Today's rugby news as new faces spotted in Wales camp and Moriarty says 'it's been an honour'

Wales Online

2 days ago

Today's rugby news as new faces spotted in Wales camp and Moriarty says 'it's been an honour'
These are the rugby stories making headlines on Tuesday, June 3
Ross Moriarty and his family have signed off from their time in Brive
(Image: Ross Moriarty/Instagram )
These are your rugby headlines on Tuesday, June 3.
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New boys arrive in Wales camp
Wales players have arrived in camp at the Vale as their summer preparations officially started on Monday. Last week a number of Matt Sherratt's squad turned up early for an optional extra conditioning session at their training base.
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Several members took up the opportunity, with the likes of Taulupe Faletau, Elliot Dee, Rhodri Williams, Alex Mann and Cam Winnett being put through their paces ahead of a two-Test tour against Japan later this summer. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.
The Welsh Rugby Union have now published more photos as the camp officially gets under way, with new uncapped call- ups Cardiff hooker Liam Belcher, Dragons tighthead Chris Coleman, Ospreys loosehead Garyn Phillips, Ospreys scrum-half Reuben Morgan-Williams and Ospreys wing Keelan Giles all pictured in training.
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Fellow new face Macs Page has likely been granted further time off due to his exploits with the Scarlets last weekend in Dublin.
Wales will be heading to the Far East for two matches against Eddie Jones' Japan and they will be looking to put an end to their miserable run of 17 straight Test defeats.
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Moriarty signs off
Ross Moriarty has signed off his time in France with Brive, saying it's been "an honour" to serve the club.
The Wales international moved to the continent in 2022 and quickly proved a popular addition to the French side's squad, winning multiple awards for his performances in the Pro D2.
After three years with the club he's now heading home, with a deal with the Ospreys believed to have been signed and sealed for some time.
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Moriarty's final appearance for Brive ended in heartache, with his team losing in their Rugby Pro D2 semi-final play-off against Montauban.
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"What an unforgettable experience," the 54-times-capped man wrote on Instagram. "Thank you to all the incredible supporters for the passion and energy you brought to every game. I'm truly grateful for the opportunity to represent this club and for the memories we've made as a family. It's been an honour."
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Club to open tonight in tribute to Wales man
Ebbw Vale Rugby Club are set to open their doors this evening for anyone wishing to sign a book of remembrance for former player Mark Jones.
The Wales No.8 passed away last month, with tributes pouring in from across the rugby world.
"Ebbw Vale RFC will be opening a book of remembrance for former player Mark Jones who recently passed away," the club said on social media.
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"The club will be open from 6pm-8pm Tuesday 3rd June and again on Saturday 7th June from 2pm for anyone wishing to sign and send messages of condolence to Mark's family."
An emotional tribute was published to Jones on the club's website after the sad news was confirmed.
"Everyone at Ebbw Vale RFC is shocked and heartbroken at the news of the very recent passing of former player and club legend Mark Jones," the club said.
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"We were lucky enough to have Mark spend the evening with us promoting his book launch last year. Mark was adored by players and supporters during his time as a player, and even more so after he left.
"A true legend of the game and his passing leaves an unfillable hole in our hearts. To his family and friends in Wales and overseas, we are truly sorry for your loss. We send our love and deepest condolences.
"Finally to Mark himself. Mark you were a legend of this club, and will always be remembered as one of the greatest characters to ever pull on our jersey. We will never see your like again. Rest easy old friend. Much love from everyone at EVRFC."
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Venter disappointed at exit
By Anthony Brown, PA
Henco Venter expressed disappointment over his impending Glasgow exit after becoming one of the first victims of Scottish Rugby's drive to reduce the number of non-Scottish-qualified players affiliated to the country's two professional clubs.
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It was announced in March that the 33-year-old South African back-rower would be leaving Warriors this summer to join French second-tier side Brive.
Venter, a fans' favourite at Scotstoun, had hoped to extend his two-year stint at the club, and head coach Franco Smith said in April he would have liked to have retained the forward.
However, Scottish Rugby director of rugby David Nucifora is overseeing a shift in strategy to provide more opportunities for Scottish-qualified players to play for Glasgow and Edinburgh.
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Explaining his reasons for leaving at a press conference on Monday, Venter said: 'Oh, tricky question. It's from above and all the stuff going on in Scotland rugby with the foreigners. That's basically one of the main reasons. I love this place and I'd love to stay here.'
Venter has had more than two months to get his head around the fact his Glasgow career will be over once their involvement in the United Rugby Championship play-offs is over this month, but he admits he was not expecting to be released.
'It's rugby, so there's always something and some challenge to overcome, some injury,' he said. 'So, yeah, it's bad and I didn't like it, but it's rugby. You don't take anything personally.
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'You learn to accept stuff and just be better where you can be better and perform where you can perform and enjoy every moment. I'll enjoy this week and hopefully next week.'
Venter insisted he 'respects' Scottish Rugby's change of policy with regard to foreign players.
'I understand that's their plan going forward and I respect it,' he said. 'I am not Scottish, so it's a privilege to be here and to give back to the club and to the country.
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'If they make their plans, they have a will to make Scotland rugby better and I hope they succeed in it.'
Venter was the toast of Scotstoun during and after Friday's URC quarter-final victory over Stormers as he scored a try and produced a magnificent display in his final home match for the Warriors.
They now face Leinster in the semi-final at Aviva Stadium on Saturday, and the South African is braced for a formidable task as he bids to prolong his Glasgow career by one more week.
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When asked what it would require to win in Dublin, he said: 'Twenty-three dogs and 80 minutes of just everyone giving everything.
'They're a class outfit with world-class players and world-class coaching staff. But it's rugby. So if we do our stuff right, then we can do it.
'These games, this is what you play for. Big stakes, big crowd, everyone just ready to give everything.'