Latest news with #InsideWelshrugby
Wales Online
3 hours ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
Tonight's rugby news as Welsh club coach linked with job and Sam Warburton says Welsh rugby 'can only dream'
Tonight's rugby news as Welsh club coach linked with job and Sam Warburton says Welsh rugby 'can only dream' The latest rugby news from Wales and beyond. Jared Payne (right) could be leaving west Wales. (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency ) Your rugby evening headlines on Saturday, May 31. Warburton: Welsh rugby can only dream Wales legend Sam Warburton says Welsh rugby "can only dream" after drawing comparisons with the English game. This weekend, the top four places of the English Premiership were decided in the final round of regular season fixtures, with Warburton's comments coming prior to these final games. Going into the final weekend, there was still some jeopardy involved, with Bristol Bears just two points ahead of Gloucester in fourth place, with Saracens level on points with the Cherry and Whites. Warburton said Welsh clubs can only imagine the sorts of crowds and jeopardy on show across the bridge at present. Speaking about this in his Times column, Warburton, who is a TNT Sports pundit and commentator, said: "I'll be at Bristol on Saturday for the Bears match against Harlequins and qualification for the top four is in their hands, so, while it may not be a rip-roaring conclusion, at least there is enough on this last round of regular matches to see the argument for the play-offs and a climax to a thrilling season. "I hear some English fans complaining a little and touting their plans for improvement and I just think: 'You should try living in Wales and see the problems we have there!'. In Wales, we can only dream at the moment of our regions having the games that the English clubs have, and especially the crowds they attract so regularly." Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. Welsh club coach favourite for top job Scarlets coach Jared Payne is favourite to land the head coach position at Connacht, reports RugbyPass. The former British & Irish Lions tourist is currently assistant coach under Dwayne Peel in west Wales, but could now be switching United Rugby Championships clubs. Payne has been with Scarlets since June 2023 and has helped the side reach the URC play-offs this season alongside his colleagues, with the Parc y Scarlets outfit facing Leinster on Saturday afternoon. Despite being born in New Zealand, Payne represented Ireland at international level and a move to Galway would see him coach in the country for the first time since 2022, where he left Ulster to join up with Clermont Auvergne in the Top 14. Of course, Payne moved into coaching back in 2018 after sustaining a head injury on the Lions tour to New Zealand in 2017. Recurring headaches had forced him into retirement, but a career in coaching awaited him. IRFU performance director David Humphreys is reportedly a big fan of Payne. Premiership play-offs decided The English Premiership top four was settled on Saturday in the final round of action. Bristol Bears' fate was in their hands in round 18, and they got that all-important victory over Harlequins at Ashton Gate - quite convincingly too - 52-26. The West Country outfit scored a stunning seven tries against Quins, with a total of 11 scores on the day. The results confirmed a place in the semi-finals for Bears, who'll be joining Leicester Tigers, Sale Sharks and Bath in the play-offs. Saracens picked up a tidy result at the StoneX Stadium, beating league leaders Bath 36-26, although it was very much a second string Bath team. However, it's a mid-table finish for Nick Tompkins' team. Wales international Gareth Anscombe played his final game for Gloucester, who defeated Northampton Saints 41-26. The 34-year-old fly-half was substituted on the 64th-minute mark, and will be heading to France next season to link up with Bayonne. Christian Wade, who is leaving rugby union again to pursue a career in league, scored in the final minute of the game, in a fitting send-off for one of the league's most prolific try-scorers. As was confirmed prior to the weekend's action, after disappointing seasons, Exeter Chiefs and Newcastle Falcons will be playing EPCR Challenge Cup rugby next term, having finished outside the top eight. Gloucester, Saracens, Quins and Saints all miss out on the play-offs but qualify for Champions Cup rugby next season. Franco Smith: I'm not surprised my players shone By Anthony Brown, PA Franco Smith claimed he was not surprised to see champions Glasgow turn on the style in their United Rugby Championship quarter-final victory over Stormers because he was always confident they would bounce back from their recent dip. Warriors romped to a five-try 36-18 triumph over their South African visitors on Friday night to set up a semi-final showdown with the winner of Saturday's clash between Leinster and Scarlets in next weekend's semi-final. Much of the pre-match talk had surrounded the fact Glasgow had lost four of their previous five matches, including a shock 33-7 defeat away to Benetton. Smith argued that some form of drop-off was inevitable amid such a gruelling schedule, and he is hopeful that his team are back on song at just the right time to defend their title. 'It's a long season, 18 rounds, nine Test matches (four autumn Tests and five Six Nations fixtures), and you have six or seven European Cup games,' said the head coach. 'It's high-priority games every week. 'Our squad is that big, we've rotated it, we've brought some new players in. 'But to be on the mental edge the whole time is sometimes inhuman, if I can put it that way. 'All the sides that finished in the top eight had a bad period somewhere. Ours might have been evident against Benetton. Not even against the Bulls, who were actually very good that evening. Article continues below 'If I keep perspective and don't form a perception, I have a good chance of staying true to the cause. I'm not surprised about our performance against Stormers."
Wales Online
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
Bizarre schoolboy try leaves viewers at odds as Nigel Owens enters the debate
Bizarre schoolboy try leaves viewers at odds as Nigel Owens enters the debate The referee didn't see anything wrong with it, so Nigel Owens has provided clarity on the situation. This was the moment lock Finn Neal dotted down. (Image: Sky Sports NZ ) Welsh referee Nigel Owens has weighed in on the debate around a controversial schoolboy rugby try that is doing the rounds on social media. The try was scored by Marlborough Boys' College against rivals Nelson College, with Anru Erasmus simply kicking his penalty along the ground and towards the left side of the try line. From there, his team-mate Finn Neal surged after the ball and duly dotted down for a strange score. The Nelson players were still huddled under the posts when the trickery was produced. The try was awarded by the referee, who did not recognise any foul play. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. "It doesn't contravene any law that I can think of, so it's a try," he said. Commentator Jeff McTainsh branded the incident "the most bizarre try you'll ever see". However, Owens has now correctly pointed out that this play was indeed illegal. Commenting underneath the viral footage, Owens wrote: "No try. You must make a genuine attempt to kick at goal before the try can be allowed to stand. This clearly wasn't." The west Walian was then asked what the sanction would be in that scenario, confirming the penalty kick would be void and it would be a free-kick to Nelson. Watch the clip below. Content cannot be displayed without consent Debate has been in full flow on X, formerly Twitter. "Interesting debate .. tough decision to make, as this basically never comes up, therefore isn't coached. And the law isn't that clear. Feel for both Andrew and Nelson College here," wrote one. "Ball is in play, it's a try," commented another. Many others were quick to discount this argument though. Following the intervention of Owens, one viewer asked: "Would that decision change if the player did not tell the ref he was going for goal? "I know the presence of the tee suggests that he had done so but we don't see the ref signalling that a kick is to be taken." The explicit wording of the rulebook provides clarity on this. As per World Rugby: "If the team indicates to the referee the intention to kick at goal, they must kick at goal. Article continues below "The intention to kick can be communicated to the referee or signalled by the arrival of the kicking tee or sand, or when the player makes a mark on the ground." That try gave Marlborough a 15-5 lead going into the sheds for half-time, and they would go on to win the match 28-26, with the points from that try proving crucial in their victory.
Wales Online
14 hours ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
Nigel Owens: The 'disaster' rugby law I'd change immediately and the big problem that isn't going away
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info It may only be five and a half years since I retired, but the game of rugby already looks quite different to when I was refereeing, with a number of changes being made. Of course, as with anything, some of the changes are good and some are.... let's say, not as good. Actually, I think a couple of them are even bad. You will always have your traditionalist rugby supporters who want to keep things largely the same. But those at the top of the sport are making efforts to grow it and improve it as a spectacle, while also reflecting a greater awareness of player safety and welfare in the laws of the game - and quite rightly so. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. Change has been deemed necessary to get more people into stadiums and to simplify the game for those watching for the first time - hence why they brought in the ref's mic many years ago - as well as to keep things safe and ensure that players are adequately protected in the modern game. Some of the recent changes that we've seen have, in fairness, enhanced the game. Or, at least, they haven't made it worse. The speeding up of the game - in regard to things like scrum set-ups and shot clocks - has certainly been a positive change. The 50:22 law probably hasn't opened the game up as much as people would have liked it to, but we're certainly seeing far less aimless kicking because of it, and some of the kick attempts are hugely skilful and exciting to see. There have also been big clampdowns in certain areas over the years, on things like spear tackles and recklessness in the air when competing for the ball. Those have had a real effect, and we certainly see those kinds of incidents much, much less than we used to. I'm all for law changes, particularly from a safety point of view, and I'd never be against something that actually benefits the game. Earlier this week it was reported that the British and Irish Lions board is considering a proposal for sudden-death extra time to be introduced, in the event that a deciding third Test against Australia this summer finishes in a draw. That change would see the first team to score in 'golden point' extra time win the match and it's something that I think would prove to be hugely exciting if it came about. It is a bit of a disappointment when something as hotly anticipated as a Lions tour ends in a draw, so bringing in that bit of jeopardy and excitement to settle it can only be a good thing, in my opinion. I will always remember that infamous penalty shootout between Cardiff and Leicester Tigers in the Heineken Cup in 2009 - and poor Martyn Williams' face when he missed his kick at goal. It was nail-biting, but exciting at the same time. However, while I'm supportive of law changes that enhance the game of rugby, I'm wary of changes being made just for the sake of increasing ball-in-play time. Rugby is a physical sport and when it's played at its best you certainly question why we need to tinker with it so much. Just look at the goal line drop-out. To me, that is a total disaster and I would get rid of it tomorrow if I was in charge. It hasn't brought anything positive to the game, you're not seeing any less driving mauls or pick-and-gos. It has only brought negativity in the sense that the defence can throw bodies underneath a player and if they don't ground the ball, the defending team gets the drop out. It is a total punishment for the attacking team. Even though it's hugely important that rugby is a fair contest for both teams, when it comes to try scoring, the benefit of the doubt should always go to the attacking side. Look for a reason to give the try, rather than a reason not to, which seems to be the case these days with the endless TMO referrals. The same can be said for depowering the scrum. Nobody wants to see a scrum-fest, granted, but they are an important part of the game and we never see scrum fives anymore. Having a team that is strong at scrummaging and can push the other team back only adds to the excitement of a game. Rugby is a game for all shapes and sizes and if the scrum is diminished further then, in two or three years' time, we will be watching rugby union games that may as well as be rugby league. The change to lineout throwing is another that wasn't needed either. You can now throw a ball in not straight and get away with it, and it's all a bit of a joke. Then there's the very divisive 20-minute red card, which has just been put through for a global trial. As I've said before in this column, it certainly hasn't changed players' behaviour. It's not a deterrent and I think a red card offence should always be met with a straight, permanent red card. If it's an accident or just unlucky, then it shouldn't be a red card in the first place. Despite all the changes that are being made, the thing that is still cropping up time and time again is head contact. Even though we've seen a huge increase in red cards, we still haven't really seen a change in player behaviour, in terms of clearing out and trying to make lower tackles. We saw it with Sam Underhill during Bath's Challenge Cup final win over Lyon - he went high and it was a head-on-head collision. He's now been handed a four-match ban after initially being shown a yellow card, but that should have been a red card from the start. It's one area that those at the top of the game are really trying to grapple with but we haven't seen much positive change in practice. There has been more emphasis placed on dangerous behaviour and a crackdown on head contact, but why are we still not seeing a change in player behaviour? It is still happening far too often. For me, there has to be zero tolerance. If you go into a tackle like Underhill did, that should be a straight red card, end of. A lengthy ban should follow too, if we're going to stamp it out of the game effectively. Either that or they need to change the tackle height law, and that certainly will be a hot topic for debate. So, there have been plenty of changes made to the game and a few more that need to be brought in. As I said, I have no problem with changes if they actually enhance the sport we all love. But I think, in some areas, they really need to stop and think things over before they bring in something new, just to keep people happy. You can try to make it an 80-minute game of end-to-end action, but that's just not going to happen - that's the nature of rugby. This is not soccer, where you're just continuously running. There are lineouts, there are scrums, mauls, stoppages. That's what has served rugby well, so those making these decisions need to be very, very careful when they tinker with the laws. Changing things for the sake of it, quite simply, does not help to grow the game. It may well have the opposite effect.
Wales Online
a day ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
The Welsh rugby agent uncovering hidden gems around the world including new Wales star
The Welsh rugby agent uncovering hidden gems around the world including new Wales star The former hooker thinks outside the box to find diamonds in the rough across the globe Mee (right) went from the second tier of English rugby to making his Wales debut in less than a year (Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency ) A Welsh rugby agent who has uncovered hidden gems from right across the globe has opened up about his "different" approach to player recruitment Richard Emms - a former hooker for the likes of Pontypridd, Cross Keys and Swansea - moved into representation when his playing career came to an end, and he now represents around 70 players from right around the world. Admitting that he "won't just take anybody", he specialises in thinking outside the box and using non-traditional means to find diamonds in the rough. The talented players he has discovered in recent years include Saracens star Theo McFarland, who he spotted playing in a now-defunct competition in Samoa and is now captain of his country. Emms, who does most of his scouting work from his home in Pontyclun, also discovered Bristol Bears centre Kalaveti Ravouvou while he was playing sevens alongside working in a Fijian prison, as well as Stade Francais' "X-factor" speedster Peniasi Dakuwaqa, who he spotted playing in the Cook Islands. He also has Wales hooker Dewi Lake on his books, while he played a big role in discovering one of Welsh rugby's recent bright sparks in Scarlets wing Ellis Mee. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. The 21-year-old, who moved to Parc y Scarlets last summer, delivered a hugely impressive performance when he made his Wales debut against Ireland during the Six Nations earlier this year, asking many fans to ask where he had come from. Less than a year earlier, he had been playing for Nottingham in the second tier of English rugby and while his discovery was credited to Scarlets legend James 'Cubby' Davies, who is now recruitment and operations officer at the region, it was Emms who flagged Mee to the Welsh side, reports MailOnline. "I like players with a point of difference. I don't want to give my trade secrets away, but there are certain things I look for in a player," he told the publication. "I like to manage the players myself. "I'm quite fussy about the players I'll take on. I won't just take anybody. I look for qualities in terms of rugby ability, but also characteristics off the field. I like my players to have a good work ethic. "I always try to be a bit different," he added. "That's not necessarily for the sake of being different, but any agent can turn up and watch an academy game because the players there have already been identified. Then you have to go head-to-head with other agents. "I back myself to find the players I think can become stars. That excites me more than any financial return. "It's finding the diamonds in the rough, like Kalaveti, because when they do kick on and start to make an impression, it gives you a lot of pleasure." Emms, who is also fully trained as a financial adviser, added that he has plenty more promising talents on his books, with his clients including Fijian prop Bill Drodrolagi Nairau and English lock Will Ramply, who have signed for Saracens and Bristol respectively ahead of next season. While rugby's transfer market remains traditional, he believes that more clubs could think differently to land new talents and gain a competitive edge. "I think there is still a degree of unwillingness at some teams to look outside the box when it comes to recruitment," he said. Article continues below "The preferred option is still to go for the tried and tested,' he said. 'It doesn't bother me what country a player is from. I have no pre-conceptions. "If I see it, I see it. I like to think there's a different way of doing things and there's something better out there. Lots of clubs have tight budgets now and I understand that, but if you can find a hidden gem who goes on to become a big player, that can be priceless."
Wales Online
2 days ago
- 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."
