Latest news with #Forshaw
Wales Online
4 hours ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
Today's rugby news as departing Wales coach finds new job and England star hits out at Lions foreign players
Today's rugby news as departing Wales coach finds new job and England star hits out at Lions foreign players The latest rugby news and headlines from Wales and beyond Wales coaches Mike Forshaw (left) has reportedly found a new job (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd ) Here are your rugby evening headlines for Thursday, June 12 Departing Wales coach lands new job Leicester Tigers are reportedly set to appoint Mike Forshaw as their new defence coach, with his current deal with the Welsh Rugby Union expiring at the end of this month. The Wigan-born defence coach had previously pointed to his contract ending this summer, with the existing Wales assistants having been in the dark over their futures since the departure of Warren Gatland mid-tournament. However, the former Great Britain rugby league international was not chosen to tour Japan with Wales this summer, with interim head coach Matt Sherratt choosing to take Gethin Jenkins - who Forshaw had actually replaced in the role in 2023 - instead. Despite the WRU's insistence that no decision would be made on any of Gatland's assistants until a new head coach was appointed, it would appear that Forshaw has taken matters into his own hands. Having been previously linked with Gallagher Premiership finalists Leicester following the appointment of Geoff Parling, RugbyPass report that the 55-year-old will be coaching at Welford Road next season. Foreign-born Lions 'doesn't sit well' with Care Former England scrum-half Danny Care says the selection of the foreign-born players for the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia doesn't "sit that well" with him. Article continues below Andy Farrell has picked a number of players in his squad for this summer who were born elsewhere. The likes of Bundee Aki, Jamison Gibson-Park, James Lowe and Duhan van der Merwe all qualified for their respective home nations on residency, while some other members of the squad were born in the southern hemisphere, but had family links to qualify - like Mack Hansen and Sione Tuipulotu. 'Whatever I say here, you're going to get stick. You open yourself up to it,' he told the BBC Rugby Union Weekly podcast. 'It doesn't sit that well with me that some of these… both your starting wingers are going to be lads that never, ever once in their childhood or even their mid-20s ever dreamt of wearing a red Lions jersey. 'It is what it is, it's the rules, and why not. If you're James Lowe or you're Duhan van der Merwe or you're [Jamison] Gibson-Park, you go, 'oh, I'll play for the Lions, yeah.' 'We're not going to change it, but it just doesn't… I think there's a lot of people that feel the same but can't say it.' Wales second-row signs new deal Wales second-row James Ratti had signed a new deal with the Ospreys. Having originally come through the Ospreys' development pathway, he re-joined the club in 2023 after a spell with Cardiff - becoming a mainstay in the team. His first season back at the Ospreys saw him named players' player of the season, while he also earned his first Wales cap against South Africa last June. He has also been included in Wales' squad for the upcoming tour of Japan. 'The last two years have been great for me since I returned to the Ospreys," said Ratti. "There's a great bunch of boys here and we all play for each other, which shines through on a gameday. 'Coming back to my hometown club was an easy decision for me, similarly to signing this new contract, and I'm looking forward to seeing what lies ahead in the future with this team.' Ospreys head coach Mark Jones added: 'Ratti has been incredibly valuable player for us since he made the decision to come back. He's a real Swiss-army knife in both the respects of where he plays and how he plays. 'Ratti is a real workhorse, his ability to carry and commit multiple defenders in contact adds a real dynamism to how we play and we're really happy to have him staying with the club. To succeed in our league, you need players like Ratti, that are relentless and reliable.' Townsend addresses own future Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has addressed his own future, having already claimed that defence coach Steve Tandy wouldn't be taking the Wales head coach job. Townsend insisted that former Ospreys coach Tandy wouldn't be going anywhere, but there are also questions over his own future. The former Scotland fly-half's contract runs out next year, with another Wales target - Franco Smith - having been touted as a potential successor. However, Townsend has spoken about his future and the discussions he says must happen. Article continues below "If you get more into the year, those discussions would have to happen, whether they're initiated by my bosses or by myself," he told BBC Scotland Rugby Podcast. "I think there's obviously a lot of discussions around the Six Nations, the reviews of that, where we believe we need to improve, but also the longer-term future, what are the challenges coming up for Scotland and that ties in with the pathway and the longer-term strategy. "But I feel there's a lot to be optimistic about with the current group we have, the players that are coming through and the experiences the players had this year. Yes, we're disappointed we didn't win more games, but I know the performances that the players are delivering are putting us in positions to beat the best teams in the world and that's a good foundation to have. The next step is making sure we win those games we put that effort into winning."
Wales Online
05-06-2025
- General
- Wales Online
Today's rugby news as English side ask for Biggar's number and exiting Wales coach wanted by giants
Today's rugby news as English side ask for Biggar's number and exiting Wales coach wanted by giants The latest rugby news from Wales and around the world Mike Forshaw is reportedly wanted by Leicester Tigers (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd ) Here are your rugby morning headlines for Thursday, June 5. Premiership side query about Biggar Premiership side Newcastle sought out Dan Biggar's contact details upon hearing news that he won't be renewing his contract at Toulon beyond this season. The Wales legend announced his intention to retire after his stint in France came to an end, however according to the Daily Mail, Newcastle director of rugby Steve Diamond was keen to test his resolve. They report that Diamond asked for the fly-half's number, but that the 35-year-old's mind had been made up and he would stick with his decision of hanging up the boots. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. The 112-cap Wales international has recently moved into media and punditry work, having regular columns with the Mail and also appearing on the Rugby Pod frequently. However, the former Ospreys and Lions star is looking to move into coaching after quitting playing. "I would love to do coaching and the media route, for anyone who does media, is the easier route than coaching. You're sitting there watching it with cameras and slo-mo; since I've retired I've never made a mistake for Wales! You become the perfect player, you say 'I wouldn't have done that, or that'," he told the BBC. Article continues below "So I'm not saying for one minute it's the easier route, I've got so much time for the coaches and things. But what I don't want to give after 18-19 years in the game, is I don't want to be giving up the time that coaches in the professional game - particularly at club level - have to give. "If you're a player you switch off when you get in your car and go home for the night. Coaches don't do that, coaches are there every weekend, every night on the laptop. If someone said to me you could coach from eight o'clock in the morning until three o'clock in the afternoon Monday to Friday I'd probably snap your hand off, but I know that just isn't good enough to get it done to a level I wanted, and it's just not achievable in the modern day. "I'd love to be able to help out in some way, in terms of whether it's a consultancy role a couple of days a week or whatever, but the full-time coaching is probably a little bit beyond what I'm prepared to give from a time point of view." Leicester want Forshaw New Leicester Tigers boss Geoff Parling is eyeing up Mike Forshaw to become his new defence coach at Welford Road. That's also according to the Mail, who report that Forshaw is in the running after Matt Everard left to join phoenix club Worcester. Forshaw was Wales' defence coach under Warren Gatland and stayed as part of Matt Sherratt's interim team for the second half of the Six Nations after the New Zealander left mid-campaign. Forshaw was hired by Gatland in 2023, however his Wales contract is up this summer and he has not been selected as part of Sherratt's coaching ticket for the tour to Japan later this month. It means the coach's long-term future is up in the air, however Premiership giants Leicester could now be set to offer him a fresh start in the Midlands. Listen to the latest episode of The Welsh Rugby Podcast below: Dragons tie down exciting Welsh talent Promising young prop Jordan Morris has committed his future to the Dragons by signing a new contract. The 21-year-old former Wales Under-20 international has impressed during his time in the Dragons Academy and has also represented Pontypool RFC. Known for his powerful ball-carrying ability, Morris originally played in the back row and made headlines early in his career by scoring a remarkable 27 tries in 20 games for Pontypool Schools — breaking a record previously held by Wales international Taulupe Faletau. A product of Croesyceiliog RFC, Morris joins fellow academy players Evan Minto, Nick Thomas, Harry Rees-Weldon, Logan Franklin and new recruits Codi Purnell and James Talamai in signing Senior Academy terms for the 2025/26 season. 'I've re-signed with Dragons as I feel it's the best place for me to continue my development into professional rugby,' said Morris. 'After missing most of the season due to injury, I'm eager to get back on the pitch, make an impact and continue growing as a player. 'I'm looking forward to continuing to work with forwards coach Sam Hobbs, who I've worked with previously at Wales Under-20s. I've also been working closely with Ceri Jones as I recover from injury and will continue to do so in the Senior Rugby Core (SRC) next season.' Dragons Academy manager Lewis Roberts praised Morris's potential. He said: 'Jordan is a talented rugby player with huge athletic potential, and we look forward to continuing to support his development. It's been a difficult season due to injury, but he has a bright future and we're excited to see him back in action in 2025/26.' Hobbs added: 'Jordan had an impressive Under-20s campaign last year, with standout performances in the Six Nations. As a ball-carrying front-five player, he wins collisions on both sides of the ball. Athletes like him are rare, and we're looking forward to seeing him gain experience and push through the senior ranks.' Ireland name new captain for summer tour By Press Association Munster scrum-half Craig Casey will captain an Ireland squad containing 11 uncapped players for their summer tour to Georgia and Portugal. Casey will become the 112th man to lead the national team and takes over from Caelan Doris, who was a contender to skipper the British and Irish Lions this summer until being ruled out by a shoulder injury. The 26-year-old has accumulated 18 caps since making his debut against Italy in 2021. Interim head coach Paul O'Connell said: 'I would like to congratulate Craig on his selection as captain. 'He's a real leader with a strong personality. It's a huge personal honour for him and an opportunity that I know he will relish.' Tom Ahern, Michael Milne, Shayne Bolton, Nathan Doak, Ben Murphy, Tommy O'Brien, Alex Kendellen, Darragh Murray, Paddy McCarthy, Stephen Smyth and Hugh Gavin will be aiming to make their Ireland debuts next month. Sam Prendergast and Jack Crowley will continue their duel for the fly-half duties after being overlooked by the Lions, but there is no place in the 32-man squad for knee injury victim Robbie Henshaw. Iain Henderson and Rob Herring have been stood down from the tour after only recently recovering from long-term injuries. Ireland face George in Tbilisi on July 5 before taking on Portugal in Lisbon a week later. O'Connell is in charge of the squad due to the absence of Andy Farrell and Simon Easterby with the Lions. 'I believe we have a strong blend of youth and experience for what will be a trip into relatively uncharted territories this July,' O'Connell said. 'Georgia have made great strides in recent years and they have made significant investment in their rugby programme which has established them amongst the leading emerging sides in international rugby. 'Portugal showcased their attacking prowess during the 2023 World Cup. They play with confidence and we're expecting another tough test.' Ireland squad Forwards: T Ahern (Munster), R Baird (Leinster), F Bealham (Connacht), J Boyle (Leinster), T Clarkson (Leinster), G Coombes (Munster), M Deegan (Leinster), C Izuchukwu (Ulster), A Kendellen (Munster), G McCarthy (Leinster), P McCarthy (Leinster), M Milne (Munster), D Murray (Connacht), T O'Toole (Ulster), C Prendergast (Connacht), S Smyth (Leinster), T Stewart (Ulster), N Timoney (Ulster). Article continues below Backs: S Bolton (Connacht), C Casey (Munster), J Crowley (Munster), N Doak (Ulster), C Frawley (Leinster), H Gavin (Connacht), S McCloskey (Ulster), B Murphy (Connacht), C Nash (Munster), J O'Brien (Leinster), T O'Brien (Leinster), J Osborne (Leinster), S Prendergast (Leinster), J Stockdale (Ulster).
Metro
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Jay Slater brags about £12,000 Rolex 'off some c***' in unseen clip
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Jay Slater boasted about stealing a £12,000 watch 'off some c***' and was kicked out of a rave in the hours before his death, it has been revealed. The previously unseen photos and videos show the 19-year-old's final moments on the Spanish island of Tenerife. The social media footage shows the teenager bragging about being 'off his undies' while in a car with a convicted drug dealer, the Daily Mail reported. Jay, from Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire, vanished after attending NRG music festival last June. He is thought to have gone to an Airbnb with convicted drug dealer Ayub Qassim, 31, and fellow Briton, Steven Roccas before he disappeared. His remains were found near the village of Masca 29 days later. The disappearance captivated millions on social media, with TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and X flooded with a mix of conspiracy theories about drug cartels and claims about Jay's past. The videos, released for the first time as part of the inquest into his death, seemingly show Jay at the back of a car en route to the remote village of Masca after having been kicked out of a rave. In the 6am videos, sent to his friends on the day of his disappearance, he appears to brag about stealing a watch in the Snapchat posts The caption reads: 'Just took a 12k rolly of some c*** with this Mali kid off to get 10quid for it now haha off my undies.' A second picture from the same time adds: 'Yes cuz ended up getting thrown out of there me with 2 maili kids just took an AP off some c*** on way to sell it for 10 quid.' Then at the Airbnb an hour later, a 13-second clip shows Jay smoking a cigarette outside the villa. A few minuets minutes later at 7.08am Jay filmed another seven-second loop of the mountains outside his apartment, which police later geolocated to Masca. That video was the last one the teenager ever sent before his death. A friend of Jay's did give evidence to the hearing about messages from the apprentice bricklayer, including a message in which he mentioned being 'thrown out' of the rave and trying to sell a watch for £10,000. Joshua Forshaw told the inquest said he swapped Snapchat details with Jay after meeting at NRG festival. He told the Spanish authorities that Jay appeared to be 'off his head on drugs' on the night before his death, June 16. Later that night Forshaw said he received a Snapchat message from Jay about plans to sell a watch for 'ten quid'. Forshaw said that meant £10,000 but added he had no involvement in trying to sell it. The coroner later demanded Forshaw provide proof that 'ten quid' meant that sum. Forshaw saved the message, which usually deletes on Snapchat, and later gave it to police. The inquest heard from Forshaw that Jay sent him another image the next morning. This showed Jay's top pulled up and two knives in his waistband. At the same time through Snapchat he said Mr Slater texted him: 'I'm carrying these in case it kicks off.' Forshaw did not save that image or mention it to Spanish authorities, only telling Lancashire Police about it when he came back to the UK. When pressed by the coroner if it was true that Jay had a knife under his waistband, Forshaw said: 'I wouldn't lie. I went to police off my own back.' Forshaw also told the court he overheard a Facetime call later that morning between Jay, who was 'slurring his words', and his friend Hargreaves. He added: 'He was slurring his words but he wasn't begging for help or anything. He didn't sound like he was in danger.' Jay was then told to get a taxi back to where they were staying, but the teenager said he had no money, the court heard from Forshaw. The clips from Jay Slater hours before his disappearance have been released as the inquest into Jay's death was dramatically halted on Wednesday. Jay's mother made an emotional appeal for the two British men who rented the AirBnb – convicted drug dealer Qassim and Roccas, previously known as 'Rocky' – to attend the hearing. Debbie Duncan, 55, told Lancashire senior coroner Dr James Adeley: 'How can we ever get any understanding? We know he died, he had an accident.' She added: 'There's things that we want to question. We want these people to be sat in front of us. Something went wrong that day, he didn't come back. There's questions we need to ask – please.' The coroner agreed to halt proceedings to make 'an effort' to find the pair but warned he was 'not confident of success'. Dr Adeley added that new summons would be made to Jay's friends who are currently abroad would also be given new summonses to attend. The inquest previously heard that the two best friends who were with him before he disappeared 'cannot be located'. His best friends Lucy Law and Brad Hargreaves gave interviews in the early days of the search. At the beginning of the hearing at Preston Coroners' Court, senior coroner Dr James Adeley said that both Lucy and Brad could have been key witnesses but have 'denied who they are' and 'cannot be found'. Jay was found with severe skull and pelvis fractures, which are consistent with a fall from a height, the coroner was told. The inquest heard Jay's body was identified by his palm print. Preston Coroner's Court also heard during the inquest that Jay was found to have had drugs in his system. More Trending Toxicology expert Dr Stephanie Martin told the hearing there were difficulties checking for the presence of drugs or alcohol in a body so severely decomposed. But she said analysis of Jay's body showed traces of the presence of MDMA and MDA, commonly known as ecstasy along with cocaine and alcohol. Dr Martin said because of the limitations of the analysis, she could not say exactly how much or how soon before death the drugs had been taken. Analysis of samples by the Spanish authorities also showed the presence of ketamine which was not found in the UK samples. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: I started my period at 11 – heavy bleeding cost me months of school MORE: Missing Jay Slater witness found 'holidaying' in Tenerife MORE: Sunbed Wars 2025 hit Tenerife with tourists throwing down towels on six loungers
BBC News
01-04-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
South Ribble council to investigate child exploitation risk
The risk posed by organised child sexual exploitation (CSE) in part of Lancashire is to be decision comes after a political clash over whether South Ribble Borough Council should call on the government to set up a fresh national inquiry into grooming opposition group member Mathew Forshaw had asked the authority to formally request the move, which ministers ruled out earlier this year on the basis that the recommendations of a previous nationwide child abuse probe had yet to be response, South Ribble's ruling Labour group has charged a council committee with looking into the matter at a local level. Reducing the risk Councillor Forshaw told a meeting of the full council that it was difficult to obtain statistics regarding grooming and CSE in the borough, making it "practically impossible to find out if this has been – or is still – happening in South Ribble".Bringing a notice of motion on the subject, Mr Forshaw said a national investigation should include "a comprehensive review of any grooming gang activity" in member for finance Matthew Tomlinson said he believed the council should only concern itself with national issues if it can "show there's a direct impact on the people of South Ribble".To that end, he suggested Mr Forshaw's motion be referred to South Ribble's community and external scrutiny committee for it to consider how best to "evaluate the risk" of child grooming in the Tomlinson said the cross-party group should then "explore how this council can be confident it is playing its part in ensuring that all possible protections are being offered by the wide range of organisations that work with children across our borough".He added that "having formed a view" on the matter, the committee should report its findings to the full council - including any recommendations for further reducing the risk to South Ribble's children - and indicate whether the authority ought to push for a national Police is not aware of evidence of orchestrated abuse at any sort of scale taking place within South Ribble, the Local Democracy Reporting Service Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA), lasted seven years and its final report was published in Secretary Yvette Cooper has said the government would, before Easter, lay out "a clear timetable for taking forward the 20 recommendations" from the report. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on BBC Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.
Yahoo
17-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Wales will not die wanting against Ireland
Mike Forshaw says that Wales will not 'die wanting' when they face mission improbable against Guinness Six Nations title favourites Ireland on Saturday. Wales, on a run of 14 successive Test match defeats, have been largely written off when it comes to stopping Ireland's relentless Grand Slam march. They will also face up to a Herculean task with an interim head coach after Cardiff boss Matt Sherratt was appointed as Warren Gatland's successor for Wales' three remaining Six Nations fixtures. Another loss for Wales would take them to nine Six Nations defeats on the bounce, surpassing their previous worst championship sequence from 1994-96 in the Five Nations. 'It is always difficult when a coach leaves. It's not nice for anybody,' Wales assistant coach and defence specialist Forshaw said. 'I've been in this game for a long time as a player and coach. Things happen and you have to move on quickly. 'I think when coaches leave, the players do feel a bit of responsibility on that. I've been there myself. 'We will not die wanting this weekend, that's for sure. Emotionally, we will be right on there. We will not be dipping toes in, we will be putting our bodies into this game.' Sherratt could hardly face a tougher examination for his first game at the helm, with Ireland 10 places above Wales in the official world rankings. And in terms of ranking points, Wales are closer to teams like the Netherlands, Namibia and Brazil than they are their latest Six Nations opponents. 'I know we will have a bunch of blokes who will work hard for each other,' Forshaw added. 'It is our first home game and I think it is a sell-out. 'You can never question the effort of these lads. It is a game no-one expects us to win, so it's a game for us to go out there and put our stamp on. 'They (Ireland) go through more phases than anybody else and are really difficult to contain. So for us, it is about how we manage that game and the territory.' Round3️⃣ #GuinnessM6N — Guinness Men's Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) February 17, 2025 Asked if it was dangerous to write Wales off, Forshaw said: 'I think if you are sat in the Irish camp, they will be saying that, I am pretty sure. 'We have got players who are very respected in the game.' Sherratt will oversee just four training sessions ahead of the Ireland encounter but he has already made an impression and is renowned for an attack-minded philosophy. 'He is a very personable guy, very focused around his attacking philosophies,' Forshaw added. 'We've got to get a basic plan of what we are going after. Everything won't be perfect this week but by the end of play today and tomorrow, hopefully the players will get the terminology of what we're going after from an attack point of view.' 🚨 𝘾𝙧𝙤𝙚𝙨𝙤 𝙏.𝙍𝙝𝙮𝙨 𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙨 🏴 Bydd cyn fachwr rhyngwladol Cymru, T. Rhys Thomas yn ymuno â thîm hyfforddi Matt Sherratt, fel hyfforddwr sgiliau, am weddill Pencampwriaeth Chwe Gwlad Guinness 2025. 👏🤝 ▶️ — Welsh Rugby Union 🏴 (@WelshRugbyUnion) February 17, 2025 Former international forward T. Rhys Thomas, meanwhile, has joined Sherratt's coaching staff for the remainder of this season's Six Nations. Thomas, who won 27 Wales caps and played hooker for Cardiff, Wasps and Dragons, will work as a skills coach. He joins on secondment from Gallagher Premiership club Gloucester, the Welsh Rugby Union said, where he will return after the tournament. Thomas, 42, is the second coach temporarily with Wales in this season's competition, following scrum specialist Adam Jones after he was recruited on secondment from Harlequins. Thomas will have specific responsibility for forwards' skills, working closely with Jones and forwards coach Jonathan Humphreys.
