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Wales Online
12-08-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Former Wales coach starts new job and Erasmus' laptop secrets stunned Eddie Jones
Former Wales coach starts new job and Erasmus' laptop secrets stunned Eddie Jones The latest rugby news headlines from Wales and beyond. Wayne Pivac will start his new role in 2026. (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd) Your rugby evening headlines on Tuesday, August 12. Wayne Pivac in new role Former Wales head coach Wayne Pivac is throwing himself into a new role with Pakuranga Rugby Club in New Zealand. Pivac, formerly at the helm with Scarlets, was recently announced as director of rugby (DOR) for Pakuranga in Auckland. He first held the role 15 years ago before his career progressed to a higher level. The 62-year-old replaces Grant 'Boof' Henson as the DOR, who saw out the end of the 2025 season. 'Boof' held the position for four years, and contributed into the introduction of a women's team, a National Club Cup title for the Under 85kg Panthers and several players earning higher honours. Pivac said: "I am absolutely thrilled to be joining forces once again with the team at Pakuranga Rugby. I'm very much looking forward to the new role, where I will be able to help players coaches and administrators within the club and supporting schools." Pakuranga Rugby General Manager Mike Anderson added: "It is humbling as general manager and a long-time club member, to have someone of Wayne's experience and skills set, make a commitment to the Pakuranga United Rugby Club. Article continues below "He has expressed a genuine desire to engage with players from school level and show player pathways, mentor coaches, like he has been mentored over his coaching journey. I am looking forward to work with Wayne." After he left Wales in 2022 following a difficult run of results, Pivac coached in Japan with NEC Green Rockets, where he was reunited with the likes of Rhys Patchell and Jake Ball during his time there. He left his role after the team fell short of promotion back to League One. His new side Pakuranga compete in Auckland's Premier Division One league. The new season starts in 2026, where Pivac will try to help the side improve on their fifth place finish in this year's competition, which concluded just a few weeks ago. Eddie Jones reveals secrets of Rassie Erasmus Japan head coach Eddie Jones has revealed what he learned from South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus after he inherited his laptop in 2007. South Africa will begin their Rugby Championship campaign against Australia at Ellis Park on Saturday, August 16, and Erasmus' team will be defending their 2024 crown. Prior to last year, South Africa had not won the competition since 2019, the year they won the World Cup. However, now they have the challenge of keeping the trophy out of the clutches of New Zealand, who won it every year in between. While Erasmus is recognised as a charismatic rugby man who isn't afraid of speaking his mind, former England boss Jones has revealed just how much work Erasmus puts in to his rugby coaching. Writing in his Planet Rugby column, Jones said: "In 2007, I took over from Rassie at the Springboks as technical advisor – he moved to the Stormers at that time as head coach, leaving the technical role vacant. "I inherited his laptop from the Bok management, and I couldn't believe my eyes at the detail and the depth of the work I found on it. Every player, every team and every scenario had deep playbooks and strategy around them; there was hardly a hole in his work, all underpinned by logic, proof and, really importantly, all placed within the context of the way the Boks played. "It was a treasure trove of rugby data and analysis that really had a huge impact on me and it made me realise the deep technical understanding that Rassie has underneath his charismatic media persona." Cardiff appoint new coach Cardiff Rugby have appointed Saul Nelson as academy forwards coach. Nelson will join the capital city region on secondment from RGC and will join the set-up as a front-five expert. As a player, Nelson represented Cardiff, Bristol, Exeter and London Welsh. He has spent 15 years coaching young talent, holding roles at Filton College, Cross Keys, the Welsh Rugby Union, as well as RGC. "Having grown up in Cardiff, I have so many fond memories of playing for Cardiff Schools and Cardiff Youth," began Nelson. "To coach within the Academy Pathway at Cardiff Rugby is a huge honour for me. "We have a lot of talented front five players throughout our region. These young men share the same dreams I once had of playing for Cardiff and Wales, I am very excited about working closely with them and their families to achieve this. "I'd like to thank RGC, Cardiff Rugby and the WRU for the fantastic support they have shown me and my family." Welsh Rugby Union Player Development and Pathway Lead John Alder also said: "We're delighted at Saul's appointment to Cardiff Rugby Regional Academy. "Saul is a passionate and committed coach with a diverse career in rugby in education, Academy, and international age grade settings coupled with a strong connection to the Cardiff area. "He will bring invaluable coaching expertise particularly in the area of scrum, throwing, and set piece to aspiring professional players in the Cardiff region. We look forward to following the impact he will have." Red Bull complete Newcastle Falcons takeover By Ed Elliot, PA Energy drinks company Red Bull has completed its takeover of Newcastle Falcons. The Gallagher PREM club, who will continue to play at Kingston Park and retain Steve Diamond as director of rugby, will now be known as Newcastle Red Bulls. Red Bull has aspirations for the team to compete for trophies in England and Europe in the coming years. The Austria-based company already has significant business interests in football, motor racing and winter sports. Newcastle finished bottom of the Premiership table in each of the last three seasons. The new ownership has pledged to develop local rugby talent through a 'strengthened academy program' and deliver 'a world-class fan experience'. Article continues below Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull CEO of corporate projects and investments, said: 'Together, we aim to elevate rugby to new heights and deliver unforgettable moments for our fans. 'We're delighted to have acquired Newcastle Red Bulls and look forward to empowering the club to reach its full competitive potential.' Newcastle begin the new season on Friday, September 26 at home to Saracens.
Otago Daily Times
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
U85kg game hits the spot in SL
A prop, a lock and a halfback walked into the room, and Will Henry could not tell the difference. That is under 85kg rugby for you. Everyone is roughly the same size and shape. Henry, an assistant coach for the Otago NPC team, recently toured Sri Lanka with the New Zealand under 85kg team and was still buzzing when he spoke to the Otago Daily Times about the experience. They played two tests and won both — 50-10 and 32-6. No surprises there. But Henry was surprised by the passion Sri Lankans had for the game. Game two was reportedly played in front of a crowd of 25,000. Whether that number was entirely accurate or not is up for debate, but they certainly made a lot of noise. "Man, they love rugby, I tell you," Henry said. They also loved the New Zealanders, who got the All Blacks treatment. "They wanted to get things like selfies, photos and signatures. "And they support their own rugby. They had a couple of high school matches on when we were there. I think one of them had 15,000 people at that ground. "And they're very passionate, very vocal. "That was definitely a surprise to me. I thought it was more of a cricket-loving nation. But no, rugby is a well-supported sport over there." Henry's role was to make sure the scrums went forward and the lineouts functioned properly. "It was interesting because when I walk into a room, usually I know who my forward pack is going to be. "They kind of stick out because they're either really tall or they've got quite broad shoulders. "But with this team, it was quite hard. I saw a couple of the taller players and thought that they might be part of the forward pack. "But when we split up [into forwards and backs], they walked off." The brand of rugby is quite different from, perhaps, club rugby, where teams are trying to set up mismatches in the defensive line by banging the ball up phase after phase. When everyone is more or less the same size, you have to look for other ways. The New Zealand team played with "a lot of speed, a lot of skill and they were pretty fearless around how they tried to play". "They often looked for space and tried to get it in straight away. "So, from that perspective, it was really exciting to work with a group that were, I guess, really attacking in their mindset." Henry believes the under-85kg format has a bright future. "I think it's a lovely area where players aren't required to play against the heavier blokes, but can still play at a really good level. "I thought that both tests [against Sri Lanka] showcased the different elements of the game and there was a lot of great play." The next step is to build the profile and increase participation in the National Club Cup under-85kg competition.
RNZ News
01-05-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Newest official NZ rugby team set to face Sri Lanka's finest
If you're a rugby tragic, the scene at Karaka Rugby Club on Tuesday night would've warmed the heart. As the rain pelted down on the club's premier team training under floodlights after a hard day's work, inside the clubrooms the quart bottles were being popped open as dinner was cooked and the speeches prepared. This was no ordinary rugby club function, though. Families, friends and dignitaries were gathered on the tables and leaners to farewell and wish good luck to the first ever New Zealand Under 85kg team on their first ever overseas tour. Their destination: Sri Lanka, not exactly top of mind when it comes to rugby but on that certainly makes sense at the end of the long and arduous journey this team has been on to its existence. NZ U85kg team photo. Photo: Blake Armstrong/ActionPress "A lot of credit goes to those guys who have worked behind the scenes," said newly minted U85s captain and first five Jared Percival, who has also played for Mid Canterbury in the Heartland Championship and represented New Zealand in Australian Rules Football . "All those guys have a massive role and have played a huge part in growing the National Cup, getting us recognition and getting this New Zealand team over the line." The new side, who will play in a black jersey, perform the haka and represent the legacy of every other side that's represented New Zealand, was always going to be the next step after the introduction of the National Club Cup in 2020. The U85 kg grade had existed in club rugby for two and a half decades previously, developing a cult following among those involved. Probably the most important devotee to the grade is Sir Graham Henry , whose influence as a World Cup winning All Black coach was crucial in getting the team up and running. The NZ Under 85kg side prepares. Photo: Johnny Hendrikus/NZ Rugby "I suppose we're looking like the original All Blacks, they were nicknamed the 'All Backs'," said coach Ngatai Walker, who played Under 85kg rugby right back when the grade was first conceived in the 1990s. "I think that's similar to us. Like we want everyone to be able to read and react to the pictures that are in front of them on defence and attack." Why Sri Lanka? The thought process around playing Asian sides dates back to when the idea of a national team was first floated, in that the general size of players there would more or less match up with a New Zealand team. However, Sri Lankan rugby does have a long and rich history, with the Colombo Football Club established in 1879. In an odd quirk, their first ever international match was against a team marketed at the time as the 'All Blacks' in 1907 - who were actually the precursors to the Kiwis rugby league side but playing under union rules. Sri Lanka, then known as Ceylon, was also the country were Sir Colin Meads first played in a black jersey. Meads was a member of the NZ Colts side that toured there in 1955, playing in all eight fixtures and scoring three tries. Lately, the Sri Lanka Tuskers won the Asia Rugby Division 1 title last year and flogged Malaysia 59-19 two weeks ago. Dilruksha Dange of the Sri Lanka Tuskers in action at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Photo: Matt Impey/ "They like to throw the ball around, they're not they're not shy with the offloads," said Percival on the footage that they'd been able to see of their opposition. "So it's going to be an awesome game to be a part of and a spectacle as well." The New Zealand side's selection has been an interesting one, given that it is entirely based on last year's season (the 2025 club season starts this weekend). The team includes loose forward Lewis Craik, with the Dundee native reversing the usual trend of kiwis ending up playing for the Scottish national side. "I mean, growing up in Scotland I never, ever thought I'd get the chance to put on a black jersey and represent New Zealand for rugby," said Craik. Lewis Craik packs down on the side on the NZ Under 85kg scrum as they prepare to play Sri Lanka. Photo: Johnny Hendrikus/NZ Rugby "The last few days (in camp) it feels like we've known each other for about two years… everyone plays a little bit harder, a little bit faster." Craik, Percival and the rest of the squad were congratulated by Henry and given a crash course in what wearing a black jersey means by two-time World Cup winning All Black Keven Mealamu. Walker admitted that the expectation on his side is to play up tempo, exciting rugby, as well as continuing the tradition of winning. "(Sri Lanka) are a really proud rugby nation. So yeah it's pretty cool but we know that is a big challenge and they're really proud," said Walker. There is expected to be a lot of interest in the two tour fixtures, with reports out of Sri Lanka saying interest is high in the side the locals are calling the 'weight grade All Blacks'. Prime Minister and footy fan Dr Harini Amarasuriya is looking forward to the occasion, telling local news that the games "promise to energise the nation's rugby enthusiasts as they witness a powerhouse of the sport take on our national team." The NZ Under 85kg team find themselves a very unique situation where predicting just what will happen is almost impossible, however Percival confirmed that the traditional grade post match traditions will be honoured. "I think it'd be rude to say no. You know, there might be some boat races , with events in between tests…at the coaches discretion." New Zealand Under 85kg v Sri Lanka Tuskers Kick-off: 10:30pm Sunday 4 May NZT Nittawela Rugby Stadium, Kandy New Zealand Under 85kg v Sri Lanka Tuskers Kick-off: 1am Sunday 11 May NZT Racecourse Grounds, Colombo Live coverage on Sky Sport Forwards: Pasia Asiata (Poneke Wanderers, Wellington) Ben Biggelaar (Pakuranga Black Panthers, Auckland) Rory Cavanagh (Pakuranga Black Panthers, Auckland) Lewis Craik (Morrinsville Majestic Pukekos, Waikato) Jeandre Du Toit (Pakuranga Black Panthers, Auckland) Luke Eyre (Massey Rock n Rumble, North Harbour) Josh Gellert (Auckland University Slug Collectors, Auckland) Frazer Harrison (Auckland University Squids, Auckland) Tyler Koning (High School Old Boys Light Bears, Canterbury) Jack Laity (Auckland University Slug Collectors, Auckland) Callum Nimmo (High School Old Boys Light Bears, Canterbury) Ridgley Paxton (Karaka Razzlers, Counties Manukau) Josh Purdon (High School Old Boys Light Bears, Canterbury) Tom Rowland (Eden Lizards, Auckland) Simon Sia (Morrinsville Majestic Pukekos, Waikato) Matt Treeby (Tawa Ducks, Wellington) Backs: Campbell Busby (Auckland University Squids, Auckland) Taine Cordell-Hull (High School Old Boys Light Bears, Canterbury) Jackson Ephraims (Takapuna Bombers, North Harbour) Ben Megson (Grammar TEC Old Boys, Auckland) Ned Milne (High School Old Boys Light Bears, Canterbury) Francis Morrison (Pakuranga Black Panthers, Auckland) Jarred Percival (High School Old Boys Light Bears, Canterbury) - Captain Jamie Petford (Pakuranga Black Panthers, Auckland) Adam Preston (Tawa Ducks, Wellington) Eamon Reilly (Ponsonby Hustlers, Auckland) Ben Scott (High School Old Boys Light Bears, Canterbury) Pieter Swarts (East Coast Bays Badgers, North Harbour) Coach: Ngatai Walker Manager: Grant Wilson
