Ireland’s Rugby World Cup coach reacts to spying allegations before New Zealand tie
The Irish camp have been accused of spying on their next Rugby World Cup opponents, New Zealand.
Ireland assistant coach Mike Catt has dismissed suggestions his side send a photographer to scout their next Rugby World Cup quarter-final opponents, New Zealand. Catt appeared confused when asked about the possibility of “Spygate” happening in France during Friday’s captain’s race, forcing officials to come forward to explain the situation.
Having previously announced which Irish team would face the All Blacks on Saturday, Catt was then asked by a New Zealand member about a photographer affiliated with the Irish team who had attended their opponents’ training session on Thursday.
Catt was stunned and laughed when asked: “Did someone take pictures at All Blacks practice yesterday?” If so, is this something you usually do? » He replied: “Sorry, I wasn’t one of them at that time…”
This was before Ireland’s RFU press officer intervened and insisted that the camp was unaware of the photographer’s presence, but that doing so was in compliance with regulations. “I don’t know. The agency may have worked there,” Peter Breen said.
Afterwards, World Cup official Greg Thomas stepped in to clarify the incident, asserting that the photographer had the right to witness the first 15 minutes of New Zealand’s practice session. “The rules say yes, as long as they are with the rest of the photographers, they can (take part in the training),” he said. The 42nd person claimed to be a photographer from Inpho Photography in Ireland, who was present during the brief media access portion of the training session at the INSEP sports complex, standard procedure during the World Cup. world – despite New Zealand’s potential for disappointment. that their team was revealed before their announcement.
Catt later confirmed that the Irish squad were in good health despite some injury problems, notably that of Mack Hansen, before the quarter-finals. “Yeah, everyone is healthy,” Catt said. “Mack (looking as sharp as ever). Yes, he did well. Running free is perfectly fine.”
Hansen injured his calf and was forced to withdraw in the closing stages of Ireland’s win over Scotland, but still took part in full training the following day and was named in Andy Farrell’s squad to face New Zealand.
However, James Ryan and Robbie Henshaw at second were unable to play, but Catt hopes they can feature in the later stages of the tournament if Ireland get past the All Blacks.
“James is doing very well,” Catt added. “As you saw, Robbie Henshaw and James obviously went to training this morning. They are progressing very well so they will be available next week.
