These are your latest rugby headlines on Saturday, August 9. Welsh Rugby Union chief Abi Tierney has spoken out on the R360 rebel league that is threatening to rip up the sport as we know it, amid reports that a handful of Welsh players have provisionally agreed deals to join the breakaway project. Fronted by England World Cup winner Mike Tindall amongst others, R360 is aimed at creating "generational change in rugby", with plans to create 12 new franchise teams made up of the world's most talented stars. It is planned for those teams to compete in a Formula One-style season, which will initially be made up of just eight games played in different destinations around the world. With huge contracts worth up to around $1 million (£740,000) per season being offered to players, the league is rapidly gaining interest, with a host of top internationals already agreeing to be a part of it. Wales international Louis Rees-Zammit is one of the big names that has reportedly agreed to join the project following his return to rugby from the NFL, while skipper Jac Morgan has also emerged as a major target for Tindall and co. With the league hoping to run its first season between September and December next year, and amid the current uncertainty that hangs over the Welsh game and its four professional sides, there is a concern that more Welsh players will be convinced to join up and be a part of the lucrative rebel competition. Tierney has now said she is aware of the "genuine potential disruption" that the league poses, admitting it was a key topic of conversation during talks that were held between rugby's top bosses during the British & Irish Lions' tour of Australia. "We spent a lot of time on that in Australia," she said. "We don’t have a formal position on that yet as we don’t yet know what that’s going to look like. "I think it’s a genuine potential disruption and we’ve got to make sure we’re engaged with and aligned to that. None of us are thinking this isn’t going to happen. "It might not happen but we’re better off planning for it to happen and make sure we do our best to respond to that." Asked if she was aware of needing to speed up the current situation with the regions amid the uncertainty over players' and teams' futures, Tierney replied: "Of course. At the heart of all this, we want to provide stability and the best for Welsh rugby which is why we’re doing this at pace and with intensity. "Contracts start to be talked about in October and R360’s aim is to be up and running by next summer. I’m absolutely aware of that." Gareth Anscombe's move to France is off to a nightmare start as the Welsh international has already moved house twice. The former Ospreys fly-half has signed a one-year deal with Top 14 outfit Bayonne after a season with Gloucester Rugby in the English Premiership. Speaking to a team-mate in a recent video video published by Bayonne on social media, Anscombe opened up on the challenges he's faced so far in France. "I had two lessons before coming," began Anscombe, who was talking about learning to speak French to a teammate. "We had to move house twice, we didn't have any internet, I was just not taking anything in, we're all over the shop!" The Wales star spent four seasons at Ospreys from 2019 before a move to Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath fell through due to a groin injury. At Gloucester, he partnered international team-mate Tomos Williams in the half-backs, in an exciting attacking side. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus has become involved in an online spat with outspoken pundit and former Scotland coach Matt Williams after hitting back at comments made by the Australian. In the wake of the British & Irish Lions' series win over Australia, Williams revisited their 2021 tour to South Africa and described it as "one of the worst tours ever," while labelling the behaviour of the likes of Erasmus as "disgraceful" and the style of rugby itself as an "abomination". Reflecting on the feisty series - which saw Erasmus land himself in hot water by publicly tearing into referee Nic Berry - the 65-year-old pundit told Off the Ball: " The way that both management teams conducted themselves was disgraceful. “Rassie was running on the field as a water carrier. There was a leaked video criticising referees, ringing people up, and the style of rugby was an abomination. “All they did was kick across the field and chase it. It was not played in a good spirit. It was aggressive — I have no problem with that — but it wasn’t in the spirit of rugby.” However, Erasmus is not one to let comments about him slide and he promptly hit back by taking to X and posting a screenshot of Williams' record as Scotland head coach, highlighting the 17.65 per cent win rate he had during his tenure between 2003 and 2005. “Matt Williams, the rugby union coach, had a 17.65% win percentage during his tenure coaching Scotland," the text read. "He coached the team in 17 matches, winning only 3 of them. Two of those wins were against Tier 2 nations, Japan and Samoa, according to Wikipedia." Erasmus then added the caption: “Heal Sir Matt.” In response, Williams said: “Hi Rassie, playing the man and not the ball again? Always the sign of weak argument," before adding that he was "delighted you listened to every word”. Newcastle Falcons have further added to their squad ahead of the new Premiership season, with Japan international Amanaki Mafi penning a deal with the club. Falcons have been acquired by Red Bull, and will be officially named Newcastle Red Bulls next season. As part of the takeover, major steps have been taken in acquiring new talent to change the club's fortunes. Back-rower Mafi, who previously had a short stint in the Premiership with Bath in 2016, follows hooker George McGuigan, Scotland lock Jamie Hodgson and forward Freddie Clarke in signing for the Falcons. "Amanaki is a big ball carrier with great footwork and an offloading game, and someone who will get our fans off their seats," said Falcons boss Steve Diamond. "He makes impacts in both attack and defence, he will bring others into the game and I see this as a really significant signing for us." Meanwhile, 35-year-old Mafi said: "I’m grateful for the opportunity and excited for what lies ahead. I’m ready to work hard, learn, and do whatever I can to help the team".