Tonight's rugby news as Ospreys make major move amid WRU row and new Nations Cup fixtures leaked
Tonight's rugby news as Ospreys make major move amid WRU row and new Nations Cup fixtures leaked
The latest rugby news stories from Wales and around the world
Ospreys flags will be back on show at St Helen's next season
(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd )
Here are your rugby evening headlines for Tuesday, June 3.
Nations Cup fixtures leaked
Some of the fixtures for next summer's inaugural Nations Cup appear to have been leaked.
England are expected to begin their maiden campaign in 2026 with fixtures against Fiji, South Africa, and Argentina, as plans take shape for the new global tournament, according to the BBC. Wales' opponents are as yet unknown. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.
Negotiations are ongoing for England's opening fixture against Fiji to be played at a neutral venue in Europe, although it could well be played at Twickenham's Allianz Stadium despite it being Fiji's home fixture. The idea is to capitalise on the large number of Fijian players based in the northern hemisphere and the financial draw of a London crowd.
Following the proposed Twickenham opener, England are set to travel to face South Africa and Argentina in July, before hosting New Zealand, Australia and Japan in the autumn window. A finals weekend in late November will conclude the tournament, with an overall winner crowned.
Wales are set to either face summer matches against Fiji, South Africa and Argentina, or New Zealand, Australia and Japan due to geographical proximities.
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The Nations Cup, confirmed by World Rugby in October 2023, will run every two years, excluding Rugby World Cup and British and Irish Lions tour years. The competition aims to bring greater structure to the summer and autumn international windows.
The top division of the Nations Cup will comprise the Six Nations teams, the four Rugby Championship nations (South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and Argentina), and Japan and Fiji.
Unlike the Six Nations and Rugby Championship, which will continue in their traditional formats, the Nations Cup will see each team play three matches in July and three in November against teams from the opposing hemisphere. The results will be combined into a single table, with the top teams advancing to a finals weekend.
Promotion and relegation are scheduled to be introduced from 2030.
Ospreys make stadium announcement
The Ospreys have officially submitted their planning application to Swansea Council for the redevelopment of St Helen's, marking a major step forward in their return to the historic venue.
The team had previously confirmed plans to leave the Swansea.com Stadium and make St Helen's their home ground from the 2025-26 season. Describing the planning submission as a 'significant milestone,' the club emphasised its importance amid an ongoing funding dispute between the Ospreys, Scarlets and the WRU.
The WRU has announced huge change is coming to Welsh rugby after the two west Wales clubs refused to sign the new professional rugby agreement, with the prospect of a reduction in the number of teams on the horizon. The governing body has so far publicly confirmed it will not be proceeding with four equally-funded teams.
'This is a vital step toward bringing our long-term vision to life,' said Ospreys chief executive Lance Bradley. 'It reflects our belief not only in the transformation of St Helen's, but in the strength of our future, rooted in Swansea and powered by our supporters.
"This is about more than new stands or improved facilities. It's a statement of intent about who we are, where we belong, and where we're going.'
The proposed redevelopment, designed to accommodate 8,000 fans, will be delivered in two phases in partnership with Swansea University. The goal is to create a premier venue for both elite and grassroots rugby.
Phase one includes a new 4G playing surface, roofing over the existing terrace, three new stands, and a revamped fan zone. Phase two will add a state-of-the-art training complex featuring a gym and indoor training barn.
Despite the plans, the Ospreys will not kick off the 2025-26 season at St Helen's. Swansea Cricket Club will continue to use the ground until the end of their summer 2025 schedule before relocating, delaying the Ospreys' move.
As a result, the Ospreys will play their early home matches of the season at alternative venues, with hopes of running out at St Helen's in December later this year.
Wales lock makes England move
Premiership Women's Rugby champions Gloucester-Hartpury have added rising Welsh talent Alaw Pyrs to their squad ahead of the upcoming season.
The 19-year-old second row made her international debut for Wales in September and featured in the 2024 Women's Six Nations, underlining her rapid rise in the game.
Pyrs arrives with experience at both club and university level, having represented Gwalia Lightning in the Celtic Challenge and Hartpury University in the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) championship.
Gloucester-Hartpury head of rugby Dan Murphy praised the teenager's potential and physicality.
'To be an international whilst still a teenager is a remarkable achievement, and shows the potential that Alaw clearly has,' said Murphy.
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'She's a physical player and has impressed with Wales, Hartpury, and Gwalia Lightning, so we're delighted that she's put pen to paper here.
'She'll learn so much from the experienced forwards we have in the squad and continue to develop — and that's what really excites us.' Join WalesOnline Rugby's new WhatsApp Channel here.
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Wales Online
22 minutes ago
- Wales Online
Ospreys chief reveals latest on WRU talks and makes admission over situation
Ospreys chief reveals latest on WRU talks and makes admission over situation Ospreys CEO Lance Bradley has spoken out Ospreys chief executive Lance Bradley with the players (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd ) Ospreys CEO Lance Bradley says he is confident in the club's future after the Welsh Rugby Union announced it would no longer fund four regions equally. Both Cardiff and the Dragons will be on the new Professional Rugby Agreement next season which will see increased and fixed funding for the next three years, along with significant debt relief. On the flip side both the Ospreys and the Scarlets refused to sign after raising concerns about the WRU's takeover of Cardiff. This means both clubs will remain on the old PRA with less funding, while they could also face significant clawbacks by the WRU. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. But the Ospreys have decided to proceed with their move to St Helen's and have officially submitted a planning application to redevelop the famous old ground. "I'm slightly limited about what I can say in that respect but we are still talking to the WRU about that situation," Bradley told BBC Radio Wales. Article continues below "If we weren't confident of a positive outcome that would obviously make things a lot more difficult. "The fact that we are still proceeding full steam ahead with the development and with the plans for St Helen's does indicate a level of confidence, yes. "In terms of the actual PRA contract there really isn't anything to discuss. "The issue arose around Cardiff going into administration and now being owned by the WRU. "That's the conversation." The WRU have taken the PRA 25 off the table for both the Ospreys and Scarlets and have activated the two-year notice clause on the current contract. Join WalesOnline Rugby's WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free As a result the WRU are seriously considering reducing to three if not two professional clubs, with United Rugby Championship CEO Martin Anayi confirming the league will back Welsh rugby whatever decision it comes to. But Bradley remains confident the Ospreys have a bright future. "I saw Martin Anayi's comments and that's what you would expect," Bradley added. "The WRU are a shareholder of URC so you would expect them to be talking to each other and to be supportive but I don't think you should necessarily read into that we will definitely be going to three regions. "As I say, the conversations are still ongoing. "I am confident of a positive outcomes. "We are working very closely with Scarlets and I completely understand the nervousness and the unsettling nature of where we all are at the moment. "We try to keep fans as updated as possible and as soon as we are able to do that then we will in this situation. "I hope that we are moving closer to a resolution. "We are not there at the moment but I'm hoping we will be reasonably shortly." The Ospreys confirmed the signing of Wales and British & Irish Lions backrower Ross Moriarty from Brive yesterday and have already signed Queensland Reds captain Ryan Smith. But Bradley did admit planning for the future is difficult given the uncertainty surrounding Welsh rugby but is confident the Ospreys will be playing at St Helen's by December of this year. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here. Article continues below "Admittedly that makes planning more difficult and it's a bit frustrating because we think this could have all been avoided," he said. "It is a bit frustrating but life isn't always a smooth road and there's sometimes road bumps in it and this is one of those road bumps. "We are managing our way through that."
The Independent
22 minutes ago
- The Independent
England squad announcement live: Lionesses team for Women's Euros to be named after Millie Bright withdraws
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The Sun
29 minutes ago
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Morrisons shoppers fury over ‘frustrating' More card offer after item SELLS OUT
FRUSTRATED Morrisons shoppers are fuming after the supermarket encouraged customers to spend more but then ran out of promised rewards. The retail giant introduced a special offer in February offering free or discounted luxury kitchen essentials in exchange for spending certain amounts. 1 Customers earn one More Card stamp for each £10 spent in-store. Once shoppers have earned 15 - the equivalent of spending £150 - they can unlock discounts on an array of top quality Pyrex kitchen containers. Or, once reaching 30 stamps or above, the items become free depending on the value of the Pyrex product. For example, a 2.6litre dish worth £30 is available for 50 stamps – equivalent to spending £500. Other container sizes on offer include 600ml and 1.1litre tubs. There's also a hand pump which draws air out of the containers to keep food fresher for longer. The promotion has been a hit shoppers keen to get their hands on the items in exchange for loyally shopping at Morrisons. Yet some dismayed customers who have tried to redeem their stamps have found they were unable to get the Pyrex pieces they wanted. Many are concerned they will run out of time to get hold of the items before the promotion ends on June 22. One customer on social media platform said this week: 'Will there be more stocks of the Pyrex dishes before the 22nd? I waited until I knew how many stamps I was going to get before I redeemed & now they've only got the vacuum pumps left in my local store." Another added: 'How frustrating after save for dishes in your offer (Pyrex vacuum dishes) to be told that store doesn't have any…. 'Bad planning on your part and annoying for loyal customers who are supporting you.' Shopping discounts - How to make savings and find the best bargains A third added: 'My local store in Grays has had those free Pyrex Tubs at the front of the store since you started that promotion with the stamps. 'Now it's come towards the end of the promotion & I have enough stamps to swap over for some, the store haven't got any in. 'Will they be getting some in before the promotion ends on the 22nd June? I've read a lot of stores don't have any left now which seems a real shame for everyone who has spent money with you, collecting those stamps.' A customer also wrote on the Trustpilot website: 'Disappointed with this Pyrex offer. 'Saved up the stamps to find they only have the small dishes left and no vacuum pumps… 'Defeats the purpose really and the message is don't bother spending more to get nothing.' This weekend is the last date for customers to earn stamps, they will then have a two week redemption period to redeem their stamps for their Pyrex dish of choice. Morrisons said: "The Pyrex campaign has been hugely popular with our customers. 'With just three weeks to go we are working closely with our supply chain team on a daily basis to monitor and order more stock to meet the demand." It's understood as the campaign comes to a close, Morrisons has moved large amounts of Pyrex products to the checkout areas, and increased the display space, to ensure stock is available and accessible to customers. What is Morrisons' More Card scheme? The loyalty scheme was reintroduced in 2023 and has proved popular with many shoppers. It allows customers who have saved 5,000 Points, to receive a £5 Morrisons voucher which can be redeemed on a future shop, in store or online. It can be used as a physical card or app and customers will be able to earn points on specific products and counters in store and online. That means you won't earn points on every single item. Customers can also earn five points for every litre of fuel bought in a Morrisons petrol filling station. Examples of points you would get based on purchases include: 100 More Points for every five pack of doughnuts (89p) 500 More Points for every £5 spent at the pizza counter 600 More Points for every £6 spent in a Morrisons café 100 More Points for every British BBQ meat pack from the butcher's counter Once a customer has saved 5,000 points, they will receive a "Morrisons Fiver" which can be redeemed on a future shop. Shoppers on the loyalty scheme will still be able to get exclusive prices on certain products, including Pringles, Nescafe instant coffee and Cathedral City cheese after the supermarket launched those last October. The Pyrex offer is another example of excluisve offers for loyalty members. However, last month the supermarket stopped two of its popular food offers for loyalty members. Fish Fridays and Steak Saturdays have for years given customers with More Cards 20% off fish and steak from the stores' Market Street counters. But the supermarket recently removed the offers as it says customers wanted value all week-long, not just certain days of the week. Instead it has now added 125 fish and steak products to its three for £10 offer, which is available all the time, as well as offering other deals on certain dates. Supermarket loyalty schemes - which has one? MOST UK supermarkets have loyalty schemes so customers can build up points and save money while they shop. Here we round up what saving programmes you'll find at the big brands. Iceland: Unlike other stores, you don't collect points with the Iceland Bonus Card. Instead, you load it up with money and Iceland will give you £1 for every £20 you save. Lidl Plus: Lidl customers don't collect points when they shop, and are instead rewarded with personalised vouchers that gives them money off at the till. Morrisons: The My Morrisons: Make Good Things Happen replaces the More Card and rewards customers with personalised money off vouchers via the app. Sainsbury's: While Sainsbury's doesn't have a personal scheme, it does own the Nectar card which can also be used in Argos, eBay and other shops. You need 200 Nectar points to save up £1 to spend on your card. You need to spend at least £1 to get one Nectar point. Tesco: Tesco Clubcard has over 17million members in the UK alone. You use it each time you shop and build up points that can be turned into vouchers - 150 points gets you a £1.50 voucher. Here you need to spend £1 in Tesco to get one point. Waitrose: myWaitrose also doesn't allow you to collect points but instead you'll get access to free hot drinks, and discounts off certain brands in store. Loyalty scheme changes at other retailers Sainsbury's also recently made a huge change to its Nectar loyalty scheme for 18 million customers. The UK's second biggest grocery store has introduced a new security feature on its loyalty card app to prevent points from being stolen. The free scheme allows customers to earn one Nectar point for every £1 spent at Sainsbury's, both in-store and online. How to save money on your food shop Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how you can save hundreds of pounds a year: Odd boxes - plenty of retailers offer slightly misshapen fruit and veg or surplus food at a discounted price. Lidl sells five kilos of fruit and veg for just £1.50 through its Waste Not scheme while Aldi shoppers can get Too Good to Go bags which contain £10 worth of all kinds of products for £3.30. Sainsbury's also sells £2 "Taste Me, Don't Waste Me" fruit and veg boxes to help shoppers reduced food waste and save cash. Food waste apps - food waste apps work by helping shops, cafes, restaurants and other businesses shift stock that is due to go out of date and passing it on to members of the public. Some of the most notable ones include Too Good to Go and Olio. Too Good to Go's app is free to sign up to and is used by millions of people across the UK, letting users buy food at a discount. Olio works similarly, except users can collect both food and other household items for free from neighbours and businesses. Yellow sticker bargains - yellow sticker bargains, sometimes orange and red in certain supermarkets, are a great way of getting food on the cheap. But what time to head out to get the best deals varies depending on the retailer. You can see the best times for each supermarket here. Super cheap bargains - sign up to bargain hunter Facebook groups like Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK where shoppers regularly post hauls they've found on the cheap, including food finds. "Downshift" - you will almost always save money going for a supermarket's own-brand economy lines rather than premium brands. The move to lower-tier ranges, also known as "downshifting" and hailed by consumer expert Martin Lewis, could save you hundreds of pounds a year on your food shop.
