{"id":418878,"date":"2025-09-12T16:29:11","date_gmt":"2025-09-12T16:29:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/418878\/"},"modified":"2025-09-12T16:29:11","modified_gmt":"2025-09-12T16:29:11","slug":"todays-rugby-news-as-springbok-dies-at-46-and-scarlets-state-case-to-remain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/418878\/","title":{"rendered":"Today’s rugby news as Springbok dies at 46 and Scarlets state case to remain"},"content":{"rendered":"

The latest rugby news stories from Wales and around the world<\/p>\n

07:26, 12 Sep 2025Updated 16:45, 12 Sep 2025<\/p>\n

\"BevinBevin Fortuin during the 2007 Tri Nations match between Australia and South Africa(Image: 2007 Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Here are the latest rugby headlines on Friday, September 12.<\/p>\n

Springbok dies at 46<\/p>\n

Former Springboks full-back Bevin Fortuin has died at the age of just 46, it has been announced.<\/p>\n

Fortuin, who represented South Africa between 2006 and 2007, reportedly suffered a heart attack before training at Northam Rhinos Rugby Club, where he was head coach.<\/p>\n

A statement from Northern Rhinos said: “With heavy hearts, we share the sad news of the passing of our beloved head coach, Bevin Fortuin. The Northam Rhinos Rugby Club, along with our president Mr. Gonsalves, CEO Mr. Dunne, the executive team, and the entire Zondereinde community, extend our deepest condolences to his wife, young son, and family. Join WalesOnline Rugby’s WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

“Bevin\u2019s immense contributions, both on and off the field, leave an immeasurable legacy. Our community feels his loss deeply, but heaven is richer for his presence.<\/p>\n

“We salute you, Bevin Fortuin, Springbok no. 780, for the profound impact you made on the Northam Rhinos and the Setaria and Zondereinde communities. Rest easy , Champ.”<\/p>\n

The Toyota Cheetahs, who Fortuin played for during his career, added: “We are saddened by the passing of former player Bevin Fortuin. Bevin played in 79 games for the Cheetahs, Our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and former teammates. He will be remembered for his warm smile.”<\/p>\n

South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus posted a picture of him and Fortuin during their playing days on social media in tribute.<\/p>\n

Scarlets state case to remain<\/p>\n

The Scarlets <\/a>have urged supporters to have their voices heard, admitting the club faces a critical moment in its history as the Welsh Rugby Union proposes to halve the number of professional teams in Wales.<\/p>\n

The Welsh region say they are “a pillar of Welsh rugby”, citing their “world class stadium” and “rich history” as they fight for their future as a professional rugby outfit.<\/p>\n

It follows similar statements from other regions<\/a> as the four current sides lay out their cases to continue in their current guise amid the ongoing WRU consultation. The clubs have all met with WRU director of rugby Dave Reddin in the past week or so, with further discussions to be held.<\/p>\n

To that end, the Scarlets have launched an “open book”<\/a> on their website, asking supporters to share their views, which will form part of their case to remain as part of the new structure.<\/p>\n

A statement on the Scarlets website reads: “Right now, Scarlets<\/a> faces a critical chapter in its journey. Decisions are being made that will shape the future of the club and the significant contribution it makes to Welsh rugby and its region in West Wales, with its world-class rugby stadium and community facility, Parc y Scarlets.<\/p>\n

“It\u2019s vital that the voices of all those that belong to the Scarlets community are given the opportunity to be heard to provide a detailed and comprehensive picture.<\/p>\n

“Scarlets\u2019 strength as a club comes from the union of commitment and professionalism shown its rugby teams backed by the passion, engagement and loyalty of its supporters, stakeholders, sponsors and partners. The club\u2019s home provides a world-class rugby stadium and community facility, Parc y Scarlets.<\/p>\n

“The WRU believes the current Welsh elite rugby system is no longer achieving its aims. Its consultation proposes moving to a two-club professional structure in Wales.<\/p>\n

“All contributions from the \u2018Open Book\u2019 will gathered will be compiled and forwarded to the WRU as part of the consultation which continues until September 26 th 2025.<\/p>\n

“As a pillar of Welsh rugby, Scarlets anchors elite high performance rugby, talent development, cultural identity, community and economic growth across West Wales. The club is part of a proud rugby heartland with a rich history and clear identity and purpose.<\/p>\n

“Scarlets contributes significantly to the international game and proudly carries the flag for Wales in the top tier of Europe this season.”<\/p>\n

England maintain same approach as Red Roses prepare for Scotland clash<\/p>\n

By PA Sport Staff<\/p>\n

England are determined to avoid being overcome by the occasion when they clash with Scotland in Sunday\u2019s World Cup quarter-final.<\/p>\n

The Red Roses are red hot favourites to register a 31st successive Test victory with the winners at Ashton Gate going on to face France or Ireland in the all-Six Nations half of the knockout phase.<\/p>\n

Anything other than lifting the World Cup on September 27 would be seen as failure, but forwards coach Louis Deacon insists England are approaching each obstacle as just another day in the office.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s one of those things where you don\u2019t make it bigger than it already is. You want it to feel normal to the players, which is exactly what we\u2019ve done,\u201d Deacon said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re focusing on our process. It\u2019s a normal week and we\u2019re not adding anything extra that we don\u2019t need to.<\/p>\n

\u201cKnockout rugby is a different competition. You have to earn the right, you have to earn another week. Scotland will l be looking forward to it as much as we are.\u201d<\/p>\n

England have been lifted by Zoe Aldcroft\u2019s return to training after their skipper missed the Pool A victories over Samoa and Australia with a knee injury.<\/p>\n

Aldcroft is expected to be restored to the back row when head coach John Mitchell names his team on Friday.<\/p>\n

\u201cZoe is somebody who everyone respects. She drives a hard standard in training, leads by example and everyone follows, so our training standards have gone through the roof so far this week,\u201d Deacon said.<\/p>\n

World player of the year Ellie Kildunne is observing a 12-day stand down period because of concussion symptoms so Emma Sing or Helena Rowland will start at full-back.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The latest rugby news stories from Wales and around the world 07:26, 12 Sep 2025Updated 16:45, 12 Sep…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":418879,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4102],"tags":[4151,15033,44812,79,16,15],"class_list":{"0":"post-418878","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-rugby","8":"tag-rugby","9":"tag-scarlets","10":"tag-south-africa-rugby-team","11":"tag-sports","12":"tag-uk","13":"tag-united-kingdom"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/115192277504256719","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/418878","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=418878"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/418878\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/418879"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=418878"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=418878"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=418878"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}