Latest news with #Faletau
Wales Online
29-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Taulupe Faletau signs new deal to stay in Wales as he turns down big-money move abroad
Taulupe Faletau signs new deal to stay in Wales as he turns down big-money move abroad The Wales international had been heavily linked with a number of French clubs but has decided to stay at Cardiff Faletau has signed a new deal to stay at Cardiff (Image: Kian Abdullah/Huw Evans Agency ) Wales star Taulupe Faletau has signed a new contract to stay at Cardiff, having turned down big-money offers to move abroad. The back rower was due to be out of contract at Arms Park at the end of the month, with the man himself admitting last month that he was unsure where he would be playing his rugby next season. He had been heavily linked with a number of French clubs including Stade Niçois and Provence Rugby, but has now chosen to extend his stay in the capital. The 34-year-old is approaching the end of his career but has been in excellent form since returning injury in December, with a series of standout performances towards the close of the season as Cardiff narrowly missed out on the URC play-offs. He was named Player of the Match when he helped his side to victory over Munster in April and is now set for more nights at the Arms Park having put pen to paper on a new deal. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. As his new contract was confirmed, Faletau said: 'I'm really happy to be staying with Cardiff and continuing to play my rugby here at home. Being part of this group of players has been amazing. "There's a good vibe on and off the pitch, and I really enjoy working with Jockey. His insights and support have challenged me to grow and improve. 'Playing at the Arms Park is also truly special and the support we receive is brilliant. 'I'm grateful for the continued opportunity and I'm looking forward to what's shaping up to be an exciting year ahead.' Meanwhile, Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt said that everyone at the region was "delighted" to retain Faletau's services as he paid tribute to the three-time British & Irish Lions tourist and described him as "undoubtedly one of the greatest players" to represent the Blue & Blacks. 'We are all delighted to be able to keep Taulupe at Cardiff and in Wales," said Sherratt. "He is a highly respected member of our squad and he has shown recently the quality he brings to the pitch. He is one of very few players who has real quality in every aspect of the game. 'Taulupe and his family are very settled in Cardiff and this played a big part in him agreeing a new contract. 'He is undoubtedly one of the greatest players to pull on a Cardiff shirt and the red shirt of Wales and we are delighted he is staying with us." It comes weeks after Faletau - who has made 23 appearances for Cardiff since signing from Bath in 2022 - admitted he was unsure where his future lay. 'I don't know where I will be playing next season yet,' he said after his outstanding performance against Munster in April. Article continues below 'It's just been up and down, playing and not playing, so to get the run of games the last few weeks has been good. I am just happy to get out there with the boys."
Wales Online
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
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. Article continues below 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. Article continues below 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.
Wales Online
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Tonight's rugby news as Faletau told he still has Lions chance and 'devastated' star suffers crushing blow
Tonight's rugby news as Faletau told he still has Lions chance and 'devastated' star suffers crushing blow The latest headlines from Wales and around the world Faletau was not included in Andy Farrell's 38-man Lions squad (Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency ) These are your evening rugby headlines on Friday, May 9. Faletau 'still has Lions chance' Cardiff coach Gethin Jenkins admits he doesn't know how Taulupe Faletau is feeling after missing out on a fourth British and Irish Lions tour, but added that there "still a chance" the Wales No. 8 could feature in Australia this summer. Faletau was not included in Andy Farrell's 38-man squad on Thursday, even after injury to Ireland No. 8 and Lions captaincy contender Caelan Doris. Instead, just two Welshmen were selected - with Jac Morgan and Tomos Williams the only tourists. However, Jenkins has backed Faletau to keep himself ready should the opportunity to tour again arise. "I don't know much about what he's feeling at the moment, but what I would say is he did miss a lot of rugby, he's come back and he's been excellent since he's been back in our team," said Jenkins. "His last couple of performances have shown the quality he's got. Article continues below "He may have missed out on selection but he'll still be keeping himself fit. "You never know with Lions tours. There's quality players they've selected in the back-row and there's still a chance. "Who knows what he's feeling with it deep down. He's been on tours before and he knows how it works, what the selection process is like and how hard you've got to work to get there." 'Devastated' star suffers crushing blow Ireland captain Caelan Doris has suffered a cruel double blow after missing out on selection for the British & Irish Lions tour, with his club coach confirming that he faces up to six months on the sidelines after having shoulder surgery. The 27-year-old was the strong favourite to captain the Lions team in Australia this summer, but suffered an injury during Leinster's Champions Cup semi-final defeat to Northampton last weekend to leave his hopes of featuring on the tour hanging by a thread. It was confirmed at Thursday's squad announcement that Doris wouldn't be part of Andy Farrell's 38-man squad, with the captaincy instead handed to England's Maro Itoje. Join WalesOnline Rugby's WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free But in more crushing news for the Irishman, Leinster coach Leo Cullen confirmed on Friday that he faces four to six months out, which would see him miss the start of next season. 'He is going for surgery as we speak and depending on how that is, it's a four to six months' time-frame from what I understand,' he said. 'It can be dangerous throwing out timelines but that's what it seems like, hopefully it may not be as bad as that but that is the time-line which is being talked about. "It's been a tough week with the fall-out from the game. And you could see when he did it at the time on the sideline, trying to get off an off-load away. But even after that, he scores a try, rips the ball out of a player's arms, and puts in a 50-22. And that's all after the event. 'He's gutted for the team," Cullen added. "That was hurting him more than anything else at the start of the week and then as the week goes on, other things start to dawn on him. 'He's been outstanding here. We wish him a speedy opportunity and hopefully he will get another chance to go on a trip like that but unfortunately for him it won't be this time." It comes after Farrell said that he had spoken to Doris ahead of the squad announcement, with the No.8 "devastated" by the cruel injury setback. "It's devastating for people like that but there's always a constant in every single tour," said the Lions coach. "Sport can be cruel sometimes. Caelan will be back bigger and stronger." Peel: We need to make history Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel says his side will have to "create another bit of history" to keep their play-off destiny in their own hands as they prepare to face the Lions in Johannesburg on Sunday. The region currently sit in seventh place in the URC table with two games to go, but face serious competition in the race for the top eight with only two points separating them from Munster in ninth. While they come into the game off the back of a stunning win over top-of-the-table Leinster, however, the Scarlets have never won a game in South Africa. Peel has made just one change to his side to face the Lions, with South African hooker Marnus van der Merwe coming in for Ryan Elias in the front row. The former Cheetahs man packs down in between Alec Hepburn and Henry Thomas in the front row, with Alex Craig and Sam Lousi in the engine room and Vaea Fifita, Taine Plumtree and skipper Josh Macleod in the back row. Wales trio Blair Murray, Tom Rogers and Ellis Mee make up the back-three, with Joe Roberts and Johnny Williams in midfield and Gareth Davies and Sam Costelow linking up as the half-back pairing. 'It is a big challenge ahead, a massive game on Sunday in Joburg," said Peel. "But we are in a good spot and looking forward to getting into it. We have spoken about competing this season and we are in the play-offs with two rounds to go. "But it is about not just staying there, we want to push up the league, not just surviving. Our destiny is in our hands and we will approach it that way. 'We hadn't beaten Leinster since 2018 – we haven't won in South Africa since the four main franchises have been introduced so to get through (to the play-offs) we are going to have to create another bit of history.' Scarlets: Blair Murray; Tom Rogers, Joe Roberts, Johnny Williams, Ellis Mee; Sam Costelow, Gareth Davies; Alec Hepburn, Marnus van der Merwe, Henry Thomas, Alex Craig, Sam Lousi, Vaea Fifita, Josh Macleod (capt), Taine Plumtree. Replacements: Ryan Elias, Kemsley Mathias, Sam Wainwright, Dan Davis, Jarrod Taylor, Archie Hughes, Ioan Lloyd, Macs Page. Dragons target strong finish Dragons head coach Filo Tiatia has made three changes to his side for their URC clash with the Stormers in Cape Town on Saturday. The region's penultimate game of the season will see co-captain Ben Carter return to the fold, with full-back Huw Anderson and centre Harry Wilson also coming back into the side Carter returns to the engine room alongside Ryan Woodman, with Rhodri Jones, Brodie Coghlan and Chris Coleman in the front row. Wales legend Dan Lydiate will make his 150th league appearance for the visitors, as he features in the back row alongside Shane Lewis-Hughes and Aaron Wainwright. Rhodri Williams and co-captain Angus O'Brien make up the half-back pairing, with Wilson partnering Aneurin Owen in midfield and Jared Rosser, Harry Rees-Weldon and Anderson in the back three. We're happy to be in South Africa and we are under no illusion to the challenge against a very good Stormers side," said Tiatia. "They are pretty good at getting gain line, second in those league stats, so they like to play. "We are trying to build two weeks of bringing some clear identity of how we want to finish and how we want to play. "This group is also not going to be the same moving to next season, so it is important that the players finish strong, and we control what we can control, which is our preparation to help with performance," he added. "The players have galvanised after a couple of disappointing results. To come over here and play in Cape Town against a good Stormers side is a good challenge." Dragons: Huw Anderson; Harry Rees-Weldon, Harry Wilson, Aneurin Owen, Jared Rosser; Angus O'Brien (co-capt), Rhodri Williams; Rhodri Jones, Brodie Coghlan, Chris Coleman, Ben Carter (co-capt), Ryan Woodman, Shane Lewis-Hughes, Dan Lydiate, Aaron Wainwright. Article continues below Replacements: James Benjamin, Dylan Kelleher-Griffiths, Paula Latu, Joe Davies, Barny Langton-Cryer, Dane Blacker, Lloyd Evans, Ashton Hewitt.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
The pivotal British and Irish Lions pick that will set the tone for Australia tour
A great deal has changed in the 137 years since a rag-tag band of nascent rugby players first set sail for the Antipodes. The 1888 tour of New Zealand and Australia, retrospectively considered the first in the Lions lineage, spanned nearly six months and featured 35 games, beginning and ending on the SS Kaikoura in the docks of Gravesend, with a travelling party that included the only Manxman ever to wear the British and Irish colours. Initial tour captain Robert Seddon did not even make it home, meeting a sad demise after running into difficulty while sculling on the Hunter River. One does not even look that far back to chart the changing course of a perhaps antiquated concept. As recently as 1997, those selected were left waiting for a Lions letter, with a mischievous Austin Healey hiding the invite of flatmate Will Greenwood, leaving the then uncapped centre to find out about the honour of a lifetime from a Sky Sports reporter in the Welford Road car park. Things will be rather different on Thursday afternoon as the 2025 hopefuls discover their fate. Across a two-hour live show at the O2 Arena in front of perhaps more than 2,000 fans, Andy Farrell's squad will be unveiled in the latest step in the rampant commercialisation of one of rugby's best-performing and enduring brands. Alongside those who have paid for the privilege to hear 38 or so names read out by Ieuan Evans, a great many more will tune in via the Lions' broadcast partners for a grand meeting that could have been an email; an administrative necessity given the pomp and platform that the quadrennial adventure demands. Just one of the selection will be in the arena in full knowledge of their fate, the Lions captain – presumed to be England lock Maro Itoje – joining Farrell and Evans to begin the considerable duties expected of the chosen pride leader. Waiting anxiously elsewhere will be the 70 or so thought to have been under consideration by the management team. While the dissemination of selection may have changed over the years, making this assembly remains one of the sport's greatest honours. For many, it will be a once-in-a-lifetime chance; for Taulupe Faletau and Owen Farrell, a fourth tour is perhaps within reach. News of recent days has only strengthened Faletau's case. The desperately unfortunate timing of the injury to Caelan Doris is a bitter blow for the Ireland No 8, presumed captain-elect mere months ago but now seemingly likely to miss the trip entirely. While Seddon would perhaps chuckle from on high at describing this as the cruellest of twists, it is a grand shame for Doris – even if Itoje had perhaps edged ahead in a battle to be named skipper. Faletau, England's Tom Willis or Scotland's Jack Dempsey are well placed if Farrell can find a place for another No 8 among the scattered scavenging sevens likely to form the bulk of his back-row group. The case of the other potential four-time tourist is rather more interesting. The Owen question has loomed over his father ever since Andy's announcement as Lions head coach, unfair nepotistic suggestions faced many times before by the former England assistant and yet brought fully into focus again. The thought was that Farrell Sr might get ahead of the story, removing the millstone from his neck by taking his son off the table. There would have been reasons to do so: Farrell's injury woes and mixed form at Racing 92, for one; his taking of an international sabbatical before moving to Paris, another. Yet no suggestion that the 33-year-old is out of contention has been broadcast or briefed. The younger Farrell would clearly add plenty were he to earn inclusion again; his ability to play 10 or 12 would be valuable on a trip like this, also his experience and competitive edge. Both Johnny Sexton, an assistant for this tour, and Finn Russell have spoken of how much they enjoyed working with the Englishman – his ability to drive standards would no doubt be desirable to a coaching team that includes a former half-back partner in Richard Wigglesworth. No 10 is always an area of intense debate in these infrequent elections, yet this is perhaps the most intriguing group yet. Of the four constituent unions, only one began and ended the Six Nations with the same fly-half in harness – whatever Russell's differences with Sexton, it would be a serious shock if the Scot is not named. Fin Smith's coming-of-age continued with an ideal final audition in an Investec Champions Cup call-back, the Northampton playmaker outshining Leinster rival Sam Prendergast, perhaps up for the same part. One cannot rule out either of Smith's compatriots, namesake Marcus and a resurgent George Ford, while there is also late momentum behind Tom Jordan – a United Rugby Championship (URC) winner at 10 but offering potentially vital versatility. The task of projecting Farrell's thinking is tricky for several reasons, an occasionally unconventional selector likely to throw a curveball or two. Equally, it is slightly unclear exactly how many players he will pick. Take too many – as Clive Woodward did in 2005 – and the group can become unruly and unwieldy; take too few, as Warren Gatland eventually concluded he had in 2017, and the head coach risks an unedifying repeat of the 'Geography Six' saga, and accusations of cheapening the shirt. Also at the forefront of Farrell's mind will be a few injury frets. Can he afford to take someone like Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, yet to play in 2025 but perhaps back in action pre-tour? Mack Hansen, Duhan van der Merwe and Blair Kinghorn are all currently sidelined with issues of varying severity – availability can be one's best ability at this stage. For those on the outside looking in, come Thursday afternoon, staying sharp would be wise: it is, unfortunately, statistically likely that several of those selected fail to make it to the first Test. Any omissions need only remember the tale of Alex Corbisiero, called up as an injury replacement for Cian Healy at the urging of forwards coach Graham Rowntree in 2013 to have a pivotal impact in the Tests against the Wallabies. All hope will not, then, be lost for those forced to digest difficult news on Thursday. But for the lucky few selected, a place in the pride will be an honour to last a lifetime.
Wales Online
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Today's rugby news as Faletau's Lions chances take turn and URC star has career ended at 26
Today's rugby news as Faletau's Lions chances take turn and URC star has career ended at 26 The latest rugby news from Wales and around the world Taulupe Faletau of Cardiff (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd ) Here are your rugby headlines for Tuesday, May 6. Lions captain contender to undergo 'procedure' By PA Sport Staff Ireland and Leinster captain Caelan Doris is set to undergo a "procedure" on a shoulder injury. The 27-year-old has been touted as a potential British and Irish Lions captain for this summer's tour of Australia. Lions head coach Andy Farrell is due to name his squad for the series on Thursday. Back-rower Doris, who scored a try in his province's 37-34 Investec Champions Cup semi-final defeat to Northampton on Saturday, has been ruled out of next weekend's United Rugby Championship clash at home to Zebre. A short update from Leinster read: "Caelan Doris will have a procedure this week on a shoulder injury and a further assessment will be carried out afterwards." Article continues below Farrell's Lions begin their three-match Test series against the Wallabies on July 19 in Brisbane before playing in Melbourne a week later and finishing in Sydney on August 2. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here. Any potential injury to Doris could open the door to Wales' Taulupe Faletau, who was excellent in Cardiff's recent win over Munster at the Arms Park. Welshman Faletau toured with the Lions in 2013, 2017 and 2021 and would be a useful addition to Farrell's squad, if selected. URC player has career ended by neck injury at 26 Ruhan Straeuli, the flanker for South African side the Lions, has been forced to retire from rugby at just 26 years old due to a severe neck injury. Despite undergoing surgery in March, Straeuli's career could not be salvaged. The towering 6'4, 112kg player shared his decision through an official statement from the Lions. "Unfortunately, the playing chapter of my rugby career has ended sooner than expected," he said. "I would like to thank everyone who has supported me in my career. It has been an absolute privilege to be able to give my all for the city of Joburg." Straeuli's journey with the Lions began on trial in September 2020, and he quickly made his mark, being selected for a pre-season friendly against the Pumas at Ellis Park. His tenure with the franchise saw him rack up 47 appearances and score eight tries, spanning the Currie Cup (23 matches), United Rugby Championship (15), Challenge Cup (6) and three friendlies. The son of Rudolf Straeuli, the Lions' CEO and member of the victorious 1995 Rugby World Cup Springbok team, Ruhan has a rich rugby heritage. Prior to his time with the Lions, he played for Stellenbosch University in the Varsity Cup and was a schoolboy rugby star at Glenwood High and Menlopark, also turning out for the Blue Bulls' Under-18 Academy team. Global rugby sensation hints at retirement Rugby phenomenon Ilona Maher has hinted at hanging up her boots, calling on fellow players to seize the opportunity of this summer's World Cup to emerge as the next big name in the sport. Maher dazzled yet again on Friday night as a record-breaking crowd of 10,518 spectators — the largest ever for a women's rugby match in the United States — flocked to CPKC Stadium for the Pacific Four Series opener. The social media icon, with an impressive five million followers on Instagram and 3.5 million on TikTok, shared her thoughts after the USA clinched a 26–14 victory, expressing uncertainty about her future in rugby. "I do make my brand about growing rugby, but I think it's not just me growing it. It's all of us. It's my team-mates - all of us who need a little bit of the spotlight as well," she said. "I think the spotlight has been on me a lot, but I hope this World Cup brings more people out and creates more rugby superstars. "I'm getting up there. I love playing and it's a big part of my life, but I don't know how much longer I'll do it. So I want to leave it in a better place." Article continues below Following her stint with Bristol Bears which concluded in March, Maher has maintained a gruelling schedule, managing her burgeoning media and business interests alongside her commitment to rugby. "I feel like I haven't really stopped, honestly. I'm trying to soak up all these moments. I did a swimsuit shoot with SI (Sports Illustrated). I did a little bit of Dance with the Stars tour. Then I was home for a few days," she added. "I don't have many free moments, but when I do, I try to train for this [Pacific Four Series] as well. "So it's kind of balancing business and being a social media person, as well as being a rugby player."
