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Wales Online
30-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Today's rugby news as Welsh star leaves door open to return and Wales given 'uncomfortable' Japan warning
Today's rugby news as Welsh star leaves door open to return and Wales given 'uncomfortable' Japan warning The latest headlines from Wales and around the world Sherratt and his side have been warned about the 'uncomfortable' conditions that await them in Japan These are your latest rugby headlines on Friday, May 30. Welsh star leaves door open to return Wales international Rhys Patchell has opened up on what his next move may be after leaving Japanese side NEC Green Rockets earlier this month. The 22-cap fly-half took up a break clause to leave the club a year early, having also enjoyed a stint at New Zealand Super Rugby outfit the Highlanders the previous season after his exit from Scarlets in 2023. Having previously spoken openly about how he had missed Wales during his time in Japan, Patchell's departure from the Green Rockets has seen him linked with a potential move back home. He was quizzed on his future during his appearance on the Scrum V podcast, but wouldn't reveal specifics about where he might end up next. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. Instead, he admitted that his priorities had changed having recently welcomed his first child, Llew, with presenter wife Heledd Anna Roberts, adding that his next move will be determined by what works best for his family. "I think whatever fits the family is probably what will work for me," said Patchell. "I've been very lucky as I've had 14 years of being pretty selfish and doing what suits me best in terms of prolonging my career or pushing my career on. "You've got to be selfish to play at the level that we want to play at. "[But] now that the wee man has come along, my perspective has changed significantly. So, whatever fits for us as a family unit is what I'll do next." And asked if he still "had the hunger" to keep playing, the 32-year-old added simply: "For the right thing". Wales given 'uncomfortable' Japan warning Patchell has also drawn on his experiences in Japan to issue a warning to the Wales squad ahead of their tour there this summer, as he admitted they will face "uncomfortable" conditions over their two Test matches. Led by interim head coach Matt Sherratt, Wales are looking to end a miserable run of 17 straight Test match defeats on the tour but, having spent the last year out there, the former Scarlets and Cardiff fly-half knows that the heat and humidity could end up causing the team some issues. "It's a different game out there," he told the Scrum V podcast. "The sun will be shining and it will be a wet weather game. The ball is going to be like a bar of soap. "Eddie Jones will have everything stacked in Japan's favour, he's going to make the most of the fact that Wales are coming to Japan. They are going to try to play the game as early in the day as possible, they will make the bus rides take as long as possible to get from the hotel to the stadium, everything is going to be stacked in Japan's favour. "And quite right too, he's got a real chance to make something of his international season, as they've had a pretty poor run of international results as well, Japan. "I'll give you an idea of how hot and uncomfortable it's going to be," Patchell continued. "The Maori All Blacks went to play Japan last summer and one of my teammates Ash Dixon was part of the coaching staff with the Maoris. "They had to pull their outside half off at half-time with heatstroke, his eyes were in the back of his head and he's gone into a fit in the sheds at half-time because it's so hot and humid and uncomfortable. "That gives you an idea of just how difficult [it will be]. The key for me is they've got to manage their energy really, really smartly. Japan are going to zip the ball around because Eddie Jones is a firm believer in 'ruck and run' - who wants the ball, off the deck, gone. "[There will be] a lot of ball movement, playing as fast as they can. They will want the game down here where it's really uncomfortable for Wales because they're bigger men. So, for me, it's how smart can Wales manage their own energy to be in the fight at the end?" Farrell ultimatum issued Racing 92 and Saracens have reportedly opened talks over a deal for Owen Farrell with the fly-half edging closer to a stunning return to English rugby. The former England captain joined the Top 14 side on a two-year deal last summer, but is said to be wanting to move back across the Channel after an injury-blighted first year in France, having been plagued by groin and knee issues throughout the season. Farrell is reportedly keen to re-join Saracens in a player-coach role, with discussions between the two clubs said to be at an early stage, according to MailOnline. However, with Racing understood to have paid close to £500,000 to sign Farrell last year, and with the 33-year-old still having over a year left on his contract, such a move will not come cheap. It is understood that the French club's owner Jacky Lorenzetti wants at least the majority of the money he paid for Farrell back, with RugbyPass reporting that he is "prepared to play hardball" and will force the Englishman into staying if a deal isn't done this week, to avoid months of wrangling over a transfer. It comes after Saracens boss Mark McCall declined to comment on reports linking Farrell with a return to the club, as he described the rumours as "pie in the sky". 'It's just not worth answering, to be honest, because as far as I know, he is under contract at Racing and has a year left," he said during a media call earlier this week. "There are so many of these stories that come out. 'As you know from me down the years, there is no point talking about something that is so pie in the sky. It's better for me not to comment." Welsh officials appointed Welsh referee Ben Breakspear has been appointed as one of 10 match officials for this summer's World Rugby U20 Championship Breakspear first refereed at the tournament in 2023 having impressed while officiating on the World Sevens Circuit, while he has also taken charge of matches in the URC and the Olympic Games in Paris last year. He will be joined at the tournament - which is being held in Italy between June 29 and July 19 - by Aled Griffiths, who has also been appointed to the panel as one of five Television Match Officials. After the appointments were confirmed, WRU National Elite Performance Match Official Manager, Ian Davies, said: 'One of the main priorities when I came into the role was to seek to increase the opportunities made available to our match officials. 'A year ago I was fortunate enough to oversee Ben Breakspear given his URC debut in the Edinburgh game against Zebre. His consistent performances at URC and EPCR level since then have led to his selection for this year's Junior World Championship in Italy. 'I also wanted some of our more experienced referees to consider opportunities as a TMO to support our on-field officials. Seeing Aled Griffiths appointed to the Junior World Championship is testament not only to his own hard work, but also the other TMO's in our group who have challenged Aled and each other to continually improve. 'There is now a really healthy level of competition developing in our match official department that I'm hoping will not only improve the standard of officiating at domestic level, but will also reflect in more high profile opportunities being awarded.' As well as Breakspear, the selected referees are Tomas Bertazza (Argentina), Griffin Colby (South Africa), Katsuki Furuse (Japan), Peter Martin (Ireland), Marcus Playle (New Zealand), Jérémy Rozier (France), Filippo Russo (Italy), Lex Weiner (USA) and Morgan White (Hong Kong China). Article continues below The four other Television Match Officials completing the panel alongside Griffiths are Leo Colgan (Ireland), Graham Cooper (Australia), Quinton Immelman (South Africa) and Dan Jones (RFU).
Wales Online
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Wayne Pivac gone from coaching role as Wales star follows him out the door
Wayne Pivac gone from coaching role as Wales star follows him out the door Wayne Pivac and Rhys Patchell are on the move after missing out on promotion Former Wales coach Wayne Pivac has left Japanese club NEC Green Rockets (Image: PA ) Former Wales coach Wayne Pivac and outside-half Rhys Patchell have left Japanese club NEC Green Rockets. Pivac has been at the Green Rockets for the past couple of seasons but according to reports he has been deemed surplus to requirements, along with forwards coach Paul Feeney, after a difficult run of results. Former Wales outside-half Patchell is also set to leave the club after being named among 16 departures, but it is unclear where his next destination will be. Pivac did a sterling job with the Scarlets, winning the old PRO12 in 2017 and leading the Welsh club to a Champions Cup semi-final the following season. After succeeding Warren Gatland as Wales boss, Pivac won the Six Nations title and Triple Crown in 2021 but was sacked in 2022 after a series of bad defeats which included a home loss to Georgia. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. The 62-year-old is out of work again and it is unclear where his coaching career will lead him to next. Article continues below Patchell, who has won 22 caps for Wales, enjoyed a stint at New Zealand Super Rugby outfit the Highlanders before his move to Japan. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here. The Fformer Cardiff and Scarlets playmaker still has plenty to offer the game and would be a stellar pick-up for one of Wales' professional clubs. Patchell is a triple-threat player with a tremendous passing and kicking game, while he is also a danger with ball in hand. Join WalesOnline Rugby's WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free Speaking about his move to Japan on an episode of 'Jonathan' on S4C in March, Patchell spoke about his life in the Far East and admitted he missed Wales at times. "This might sound really deep now," he said. "But I didn't think 'hiraeth' was a real thing. Article continues below "I thought it was just this really wishy-washy thing that people spoke about which wasn't real. "When you reach the longest stint I've done out there, 10 or 12 weeks, by then I was ready to come home. "I wanted my fix of Wales."
BBC News
08-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Goode set for 400th Saracens appearance
Alex Goode believes his competitive nature has been a key factor in his full-back, 37, is set to make his 400th appearance for Saracens in Saturday's Premiership match against Newcastle (15:00 BST).Goode, who has played 21 times for England, joined Sarries' academy in 2006 and has been at the club for his entire career, aside from a season on loan at Japanese side NEC Green Rockets."I think the love of the game plays a big part," Goode told BBC Radio London."I love rugby. I love being out there. I love competition. The want to win and finding a way to win - I love to win and be part of that competition. That's really helped me."I do look after myself well. I do prepare well and always try improve and make sure I don't stand still."I constantly keep working at my kicking, my balls, my speed, my strength, my passing, offloading, short kicking - never sit still, because otherwise you just get found out."Constantly evolving and having different layers to my game has probably helped me stay in it as long as possible."That competitiveness, want to win and love for the game have probably been the keys."Goode has enjoyed huge success at the London club, winning six Premiership titles and three European Champions 2019 he was named European Player of the there have been low points as well - not least when Saracens were relegated from the top flight in 2020, having been deducted 35 points following persistent salary cap led to Goode's move to Japan and he returned after Sarries were promoted back to the Premiership. All his silverware, starting with a 2011 Premiership triumph, has come under head of rugby Mark McCall, who took over from Brendan Venter halfway through that has presided over unprecedented success for the club, including their promotion from the Championship in 2021, but Venter has been widely credited with laying the foundations."I'm very lucky. I'm one of the few who saw the darker days of Saracens when it wasn't a very good club - we were underachievers and had a very poor culture," added Goode."While I didn't know that at at the time, looking back I can really see how apparent that was. Then the change was drastic."We found a wonderful way - and I now see how important that is and see other clubs who perhaps don't have that as much or who struggle to have that continually."It's such a special thing to put what Brendan has in place. And it is hard to replicate that day in and day out. You do need time with players and cohesion." 'An amazing achievement' Goode has been hampered by injury problems this season - he suffered a quadricep tear in November and had surgery before returning to action in he has remained an important presence in the dressing room, helping Saracens' younger explained: "I don't go out of my way to tell people how it should be or what it was like in my day."But when they come to me and ask about this or that, or 'what do you do in this situation?' or 'how do you get past that?', then I try and give the experiences we went through as a group before we had success."McCall, whose side are sixth in the table, said: "We're all very privileged to share this week with Goody."It's not just that he's played, it's the influence that he's had, the level that he's played at throughout his career."It's an amazing achievement. He's been an exceptional person and player for such a long time and we're very lucky to have shared his journey with him."
BBC News
29-04-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Scarlets sign Ball as lock scraps retirement plan
Scarlets have re-signed Wales lock Jake Ball, who has reversed his decision to retire from professional 33, announced in November 2024 he was going to finish playing at the end of the Japanese season with NEC Green Rockets, but he will now link up with the west Wales side for the 2025-26 who are coached by Ball's former Scarlets and Wales coach Wayne Pivac, announced in December the player had left the club due to family began his career with Western Force in Australia before joining Scarlets, where he made 133 appearances in nine seasons before leaving in 2021."I can't wait to get back in and get started again," said Ball."When I left the Scarlets, it was around the time of the coronavirus pandemic and it didn't feel like the farewell I wanted. "Since I finished in Japan and announced my retirement from rugby, I have had this feeling of unfinished business."Ball has not retired from international rugby and will be eligible for Wales selection when he returns to Parc y Scarlets. He spoke to Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel and head of recruitment James Davies about helping fill the void left by Scotland lock Alex Craig, who is joining Glasgow next season."When I heard the Scarlets were looking for a second row, I talked to them and they spoke about what is building at the club, the exciting young talent coming through, the environment and ambition there, and I wanted to be part of that," said Ball."I have missed playing and the professionalism of the game. "Myself and my family know the Scarlets and the area well and we loved it during our time there."Ball, who has 50 Wales caps, was part of the Grand Slam-winning side in 2019 and was a World Cup semi-finalist that same year."I hope I can add my experience and help the younger players in the squad and learn a few things from them as well," said Ball."Physically, I feel in a better place than when I left and the ambition to play at the top level still burns bright." Ball was part of the Scarlets side that won the Pro12 title in 2017."We're thrilled to welcome Jake back to the Scarlets," said Peel."He was a popular member of the club and a big fans' favourite, someone who played more than a century of games for the Scarlets and had a big part to play in the title-winning season."Ball becomes the Scarlets' second major signing for next season after Exeter centre Joe Hawkins, with fly-half Ioan Lloyd leaving to join Cardiff."We all know the qualities Jake possesses as a player and as a leader," said Peel."His professionalism and work-rate will be an example to the young group of players we have coming through."From the conversations I have had with Jake, it is clear he feels he has plenty more to offer. "He has been keeping himself in great condition since returning from Japan and we can't wait to see him back here for the start of the pre-season."
BBC News
23-04-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Ball in talks to reverse retirement and join Scarlets
Wales lock Jake Ball is in talks to reverse his decision to retire from professional rugby and re-join Scarlets next November 2024, Ball announced he was going to finish playing at the end of the Japan season with NEC Green Rockets where he was coached by his former Scarlets and Wales coach Wayne Green Rockets revealed in December Ball had left the club due to family reasons, with the second row returning to his family in Western 33-year-old began his career with Western Force in Australia before joining Scarlets where he made 133 appearances in nine seasons before leaving in are looking to replace Scotland lock Alex Craig who will join Glasgow next who won 50 Wales caps, was part of the Grand Slam-winning side in 2019 and a World Cup semi-finalist that same year.
