Today's rugby news as Welsh team use farcical loophole after Wales star banned

Here are your rugby morning headlines for Thursday, May 2.

Wales star exploits loophole after ban

Wales and Dragons lock Ben Carter has been suspended for three matches after his red card against Connacht last Saturday – but is set to only miss one in real terms after exploiting a loophole.

The second-row saw red after a dangerous tackle on Shane Jennings in the 34-27 defeat. He accepted he had committed foul play at a disciplinary hearing and the initial six-week ban was halved due to his good record and his apology.

But it's emerged the Dragons have claimed the Wales star would have been considered for the Newport RFC v Ebbw Vale Indigo Premiership semi-final this weekend, meaning that counts as one of his missed matches. This is despite the fact he has not played for Newport for four years.

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It means the 23-year-old is likely to miss only the URC clash against the DHL Stormers on May 10. That is because his sanction will be reduced by one week if he partakes in the World Cup Rugby Coaching Intervention Programme, meaning he would be available for the game against Ospreys on May 18.

The same loophole has been exploited by the likes of Owen Farrell before, who cut his ban ahead of last year's Six Nations because of a Saracens match he never would have played in. At the time it was described as "farcical" and "shameful" but pundits and fans.

Welsh duo will boost Gloucester

The signing of Welsh duo Gareth Anscombe and Tomos Williams will provide a huge boost to Gloucester, scrum-half Stephen Varney has said.

Varney himself was born in west Wales and is a fluent Welsh speaker, but has grabbed headlines in recent years for starring for Italy, for whom he qualifies through is mother Valeria.

And he will welcome two new team-mates at Kingsholm next season, including scrum-half competition in the form of Wales star Williams.

But Varney believes the arrival of the pair will only serve to boost standards. Speaking to RugbyPass, he said: “I haven’t really had time to reflect on things and I am still young and want to keep improving.

"It is important to have strength in depth and with Gareth Anscombe and Tomos Williams coming to Gloucester it will make everyone better players and competition gets the best out of you. They will push us and we will push them.”

Saracens issue Vunipola statement

Saracens have released a statement pertaining to the incident involving Billy Vunipola and state the case is now "closed".

Vunipola "unreservedly" apologised after being fined for resisting the law on the Spanish island of Majorca. The 31-year-old said there was "no violence" during the incident in the early hours of Sunday morning and he is scheduled to fly back to the UK on Monday.

Vunipola said he was charged with resisting the law and fined 240 euros (£205) following an "express trial". He described the incident as an "unfortunate misunderstanding" which "got out of hand".

Gallagher Premiership side Saracens then said they would undertake their own internal investigation and they have now released a statement "condemning" the England international's behaviour.

They wrote: "Saracens can confirm that after an internal investigation, Billy Vunipola will face no further action from the club.

"We condemn the behaviour and have warned Billy about his future conduct. We now look forward to the remainder of the Gallagher Premiership season, and consider this case closed."

Quins have no fear

By Andrew Baldock, PA Rugby Union Correspondent

Alex Dombrandt says that Harlequins are relishing "the biggest week in the club's history" as they prepare for an Investec Champions Cup showdown with French giants Toulouse.

While it is Quins' first semi-final appearance in the flagship club competition, record five-time winners Toulouse are one victory away from reaching an eighth final.

Dombrandt and company have already posted significant Champions Cup victories in France this season, beating Racing 92 and then stunning quarter-final opponents Bordeaux-Begles 42-41.

But the low point was a 47-19 home loss to Toulouse during the pool phase, underlining what a huge task Quins face in south-west France on Sunday.

"I haven't seen any fear this week," Quins number eight Dombrandt said.

"I have just seen excitement and smiles on faces. It is the biggest week in the club's history. We wanted to go deep in both competitions (Champions Cup and Premiership), and we are doing that.

"The belief is strong among the group. We have won in France a couple of times - we went to Racing and beat a very good team, and we beat a very good Bordeaux team that was on fire.

"They (Toulouse) are a team of superstars across the board, and we also know we are going to have to go there and score tries, so we are going to go there and attack.

"A European semi-final, you have got to come out of the blocks, start fast, be physical and up for the fight.

"We know the challenge that is coming, but we know we have shown this season when we are there physically, when we start fast, we score early, we do really build and grow into the game."