Today's rugby news as major development in Faletau's future emerges and Welsh club announce departure
Today's rugby news as major development in Faletau's future emerges and Welsh club announce departure
The latest rugby news from Wales and beyond.
WalesOnline understands the Wales international will be extending his stay in the capital.
(Image: © Huw Evans Picture Agency )
Your rugby morning headlines on Sunday, May 25.
Wales legend to stay put
Taulupe Faletau looks set to turn down big-money offers in France to stay in Wales.
The 34-year-old has been heavily linked to a number of French clubs including Stade Niçois and Provence Rugby. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.
But WalesOnline understands Faletau is in advanced negotiations with Cardiff about extending his stay at the Arms Park.
Cardiff are now owned by the Welsh Rugby Union, who are keen to retain Faletau's services in Wales. At 34, Faletau is approaching the end of his career but has been in excellent form since returning injury.
If Faletau is to make the next Rugby World Cup he arguably has a better chance of doing so by staying in Wales. Should he sign for a French club it could be the end of his international career, whereas his minutes on the field would be better managed in Wales.
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Scarlets confirm another departure
Scarlets have confirmed the departure of second row Morgan Jones.
The west Wales side announced their 2025 leavers list a month ahead of the regional counterparts, with the likes of Steff Evans and Ioan Lloyd departing Parc Y Scarlets.
Jones was not included in that list at the end of April, but the club have now revealed the lock will not be staying in Llanelli.
Posting to X, formerly Twitter, Scarlets wrote: "Scarlets can confirm that second row Morgan Jones will be leaving the club at the end of the season. Morgan has made 65 appearances in a Scarlets jersey, playing his part in some big victories in the URC and Europe.
"We all wish him the very best for the next chapter. #Diolch."
Scarlets held their awards evening on Friday night in Llanelli, with players dressed up in suits for the occasion.
Marnus van der Merwe, Blair Murray and Josh Macleod all picked up awards. 200 people attended the event in the Quinnell Lounge at the stadium, where Gareth Davies and Ioan Nicholas were also recognised for reaching 250 and 100 appearances respectively.
Dan Lydiate in departing message
Wales icon Dan Lydiate has provided a departing message as he retires from rugby.
The blindside flanker announced he would be hanging up his boots back in April, closing out a fine career at the top level of the game with Dragons.
It was his second spell with the Rodney Parade club, with whom he earned his 100th appearance this season. Writing on Instagram, Lydiate took the opportunity to thank everyone who helped him along the way.
"Well, what can I say?," began Lydiate.
"In 2007 I first had the opportunity to represent Dragons, cap number #81 as a 19-year-old mid Walian farm boy. Never would I have thought where this career has taken me.
"Roll on 18 years, back to where it all started playing my last game and it's gone in a flash. Thank you to everyone that has been apart of my journey and special mention to my family who have always been there for me. Fitting that I had my partner in crime at my first Dragons dinner and you been by my side ever since, Nia Lydiate. On to the next adventure, Lyds."
Lydiate won 72 caps for Wales and was renowned for his chop-tackle technique, and will go down as one of the very best flankers to pull on the red jersey.
Welsh coach's plucky side brought back down to earth
Wales legend Stephen Jones' Moana Pasifika couldn't replicate the heroics of last week's massive result, and were put to the sword by Chiefs.
The Pacific Islander outfit were coming off the back of a sensational 27-21 victory over Super rugby titans Blues, but were unfortunately beaten 85-7 by Damian Mackenzie's Chiefs, who ran in 13 tries.
Founded just five years ago, Pasifika are not as feared as their Australian and New Zealand counterparts, so their recent success has come as a huge surprise, with Welshman Jones part of the coaching team.
Back in March they defeated Crusaders 45-29 in another big upset, spear-headed by All Black superstar Ardie Savea.
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Last season, they finished in second-last place with just four wins out of 14 games. And by contrast, this season they are currently in sixth place and prior to the loss to Chiefs, they had won three games in a row - including the Blues scalp.
As it stands, Pasifika will qualify for the play-offs. However, there is one regular season game remaining, with a game against Hurricanes in round 16 to finish off proceedings, which is of course, star man Savea' former club.
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