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Wales Online
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
The unluckiest players in Wales right now and the call that has left people baffled
The unluckiest players in Wales right now and the call that has left people baffled There are many players unlucky to have missed out on Matt Sherratt's squad Ospreys backrower Morgan Morse was unlucky to miss out on the Wales squad in the eyes of many (Image: Steve Haag/Huw Evans Agency ) Many players would have been elated to be included in Matt Sherratt's 33-man Wales squad to tour Japan this summer. But for every ecstatic player there are ones who are left disappointed and a bit baffled as to why they have not been included in the squad. Some have missed out due to injury, while there are two Welshmen - Jac Morgan and Tomos Williams - on the British & Irish Lions tour of Australia - but others have been omitted for other reasons. Here are the omissions which have raised a few eyebrows among the Welsh public. Morgan Morse The 20-year-old is undoubtedly one of the best prospects in the Welsh game, if not the best, and his omission has left many supporters scratching their heads. Morse is not just a player for the future but the here and now after putting in some impressive performances this season. The Ospreys backrower is a dynamic and explosive carrier who rarely fails in making significant post-contact metres. Article continues below Morse is also a huge weapon at the breakdown while his work rate, physicality and his rugby intelligence marks the former Ysgol Gyfun Ystalyfera pupil out as a special talent. But Sherratt is only the interim head coach and his focus is purely on winning two Test matches against Japan, whereas if he was the permanent boss there might have been more of an eye on the future. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. There is also the significant figure of Taulupe Faletau standing in Morse's way while Aaron Wainwright has proven himself to be a high-quality international No 8. The in-form Taine Plumtree can also cover that position. But Morse does offer a different dynamic to those currently in the squad, while he can also cover the entire backrow. Also, he arguably has a higher ceiling than those who have been selected ahead of him with the exception of the 34-year-old Faletau. There's no doubt he will win many international caps but he could have really added some extra physicality and X-factor to this Wales squad. What is even more of a head scratcher is the fact he has not been selected in the extended Wales U20s squad ahead of the U20s World Cup this summer. James Fender The 23-year-old was on Warren Gatland's radar last season but a series of injuries prevented the Ospreys lock from winning his first cap. Fender has never failed to impress for the Ospreys with his physicality, manic work rate in defence and his lineout ability a big asset for the Welsh club. Welsh rugby isn't exactly bursting at the seams with extremely physical no-nonsense locks who can dominate physically against the stronger packs, but Fender is one of them. With experienced duo Will Rowlands and Adam Beard not selected now would arguably have been the perfect time to blood Fender as an international. Sherratt has selected Fender's Ospreys team-mate James Ratti in the squad who is a bruiser of a second-row known for doing the unfashionable dirty work, which allows others to thrive. But in the main Sherratt has gone for athleticism and mobility from his second-rows. Cardiff second-row Teddy Williams will have a big part to play this summer while Gloucester's Freddie Thomas will suit the fast and expansive game Wales are likely to play in Japan. Fender has a nice mix of athleticism and outright physicality and would arguably have been perfect for this tour. The Ospreys lock will need to stay injury-free and start next season well in the hope of impressing Gatland's long-term successor. James Botham It has been a horrible season for the men's national side but Botham is one player who can hold his head up high because he has performed well in a poor side. The absence of the Cardiff backrower from the Wales squad to tour Japan is a little surprising, especially considering he is coached by Sherratt at club level. Of course, Sherratt cannot show any favouritism but Botham has performed well at both club and international level. But if there is one position where Welsh rugby has some strength in depth it is at openside flanker. Join WalesOnline Rugby's WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free Tommy Reffell is a quality player and the Leicester Tigers man was always going to get selected but Sherratt has opted to give Scarlets captain Josh Macleod an opportunity, while there is also a recall for Cardiff's Alex Mann. Macleod has been excellent for the Scarlets this season, leading from the front, while Mann has impressed for the Blue & Blacks of late. Botham's athleticism and physicality along with the fact he covers the entire backrow would have come in handy but there is a lot of competition here. Ryan Elias The 30-year-old has always been a player who has come in for some unjust criticism from Welsh fans on social media, with his throwing in often criticised. But the powerful hooker has been outstanding for the Scarlets in recent weeks and put in a superb performance in the shock victory over Leinster last month. Elias has had a tough season with injury and was sidelined for a number of months with a neck and shoulder injury but he has come back with a bang. Sherratt was always going to select Dewi Lake, who captains the squad, while Elliot Dee performed well during the Six Nations. The Carmarthen man has missed out to Cardiff captain Liam Belcher who has been a consistent performer in the United Rugby Championship but it remains to be seen whether he has what it takes to successfully make the step up to Test rugby. Elias' detractors usually fail to mention his scrummaging prowess, his size, his power and the fact he is one of the only front-five forwards in Wales able to make significant dents while carrying into heavy traffic. On the other hand a summer off might do him good in preparation for a season where he will be determined to win back his place in the Wales squad. Ellis Mee The Scarlets man made an impressive start to his international career in the narrow defeat to Ireland but had a tough time against Scotland and England. But Mee has been in good form for the Scarlets, putting in two excellent performances against Leinster and the victory over the Lions at high-altitude in Johannesburg. Sherratt has opted to select Ospreys flyer Keelan Giles in the squad with his electric pace undoubtedly winning the day. But Giles had a really tough time both defensively and especially under the high ball during the Ospreys' defeat to the Sharks a couple of weeks ago. Those who have played and coached at Test level have always said if you make mistakes in the international arena then you get ruthlessly put to the sword. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here. Mee is as safe as houses under the high ball with Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel comparing the wing to an Australian Rules player. Article continues below He is also strong in defence and during the Scarlets' victory over the Lions showed his strength to win the ball back on a few occasions with a couple of excellent counter rucks against big South African forwards. But as Sherratt said in the week, Mee is likely to go on to win many more Wales caps despite this setback.
Wales Online
11-05-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
Revelations over crisis-hit hospital 'are extremely upsetting'
Revelations over crisis-hit hospital 'are extremely upsetting' 'The issues in this report show not just individual mistakes, but deeper problems with the culture and systems. These must be dealt with urgently and honestly' The University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff (Image: Huw Evans Agency ) A health watchdog has called for "accountability" at Wales' biggest hospital after a damning report revealed crime, racism and an "unsafe" workplace. Llais described the revelations over University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff as "extremely upsetting" and called for the issues to be addressed "urgently and honestly." The 22-page comprehensive service review of the hospital's operating theatres reveals staff felt serious problems were not dealt with by leaders, including a series of thefts and the discovery of illegal drugs in a staff locker. The findings include: "Inappropriate and racist remarks" were made by a senior leader who said a group of Indian nurses needed name badges because they "all looked the same". Female staff felt unable to leave anything of value in the changing room because of the "regularity" of theft, which included money, phones, computers and clothing going missing. An "atmosphere of fear" had gone "a long way to destroying the bonds which allow people to work effectively together". Staff felt there were "no consequences" after an illegal drug — understood to be speed — was allegedly found in the locker of one employee, who continues to work at the hospital. Some anaesthetic practitioners were not always in theatre for the whole operation, instead watching Netflix in the anaesthetic room. The report has now sparked a statement from Llais, an independent body set up by the Welsh Government in 2023 to give people more influence in shaping health and social care. A spokeswoman for Llais said: "These findings are extremely upsetting for patients, their families, and the public, who expect to receive safe and respectful care." Llais was particularly concerned that there had been "failures around patient consent and not using safety checklists properly" — an issue first revealed by WalesOnline before the report's publication. We also revealed a separate investigation into allegations that family members of staff watched surgery on unaware patients without authorisation. Article continues below Lauranne Cullen, regional director for Llais in Cardiff and Vale, said: 'These findings are shocking and very disappointing. Patients must feel safe and respected in every part of the NHS – especially in operating theatres, where they are most vulnerable. "The issues in this report show not just individual mistakes, but deeper problems with the culture and systems. These must be dealt with urgently and honestly." Ms Cullen vowed Llais would make sure Cardiff and Vale University health board hears the public's views. She added: "There must be clear accountability, and a real commitment to rebuilding trust, safety, and professionalism in these services." It comes after Andrew RT Davies, MS for South Wales Central and former leader of the Welsh Tories, called for an "urgent intervention" from health secretary Jeremy Miles. Speaking in the Senedd, Mr Davies said: "The senior team at [the health board] have allowed this to happen and clearly are not in control of the situation. Direct ministerial intervention is required to put confidence back." Mr Miles responded that it was "shocking" to read the report and he was particularly concerned that staff had previously felt unable to speak up. He said he would be meeting the chair of the health board and demanding "concrete plans" to implement the 66 recommendations. The health board said the report was a "difficult read" and apologised to those affected. It has vowed to implement the long list of recommendations. You can read the full findings of the report here. Llais wants to hear from anyone who has concerns or experiences of the hospital that they would like to share. You can contact the watchdog here. Ms Cullen said: "The public will expect action to be taken quickly, with full openness and independent checks to make sure improvements happen. "We understand that many people who have used this hospital may be worried or upset by this news. We want to reassure you that Llais is here to listen." Article continues below
Wales Online
22-04-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Tonight's rugby news as WRU chief issues warning to regions and England great retires
Tonight's rugby news as WRU chief issues warning to regions and England great retires The latest headlines from Wales and around the world Collier-Keywood has issued a warning to the regions (Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency ) These are your evening rugby headlines on Tuesday, April 22. WRU chief issues 'much worse' warning to regions Welsh Rugby Union chair Richard Collier-Keywood has warned the regions they will be "much worse" off if they fail to sign the new Professional Rugby Agreement. The Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets are yet to agree to the new deal, despite Collier-Keywood setting a deadline of last Tuesday for the three clubs to confirm their intention to sign. All four of Wales' professional clubs had agreed on terms on a new PRA in February but the WRU's takeover of Cardiff Rugby earlier this month put a spanner in the works, with the three other sides having concerns. The current PRA expires at the end of the 2025/26 season, but the WRU are desperate to get the new version over the line that would result in a financial upswing. However, with the latest deadline now passed, WalesOnline understands that talks are likely to continue for some time yet. Article continues below But Collier-Keywood has warned of a "much worse" alternative for the regions if a new PRA deal isn't concluded. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. 'If they don't sign we are back under PRA mark one with a sharing in the upside and downside of the trading performance of the WRU," he told BusinessLive. "In the last couple of years there has been quite a bit of downside, so it is a much worse financial deal for them. 'It also puts the risk back on them as businesses. The new deal is fixed for them for a period of three years and then it rolls, so they know with absolute certainty what they are going to get from the WRU and that is hugely different to what we have seen in the past and the picking up as owners (private clubs) of the delta on whatever happens, and that was often negative and having to put their hands in their pockets. "That is why we have fixed it. And we are having the same philosophy on the debt by trying to fix it for them over the medium-term, so that we are better able to take the up and downside in the market and making it relatively stable for them.' On pressing the regions to sign off on the deal before Easter, Collier-Keywood added: 'All I was saying was that Cardiff is an interruption to where we are going, but I am confident that we will get there. They are asking totally fair questions. "We now sit as the owner of Cardiff and they want to know from that perspective what we are going to contribute. And we are saying we are going to deliver what we should do in Cardiff, as opposed to the previous owners (Helford). 'We are in the middle of talks with people about refinancing our debt and these numbers have been given, so if 'one of you is going to blow up' this deal because of Cardiff, and we get why you want to understand what we have done, then I really do need to know that sooner rather than later because I we don't want to waste anyone's time around the refinancing. "The whole basis of the new PRA is fixing things for the clubs as much as possible and we are effectively taking the equity risk on Welsh rugby. That makes sense to us and the clubs as we are the bigger entity and the ones generating the revenues for the most part in Welsh rugby. And we are looking to pass the benefits of any refinancing onto the clubs. "We have made an offer to the regions to swap approximately £3m of debt each into equity or a preference position. On the balance (lent by the WRU) refinancing helps them repay it over a longer period of time." England great announces retirement By PA Sport Staff England's most capped men's player Ben Youngs is to retire at the end of the season. The 35-year-old scrum-half, who racked up his 332nd appearance for Leicester at the weekend, made his senior debut in 2007 and went on to win five Premiership titles. 'It's a bittersweet feeling really. Obviously, I'm sad at the thought it's coming to an end but I'm excited about the rest of this season, excited about what this group can do,' said Youngs. 'That's the strange part, I'm using the 'r' word (retirement) but it isn't over today, there is still plenty of rugby left this season and that's what is at the front of my mind. 'I'm not done, let's not write the obituary just yet. I have spent two decades of my life here at the club and I have been lucky to be a part of some incredible moments along the way, enjoyed so much success and made memories that will last a lifetime.' Youngs is England's most-capped player, having made his debut in March 2010 and played at four World Cups – in 2011, 2015, 2019 and 2023 – before retiring two years ago after a third-place finish in France. He played in 127 Tests for his country and won four Six Nations titles. But now he is focused on securing a sixth Premiership title with Leicester, who are currently second to Bath, as he brings to an end his one-club career. 'It's all I have known in club rugby, the green, red and white, and all I've wanted to know,' said Youngs, who last year had heart surgery after being diagnosed with an irregular and abnormally fast heartbeat. 'The idea of playing against this club wasn't ever an option for me and so, for me to be able to finish a one-club player will be one of my greatest achievements. 'The time will come to thank everybody who have helped me achieve what I have but, that's for when it comes to an end. For now, it's about finishing this chapter of my life with some more success. I'm not done just yet.' Cardiff ready to 'make history' Cardiff Rugby can close in on qualifying for the URC playoffs against Munster on Friday evening, with Ben Thomas predicting a 'special day' at the Arms Park. Cardiff go into the clash in sixth place, one place above their Irish opponents, with just one point separating the two sides. Describing Munster as 'a different test to what we had on Judgement Day, but hopefully a test we're up to," the Wales international said: 'When you look at historically any big games here, any knockout games, our supporters tend to come out in force, and I expect Friday to be something similar. With the backdrop of Cardiff's off-field turmoil and rumours around potential departures at the club, the significance of the occasion isn't lost on the centre. 'It's about making history for this club, but we've got a pretty special group of boys here who've done a lot for the club, so it will be important for us to send them off in the right way,' said Thomas. Since the system was introduced to the URC during the 2009-10 season, which at the time was the Celtic League, Cardiff have never qualified for the playoffs. A win at the Arms Park this Friday would go a long way to achieving the feat for the first time, a prospect Cardiff stalwart James Botham is excited by. Article continues below 'I've been here for nearly 10 years now and to have a chance of getting any sort of silverware would be amazing so I can't wait for the game and can't wait to see how it pans out,' the backrower said. 'It'll be massive for fans; they've been great all year. But to finish on a high for the season, to give ourselves the best shot of the playoffs and also to finish for the fans will be massive".
