Today’s Rugby News: Huge Dan Biggar deal penalty announced as Wales play new team

Below you will find the latest rugby news from Wednesday 3 July.

Toulon fined over Biggar deal

Toulon have been fined €500,000 for a lack of transparency over the deal that saw Welsh legend Dan Biggar join the club in 2022.

France’s salary cap commission has launched an investigation into confusion over why Northampton paid Biggar up to £350,000 in redundancy payments, despite reportedly not being included in the French club’s official documents.

The fine, imposed on Tuesday evening, is so high because Toulon was found guilty of the same lack of transparency in the arrival of Cheslin Kolbe in 2021. Toulon now plans to appeal the punishment.

“The €500,000 fine is strongly contested by the club, which will appeal this decision to the Appeals Committee of the French Rugby Federation in the coming days,” the three-time European Cup winner said in a statement.

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Wallabies announce six debutants

Australia’s new coach Joe Schmidt is expected to name as many as six debutants when he names his team for this weekend’s clash with Wales in Sydney.

Half a dozen new faces will be named in the former Ireland coach’s first matchday squad as Wallabies boss on Thursday, according to Roar, with the two nations facing off for the first time since Wales’ resounding 40-6 win over Australia in Lyon last September.

Only three Wallabies – James Slipper, Rob Valetini and Andrew Kellaway – who started that night are expected to play. Wales have also changed dramatically from the World Cup match in France.

Instead, the Wallabies are looking to the future, with Queensland Reds stars Josh Flook, Tom Lynagh and Angus Blyth all set for their first international match.

Waratahs winger Dylan Pietsch is also expected to play, as are Melbourne Rebels mainstay Isaac Kailea and Western Force lock Jeremy Williams.

Queensland flanker Liam Wright is expected to be announced on Thursday as the Wallabies’ seventh captain in 10 Tests.

Dyer: Australia’s favourites

Australia are favourites for the summer series, despite beating the Wallabies 40-6 in their last meeting at the Rugby World Cup less than 12 months ago, according to Wales winger Ro Dyer.

However, a lot has happened since then, with the home side getting a new man at the helm in Joe Schmidt and Wales seeing a number of old hands leave international rugby.

Dyer believes that Australia, because it has domestic conveniences, has an edge over the rest of the testing program.

“They have the home advantage, they are probably the favourites at the moment,” said Dyer.

“For us it’s about going to a new destination and enjoying the opportunity and the moments that come.”

Bringing pride back into the shirt is high on the agenda for Dyer and Co, who have lost all six games this calendar year so far. A Six Nations whitewash would undoubtedly still sting.

He added: “We are a young, close-knit team fighting for the same goal – to win and make the Welsh shirt what it once was.

“The results haven’t gone our way but the most important thing we can take away from it is how close we are as a group. We’re passionate and want to get those wins and hopefully we get the reward.”

Vunipola joins Vannes

English legend Mako Vunipola has joined French club Vannes.

The 33-year-old has signed a two-year contract with the promoted side, who will play rugby in the Top 14 next season.

Vunipola played for Saracens for the past 13 years, winning the Premier League title four times and the European Champions Cup three times.

“Rugby “Club Vannes is delighted to formalise the signing of Mako Vunipola,” his new club said in a statement. “He has joined Brittany for two seasons, until 2026.

“A true legend of English rugby.

“By joining Vannes, Mako Vunipola will get his first experience of playing abroad and will discover the Top 14.”

The prop announced his international retirement from England in January, having won 79 caps for the Red Roses.