Today's rugby news as Adam Jones makes shock Wales selection and WRU in showdown with regions
The latest rugby news stories from Wales and beyond
Adam Jones is part of the Wales coaching team once again
(Image: Gareth Everett/Huw Evans Agency )
Here are the latest rugby headlines on Wednesday, May 21.
Adam Jones influenced shock Wales pick
Surprise new Wales call-up Chris Coleman made it into the summer squad on the recommendation of tighthead legend Adam Jones.
The Dragons tighthead has been a constant for the Men of Gwent this season, taking on the brunt of the load following the retirements of Leon Brown and Lloyd Fairbrother, as well as injuries to Dmitri Arhip and Luke Yendle. The 26-year-old, who previously played for Wales U20s, has started 15 times for the Dragons this season - with four more appearances off the bench.
And as Matt Sherratt announced his 33-man squad for the tour of Japan, he revealed it was former Wales and Lions prop Jones - who will once again work with the national team on secondment from Harlequins - who had identified Coleman as worthy of a first call-up. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.
"I'll be honest with you, Adam Jones had a big say on that," said the Wales interim coach. "He did a lot of work in terms of looking at his footage.
"He spoke to Sam Hobbs and Filo (Tiatia) with what he's got to offer.
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"I think everything that came back was that, with the right coaching and if his mindset is in the right place, he could be one for the future.
"I think he's someone who has fallen into the bracket of 'let's have a look at him'.
"He's started a lot of regional games. He's a big man.
"He could be one for the future. Adam Jones is pretty excited by him.
"That's always the challenge (stepping up from club level). But there's only one way of finding out as well."
WRU and regions showdown
WRU bosses will face the Welsh regions for the first time today since walking away from discussions over a new Professional Rugby Agreement and announcing there will no longer be four evenly funded teams in Wales.
The move at the end of last week has plunged the game into a new level of turmoil, with a strong likelihood Wales will end up with three teams rather than four, as things stand.
The process of how this all plays out begins today, with the first Professional Rugby Board meeting since the explosive developments that have led to accusations and recriminations.
Essentially, the WRU no longer believes the PRA agreement they have been negotiating for a year is viable amid a worsening financial climate. After the Scarlets and Ospreys refused to sign the deal that was on the table, the Union walked away and insist they won't be coming back.
A tense exchange of views will be aired when bosses meet today, while a number of options will be explored going forward, including the possible merging of two teams.
Welsh regions discover URC fixtures
Wales' four Welsh regions will discover their full fixture lists for next season at midday today, and have already revealed who and when they play in their opening home matches.
The Scarlets, who are still in the hunt for this year's title when they travel to Leinster in the play-offs on May 31, will begin next season's campaign at home to Munster on September 27.
Cardiff are also at home on the opening weekend, hosting the Lions on the evening of the same date at the Arms Park. They travel to Munster the following week.
The Ospreys' first home game won't be until October 11 when they welcome Italian side Zebra. The Dragons' first home game is against the Sharks on October 3.
I've had to hold back Immanuel Feyi-Waboso on England return – Steve Borthwick
By Duncan Bech, PA England Rugby Correspondent
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso is poised to make his England return this summer after Steve Borthwick revealed he has been forced to hold back the Exeter wing in training.
Feyi-Waboso has been called up by Borthwick for the first time since November, having been unable to play in 2025 because of a dislocated shoulder that required surgery.
Now present in a 33-man training squad for a two-day camp that begins preparations for the summer tour to Argentina and the United States, the 22-year-old is close to full fitness after five months on the sidelines.
Rather than give him the summer off to be in the best possible shape for next season, Borthwick believes the 'world-class' threequarter with a strike rate of five tries in eight Tests needs to play.
'Manny has been doing team and individual training. He looks really good. I'm delighted to see him back on the grass,' England's head coach said.
'A number of times I had to step in and pull him back because he wanted to do more. I had to go and stand on his wing and remind him! That's a positive sign of where Manny is at.
'He's a world-class player and is raring to get stuck into things. He's a young man and these players are just desperate to play.'
Feyi-Waboso was a strong contender for the British and Irish Lions squad bound for Australia this summer only for the shoulder injury sustained against Sale on December 21 to rob him of the chance to press his claim in the Six Nations.
His recovery was delayed while England and Exeter discussed his treatment options, and because of a tooth infection.
The Exeter University medical student's time in camp this week will be limited to one day as he must return to Devon to take an exam on Wednesday.
He could be ready in time to face Sale in the final round of the regular season on May 31, although it remains to be seen whether Borthwick wants him to be risked in a game where there is nothing at stake for the Chiefs.
'Manny looks really good. The medical teams are really pleased with his recovery. You get a sense from the player of how he's feeling and there's a really positive energy coming off him,' Borthwick said.
England's squad does not include players selected for the Lions or those from Northampton and Bath, who are involved in this weekend's European finals.
Powerful Sale centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White features in a senior England squad for the first time as he continues to enjoy a breakthrough season.
The 22-year-old, son of former Tongan international Viliami Ma'asi, is seen as a candidate to provide the ball carrying muscle that England have lacked in midfield since the Test retirement of Manu Tuilagi last year.
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Veterans George Ford and Jamie George are present in the group after being overlooked for the Lions tour by Andy Farrell.
Borthwick confirmed lock George Martin and centre Ollie Lawrence will play no part against the Pumas or Eagles because of respective knee and Achilles injuries.
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