Today's rugby news as Rees-Zammit makes bold summer call and star says being in Wales was 'pretty tough'
Today's rugby news as Rees-Zammit makes bold summer call and star says being in Wales was 'pretty tough'
The latest rugby news from Wales and around the world
Former Wales winger Louis Rees-Zammit
(Image: Sky Sports )
Here are your rugby headlines for Tuesday, June 17.
Rees-Zammit: Lions will win Test series 3-0
Louis Rees-Zammit believes the British & Irish Lions will trounce Australia 3-0 in the Test series this summer. The former Wales wing, who went on the Covid-hit 2021 tour to South Africa, believes the calibre of the Lions players will be too much for the Wallabies and they will comfortably overpower their opposition.
Rees-Zammit admitted during an interview with Sky Sports that he misses playing rugby for Wales and would doubtless have been a contender for this summer's tour had he not quit the sport for a shot at the NFL last year.
But, speaking four years on from his Lions experience, the Jacksonville Jaguars player predicted: "I personally think they will 3-0 them. But I know Australia in Australia will be tough, but I think there's enough talent in that Lions squad that it will be too much for Australia.
"But we will see. I think there will be some great Tests."
There are only two Welshmen on this summer's tour to Australia, Jac Morgan and Tomos Williams. And Rees-Zammit believes Morgan has got a real shot at starting the Test matches, although his fellow '21 tourist, Tom Curry, will provide stern competition for him. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.
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"The likes of Jac Morgan has got a chance," he said when asked who he thought would be in Andy Farrell's Test team. "Tom Curry, I was with him in 2021 and I think he has got a really good shot to start.
"Then you've got someone like Tommy Freeman who has had an amazing year for Northampton and England, he will be a great threat on the wing. It's a strong team, everyone is going to be great additions this year. I'm excited to see how they do in Australia.
"Because of the tour in 2021, me, Tom Curry and Marcus Smith were like the younger group on that tour, we had a great bond so I will definitely be wishing those boys luck.
"Tomos Williams is my former team-mate and he has had an amazing year. And Jac Morgan as well. I'm really looking forward to seeing how those boys will thrive in Australia."
Williams: Being in Wales was pretty tough
Lions scrum-half Tomos Williams says the last couple of years has been "pretty tough" on the international front.
Williams is just one of two Welshmen in the Lions squad for this summer's tour - and indication of how difficult things have been at Test level for Wales over the past two seasons.
Williams' form for club side Gloucester has remained constant though and his inclusion in Andy Farrell's touring party is well deserved, despite Wales' woes.
"Being in Wales was pretty tough, especially over the last couple of years playing internationally," said Williams.
"I think the move to Gloucester helped me a lot and given me a break from the international rugby as well and it is nice to go back there.
"The way we played suited me and I have got a lot to thank Gloucester for."
Williams added that he hoped to do his country proud Down Under, alongside Morgan. "I try not to put too much pressure on myself, but it is just me and Jac [from Wales]," added Williams.
"I don't want to speak for him but we are so hugely proud.
"It is such an honour to represent your country and the Lions and hopefully we can do them proud."
Sexton quizzed on Lions squad make-up
Johnny Sexton says he wasn't surprised by the record number of Irish players selected for the upcoming British and Irish Lions tour — and believes head coach Andy Farrell's decisions are fully justified.
Farrell, who has also led Ireland since 2019, initially named 15 Irish players in his 38-man squad for the 2025 tour of Australia, with Connacht prop Finlay Bealham added last week following Zander Fagerson's withdrawal through injury.
Among the Ireland contingent are 12 Leinster players, three from Connacht, and one from Munster, making up a significant portion of the squad. While some have questioned the imbalance, Sexton pointed to Ireland's recent track record as ample justification.
'Ireland have done pretty well over the last few years — winning the [Six Nations] championship last year, the Grand Slam the year before,' said Sexton, now a kicking coach on Farrell's Lions staff, according to the BBC.
He suggested that selection decisions often take a long-term view. 'With some players, coaches look at form over eight or nine years. It's not just about playing well in one or two games during the Six Nations — sometimes you take a broader perspective.'
Sexton also highlighted how familiarity with Farrell's coaching methods could have played a role.
'They know the way Andy coaches, they understand the system. It didn't surprise me. Historically, when a Welsh coach was in charge and Wales were doing well, the squad had a Welsh majority,' he added. 'I think it's the same here — the teams that performed best in the Six Nations got selected.'
While some observers have raised concerns about perceived national bias, Sexton was philosophical.
'Everyone has their own opinion — that's the beauty of sport,' he said. 'You can go through the players and ask, 'Who exactly are you leaving out?' From what I've seen over the last three or four years, these players have performed consistently.'
He also noted the strength of Ireland's performance against England in this year's Six Nations opener as an example of their high standards.
Reflecting on the selection process, Sexton praised Farrell for his diligence and fairness.
'I've never seen such a thorough process. Every combination, every player was discussed in detail,' he said. 'Andy did all those players justice — he did the work, asked the right questions, and picked the squad he believes gives the best chance of winning the tour.'
S4C land Lions TV coverage
S4C will broadcast live free-to-air coverage of the opening match of the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia, marking a historic first in partnership with Irish broadcaster TG4, it has been announced.
The two public service broadcasters will collaborate to bring fans the Lions' first-ever fixture in Ireland — a clash against Rugby World Cup semi-finalists Argentina at Dublin's Aviva Stadium on Friday.
S4C's coverage will be fronted by Sarra Elgan, joined by former Lions and Wales internationals Ken Owens, Jamie Roberts and Mike Phillips, who will provide expert insight and analysis across the channel's platforms.
In addition to the opening fixture, S4C will also offer same-day highlights of every game throughout the tour, bringing key moments and expert reaction to viewers each evening. While Sky Sports retains exclusive live rights for the full tour, this new free-to-air partnership offers fans free access across the UK and Ireland.
A post-match vodcast will also be available after each game in Australia on S4C Clic, BBC iPlayer, and S4C's YouTube channel, hosted by Elgan and the pundit team, offering in-depth reaction, discussion, and behind-the-scenes content.
S4C's head of sport, Sue Butler, added: 'We're delighted to bring free-to-air live coverage of the Lions' opening match to audiences in Wales and across the UK. This historic fixture in Dublin is a fitting way to begin what promises to be an exciting summer of rugby on S4C.'
S4C will also broadcast the second Test of Wales' tour of Japan on 12 July. Welsh and English commentary will be available for the Lions v Argentina fixture, with Welsh commentary also available on all highlights programming.
Former Llanelli captain dies
The Scarlets have announced the passing of former Llanelli captain Aubrey Gale.
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The former forward, who notched up almost 200 games for the West Walian outfit, has passed away at the age of 89.
"We are saddened to hear that former Llanelli captain Aubrey Gale has passed away at the age of 89," the Scarlets wrote in a statement. "Aubrey played close to 200 matches for the club between 1956 and 1964, leading the side for the 1961-62 season. "A versatile forward, who played in the back row, second row and front row, he appeared against the touring South African, Australian and New Zealand sides during his career. "The thoughts of everyone at the Scarlets are with Aubrey's family and friends at this sad time."
The Scarlets' supporters' X account added: "Sad news…Aubrey was our oldest living Scarlets captain until his passing. Our thoughts and condolences go to his family & friends."
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Tonight's rugby news as Alun Wyn Jones picks out unlucky Wales duo and Welsh players put through brutal sessions
Tonight's rugby news as Alun Wyn Jones picks out unlucky Wales duo and Welsh players put through brutal sessions The latest headlines from Wales and around the world Former Wales skipper Alun Wyn Jones (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd ) These are your evening rugby headlines on Tuesday, June 17 Alun Wyn Jones identifies two unlucky Wales stars Wales legend Alun Wyn Jones has identified the two Welsh internationals he believes were unlucky to miss out on being selected for the British & Irish Lions by Andy Farrell. The former lock appeared as a guest on the latest episode of The Good, The Bad and The Rugby when he was asked about Wales' representation on tour, which is the lowest in over 90 years with just Tomos Williams and Jac Morgan flying the flag Down Under. However, Jones believes that two other Welsh internationals were unlucky not to be included by Farrell, who selected a team dominated by Ireland and England stars. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. "Toby (Taulupe Faletau) has come back into a little bit of form, on the experience side of things," he said. "I should imagine he was in the conversation, I could be completely wrong. "Blair Murray, you look at the way he's played in those last two or three games for Wales, and he's shown it for the Scarlets, when he gets it right, he's actually unplayable. Despite his stature, he is still good in the air, beating defenders, so I definitely thought those two would have been in there." Asked for his thoughts on the low number of Welshmen involved, the former Wales skipper added: "It is a sort of benchmark for where Welsh rugby is. It's the lowest representation since inception. But I'm pleased for Jac and Tom to be flying the flag. Article continues below "Jac has been Mr. Consistent domestically and internationally. Tom is [the Gallagher Premiership] player of the season. I think it shows how well Jac is playing when your domestic team is going all right but your international team is struggling. "It shows how well he is playing amongst the mire, to get selected and rightly so. Tom hopefully can carry on in a similar vein. "I'm just excited to see how they come back after the tour - what they've learned, the people they've been around, the experience - because going on tour grows you," he continued. "You learn off people, you know a little bit more about them when you're coming up against them, so I'm excited to see what they learn and hopefully they can get a Test spot on the way." Welsh players put through brutal sessions Wales Women head coach Sean Lynn is putting his side through a brutal pre-season as he looks to turn things around in time for the Women's Rugby World Cup in England later this summer. The former Gloucester-Hartpury boss made no secret of the fact that he thought his players were lacking the required fitness as they slumped to a winless Women's Six Nations campaign and a second successive tournament wooden spoon earlier this year. After a disappointing first campaign in charge of the national team, Lynn vowed to change things up and push his players hard, and he is delivering on his promises ahead of Wales' two-Test tour to Australia next month, which comes just weeks before the start of their World Cup campaign. The head coach's extended training squad have put through their paces since reporting for testing at the start of the month, with the infamous bronco run fitness test among the sessions they have undertaken. Last week, they also had their fitness tested on Wales' largest sand dune at Merthyr Mawr, in a bid to make them able to handle the brand of rugby that Lynn has planned for them. "We came in on day one looking at the bronco testing, it's what our lead S&C wanted to measure us on," the head coach told the BBC. "It's really exciting because one of our young pathway players absolutely smashed it, and came top of the forwards league table which is really pleasing to see." "When you're in these tough situations, it's about making sure that we're all in it together," he added. "It's a combination of making sure that we are digging in deep and working hard for each other. We want to be a hard team to beat." While the training has been tough, it has been beneficial to the squad, with back rower Chiara Pearce - who has come into the squad from Wales U18s - admitting: "It's been challenging physically and mentally, but it's a great feeling training with all the big guns, because you see them on telly. "I feel confident in everything I'm doing, just because he [Lynn] is on my back saying 'you can do it, just believe in yourself, we're all here together and we're all helping you'." Farrell: I have no regrets By PA Sport Staff Owen Farrell insists he has no regrets from his time in France despite leaving Racing 92 after just one season to return to former club Saracens. The former England captain had called time on his 16-year stay with the Gallagher Premiership side at the end of last season, having made more than 250 appearances. However, the 33-year-old fly-half endured a disappointing, injury-disrupted campaign with the Top 14 outfit, and has rejoined Saracens on a two-year deal, returning to the club where he won three European Cups and six Premiership crowns. 'I don't regret going. I don't regret doing it,' Farrell said on Sky Sports. 'Even though it was disappointing how much I played, and how fit I was when I did play at times, I still don't regret doing it. 'Even though it was disappointing, the season that we had and the injuries that came with that, I still don't see it as a negative that I have come through it'. Farrell added: 'I am obviously disappointed that it went the way it went, but I am glad we did it and thankful for the experience. 'It was a difficult year injury wise, then trying to bed into a new place and not feeling like you are able to able to give the best of yourself and not really getting going. 'All the years are precious now and hopefully the best for everyone was that I was here next year. Article continues below Farrell, who made his Saracens debut in 2008, just 11 days after his 17th birthday, has won 112 England caps and made six Test appearances for the British and Irish Lions. The fly-half, though, has not been included in the squad – coached by his father Andy – for this summer's tour of Australia. Farrell has not played Test rugby since the 2023 World Cup, initially taking a break to prioritise his mental wellbeing, before his move abroad made him ineligible for selection.
