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Wales Online
3 days ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
Tonight's rugby news as Wales star goes under the knife again and Welsh players turn up at camp early
Tonight's rugby news as Wales star goes under the knife again and Welsh players turn up at camp early The latest headlines from Wales and around the world Several Wales players attended an optional early training session ahead of their summer camp (Image: Gareth Everett/Huw Evans Agency ) These are your evening rugby headlines on Thursday, May 29. Wales star goes under the knife again Wales lock Dafydd Jenkins is set to go under the knife again and have surgery on a back injury, ruling him out of this summer's tour of Japan. The 22-year-old Exeter Chiefs star has opted to undergo the procedure next week in a bid to get himself ready for the start of next season, having made his decision following talks with the Welsh Rugby Union and his club side. Jenkins missed the start of the Gallagher Premiership season after undergoing surgery on both his knee and shoulder, with his return to action for the Chiefs in December his first appearance since last summer's Wales tour of Australia. He has gone on to make 17 appearances for club and country over the course of the campaign, but will spent the summer recovering from another operation having decided to sort out his back issue now rather than leaving it. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. Issuing an update on Jenkins, Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter said: 'He's having surgery on a back issue; he's going to have that this week, and so he'll be out for a period. "It wasn't an operation he actually desperately had to have now, but it's one that he's needed to have. 'He's felt the degree it needed doing now rather than leaving," he added. "So it's one of those decisions that Daf, the WRU and ourselves just sat down and decided, let's get this done now." Welsh players turn up at camp early Wales' summer camp officially begins next week, but some players have taken the opportunity to hit training early by attending an optional extra conditioning session at their Vale Resort base. The likes of Taulupe Faletau, Elliot Dee, Rhodri Williams, Alex Mann and Cam Winnett were seen being put through their paces in various drills, with the Welsh Rugby Union sharing photos from the session on their social media pages. Also in attendance was Dragons tighthead Chris Coleman, who earned his first senior international call-up for this summer's tour of Japan after impressing scrum guru Adam Jones. Led by interim head coach Matt Sherratt, Wales will take on Japan in two matches in July as they look to end their miserable run of 17 straight Test match defeats. Star banned after Pollock incident Bordeaux prop Jefferson Poirot has been suspended for two weeks after clashing with Northampton Saints star Henry Pollock at the end of the Champions Cup final in Cardiff last weekend. The 32-year-old - who helped his side to a 28-20 win to claim the trophy - was alleged to have grabbed the England international by the throat when several players came together in an incident after the final whistle. After the match, Saints' director of rugby Phil Dowson claimed the alleged act was "uncalled for and out of order", and Poirot has now had his fate confirmed by an independent disciplinary committee. The loosehead accepted that he had committed an act of foul play which deserved a red card, with the panel determining that he had acted "against the spirit of good sportsmanship". While four weeks was selected as the appropriate entry point for the sanction, his suspension was halved to two weeks due to his guilty plea, cooperation and good disciplinary record. An EPCR statement read: "Taking into account the player's guilty plea, his good disciplinary record and his full co-operation with the disciplinary process, the Committee decided to reduce the sanction by the maximum of 50% before imposing a two-week suspension." Poirot will now miss Bordeaux's final two games of the Top 14 regular season against Toulon and Vannes, but will be available to return for the play-offs. Star returns after tumour diagnosis By PA Sport Staff Emma Wassell has been included in Scotland's Women's Rugby World Cup training squad after recovering from a benign tumour in her chest. The 30-year-old, who has 67 caps, has not been involved in the national set-up since last year. Scotland head coach Bryan Easson has picked an extended 38-player squad as he begins preparations for the tournament, which takes place in England in August. Easson has included four uncapped players – Aila Ronald, Hannah Ramsay, Hannah Walker and Meg Varley – all of whom trained with the squad through the Guinness Women's Six Nations. Easson said: 'We've named a strong, competitive group that blends hard-earned experience with exciting young talent. Article continues below 'I was particularly pleased with how our debutants and uncapped players performed during the Guinness Women's Six Nations – both in training and in matches – and this window gives them a chance to step up and show us more. 'It's also fantastic to welcome back Emma Wassell, Coreen Grant, Hollie Cunningham, and Meg Varley, all of whom have worked hard to return from injury and are now fit and available for selection. Their return adds even greater strength and competition to the squad.' Scotland kick off their campaign against Wales at Salford Community Stadium on August 23 and also face Fiji and Canada in the pool stage.
Wales Online
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Today's rugby news as Adam Jones makes shock Wales selection and WRU in showdown with regions
Today's rugby news as Adam Jones makes shock Wales selection and WRU in showdown with regions The latest rugby news stories from Wales and beyond Adam Jones is part of the Wales coaching team once again (Image: Gareth Everett/Huw Evans Agency ) Here are the latest rugby headlines on Wednesday, May 21. Adam Jones influenced shock Wales pick Surprise new Wales call-up Chris Coleman made it into the summer squad on the recommendation of tighthead legend Adam Jones. The Dragons tighthead has been a constant for the Men of Gwent this season, taking on the brunt of the load following the retirements of Leon Brown and Lloyd Fairbrother, as well as injuries to Dmitri Arhip and Luke Yendle. The 26-year-old, who previously played for Wales U20s, has started 15 times for the Dragons this season - with four more appearances off the bench. And as Matt Sherratt announced his 33-man squad for the tour of Japan, he revealed it was former Wales and Lions prop Jones - who will once again work with the national team on secondment from Harlequins - who had identified Coleman as worthy of a first call-up. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. "I'll be honest with you, Adam Jones had a big say on that," said the Wales interim coach. "He did a lot of work in terms of looking at his footage. "He spoke to Sam Hobbs and Filo (Tiatia) with what he's got to offer. Article continues below "I think everything that came back was that, with the right coaching and if his mindset is in the right place, he could be one for the future. "I think he's someone who has fallen into the bracket of 'let's have a look at him'. "He's started a lot of regional games. He's a big man. "He could be one for the future. Adam Jones is pretty excited by him. "That's always the challenge (stepping up from club level). But there's only one way of finding out as well." WRU and regions showdown WRU bosses will face the Welsh regions for the first time today since walking away from discussions over a new Professional Rugby Agreement and announcing there will no longer be four evenly funded teams in Wales. The move at the end of last week has plunged the game into a new level of turmoil, with a strong likelihood Wales will end up with three teams rather than four, as things stand. The process of how this all plays out begins today, with the first Professional Rugby Board meeting since the explosive developments that have led to accusations and recriminations. Essentially, the WRU no longer believes the PRA agreement they have been negotiating for a year is viable amid a worsening financial climate. After the Scarlets and Ospreys refused to sign the deal that was on the table, the Union walked away and insist they won't be coming back. A tense exchange of views will be aired when bosses meet today, while a number of options will be explored going forward, including the possible merging of two teams. Welsh regions discover URC fixtures Wales' four Welsh regions will discover their full fixture lists for next season at midday today, and have already revealed who and when they play in their opening home matches. The Scarlets, who are still in the hunt for this year's title when they travel to Leinster in the play-offs on May 31, will begin next season's campaign at home to Munster on September 27. Cardiff are also at home on the opening weekend, hosting the Lions on the evening of the same date at the Arms Park. They travel to Munster the following week. The Ospreys' first home game won't be until October 11 when they welcome Italian side Zebra. The Dragons' first home game is against the Sharks on October 3. I've had to hold back Immanuel Feyi-Waboso on England return – Steve Borthwick By Duncan Bech, PA England Rugby Correspondent Immanuel Feyi-Waboso is poised to make his England return this summer after Steve Borthwick revealed he has been forced to hold back the Exeter wing in training. Feyi-Waboso has been called up by Borthwick for the first time since November, having been unable to play in 2025 because of a dislocated shoulder that required surgery. Now present in a 33-man training squad for a two-day camp that begins preparations for the summer tour to Argentina and the United States, the 22-year-old is close to full fitness after five months on the sidelines. Rather than give him the summer off to be in the best possible shape for next season, Borthwick believes the 'world-class' threequarter with a strike rate of five tries in eight Tests needs to play. 'Manny has been doing team and individual training. He looks really good. I'm delighted to see him back on the grass,' England's head coach said. 'A number of times I had to step in and pull him back because he wanted to do more. I had to go and stand on his wing and remind him! That's a positive sign of where Manny is at. 'He's a world-class player and is raring to get stuck into things. He's a young man and these players are just desperate to play.' Feyi-Waboso was a strong contender for the British and Irish Lions squad bound for Australia this summer only for the shoulder injury sustained against Sale on December 21 to rob him of the chance to press his claim in the Six Nations. His recovery was delayed while England and Exeter discussed his treatment options, and because of a tooth infection. The Exeter University medical student's time in camp this week will be limited to one day as he must return to Devon to take an exam on Wednesday. He could be ready in time to face Sale in the final round of the regular season on May 31, although it remains to be seen whether Borthwick wants him to be risked in a game where there is nothing at stake for the Chiefs. 'Manny looks really good. The medical teams are really pleased with his recovery. You get a sense from the player of how he's feeling and there's a really positive energy coming off him,' Borthwick said. England's squad does not include players selected for the Lions or those from Northampton and Bath, who are involved in this weekend's European finals. Powerful Sale centre Rekeiti Ma'asi-White features in a senior England squad for the first time as he continues to enjoy a breakthrough season. The 22-year-old, son of former Tongan international Viliami Ma'asi, is seen as a candidate to provide the ball carrying muscle that England have lacked in midfield since the Test retirement of Manu Tuilagi last year. Article continues below Veterans George Ford and Jamie George are present in the group after being overlooked for the Lions tour by Andy Farrell. Borthwick confirmed lock George Martin and centre Ollie Lawrence will play no part against the Pumas or Eagles because of respective knee and Achilles injuries.
Wales Online
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Wales international's younger brother 'on fire' as he takes jersey off club legend
Wales international's younger brother 'on fire' as he takes jersey off club legend The 22-year-old helped his club to title glory in what was described as a 'changing of the guard' Lloyd is 'on fire' after making the No. 10 jersey his own (Image: Gareth Everett/Huw Evans Agency ) Newport RFC have been crowned the best team in Wales outside of the professional game after beating Ebbw Vale 27-18 in the first-ever Super Rygbi Cymru final, with young fly-half Jac Lloyd helping them to victory with a player of the match performance. The Black & Ambers ended their 150th anniversary season on a high at Eugene Cross Park as they defeated the Steelmen on Sunday afternoon to become the inaugural winners of the new league and take the second-tier title for the first time since 2004. Tries from Dafydd Buckland, Lloyd and Carwyn Penny helped Newport to victory, with the outside-half putting the outcome beyond all doubt from the tee as he was named the official player of the match. The 22-year-old - who is the younger brother of Wales international and Cardiff-bound Scarlets star Ioan Lloyd - has quickly become a key player for Ty Morris' side after breaking into the team earlier this season. Lloyd, who can also play at full-back, came through the Bristol Bears' academy and played for Sydney University in the Shute Shield before moving to Newport in 2023. He made 16 appearances in his first season with the club as they finished runners-up in the Welsh Premiership, with seven of those coming as starting fly-half. Article continues below However, with club legend and long-time star playmaker Matt O'Brien taking on further responsibilities as part of the Dragons' senior coaching staff, it has fallen to someone else to pull the strings for the Black & Ambers, with former Wales U20s star Lloyd stepping up to fill the role. Having made the jersey his own, the youngster looks set to be the main man at No.10 for Morris' team, with O'Brien himself giving his seal of approval after Sunday's victory over Ebbw Vale. While he confirmed that he is planning on staying at the club for "a couple more seasons", the 32-year-old admitted that he currently doesn't expect to get back into the team ahead of the "on fire" Lloyd. Dedicating the title win to club legend and 'Mr Newport' Brian Jones, who died last month, O'Brien told S4C: "It feels brilliant, the supporters they deserve it more than anyone. "A lot of hard work has gone into it over the last four or five years and we got the reward today. I think the better side won." The fly-half was named Player of the Match as Newport defeated Ebbw Vale in the Super Rygbi Cymru final (Image: Gareth Everett/Huw Evans Agency ) Quizzed on his future, he added: "I'm potentially still going to have a couple more seasons but I'll be playing a lot less with everything going on. "But I think you saw today, the changing of the guard has probably happened already, to be honest. Jac Lloyd, I don't think I'll ever get the shirt back off him, he's on fire "I'm chuffed for him, I'm chuffed for the club and with the 150th anniversary, I think it's a great way to finish, obviously with the passing of BJ a few weeks ago as well as we all know, so I'm really pleased. " Lloyd's standout performance against Ebbw Vale comes after head coach Morris hailed him as "one of the best all-rounders in the league" after rising to the challenge of filling O'Brien's boots at fly-half. 'We were aware at the beginning of last season about Matt's commitments to the Dragons and where his future lied regarding coaching,' the coach told the South Wales Argus. 'We had to accept that Matt was not going to be available as much but the way things worked out meant he still played around 70 per cent of games last year. 'We thought that we would be making the transition but Jac probably didn't get as much game time as he wanted last season, but he has this time. He has really grown into the role, especially post-Christmas when Matt has been unavailable or injured. Article continues below 'Jac has had time in the saddle, has grabbed that 10 jersey and, in my opinion, is one of the best all-rounders in the league," Morris added. "[He] has been able to have the time to make errors whereas previously he would have two or three games and then Matt would have two or three games. 'He is growing in terms of his performances but also with his confidence around the group, being a leader, talking a lot and controlling games.'
Wales Online
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Wales' Euros squad to be announced on the 1,085m summit of Yr Wyddfa
Wales' Euros squad to be announced on the 1,085m summit of Yr Wyddfa Rhian Wilkinson will make the announcement on the top of Wales' highest peak Rhian Wilkinson will name her squad for Wales women's first major tournament (Image: Gareth Everett/Huw Evans Agency ) The Football Association of Wales has announced that Rhian Wilkinson will name her Euro 2025 finals squad on Thursday, June 19 from Wales' highest summit, Yr Wyddfa, marking UEFA's tournament tagline "the summit of emotions". Rhian Wilkinson's squad announcement will come from 1,085 metres above sea level with spectacular views of Eryri National Park and there will be a number of events in Gwynedd that day including a football festival in Talysarn and Q&A in the evening. Rhian Wilkinson said: "Being able to announce our first ever major tournament squad on Wales' summit will be a truly special occasion. "The area is very close to my heart having visited regularly with my family during my time growing up in Wales and since then, and it is also a place that's incredibly special for several of our players. "We hope that hosting the event on the summit will showcase our country's natural beauty and will help put Wales on the world stage during our participation in this summer's EUROs." Article continues below Content cannot be displayed without consent Wales will face England, France and the Netherlands when they compete in Group D at their first major tournament this summer. Sign up to the Don't Take Me Home newsletter here . In their final two competitive games before the competition, they will face Denmark on May 30, and Italy on June 3 in Swansea. Article continues below
Wales Online
17-05-2025
- Automotive
- Wales Online
Major roads shut or with lane closures in Wales on Saturday, May 17, as drivers face disruption
Major roads shut or with lane closures in Wales on Saturday, May 17, as drivers face disruption Several roads in Wales are shut or partially blocked on Saturday, May 17 - here is a full list of closures you need to know about Roadworks are having an impact on several roads in Wales on Saturday, May 17 (Image: Gareth Everett/Huw Evans Agency ) Several major roads across Wales are shut or partly shut on Saturday, May 17, due to planned roadworks. As of time of publication of this article on Saturday morning there were no major issues or new incidents affecting the M4 in south Wales or the A470 or A48. However, there are a number of planned roadworks taking place that motorists need to be aware of if they're heading out and about on Saturday. One lane of the M4 Prince of Wales Bridge is closed due to resurfacing work, while the A55 near the border in Cheshire will be closed overnight in both directions. Other A-roads across parts of Wales are affected, so it's worth keeping an eye on any alternative routes that might make your journey easier and quicker on Saturday. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here . Below is a list of road closures and part closures/disruptions affecting roads in Wales on Saturday (according to traffic monitoring service Inrix): M4 PRINCE OF WALES BRIDGE - MONMOUTHSHIRE - BOTH DIRECTIONS - BRISTOL - One lane closed due to resurfacing work and contraflow on M4 Prince of Wales Bridge in both directions between J22 M49 and M4 J23 / M48. One lane shut on each side with Wales-bound traffic running through a contraflow. There will be some overnight closures. Until 30th May. One lane closed due to resurfacing work and contraflow on M4 Prince of Wales Bridge in both directions between J22 M49 and M4 J23 / M48. One lane shut on each side with Wales-bound traffic running through a contraflow. There will be some overnight closures. Until 30th May. A55 - CHESHIRE - BOTH DIRECTIONS - Advance Warning - A55 in both directions closed due to roadworks during the night from J40 A51 Tarvin Road (Vicars Cross Interchange) to J38 A483 Wrexham Road (Posthouse Roundabout). From 21:00 on the 17th to 4:00 on 18th May. Advance Warning - A55 in both directions closed due to roadworks during the night from J40 A51 Tarvin Road (Vicars Cross Interchange) to J38 A483 Wrexham Road (Posthouse Roundabout). From 21:00 on the 17th to 4:00 on 18th May. A534 HOLT ROAD - BORRAS - EASTBOUND - WREXHAM - A534 Holt Road Eastbound closed due to roadworks from Rydal Court to B5100 Dean Road. Until 6th May 2026. A534 Holt Road Eastbound closed due to roadworks from Rydal Court to B5100 Dean Road. Until 6th May 2026. A465 HEADS OF THE VALLEYS ROAD - MERTHYR TYDFIL - Lane closed due to long-term roadworks on A465 Heads Of The Valleys Road at High Street (Dowlais Top Roundabout). Expect delays. Until 8:08 on 24th July. Lane closed due to long-term roadworks on A465 Heads Of The Valleys Road at High Street (Dowlais Top Roundabout). Expect delays. Until 8:08 on 24th July. A465 HEADS OF THE VALLEYS ROAD - RHONDDA CYNON TAFF - BOTH DIRECTIONS - RHONDDA, CYNON, TAFF - Narrow lanes and speed restriction of 40 mph due to long-term roadworks on A465 Heads Of The Valleys Road in both directions from A4061 Rhigos Road (Rhigos Roundabout) to High Street (Dowlais Top Roundabout). Expect delays. Narrow lanes and speed restriction of 40 mph due to long-term roadworks on A465 Heads Of The Valleys Road in both directions from A4061 Rhigos Road (Rhigos Roundabout) to High Street (Dowlais Top Roundabout). Expect delays. A525 - GREEN - DENBIGHSHIRE - Temporary traffic lights due to electricity work on A525 between A543 Rhyl Road and Capel y Green church. Until 3rd June. Temporary traffic lights due to electricity work on A525 between A543 Road and Capel y Green church. Until 3rd June. A484 - GLANGWILI - CARMARTHENSHIRE - Temporary traffic lights due to roadworks on A484 between Pantglas (Glangwili) and B4301 (Bronwydd Arms). Expect delays. Until 30th June. Temporary traffic lights due to roadworks on A484 between Pantglas (Glangwili) and B4301 (Bronwydd Arms). Expect delays. Until 30th June. B4312 OLD ST CLEARS ROAD - JOHNSTOWN - WESTBOUND - CARMARTHENSHIRE - Old St Clears Road Westbound closed due to roadworks from Job's Well Road to Millbank Road. Until 4th March 2026. Old St Clears Road Westbound closed due to roadworks from Job's Well Road to Millbank Road. Until 4th March 2026. B5429 - BODFARI - BOTH DIRECTIONS - DENBIGHSHIRE - B5429 in both directions closed due to roadworks from Ffynnon Y Chwarel (Bodfari) to Heol-Y-Brenin (Tremeirchion). Until 23rd October 2025. B5429 in both directions closed due to roadworks from Ffynnon Y Chwarel (Bodfari) to Heol-Y-Brenin (Tremeirchion). Until 23rd October 2025. B5605 PARK ROAD - PENTRE - WREXHAM - Park Road closed due to roadworks from A5 to The Newbridge Arms. Until 24th July 2025. Park Road closed due to roadworks from A5 to The Newbridge Arms. Until 24th July 2025. THE A487 - TRE-R-DDOL - CEREDIGION - Temporary traffic lights due to roadworks on The A487 between Tre'r ddol (Tre-R-Ddol) and Furnace (Furnace). Expect delays. Until 31st March 2026. Temporary traffic lights due to roadworks on The A487 between Tre'r ddol (Tre-R-Ddol) and Furnace (Furnace). Expect delays. Until 31st March 2026. THE A4093 - BRYN GOLAU - BOTH DIRECTIONS - RHONDDA, CYNON, TAFF - Temporary traffic lights due to water main work on The A4093 in both directions at The B4278/Mountain View. Until 30th November 2025. Article continues below
