Sunday Snippets

Ulster in with shout: Irish province Ulster kept their hopes of progression in this year’s European Champions Cup alive, with a much needed 24-9 bonus point win over Welsh outfit the Scarlets. Played out in front of a lively home crowd at the Kingspan Stadium, it was Tommy Bowe who set the home side in motion, with a blistering run down the right wing to setup a try scoring opportunity for centre Darren Cave. Cave duly delivered, as Ulster took advantage of the Scarlets having flanker James Davies in the bin. Next to cross was linchpin Ruan Pienaar on his much anticipated return to the big stage, as Ulster built themselves a handy lead at the interval. The second half saw a more dogged performance from the visitors from West Wales, but for all their efforts, all they came away from Belfast with was three penalties from the boot of Rhys Priestland, as Ulster wrapped up the bonus point win courtesy of a second try from Darren Cave and hooker Rory Best. 

Galthie out? According to reports emanating out of French rugby circles, Montpellier have parted ways with head coach Fabien Galthie, the former French scrumhalf. Having seen his side defeated on six consecutive occasions in recent times, Galthie has been under intense scrutiny from both within and outside the Top 14 club. After last Friday’s crushing 30-5 home defeat at the hands of Bath, forward cows Mario Ledesma lost his job, with backs coach Stephane Glas offering his resignation in support of his former colleague. Despite being long touted as the next man in line for the French national job, it now seems as though Galthie will be dismissed by Montpellier president Mohed Alfrad, with both Jake White and Ewen McKenzie being mentioned as potential candidates.

Ryan Sheady