Latest news with #Lydiate
South Wales Argus
14-05-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Wales legend Dan Lydiate denied a Dragons farewell at Bulls
The 37-year-old will not feature in Saturday's United Rugby Championship fixture in Pretoria (kick-off 2pm) after being injured against the Stormers in Cape Town last weekend. Lydiate carried low against the South Africans and was caught by an accidental knee to the head, which led to lengthy treatment and the back row forward leaving the field on a cart. The chop-tackling flanker has been ruled out of the final fixture by medics and finishes his Dragons career with 107 appearances over two spells, sandwiching time at Racing 92 and the Ospreys. Lydiate won 72 caps for Wales and also played in all three Tests in the British & Irish Lions' series win in Australia in 2013. LEGEND: Dragons flanker Dan Lydiate is retiring (Image: Geraint Nicholas/Huw Evans Agency) "Dan has been a real servant to the club and also to Wales, so it's unfortunate that was his last game as he moves into coaching next season," said head coach Filo Tiatia. "Dan has been awesome as a player-coach, and I was really trying to get the balance. He has been great to work with and is working really hard around his coaching. "We have spoken about him and how impactful he has been, particularly when he broke his neck [for the Dragons against Perpignan in 2007]. 'There was uncertainty if he would come back from that but he was a persistent young person, and those traits have followed throughout his career.' Player-coach Lydiate will remain with the Dragons as part of Tiatia's management team with responsibility for contact area work. The detail of that is to be thrashed out with the Wales great combining the role with his work on the family farm. It is part of a triple blow for the Dragons after Lydiate flew home along with wing/centre Jared Rosser (torn pectoral muscle) and loosehead Rhodri Jones (torn calf). Rosser suffered the blow in the closing stages of the defeat in Cape Town when attempting to make a tackle while prop Jones was a late withdrawal from the XV after another blow in a frustrating campaign that featured a serious knee injury in October. The pair will be assessed by medics in Wales with the hope that the injuries won't impact the start of next season. "We are really hopeful Jared's pec is not too bad and then the medical team will give us advice on what is required," said Tiatia. "It's the same for Rhodri and it's really unfortunate after he fought really hard to get back from a long lay-off." The Dragons have a number of other injury concerns and have flown back row forward Owen Conquer out to South Africa as cover. Wales Under-20s international Evan Minto is in line to step into the matchday squad as Lydiate's replacement.
Wales Online
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Tonight's rugby news as Welsh international's career ends abruptly and forgotten Wales star finds spark
Tonight's rugby news as Welsh international's career ends abruptly and forgotten Wales star finds spark The latest rugby news from Wales and around the world Callum Sheedy of Cardiff (Image: Getty Images ) Here are your rugby evening headlines for Wednesday, May 14. Lydiate's rugby career officially over Dan Lydiate has officially played his final game of professional rugby after the veteran flanker was ruled out of the Dragon's final URC match against the Vodacom Bulls due to concussion. The Dragons will travel from Cape Town to Pretoria without Lydiate, Jared Rosser (pec), and Rhodri Jones (calf), who have all returned home injured. Lydiate, a bona fide Wales icon and former British & Irish Lions star, announced his retirement in April and was forced off early in last weekend's loss to the Stormers. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here. 'It's sad Dan couldn't get one final run-out,' said head coach Filo Tiatia. 'He's been an outstanding player and a real leader for us." He added: 'He has been awesome for us. He is a player coach and we have looked to get that balance this season. But in the first block we picked up a few injuries and the plan changed. Article continues below 'He played in that first game (with Ospreys) and he was instrumental. Dan has been great to work with. He is working hard with his coaching, and he will move into the programme next season. 'He has been so impactful. When he broke his neck as a young man he came back, he was a persistent young person back then and he still has those same traits.' With several seniors sidelined, the Dragons have brought in younger players like academy forward Owen Conquer. Looking ahead to Saturday's game, Tiatia called for 'one final push' against a formidable Bulls side, currently second in the URC. 'It's a tough place to play, but a great opportunity for our young players to step up,' he added. Sheedy: I've got my love for rugby back Cardiff fly-half Callum Sheedy says he has rediscovered his love for rugby after enjoying a solid first season at the Arms Park. The Wales playmaker, who has won 16 caps for his country, joined his hometown club from Bristol last summer. Sheedy will readily admit that not all parts of his game have been firing on all cylinders, but - as Cardiff bid to make the URC play-offs for the first time - it's clear that he's enjoying himself in the Welsh capital. 'I have loved it," said Sheedy. "It's been a rollercoaster. Plenty of ups some downs. Very passionate crowds so something I have really enjoyed. "It's been everything times 100 what I expected and wanted. I have found my love for rugby back. "The coaches here are amazing and let you go out on the pitch and enjoy yourself and let your make decisions for yourself. I have thoroughly enjoyed it from a personal point of view. 'I feel as if I have hopefully added some value. There are parts of my game which I have been disappointed with. "I am sure there is no secret that my goalkicking has not been great. I get told that quite a lot when I am walking the streets of Cardiff, which is lovely! "That part of my game I have been disappointed with but everything else hopefully I have added a bit of control to games when we have got over the lien a couple of times. "Hopefully I have led the week well and helped some of the young lads. So hopefully I have added a bit.' Boss 'frustrated' over Wales star's absence Gloucester director of rugby George Skivington has voiced his frustration over Wales international Max Llewellyn's continued absence ahead of their Gallagher Premiership fixture against Newcastle Falcons this weekend. Llewellyn, who joined Gloucester from Cardiff last summer, has been sidelined with a groin injury and will miss yet another crucial match in what has been a tough season for the Cherry and Whites. Skivington admitted the club had hoped for a quicker return for the 25-year-old centre. 'It's a bit of a frustration for us, but he won't be available this week either,' said Skivington. 'That's a bit slower than we'd hoped.' The absence of Llewellyn is a blow to Gloucester as they aim to finish the campaign on a high after an inconsistent league season. Whether the Welshman can return for the season finale against Northampton at the end of the month remains to be seen. Join WalesOnline Rugby's WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free New Women's World Cup trophy unveiled By Ed Elliot, PA A new Women's Rugby World Cup trophy has been unveiled in a "symbolic moment" which marks 100 days until the start of this year's tournament in England. The silverware, which is 38cm tall and weighs 4.5kg, was designed following consultation with former world champions, including ex-England players Katy Daley-Mclean, Sarah Hunter, Rachael Burford and Gill Burns. John Mitchell's Red Roses face the United States in the World Cup opener on August 22 in Sunderland, with Allianz Stadium Twickenham due to host the final on September 27. A record 300,000 tickets had been sold for the tournament before a further wave was released on Wednesday morning. Sally Horrox, World Rugby's chief of women's rugby, said creating a new trophy was initially discussed following the last World Cup, which was hosted and won by six-time champions New Zealand. "This is the biggest global celebration of women's rugby ever so we were looking at different ways to mark that moment," she said at the trophy's unveiling outside Battersea Power Station in London. "One is bringing the final to the Allianz Stadium, another is the record-breaking ticket sales and this (the trophy) is part of that. "This is a symbolic moment that reflects that power, that growth and that momentum (of women's rugby). It's going to be phenomenal." The new Women's Rugby World Cup Trophy on display at Tower Bridge (Image: Getty Images ) The new trophy is set to go on a tour of the eight host cities and towns: Brighton, Bristol, Exeter, London, Manchester, Northampton, Sunderland and York. Crafted from sterling silver and plated with 24-carat gold, it is the third Women's Rugby World Cup trophy. The initial trophy was won by the USA in 1991 and England in 1994 before being found in an attic after going missing for 15 years. Its replacement, which was introduced for the 1998 tournament and was claimed by England in 2014, had been criticised for being small. "That wasn't the driving force behind the change because if you spoke to the players that lifted that trophy - and we did consult them - it had a hugely special place in their hearts," said Horrox. "It really meant a great deal to them but what they also recognised was that this moment now, in 2025, is really a pivot point. A point at which we really start to look forward, to where the game will go, can go, should go." Following their Pool A curtain-raiser against the USA at the Stadium of Light, two-time world champions England, who are six-time runners-up, face Samoa in Northampton on August 30 and Australia in Brighton on September 6. Article continues below Sarah Massey, managing director of Rugby World Cup 2025, said: "We know it's going to be the biggest and best Women's Rugby World Cup that we've ever seen and we now have a prestigious trophy to match it. "Ticket sales have been amazing. We're seeing great ticket sales across the board, in every single venue."
Wales Online
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Today's rugby news as Wales great faces uncertain end and Welsh side sign international star
Today's rugby news as Wales great faces uncertain end and Welsh side sign international star The latest rugby news from Wales and around the world Fine Inisi of Tonga has signed for the Dragons (Image: Getty Images ) Here's your round-up of all the latest rugby news for Tuesday, May 13. Lydiate faces uncertain end to career There are fears that Wales great Dan Lydiate may have played his final match in professional rugby after he was forced off with a neck injury against the Stormers on Saturday. The back rower announced last month that he would retire from rugby at the end of the season, with the Dragons set to finish bottom of the URC table and play their final game of the campaign against the Bulls in Pretoria this weekend. That match is set to be the last in Lydiate's glittering career, but whether the 37-year-old will get his final outing is now unclear after injury forced him off in the first half of Saturday's match, which also happened to be his 150th game in the URC. Speaking at the end of that match, which the Stormers won 48-12, Lydiate's teammate Aaron Wainwright said he was unsure how severe his fellow back row star's injury was but praised him for the impact he has had across the squad since returning to Rodney Parade in 2023. 'I don't know the extent of Dan's injury, but he's been awesome for us," said Wainwright. 'He's an unreal player and an even better bloke off the pitch. Article continues below "[He's] so good with the young guys, helping them with their craft, small details defensively and he'll be the first and last one out on the tackle bags. 'He'll also make sure everyone's accountable for their little bits after training and he's great to have around the group and hopefully he continues doing what he's been doing.' Lydiate, who won 72 caps for his country and a further three for the British & Irish Lions, will take up a coaching role with the Dragons from next season. Dragons sign Tonga star Dragons have confirmed the signing Tonga international Fine Inisi for the 2025-26 season. The winger, who's won 15 caps for his country and appeared at the 2023 World Cup in France, will make the move to Rodney Parade from Super Rugby Pacific side Moana Pasifika this summer. Dragons head coach Filo Tiatia said: "I am very excited to work with Fine again having done so previously during our time at Moana Pasifika. "He brings good values as well as an attacking threat with his footwork and ball carrying ability. I look forward to Fine taking his form from Super Rugby Pacific to Rodney Parade next season." "I'm grateful and excited for the opportunity to play in the northern hemisphere for a great club," Inisi himself added. Join WalesOnline Rugby's WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free "It's going to be a challenge but I'm keen to put my best foot forward in helping the Dragons achieve greatness. "Adjusting to new traditions in Wales will be different for me and my little family but we are excited to fully immerse ourselves in the culture." Welsh coach lands new role Former Wales Women's captain Rachel Taylor has joined Loughborough Lightning as their new defence coach ahead of next season. The 41-year-old - who won 67 caps for Wales and represented both Bristol and the Dragons - confirmed in January that she would step down as head coach of Sale Sharks at the end of the Premiership Women's Rugby season, having spent four years as part of their coaching team. Tom Hudson was later brought in as her successor and she has moved on to pastures new ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. "I tried my hand at being a head coach which I thoroughly enjoyed, but I still feel I have a lot to explore and develop as a coach," said Taylor as her appointment was confirmed on Monday. "I feel this environment will encourage and support me to do that." Lightning head coach Nathan Smith said that the former Wales star "came with fresh ideas and a determination to improve and to be a success within the team," adding: "I feel the areas in which she will focus on are areas we need improvement on and I am looking forward to working with her." Taylor previously made history as the first female coach of a national league Welsh rugby team, having taken over at Colwyn Bay in 2018. She also became the WRU's first professional national female coach after joining the women's side as a skills coach in 2020, but resigned just three months into the role. Wallabies weigh up reversing decision over home-based players Australia are considering relaxing their preference for fielding domestic players in a bid to given them the best possible chance of seeing off the British and Irish Lions this summer. The policy was previously formalised as 'Giteau's Law', and put a cap on the number of players based overseas that could be included in a Wallabies squad. However, boss Joe Schmidt has now suggested the policy could now be reversed in time for the visit of the Lions later this year. "We don't want to discount anyone because, as [Lions head coach] Andy [Farrell's] done and the coaches, they've picked a form squad," said Schmidt. "I stay in touch with those guys who are overseas. "We would love to pick a form squad. "But, as I've always said, if there's anything that we think is 50-50, it's more difficult to absorb someone from the outside the groups that play together already." Former Saracens second row Will Skelton, Bordeaux back row Peter Samu and Japan-based centre Samu Kerevi are among those who could benefit from the change. Andy Farrell warned over son selection Brian Moore has warned Lions head coach Andy Farrell about the potential consequences of picking his son. Farrell has named a 38-man squad to tour Australia, but hasn't included the Racing 92 playmaker, who has seen his season curtailed b injury. The Lions boss has, however, left two places available for those that prove their fitness between now and the end of the season, and that has prompted suggestions that Farrell Jnr could be pushed into the frame. Article continues below 'Most of the speculation around the 'mystery two' has naturally been about Owen Farrell, Andy Farrell's son,' Moore said in his latest Telegraph column.. 'Farrell snr is far too professional to allow personal issues to intrude on what would now be a controversial pick, given Farrell jnr's injury-hit season with Racing. 'If Owen is to be one of the two choices, his selection could have already been made and justified by his abundant experience at Test level and of his previous tours with the Lions. A later selection just complicates things further.'
South Wales Argus
12-05-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Dragons up for the fight at Bulls in URC
The Rodney Parade club finish the campaign on Saturday when they face a Bulls side who are aiming to seal second seeding for the United Rugby Championship play-offs. The Dragons have lost 16 on the spin in the league since they stunned the Ospreys on opening weekend and last Saturday they were hammered 48-12 by the Stormers in Cape Town. The scoreline didn't tell the whole story and it was just 7-0 approaching half-time and then 29-12 in the closing stages before a three-try burst by the South Africans. The Bulls are a better team than the Stormers and Filo Tiatia's men will have to dig deep in Pretoria, which the skipper believes they will do. 'There's no question with the boys that we'll always fight,' said Wales lock Carter. 'There were large parts of that game where the dig-in and the fight was really impressive and no doubt we'll be in there next week to give it our all. 'The physical aspect of the game is something we knew we'd have to get after and for large parts of the game I thought it was really good.' The Dragons were put under the pump at the scrum and Wales number eight Aaron Wainwright, who showed his Test power when crossing for a try, knows there are plenty of areas for improvement. 'Stormers are full of internationals and good athletes so we knew it was going to be a tough test,' said the back rower. 'We need to work on some small details to keep us in the game; penalties, dropped balls, missed tackles here and there that allow teams to creep into the game. 'Once they get the scoreboard ticking over like the Stormers did today it's tough to come back from.' The Dragons will have to assess the extent of flanker Dan Lydiate's injury after the former Wales and Lions international, who is retiring from playing after this weekend, copped a heavy blow when carrying in the first half in Cape Town. The Rodney Parade club are not blessed with plenty of options in the back row and were already fielding Lydiate, a blindside by trade, at openside. His departure led to Ryan Woodman going from lock to his natural position alongside Shane Lewis-Hughes and Wainwright. That would be the most likely trio in Pretoria if Lydiate doesn't get the green light, with Wales Under-20s international Evan Minto a member of the touring party and a candidate for the bench.
Wales Online
24-04-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Wales legend Dan Lydiate to quit playing rugby for new role as statement issued
Wales legend Dan Lydiate to quit playing rugby for new role as statement issued The back-rower racked up 72 caps for Wales and three for the British and Irish Lions Dan Lydiate of Wales (Image: Getty Images ) Wales legend Dan Lydiate has announced he will retire from professional rugby at the end of this season and will move into a coaching role. Dragons star Lydiate is widely considered one of the finest and most destructive flankers to ever play for Wales, making a name for himself with his trademark chop tackle. The 37-year-old will conclude his playing career with 72 Wales caps to his name, having made his first appearance in 2009 and his last at the 2023 World Cup, as well as three Test appearances for the Lions during their 2013 tour of Australia. As well as two spells at the Dragons, Lydiate also played 90 times for the Ospreys and played a season out in France with Racing Metro. Article continues below The back-rower was a key player in Wales' golden era, part of a vaunted back-row alongside the likes of Sam Warburton, Taulupe Faletau and Justin Tipuric, and has two Six Nations titles in his trophy cabinet. He was named player of the championship during the 2012 Grand Slam campaign. This season, Lydiate took on the role of Dragons' breakdown coach, balancing his playing career with his coaching aspirations, and will continue in that role next season. 25% OFF DEAL NOW: Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. Dragons head coach Filo Tiatia said: "I've got a lot of respect for Dan, he's got a large amount of grace and humility and he works hard. "A British and Irish Lion, played for Wales, had a nasty injury and came through to become the person he is today. "He's been awesome to work with and we're really looking forward to seeing him going back to the Ospreys on the weekend and enjoy the moments at his old stomping ground and leave some fingerprints on his last game in Wales." Article continues below Dragons captain Angus O'Brien said: "I can't speak highly enough of Dan, he's a great professional and more importantly a great person, someone whom I've grown close to over the last two years. "He's great in the environment, he's got a wealth of experience and has really brought it forward for the younger boys, so it'll be amazing if he's around as a coach." The flanker will play his final game for the Dragons against his former club, the Ospreys, this Saturday, before moving into a coaching position.
