Latest news with #Bayonne
France 24
07-05-2025
- Sport
- France 24
Wales fly-half Anscombe signs for French club Bayonne
The New Zealand-born Anscombe, who turns 34 this Saturday, has played 42 times for Wales, winning the Six Nations Grand Slam in 2019. "Gareth will bring his experience to our talented backline," proclaimed Bayonne, currently fourth in the Top 14, on their website. Anscombe began his rugby career in his native New Zealand with Auckland Blues and Chiefs before moving in 2014 to Wales, birthplace of his mother. He played seven seasons for Cardiff before joining Ospreys in 2019. A move to Tokyo Sungoliath in 2023 fell through because of an injury he picked up at the 2023 World Cup but he joined Gloucester in 2024 instead. He has made 14 Premiership and Challenge Cup appearances for the Cherry and Whites this season, all of them at fly-half. Initially left out of Wales' Six Nations squad, he was recalled after Warren Gatland left and played against Ireland, Scotland and England. Anscombe will slot into the Bayonne set-up as a ready replacement for former France fly-half Camille Lopez, 36, who is retiring at the end of the season.
BBC News
07-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Wales fly-half Gareth Anscombe signs for Bayonne
Wales fly-half Gareth Anscombe has joined French Top 14 club Bayonne from Gloucester. The 33-year-old has signed a one-year deal with the club that are currently fourth in France's top flight. Anscombe played a season in the English Premiership after his deal with Japanese club Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath fell through because of a groin injury. He started his career in his native New Zealand before moving to Cardiff in 2014, making his Wales debut, qualifying through his Welsh mother, a year later. He also spent four seasons at Ospreys from 2019. A Gloucester statement read: "Gloucester Rugby would like to thank Gareth for his time at the club and when the time comes, he will leave with the best wishes for him and his family on their next adventure in France."
Wales Online
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Wales star Gareth Anscombe seals major transfer move in big announcement
Wales star Gareth Anscombe seals major transfer move in big announcement The 33-year-old is set to start a new chapter in his career Gareth Anscombe is set to head to France (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd ) Wales international Gareth Anscombe has signed for French side Bayonne ahead of the new season. The 33-year-old is set to head over the Channel at the end of the season, having spent this campaign at English Premiership side Gloucester. His future at Kingsholm has looked uncertain ever since the club confirmed the signing of Leinster fly-half Ross Byrne for next season, a move that's understood to have prompted the club to tell with Anscombe there was no deal on the table for him to stay. He's now poised to head to France, with the club, who are fourth in France's top division, announcing the move in a brief statement. Join WalesOnline Rugby's WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free "Having played for the Auckland Blues, the Chiefs, and Gloucester, Gareth will bring his experience to our talented line-up," the club said. "Gareth Anscombe has also played in two Rugby World Cups for Wales! "He will join the club for one season." Article continues below Content cannot be displayed without consent The move is the latest in what's been a rather hectic few years for the fly-half, who had initially struggled to find a club shortly after leaving the Ospreys in 2023. He had looked set to join Toulon, before a conversation with Eddie Jones after the Barbarians v World XV clash that summer helped him find a club in Japan. However, his registration at Tokyo Sungoliath was cancelled shortly after it emerged he would require surgery on a groin injury, meaning he never got to play a single minute of action out there. Gloucester picked him up along with Wales half-back partner Tomos Williams, and the duo have produced some strong performances in the Gallagher Premiership. Listen to the latest Welsh rugby podcast But Anscombe's stay in England has been a short-lived one, and despite interest from Pro D2 clubs, he is now set to ply his trade in the Top 14. In a statement confirming the move, Gloucester said: "Gloucester Rugby can confirm that Gareth Anscombe will depart the Club to join Bayonne next season. Article continues below "Anscombe, 33, joined the Cherry & Whites in the summer of 2024 and has gone on to make 14 appearances this season. "Gloucester Rugby would like to thank Gareth for his time at the Club and when the time comes, he will leave with the best wishes for him and his family on their next adventure in France."
Wales Online
03-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Tonight's rugby news as Welsh coach set to take French club job and famous Welsh team concede 100
Tonight's rugby news as Welsh coach set to take French club job and famous Welsh team concede 100 The latest rugby news from Wales and beyond. Gareth Baber reportedly has a new club. (Image: © Huw Evans Picture Agency ) Your rugby evening headlines on Saturday, May 3. Welsh coach gets new gig Welsh rugby coach Gareth Baber has reportedly agreed to join Stade Nicois ahead of the new season, according to L'Equipe. The former Fiji Sevens coach previously played for Bristol and Dragons before moving into coaching, and will now aim to guide Nicois to promotion. He'll be supported by backs coach Barry Maddocks and forwards coach Emiliano Bergamaschi. Current Ospreys and Wales fly-half Owen Williams is also joining, along with former Scarlets and current Bayonne number eight Uzair Cassiem. Baber led the Fiji Sevens side to glory at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, which was followed by a short stint working with United Rugby Championship side Edinburgh Rugby. Baber also previously worked at Cardiff Metropolitan University as Director of Rugby Systems. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. Gareth Anscombe enters talks with new club Wales international Gareth Anscombe has entered talks with Bayonne ahead of next season, according to RugbyPass. Article continues below The 33-year-old fly-half is leaving Gloucester at the end of the current campaign and had been linked with moves to Leicester Tigers and Provence Rugby, with the latter being where ex-team-mate George North plays. Gloucester have signed Ireland international and Leinster fly-half Ross Byrne ahead of the new season, and he'll be partnering up with Tomos Williams in the half-backs in 2025/2026. Bayonne are favourites to sign Anscombe due to the fact veteran Camille Lopez is hanging up his boots at the end of the season. Currently on the books at the French club are former England star Manu Tuilagi and ex-Scarlets man Cassiem. Nigel Owens makes return Nigel Owens made his return to refereeing on Saturday afternoon. The legendary official picked up the whistle again as Lampeter RFC took on London Welsh in a 150th anniversary match. Writing on social media ahead of the game, the Welshman said: "BREAKING NEWS: I'm back. After 4 years I am picking up the whistle again tomorrow for a special 150 years anniversary celebrating Lampeter RFC in their match versus London Welsh. Hope the legs will last the 80 mins." It was a glorious day at Lampeter RFC's North Road fields with spectators lining the touchline. Owens and the players were welcomed onto the field by youth players as supporters clapped and took pictures of the famous referee. The final score was 60-24 to Welsh, who played the second half with a side comprised of second and third-string players. The club described it as a "great day for all to celebrate" and it was "great having Nigel back from retirement for it as well." The last time Owens refereed a match was France v Italy in the autumn internationals five years ago, which was also his 100th Test as a referee. Since putting down the whistle, Owens has worked as a mentor for new WRU referees, as well as a World Rugby expert. He spends much of his time on his farm out in west Wales. Neath hammered 105-0 by Merthyr Neath were put to the sword by champions Merthyr on Saturday afternoon, finishing 105-0. It was the last game of the WRU Premiership season for the two teams, and was a jaw-dropping 66-0 at half-time. Merthyr ran in their tries with ease at The Wern and didn't take their foot off the gas in the second half. A total of 16 tries were scored by Merthyr, with one of those a penalty try. Neath went into the game in third place, but suffered the full wrath of the leaders. Article continues below The newly-crowned champions' performance paid testament to the fact they've lost only two games all season. They clinched the title with a 48-24 victory over Brecon recently, with Pontypridd's defeat to Ystrad Rhondda contributing to their glory.
Wales Online
30-04-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Tonight's rugby news as Gareth Anscombe linked with French giants and Wales star pens new deal
Tonight's rugby news as Gareth Anscombe linked with French giants and Wales star pens new deal The latest rugby news and headlines from Wales and beyond Anscombe has been linked with a Top 14 club (Image: Harry Trump/Huw Evans Agency ) Here are your rugby evening headlines for Wednesday, April 30. Gareth Anscombe linked with French move Wales fly-half Gareth Anscombe has been linked with a move to Top 14 club Bayonne as he searches for his next move. The 33-year-old has enjoyed a fine season at Gloucester, but the Cherry and Whites signing Ross Byrne from Leinster, a move elsewhere appears on the cards for the former Cardiff and Ospreys man. A move to France has been on the cards since Anscombe's likely departure was first reported just after the end of the Six Nations. However, while there was understood to be interest from the second tier ProD2, Anscombe's preference was believed to be the Top 14. And it appears he might just get his wish, with reports in France suggesting Bayonne have made Anscombe their top target. Midi Olympique report that no French club has shown an interest in Clermont fly-half Anthony Belleau, who seems destined to join Premiership club Northampton Saints. Even Bayonne, who are preparing for the retirement of Camille Lopez, don't want Belleau. Instead, Anscombe is reportedly their top target - with Italy's Tommaso Allan also in their sights. Article continues below Anscombe had previously come close to playing in France, with a deal having been lined up with Toulon as a World Cup joker in 2023. However, taking that offer would have meant missing out on playing for Wales in the tournament. Wales star pens new deal Wales prop Kemsley Mathias has signed a new contract to stay at the Scarlets. The 25-year-old made his senior debut against the Dragons in 2020 and has played 63 games in five seasons. In 2023, he made his Wales debut - winning seven caps to date. 'I'm very happy to resign for another couple of years, this is my boyhood club who I grew up watching," said Mathias after signing a new deal. 'It feels like we have kicked on from last season, we have play-offs to aspire to in these last couple of games and have built a good, young squad moving forward to next season. It is an exciting squad to be part of.' Mathias is currently recovering from a calf issue, but hopes to be available before the end of the season. He joins Macs Page, Tomi Lewis, Joe Roberts, Eddie James and Taine Plumtree in signing new contracts. 25% OFF DEAL NOW: Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel said: 'Kemsley is another of our home-grown players who has come through the ranks here to represent the Scarlets and go on and play for his country. 'He is a quality young loose-head, a strong scrummager who has gone toe to toe with some of the best front-row forwards in the world in recent seasons. He also has a big work rate in the loose. 'Kems has been unfortunate with a couple of injuries, but we hope to see him back before the end of the season as we push for that play-off spot.' Lions contenders sign long-term contracts By PA Sport Staff England flankers Tom and Ben Curry have signed new long-term contracts with Sale. The 26-year-olds made their Sharks debuts in 2016 with Ben, the older of the twins who are both strong contenders to make the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia this summer, the current club captain. 'I'm so happy because we were desperate to keep Ben and Tom,' Sale director of rugby Alex Sanderson said. 'They're so good, so special, so important to the team and we're blessed to have them,' 'They're almost superhuman and I marvel at some of the things they do. 'They lead by example, they put the team first all the time, they play through pain, through fatigue and they challenge me and the environment every day.' Review proposes disbanding 'dysfunctional' rugby council By Duncan Bech, PA England Rugby Correspondent Disbandment of the Rugby Football Union's council is the key proposal made by a public consultation on reforms to the game's 'dysfunctional' structures. The Governance and Representation Review Group, which was commissioned by the council and includes some of its members, has called for the 63-person body to be dissolved and replaced by game representatives or a national advisory group in a radical overhaul of the existing system. The council's current role is to drive policy and pass regulations for the game, while also monitoring and overseeing the board on behalf of RFU members. The review group believes that disbanding the council – famously described as '57 old farts' by former England captain Will Carling – would simplify a governance structure that is 'outdated, complex and inefficient'. 'What I've witnessed is a dysfunctional framework, effectively established back in the 19th century, that is clearly unfit for the modern era,' said Ed Warner, an independent member of the review and chair of GB Wheelchair Rugby. 'I have no doubt this will rankle with a number of existing council members but I am hopeful that the logic of this streamlined structure, empowering those within community rugby, will win the hearts and minds of the majority.' Views from clubs, players, coaches, volunteers and administrators will now be sought from across the game as part of a public consultation running from April 30 to June 30. Article continues below A final recommendation will then be made by the review group in the autumn, with the aim of holding a membership vote later in the year. It is hoped the proposals will be implemented before the start of the 2026-27 season. RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney promised a reform of governance at Twickenham after a surviving a special general meeting last month that was triggered by member unrest at the pay and bonus scandal that erupted in November.
