The latest headlines from the world of rugby on Monday, January 5Wales head coach Steve Tandy was overcome with emotion by Olly Cracknell’s reaction (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd)

These are your headlines on the morning of Monday, January 5.

Cracknell wants another crack

Leicester Tigers man Olly Cracknell says he wants another opportunity with Wales in the upcoming Six Nations.

At the age of 31, Cracknell finally got to put on the red shirt of Wales last autumn, being named in the matchday squad for the Test against Argentina in Cardiff.

“It feels a long time ago,” said Cracknell about his call-up to the Rugby Paper. “The two matches I played for Wales were amazing and quite validating for me.

“I had been pushing for such a long time, turning up to work and putting in the graft.

“When I left Ospreys for London Irish, I did not really think about it, concentrating on fighting for a contract, but it crept back in when I joined Leicester.”

Cracknell thought the chance of making his Wales bow had passed him by after being overlooked for so long. He had been named in the Six Nations squad way back in 2014 but never made the cut. After leaving Ospreys he moved to London Irish before a switch to the east Midlands reinvigorated his career.

Initially left out of the autumn squad – “I was gutted” – an injury to Taulupe Faletau saw him finally get the nod.

One man who he spoke to after his call-up was his former Tigers coach Michael Cheika – while his boss at national level, Steve Tandy, was overcome by emotion when congratulating him for his perseverance.

“He (Cheika) gave me the reassurance I was ready,” said Cracknell. “When I learned I was a replacement against Argentina, I was sitting next to Adam Beard, who had been at the Ospreys with me, who tapped me and Jac Morgan shook my hand.

“Steve Tandy said a few words about well done for pushing hard and not giving up, but I was so emotional, he had to stop talking, saying my reaction was getting to him.

“I felt so ready because the Prem is good preparation for Test rugby. The semi-final and final last season were really physical and set me up.

“The Japan game was really fast – they are so fit and relentless.”

Cracknell was on the scoresheet yesterday as the Tigers beat Saracens at Welford Road.

“I would absolutely love it,” he added when asked about appearing in the upcoming Six Nations, “but I need to perform for Leicester.

“I was up against the in-form Greg Fisilau last week and one of the best around in Tom Willis this weekend, which shows how strong the Prem is.

“Ball-carrying, collisions and tackles are my game and I will do everything I can to get back into the Wales squad.”

‘Towering figure’ in Welsh rugby dies

Tributes have been pouring in for Crawshay’s Welsh RFC legend Ian Brice, who has passed away at the age of 81.

Brice played for the famous invitational side during the 1970s and later served as its president.

In all, his involvement with the club spanned half a century, and his death has sparked tributes from across the rugby family.

In a tribute posted on social media Crawshay’s said: “It is with enormous sadness that Ian Brice, Crawshay’s Player, Administer, Trustee, and President died last night after prolonged illness. He has been part of the club for 50 years and his enormous presence will be missed by the Club.”

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Journalist Peter Jackson added: “Ian Brice, a towering figure in Welsh rugby and revered president of the famous Crawshay’s RFC, died yesterday after a long illness. My sympathy to Ian’s family and friends

Crawshay’s has enjoyed a long and illustrious history since its formation in 1922, with 88 British and Irish Lions pulling on its famous shirt.

JPR Williams, Phil Bennett, Steve Fenwick, Shane Williams, Delme Thomas and Adam Jones are among the names to have played for the club, which contests six fixtures a year, including traditional matches with Oxford University and Cambridge University.

The club has also embarked on a number of tours in Thailand, Latvia and Poland, as well as traditional rugby nations such as South Africa and France.

Parry: Munster embarrassed us

Sam Parry says the Ospreys used the embarrassment of their defeat to Munster in Bridgend as motivation during their Welsh derby fixtures.

The Ospreys beat Cardiff at the Brewery Field to complete a festive double. But a fortnight ago they lost 26-10 to the Irish province at the same venue, and Parry, who skippered the team on New Year’s Day, says they taught them a lesson – which “really stung”, he admits.

He said: “If I am being honest, I think Munster embarrassed us really.

“They taught us a lesson on a few things that we pride ourselves on. That really stung us. When I looked at the table and saw we were bottom, it really hurt.

“It was our first time back here since then and as a group we were determined to put those wrongs right.

“It was something we spoke about that we needed to put on a big performance because Cardiff have been going very well, but also just to back up from last week against the Scarlets. It was massive.

“I am glad we are climbing up the table now. We are not where we want to be just yet, so we will keep going and keep trying to get as high as we can.”