Tonight's rugby news as young Wales team named and coach says his comments were 'sloppy'
Tonight's rugby news as young Wales team named and coach says his comments were 'sloppy'
The latest rugby news from Wales and beyond.
Harri Ford of Wales
(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd )
Your rugby evening headlines on Friday, June 27.
Wales name team for World Rugby Championship
Dragons playmaker Harri Ford has been given the nod to wear the Wales number 10 shirt for their World Rugby U20 Championship opener against Argentina in Verona on Sunday.
Cardiff outside-half Harri Wilde was preferred for the majority of the U20s Six Nations but head coach Richard Whiffin has opted for Ford this time around.
Ford is one of four changes from the side which claimed a memorable victory over world champions England U20s in the Six Nations finale.
Bath full-back Jack Woods also comes into the starting XV in place of Tom Bowen, while Cardiff's Elijah Evans starts in the unfamiliar position of wing.
There is also a welcome return for powerful Dragons lock Nick Thomas who has returned from an ankle injury which sidelined the 19-year-old for the majority of the Six Nations.
Article continues below
'Nick has worked hard to get back from the injury he had in Six Nations,' explained Whiffin. 'He offers a level of experience in the second row against what we know is going to be a formidable Argentina pack.
'Elijah Evans is one of the quickest guys in the squad. His aerial game is really strong and the way we want to play the game will suit him in that wide channel.'
Wales have been drawn in a tough pool with Argentina, France and Spain but have every reason to be optimistic.
Whiffin has selected a powerful front-row which includes Ioan Emanuel, Harry Thomas and Sam Scott, while Bristol's Kenzie Jenkins partners Thomas in the second-row.
Openside Harry Beddall captains the side from openside flanker with Deian Gwynne and Evan Minto also in the back row.
Cardiff's Sion Davies is at scrum-half with Steffan Emanuel and Osian Roberts in midfield. The highly rated Aidan Boshoff makes up the back three with Woods and Evans.
'It was a tough job getting the squad down to 30 and even tougher to get it down to 23 for the match against Argentina,' said Whiffin. 'We spoke to the boys and told them everyone is going to play in the first three games, and everyone has got to be ready.
'The seven boys who have missed out still have a crucial role to play – their job is to help prepare the team and be good team men. We're a tight group and they have reacted really well, and I know that those boys when they get the opportunity, they will take it.'
Whiffin expects Argentina to pose a major challenge to Wales, with full back Pascal Senillosa the only player to gain 200-plus metres from his carries in this year's TRC U20. 'They did well in their Rugby Championship and have a big physical pack and they have got some electric outside backs," he said.
"Their 10 and 15 control the game very well so they will be a couple of guys we need to make sure we apply pressure to, and we have to be smart in how we manage our energy levels in what will be a daunting proposition in the heat of Italy."
Wales U20: Jack Woods (Bath); Elijah Evans (Cardiff), Osian Roberts (Sale Sharks), Steffan Emanuel (Cardiff), Aidan Boshoff (Bristol Bears); Harri Ford (Dragons), Sion Davies (Cardiff); Ioan Emanuel (Bath), Harry Thomas (Scarlets), Sam Scott (Bristol Bears), Kenzie Jenkins (Bristol Bears), Nick Thomas (Dragons), Deian Gwynne (Gloucester), Harry Beddall - captain (Dragons), Evan Minto (Dragons)
Replacements: Saul Hurley (Aberavon), Louie Trevett (Bristol Bears), Owain James (Dragons), Dan Gemine (Llandovery), Caio James (Gloucester), Ellis Lewis (Neath), Harri Wilde (Cardiff), Tom Bowen (Cardiff).
Joe Schmidt addresses foreign-born player swipe
Australia head coach Joe Schmidt has admitted his comments were "sloppy" about Sione Tuipulotu and Bundee Aki.
The British and Irish Lions centre duo were born in Australia and New Zealand, respectively, and they came under fire from the Wallabies head coach.
Schmidt described their centre pairing against Argentina as a "southern hemisphere partnership that will be pretty formidable". His comments were not met with open arms by the British and Irish media, with many condemning his decision to bring it up.
However, Schmidt, who previously worked with Aki, has now taken the opportunity to clarify that no ill meaning was intended, while recognising his poor choice of words.
"Bundee is one of the players I've so enjoyed coaching, and I'd have so much respect for that fella, that wasn't supposed to be a swipe or a jibe at all," Schmidt told the Sydney Morning Herald.
"In fact, it was sloppy from me because someone had just been talking to me and described it as that, and then I used their words, and I should have just stuck to my own words and said, 'hey, there's a lot of respect in Australia for Sione'."
"There are coaches who certainly do it, and they even talk to their team through the media sometimes," he said.
"But if I've got something to say to a player, I'd rather say it to them than fire a barrel through the media. I know that a lift-out quote or a phrase can be a headline and inevitably, even after 20-plus years of doing this job, I'll get it wrong.
"I'm conscious of it and I'm conscious that other coaches do it, but I don't anticipate it happening in this Lions tour. 'Faz' and I have had a few conversations about how we'd like the narrative of the tour to be a celebration of rugby. I think for Australian rugby, we need that."
Mack Hansen urges caution when the Lions take on Western Force
By Duncan Bech, PA Rugby Union Correspondent, Perth
Mack Hansen knows what is awaiting the British and Irish Lions' in Perth on Saturday after being present as a spectator for the Brumbies' famous upset of the tourists on their last visit to Australia.
Hansen starts on the right wing against Western Force at Optus Stadium where he will face some of his old Brumbies team-mates, including a former housemate in Bayley Kuenzle.
The 27-year-old was born and raised in Canberra and began his career playing for the most successful of Australia's Super Rugby franchises before joining Connacht in 2021.
Selection for Ireland the following year was made possible through his Irish mother and 28 caps later he is on tour with the elite of British and Irish rugby, recalling a cautionary tale from 2013.
'I was at that Brumbies game with my dad and brother and the Brumbies beat the Lions, so these things do happen,' he said.
'We were sitting behind the goalposts watching it. It was mad. You don't expect anyone to actually do it, but I talked to guys after that and they'd been pumped up for the game for weeks, working towards it.
'They saw it as the be-all and end-all. Also, guys are playing to try to get into the Wallabies as well, so there's still a lot on the line for a lot of these teams.
'None of the games are going to be easy. Everyone wants to win – it's not just us that want to win.
'We want to win every game but the Force aren't saying 'all right boys, let's go out and lose by 40'. They'll be coming out thinking 'we can cause an upset'. They've only got one game, then they're on holiday.
'There will be this, then they'll have 10 toes up for the next five weeks, so I'm sure they're going to give it their all.
'When you get that time after time after time after time for however long we're here, it will take its toll on us, but that's a good thing. It makes us better and it makes the game more exciting.'
British and Irish Lions urged to 'create moments' ahead of Australia tour opener
By Duncan Bech, PA Rugby Union Correspondent, Perth
The British and Irish Lions have been urged to create memories when they play their first fixture on Australian soil against Western Force on Saturday.
The Lions are eager to kickstart their tour after falling 28-24 to Argentina in the Dublin opener as they build towards the Test series against the Wallabies, which begins in Brisbane on July 19.
Although they may be the worst performing of Australia's Super Rugby sides this season, the Force have been reinforced by the presence of six Wallabies who have been released for the Optus Stadium showdown.
Scrum coach John Fogarty highlights the importance of the Lions rewarding their supporters – more than 30,000 are expected to head Down Under – after seeing the Aviva Stadium turn red last Friday.
'The lads need to create moments for people to get behind,' said Fogarty, who oversaw a dominant scrum performance against the Pumas.
'Whether it's in a scrum or off a line-out or attacking play or defensive play, we need to make sure we're creating moments that capture the minds of the people that matter most. That's the plan.
'It's an amazing thing, the Lions. You get behind it instantly. It was disappointing against Argentina because you feel like you're letting people down a little bit due to the performance and the result.'
Fogarty believes the Lions will be better for another week together, enabling them to build familiarity with each other.
Article continues below
'There were little things around mentality. Sometimes you come into a game, it's a big occasion and you're in your head a bit and not playing the game on instinct,' he said.
'That's why this week has been so important, we've been getting more cohesive and a bit more in synch so that come game day we can play off instincts. It should all become more natural to us.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
South Wales Argus
an hour ago
- South Wales Argus
Lilli Ives Campion relishing opportunity of home Rugby World Cup
The Red Roses second row made her first Test start for England during the Guinness Six Nations and is part of the 42-player squad that is currently preparing for the 2025 World Cup. She is the youngest forward in the squad, with the likes of Abbie Ward, skipper Zoe Aldcroft and Rosie Galligan among those who are battling for places in her position. With that level of competition for places, the intensity in training is ferocious and Ives Campion is desperate to ensure she does everything in her power to make the final squad that will look to win the World Cup for the first time since 2014, with the final set to be held at Allianz Stadium on September 27. She said: 'It's been pretty intense, probably one of the most intense things I've done so far. But there is a real sense of togetherness so when it does get tough, it's really nice as a group that we can come together and battle through. We've been really tested a few times now, so it's been good. 'That decision (over selection) will happen but it's what can I do between now and then to put myself in the best possible position to be picked for that squad? You have to be where you are and embrace that and then that is the bigger picture. Whatever will be, will be. I need to go out there and do my best, whatever that looks like, whether it is gym or training. 'I remember watching the World Cup in Ireland in 2017 on TV at home. It was the first time I think I'd ever watched women's rugby on TV. I was playing but just for my local club, I didn't really know anything about rugby at that point. The thought of a home World Cup is so incredible and such a rare opportunity. The impact it is going to have on the game and girls going forward is incredible so I'd love to be involved in that.' Ives Campion, who plays her club rugby for Loughborough Lightning, has enjoyed a rapid rise, going from playing for England Under-20s last summer to being part of the England squad that triumphed in WXV at the end of last year. That came after she had made her Red Roses debut in a warm-up match against France, with Ives Campion then making a first start against Italy earlier this year as England won a seventh successive Six Nations title. It proved to be her only appearance in the tournament, with Ives Campion then taking on a different role of helping her teammates prepare for the remaining four matches, but she is trying to take as much as possible from every training session with her more experienced colleagues. She added: 'That (Italy game) was incredible. Coming into that week, I was super excited and I think it's actually quite nice to start a game. You have nerves with the anthem but the minute the ball is kicked, you lock into the game rather than on the bench, you can sit and watch the nerves just build up and build up. 'My role post-Italy was very much prepping the team, how can I best perform that role for the team? I really embraced that over the few weeks. I feel like I learn a lot. When you see the competition in my position, I'm still only 21 and I have so much to learn. So to have eight weeks like that, it's really important to learn.' Those lessons were learned and it is now a case of trying to put them into practice to earn a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Purchase your tickets to the Autumn Nations Series at Allianz Stadium
Powys County Times
2 hours ago
- Powys County Times
‘Gareth!' – Oliver Tarvet qualifies for Wimbledon and lets slip college in-joke
Oliver Tarvet admits he is in trouble with his college team-mates for sharing their in-joke on the global stage. The 21-year-old achieved the biggest moment by far of his fledgling tennis career on Thursday by becoming the only British player to come through qualifying for Wimbledon. Tarvet is studying at the University of San Diego and he left all but a few onlookers baffled by shouting out 'Gareth' at moments during his final-round victory over Belgian player Alexander Blockx on Thursday. What a moment 💪 World No.719 Oliver Tarvet qualifies for the main draw at #Wimbledon 🇬🇧 — Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 26, 2025 While Tarvet, who at world number 719 is only the 33rd highest ranked man in Britain, did not want to explain too much, it appears the reference is to former Wales and Real Madrid footballer Gareth Bale. 'College is obviously a little more energetic than maybe the pro tour,' said Tarvet. 'And it's just who I am. It's what gives me success, being a little more energetic, a little bit more fiery than most players. 'I find it pretty funny out there. My team-mates were laughing and they were blowing up our group chat because I was saying it in Wimbledon last round of qualifications. '(People are) going to have to wonder, I'm sorry. My team-mates were already annoyed at me for how much information I gave out. It's just the inside joke to keep guys accountable of their decision-making, that's all I'm going to say.' Tarvet was not a standout junior but following the likes of Cameron Norrie and Jacob Fearnley onto the US college circuit has allowed him to flourish. Of the 13 British men in the singles draw, seven have taken the college route into the professional game and Tarvet said: 'I owe pretty much everything to the University of San Diego. 'They're so knowledgeable, such great people. I feel like I have improved not only as a tennis player but also as a person, they've taught me a lot of values that I didn't value going into college. 'It's just been really great over there and I've enjoyed every second. That's why it's something really important for me. A lot of people have asked me, 'Oh, you're gonna go pro now', and unless something drastic happens, I really want to go back there because it's where I'm happiest.' The downside for Tarvet is that continued participation in college tournaments is contingent on him staying largely amateur, meaning he can only claim 10,000 dollars (approximately £7,300) of a guaranteed £66,000 in prize money, plus expenses. The rules have been the subject of legal cases, and Tarvet said: 'There's been complaints about it but I don't want to speak too much about it, I don't want to overstep anything. 'In my opinion, I've worked hard to get this money and I don't really feel like it's undeserved, the money that I've got. So I think it would be good to see a change in the rules.' Should Tarvet beat fellow qualifier Leandro Riedi and elevate the prize money to £99,000, he would more than likely get a crack at two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz. 'Obviously it's cool but I'm not going think too much about it,' said Tarvet. 'Everyone at this level is just really, really good. And if I'm not focused on Monday and I don't put in a good performance, I'm sorry, I'm just not going to win. 'It would be a lot of fun (facing Alcaraz) but, at the same time, I'm keeping that in the far side of my brain.'
The Herald Scotland
3 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
‘Gareth!' – Oliver Tarvet qualifies for Wimbledon and lets slip college in-joke
Tarvet is studying at the University of San Diego and he left all but a few onlookers baffled by shouting out 'Gareth' at moments during his final-round victory over Belgian player Alexander Blockx on Thursday. What a moment 💪 World No.719 Oliver Tarvet qualifies for the main draw at #Wimbledon 🇬🇧 — Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 26, 2025 While Tarvet, who at world number 719 is only the 33rd highest ranked man in Britain, did not want to explain too much, it appears the reference is to former Wales and Real Madrid footballer Gareth Bale. 'College is obviously a little more energetic than maybe the pro tour,' said Tarvet. 'And it's just who I am. It's what gives me success, being a little more energetic, a little bit more fiery than most players. 'I find it pretty funny out there. My team-mates were laughing and they were blowing up our group chat because I was saying it in Wimbledon last round of qualifications. '(People are) going to have to wonder, I'm sorry. My team-mates were already annoyed at me for how much information I gave out. It's just the inside joke to keep guys accountable of their decision-making, that's all I'm going to say.' Gareth Bale may have played an unlikely peripheral role as Oliver Tarvet qualified for Wimbledon (Nick Potts/PA) Tarvet was not a standout junior but following the likes of Cameron Norrie and Jacob Fearnley onto the US college circuit has allowed him to flourish. Of the 13 British men in the singles draw, seven have taken the college route into the professional game and Tarvet said: 'I owe pretty much everything to the University of San Diego. 'They're so knowledgeable, such great people. I feel like I have improved not only as a tennis player but also as a person, they've taught me a lot of values that I didn't value going into college. 'It's just been really great over there and I've enjoyed every second. That's why it's something really important for me. A lot of people have asked me, 'Oh, you're gonna go pro now', and unless something drastic happens, I really want to go back there because it's where I'm happiest.' The downside for Tarvet is that continued participation in college tournaments is contingent on him staying largely amateur, meaning he can only claim 10,000 dollars (approximately £7,300) of a guaranteed £66,000 in prize money, plus expenses. Oliver Tarvet could face Carlos Alcaraz in round two (John Walton/PA) The rules have been the subject of legal cases, and Tarvet said: 'There's been complaints about it but I don't want to speak too much about it, I don't want to overstep anything. 'In my opinion, I've worked hard to get this money and I don't really feel like it's undeserved, the money that I've got. So I think it would be good to see a change in the rules.' Should Tarvet beat fellow qualifier Leandro Riedi and elevate the prize money to £99,000, he would more than likely get a crack at two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz. 'Obviously it's cool but I'm not going think too much about it,' said Tarvet. 'Everyone at this level is just really, really good. And if I'm not focused on Monday and I don't put in a good performance, I'm sorry, I'm just not going to win. 'It would be a lot of fun (facing Alcaraz) but, at the same time, I'm keeping that in the far side of my brain.'
