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It definitely felt like the festive season across the United Rugby Championship (URC), Gallagher PREM Rugby, and Top 14, with some wonderful play giving fans the gift of tries galore.
Elsewhere, there was little Christmas cheer as teams and players went head-to-head, and critics poured scorn and praise on what they saw in equal measure.
Here’s the quotes that were ringing in ATR’s ears like jingle bells…
“It’s tough as a big lump sitting down for 10 minutes and then going back on, I’m as stiff as a cupboard. I was never passing that was I? I scored one like that in training.”
Ellis Genge has no buyers regret after leaving the Harlequins defence behind:
“If Ulster had a bench, they'd have won that game (versus Leinster).”
Ex-Ireland hooker Bernard Jackman wonders if the IRFU-owned teams are as balanced as they could be:
“All the energy I have is because it is my mum’s birthday and it is beautiful, unfortunately I can’t keep my emotions in.”
Mamma mia! Who else would Benetton’s Nicholas Gasperini think of after being named player of the match?
“Josh Kemeny’s try had me off my seat, I thought it was exceptional and I think the athleticism Josh has is sometimes underestimated. He is very fast, he is very athletic and I think he has been one of our best signings.”
Hope Northampton Saints boss Phil Dowson is as successful with his Christmas purchases:
“I can’t sit here and say we look like a team with massive rugby IQ who don’t make errors with rock-solid discipline. What I can say is we’re a team that don’t go away.”
Exeter Chiefs boss, Rob Baxter knows where his team’s strengths lie:
“Edinburgh applied themselves very well, they were very physical and didn’t miss a tackle. They made 253 tackles I think, 156 before half-time, which was a big number. That was a huge compliment to their heart. They can be proud of the way they stopped us.”
Glasgow Warriors head coach Franco Smith raises a glass to Edinburgh’s defence:
“I want to be part of what we’re building and where we’re going. I’m excited for the future and hungry for what we can achieve together.”
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s present has come early with a Stormers contract till 2029:
“Things will only get better if we work together. It's already been said, the current squad is perhaps the best the club has ever had. But if everyone is working on their own, we'll be weak and vulnerable.”
Perpignan head coach Laurent Labit is aiming for more after a first win of the season, against Clermont Auvernge:
“Since we resumed training on November 12th, we're not the same team anymore; we're scattered. We had a lot of trouble getting back together. It's been a little better for the last two weeks, but we're still behind.”
Clermont guvnor Christophe Urios provides little festive cheer for their beleaguered fans:
“It was a big shock. I didn’t expect it whatsoever. I was totally blown away by it.”
Cardiff’s England-born Danny Southworth is all double takes after his Wales call up:
“It was a tough decision to leave a club that has become home, but I am excited for the opportunity with the Emirates Lions and to be closer to family.”
Boan Venter bids adieu to life in the Scottish capital, and hello to the high veldt:
“In April 2025, Davit Kacharava became the new president of the Georgian Football Federation. He has a different vision for the development of the Georgian national team and I respect his decision. I personally wish him and his team success in their future endeavours.”
Richard Cockerill avoids breaking out in song as he waves farewell to Georgia:
“In the end, Rassie saw it. Bang. Let’s get Tony Brown, put a four-year deal in front of him and New Zealand Rugby didn’t talk to Tony Brown. That’s the worst thing that’s happened for New Zealand, the best thing for South Africa.”
Bristol Bears DoR Pat Lam wonders how Tony Brown slipped through the All Blacks’ grasp:
“I owe a lot to Gloucester; it’s where it all began for me, and it has always remained a very special place. Playing for and against Gloucester are some of my fondest memories, and the chance to come full circle and return to a club I’ve held so dearly was an opportunity I jumped at.”
Dan Robson is homeward bound after his French adventure:
“It still lingers because they are habitually a good side and a top-four side and above. Whatever happened in the past has happened in the past. But the reality is they are a marker of where you are going to be in the season and how competitive you are going to be. We are slightly above them in the league at the moment, but things can flip quickly because everything is so tight.”
Exeter Chiefs DoR Rob Baxter hasn’t quite forgiven Saracens yet:
“We have been a little bit sticky so far. We haven’t had the better of teams like we have at the start of competitions, so there’s a lot for us to prove.”
James Lowe understands Leinster’s need to improve:
“My body has taken a bit of a battering over the last three years. I’ve had quite a lot of time out with injuries. But I feel in a good place now. I feel pretty strong and fit. Touch wood, I can remain fit for the season.”
Glasgow Warriors flyhalf Adam Hastings is not taking his fitness for granted:
“You get pigeonholed. Until the day I retire, all they want to talk about is the high ball and the aerial stuff, but I want to be known for something else and be slightly more rounded than that label suggests.”
Freddie Steward is more than just a big man under a Garryowen:
“As players a lot of these decisions are out of our hands. For the time being, we’re all just cracking on. Obviously, it’s not ideal but we just do our best. Keep turning up to train and play as well as we can and whatever the future holds, it holds. It’s not easy but as you get older it gets easier. You have a little bit more life experience under your belt you are able to adapt and deal with whatever life throws at you.”
Scarlets Josh Macleod is keeping his head down as Welsh rugby’s reorganisation continues: