Latest news with #Ospreys
BBC News
21 hours ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Proud Welshman Morgan hopes for Lions Test spot
Wales flanker Jac Morgan says he is determined to make Wales proud as he targets a British and Irish Lions Test team who missed out on selection to Tom Curry in the first Test, played 50 minutes in the 24-19 win against the First Nations Pasifika on Tuesday before being there being only one Welshman in a squad of 45 players, Morgan received a massive cheer as the names were read out at the Marvel Ospreys captain is aware of the support he's receiving from the thousands of Welsh fans who have made the journey.''It's hard to put into words," said Morgan. "I'm obviously chuffed and I'm trying to make everyone proud in a way."I've heard a couple of the cheers. It's great to have the support. There's a lot of Welsh out here." 'It would be a massive honour' Morgan is no stranger to a fierce contest for the seven shirt in a red jersey and has approached a similar battle on this tour with hard work and drive. The 25-year-old has been unfazed by any selection debates and headlines that arose last week when the first Test side was was given the nod at seven and excelled in the 27-19 win in Brisbane, with the second Test taking place in Melbourne on Saturday.''The last week has been no different," said Morgan."I've had the opportunity today and I just try and train and perform the best I can. It's a highly competitive position and Tom Curry was outstanding on Saturday. "He's a great player and so is Josh (Van der Flier), so the competition is always high in that position and we try and get the best out of each other.''Lions head coach Andy Farrell confirmed Irish lock Joe McCarthy has not trained this week following a foot there is still time for him to recover for the second Test in Melbourne, he remains a serious doubt for the McCarthy is ruled out, it would mean a forward addition to the Test squad with a number of different bench combinations possible, including another back rower the big stage of a Rugby World Cup, Morgan captained Wales to their greatest ever win against Australia in admits it would be some achievement to face the Wallabies while representing the Lions.''It would be a massive honour and a very proud moment to be selected.," said Morgan. Welcoming Tandy to Wales Morgan, who captained Wales during the 2025 Six Nations, has also welcomed the announcement of new head coach Steve has left his role as Scotland defence coach - a position he has held since 2019 - to fill a vacancy created by Warren Gatland's departure in February."It's great to be able to have a head coach now so we can look to the future," said Morgan."I've spoken to a lot of the boys and they've all said he's a great coach, but more than that he's a good bloke as well."
The Mainichi
2 days ago
- General
- The Mainichi
Why are Osprey aircraft deployed in Japan's Saga Prefecture amid local opposition?
The Mainichi Shimbun answers some common questions readers may have about Osprey transport aircraft being deployed in southwest Japan's Saga Prefecture despite local concerns and opposition. Question: I've heard that Ospreys have arrived in Saga Prefecture. What's going on? Answer: Yes, that's referring to the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF)'s V-22 Osprey transport aircraft. The first unit arrived on July 9 at the newly established Camp Saga, adjacent to Kyushu-Saga International Airport in the city of Saga. The aircraft is scheduled to be stationed at the camp, where construction work is still ongoing, though its main facilities have been completed. Q: Why are they being deployed in Saga? A: The deployment is aimed at strengthening Japan's island defense capabilities, including of the Senkaku Islands in the southernmost prefecture of Okinawa. In the Mid-Term Defense Program approved by the Cabinet in 2013, the central government called for the creation of the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade tasked with recapturing remote islands, and the introduction of Osprey aircraft for rapid troop deployment. The brigade's base is located at Camp Ainoura in Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture, about 60 kilometers from Saga. Q: How will they be operated moving forward? A: All 17 of the GSDF's Osprey aircraft were temporarily stationed at Camp Kisarazu in the eastern Japan city of Kisarazu, Chiba Prefecture, but they are scheduled to be fully relocated to Saga by mid-August. Training will begin once preparations are complete. The Kyushu Defense Bureau of the Ministry of Defense has presented an "operational plan" to Saga Prefecture detailing concrete examples of training content and flight paths. However, pilots will apparently choose the most appropriate routes based on weather conditions during actual operations. The Ministry of Defense has stated that local authorities, including the Saga Municipal Government, will be notified when training begins. Q: What do residents think? A: Informational meetings were held from June 10 to 13 for local neighborhood association leaders near Camp Saga, where concerns about noise and other issues were raised. Some locals involved in the fishery opposing the deployment have filed a lawsuit seeking to halt the camp's construction. On June 21, about 620 residents gathered near the camp site for a rally opposing the Osprey deployment. The national government is urged to provide thorough explanations to residents and foster trust. (Japanese original by Akiho Narimatsu, Saga Bureau)
The 42
2 days ago
- Sport
- The 42
Wales appoint Steve Tandy as new head coach
WALES HAVE APPOINTED Steve Tandy as their new head coach. The 45-year-old Welshman will become the permanent successor to Warren Gatland on 1 September following almost six years as Scotland's defence coach. Tandy is tasked with reviving his country's fortunes after their record 18-match losing run finally ended on July 12 with a 31-22 victory over Japan in Kobe. His first match in charge will be on 9 November against Argentina in Cardiff, which will be followed by meetings with Japan, New Zealand and world champions South Africa on the following three weekends. 'Becoming head coach of my home country is a massive honour and a privilege,' said Tandy, who will lead Wales into the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. Advertisement 'I am looking forward to playing a role in the rebuilding phase of Welsh rugby and taking the national team back to competing with the best countries in the world. 'I am excited about the potential of Welsh rugby and the group of young, hardworking players we have.' Gatland's second spell as Wales boss ended in February on the back of a 22-15 defeat to Italy in the second round of this year's Six Nations. Matt Sherratt took over on a temporary basis and oversaw defeats to Ireland, Scotland and England before leading this summer's two-match tour of Japan, which began on July 5 with a 24-19 loss in Kitakyushu. Tonmawr-born Tandy was head coach of Ospreys between 2012 and 2018, which included winning the PRO12 title in his first season, before serving as defence coach for Australian side the Waratahs. The former flanker was also part of Gatland's backroom staff for the British and Irish Lions' tour of South Africa in 2021. Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Abi Tierney said: 'After a thorough and detailed appointment process, Steve emerged as the standout candidate, and we know we have secured the very best coach for the job. 'This is a keystone appointment for us and an integral part of our five-year strategy as we look to achieve sustainable success for our senior men's side. 'Steve fits the bill in terms of the affinity he will be able to create with a young group of players with huge potential, but also the galvanising effect we know he can have on the whole rugby ecosystem as a proud Welshman. 'Our task now is to ensure Steve has the support and resources he needs to succeed in this role.'
Winnipeg Free Press
2 days ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Troubled Wales rugby team names Steve Tandy new coach
CARDIFF, Wales (AP) — Wales' troubled men's rugby team finally has a new coach, with Steve Tandy hired through the 2027 World Cup. The appointment was announced on Monday, with the Wales-born Tandy having just completed a southern hemisphere tour with Scotland as part of its coaching staff. He'll start on Sept. 1. Tandy is the full-time replacement for Warren Gatland, who left his second spell as Wales coach midway through the Six Nations in February. Gatland's departure came during a national-record 18-test losing run by Wales, the worst ever streak by a top-tier rugby nation. That losing run came to an end this month with a win in Japan. Last weekend, the British and Irish Lions — touring Down Under — played a test against one of the southern hemisphere giants Australia, New Zealand and South Africa without a Welshman in the squad for the first time since 1896. Tandy has coached Welsh team Ospreys for six years and at Australian Super Rugby team NSW Waratahs. Abi Tierney, chief executive of the Welsh Rugby Union, believes Tandy can bring the good times back to a once-proud rugby nation. 'This is a keystone appointment for us and an integral part of our five-year strategy as we look to achieve sustainable success for our senior men's side,' Tierney said. 'Steve fits the bill in terms of the affinity he will be able to create with a young group of players with huge potential, but also the galvanizing effect we know he can have on the whole rugby ecosystem as a proud Welshman.' __ AP rugby:
Al Arabiya
2 days ago
- Sport
- Al Arabiya
Troubled Wales Rugby Team Names Steve Tandy New Coach
Wales's troubled men's rugby team finally has a new coach, with Steve Tandy hired through the 2027 World Cup. The appointment was announced on Monday, with the Wales-born Tandy having just completed a southern hemisphere tour with Scotland as part of its coaching staff. He'll start on Sept. 1. Tandy is the full-time replacement for Warren Gatland, who left his second spell as Wales coach midway through the Six Nations in February. Gatland's departure came during a national-record 18-test losing run by Wales – the worst ever streak by a top-tier rugby nation. That losing run came to an end this month with a win in Japan. Last weekend the British and Irish Lions – touring Down Under – played a test against one of the southern hemisphere giants, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, without a Welshman in the squad for the first time since 1896. Tandy has coached Welsh team Ospreys for six years and at Australian Super Rugby team NSW Waratahs. Abi Tierney, chief executive of the Welsh Rugby Union, believes Tandy can bring the good times back to a once-proud rugby nation. 'This is a keystone appointment for us and an integral part of our five-year strategy as we look to achieve sustainable success for our senior men's side,' Tierney said. 'Steve fits the bill in terms of the affinity he will be able to create with a young group of players with huge potential but also the galvanizing effect we know he can have on the whole rugby ecosystem as a proud Welshman.'
