was forced off in the second half of their 36-0 win over Italy at the weekend, with an apparent knee injury. The Irish Independent claims that the blow will rule Keenan out of the meeting with Wales in Dublin on February 24. SIGN UP: Get the new exclusive Inside Welsh rugby newsletter for full insight into what's really going on around all the big issues. This special offer will get you full access for the entire year for just £10 instead of £40.
However, the same report claims that the Leinster full-back's injury is not set to sideline him for the showdown with England on Super Saturday.
Keenan was replaced after 55 minutes at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, with Farrell telling the media at full-time: "Hugo has a bang on his knee, he is limping and we will see how he is in the morning."
The full-back is a mainstay in the Irish side, having started last week against France, as well as all five Rugby World Cup games, and 25 of the 28 games stretching back to February 2021 prior to that. In 38 appearances for Ireland, he has scored 12 tries, with three to his name already this season.
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Cardiff to honour Barry John
Cardiff Rugby will pay tribute to Welsh legend Barry John on Saturday, with his family and friends attending the game against Connacht.
John's sad death was announced earlier this month. Cardiff revealed his funeral will be a small, private family affair, but they will honour his memory ahead of kick-off.
A statement read: "On Saturday, we will be joined by Barry's family, friends and former team-mates as we celebrate the life of a rugby legend. With a small, private funeral planned, the family are encouraging those who wish to pay their respects to attend Cardiff vs Connacht. Diolch."
Nicknamed 'The King', John was considered one of the sport's all-time greats, winning three Five Nations titles, a Grand Slam and two Triple Crowns with Wales.
He played 25 times for his country and five times for the Lions, while he also represented Llanelli and Cardiff at club level.
He died in hospital on Sunday, February 4. A family statement read: "Barry John died peacefully today at the University Hospital of Wales surrounded by his loving wife and four children. He was a loving Dadcu to his 11 grandchildren and much-loved brother."
Max Nagy signs new deal with Ospreys
Ospreys full-back Max Nagy has signed a new deal with the Ospreys, increasing his chances of becoming Welsh qualified.
Nagy, 24, who is currently injured, was in fine form at the start of the season, sparking suggestions he could come into the reckoning for Wales if he is qualified.
Nagy hails from Buckinghamshire but has been a Welsh resident since September 2018 - which is when he began studying at Swansea University. During his time there, he signed for Swansea RFC and was also part of the Ospreys Development side.
The Ospreys have been seeking clarification on if his time in Swansea as a student counts towards his residency. Depending on the feedback received, Nagy could already be qualified, be available later this year, or have to wait until 2027.
Speaking on the new deal, Nagy said: “It’s an incredibly proud moment for me and my family. The Ospreys and Swansea University have been a huge part of my life; it's where I’ve developed as a player. I'm excited about what the future holds for us as a team and I’m looking forward to contributing to our goals as a club."
Head coach Toby Booth said: “Max is a testament to our player development pathway and his athleticism and skill set make him an invaluable member of our team.
“He's got a very bright future ahead of him, and we’re all excited to see how much further he can take his game.
Beard relishing Ireland challenge
By Andrew Baldock, PA Rugby Union Correspondent
Adam Beard says Wales will relish the size of their challenge against Guinness Six Nations title favourites Ireland in Dublin.
Wales have not won a Six Nations game at the Aviva Stadium since 2012, drawing one and losing four of the subsequent meetings. And they face an Ireland side firmly on course to achieve an historic feat of winning Six Nations Grand Slams in successive seasons.
Having accounted for France and Italy in bonus-point fashion, Andy Farrell's team will be backed by many to inflict similar pain on Wales on February 24.
Wales lost their opening games to Scotland and England - albeit by a combined total of just three points - so a tall order awaits them.
"Physicality is going to be one of the key components of the game," 53-cap Wales lock Beard said.
"You see the way Ireland play their rugby. It is all about speed, winning collisions and the breakdown. Defensively, we have to match up with that physical battle, and in attack it's about being clinical and physical. It will be a tough game, but one we are looking forward to.
"Ireland are a team that are playing with confidence, and it helps when a lot of them play club rugby together. We are excited to get stuck into them."
