Former Wales coach starts new job and Erasmus' laptop secrets stunned Eddie Jones
The latest rugby news headlines from Wales and beyond.
Wayne Pivac will start his new role in 2026.
(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd)
Your rugby evening headlines on Tuesday, August 12.
Wayne Pivac in new role
Former Wales head coach Wayne Pivac is throwing himself into a new role with Pakuranga Rugby Club in New Zealand.
Pivac, formerly at the helm with Scarlets, was recently announced as director of rugby (DOR) for Pakuranga in Auckland. He first held the role 15 years ago before his career progressed to a higher level.
The 62-year-old replaces Grant 'Boof' Henson as the DOR, who saw out the end of the 2025 season. 'Boof' held the position for four years, and contributed into the introduction of a women's team, a National Club Cup title for the Under 85kg Panthers and several players earning higher honours.
Pivac said: "I am absolutely thrilled to be joining forces once again with the team at Pakuranga Rugby. I'm very much looking forward to the new role, where I will be able to help players coaches and administrators within the club and supporting schools."
Pakuranga Rugby General Manager Mike Anderson added: "It is humbling as general manager and a long-time club member, to have someone of Wayne's experience and skills set, make a commitment to the Pakuranga United Rugby Club.
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"He has expressed a genuine desire to engage with players from school level and show player pathways, mentor coaches, like he has been mentored over his coaching journey. I am looking forward to work with Wayne."
After he left Wales in 2022 following a difficult run of results, Pivac coached in Japan with NEC Green Rockets, where he was reunited with the likes of Rhys Patchell and Jake Ball during his time there.
He left his role after the team fell short of promotion back to League One. His new side Pakuranga compete in Auckland's Premier Division One league.
The new season starts in 2026, where Pivac will try to help the side improve on their fifth place finish in this year's competition, which concluded just a few weeks ago.
Eddie Jones reveals secrets of Rassie Erasmus
Japan head coach Eddie Jones has revealed what he learned from South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus after he inherited his laptop in 2007.
South Africa will begin their Rugby Championship campaign against Australia at Ellis Park on Saturday, August 16, and Erasmus' team will be defending their 2024 crown.
Prior to last year, South Africa had not won the competition since 2019, the year they won the World Cup. However, now they have the challenge of keeping the trophy out of the clutches of New Zealand, who won it every year in between.
While Erasmus is recognised as a charismatic rugby man who isn't afraid of speaking his mind, former England boss Jones has revealed just how much work Erasmus puts in to his rugby coaching.
Writing in his Planet Rugby column, Jones said: "In 2007, I took over from Rassie at the Springboks as technical advisor – he moved to the Stormers at that time as head coach, leaving the technical role vacant.
"I inherited his laptop from the Bok management, and I couldn't believe my eyes at the detail and the depth of the work I found on it. Every player, every team and every scenario had deep playbooks and strategy around them; there was hardly a hole in his work, all underpinned by logic, proof and, really importantly, all placed within the context of the way the Boks played.
"It was a treasure trove of rugby data and analysis that really had a huge impact on me and it made me realise the deep technical understanding that Rassie has underneath his charismatic media persona."
Cardiff appoint new coach
Cardiff Rugby have appointed Saul Nelson as academy forwards coach. Nelson will join the capital city region on secondment from RGC and will join the set-up as a front-five expert.
As a player, Nelson represented Cardiff, Bristol, Exeter and London Welsh. He has spent 15 years coaching young talent, holding roles at Filton College, Cross Keys, the Welsh Rugby Union, as well as RGC.
"Having grown up in Cardiff, I have so many fond memories of playing for Cardiff Schools and Cardiff Youth," began Nelson.
"To coach within the Academy Pathway at Cardiff Rugby is a huge honour for me.
"We have a lot of talented front five players throughout our region. These young men share the same dreams I once had of playing for Cardiff and Wales, I am very excited about working closely with them and their families to achieve this.
"I'd like to thank RGC, Cardiff Rugby and the WRU for the fantastic support they have shown me and my family."
Welsh Rugby Union Player Development and Pathway Lead John Alder also said: "We're delighted at Saul's appointment to Cardiff Rugby Regional Academy.
"Saul is a passionate and committed coach with a diverse career in rugby in education, Academy, and international age grade settings coupled with a strong connection to the Cardiff area.
"He will bring invaluable coaching expertise particularly in the area of scrum, throwing, and set piece to aspiring professional players in the Cardiff region. We look forward to following the impact he will have."
Red Bull complete Newcastle Falcons takeover
By Ed Elliot, PA
Energy drinks company Red Bull has completed its takeover of Newcastle Falcons.
The Gallagher PREM club, who will continue to play at Kingston Park and retain Steve Diamond as director of rugby, will now be known as Newcastle Red Bulls.
Red Bull has aspirations for the team to compete for trophies in England and Europe in the coming years.
The Austria-based company already has significant business interests in football, motor racing and winter sports.
Newcastle finished bottom of the Premiership table in each of the last three seasons.
The new ownership has pledged to develop local rugby talent through a 'strengthened academy program' and deliver 'a world-class fan experience'.
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Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull CEO of corporate projects and investments, said: 'Together, we aim to elevate rugby to new heights and deliver unforgettable moments for our fans.
'We're delighted to have acquired Newcastle Red Bulls and look forward to empowering the club to reach its full competitive potential.'
Newcastle begin the new season on Friday, September 26 at home to Saracens.
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