Latest news with #Ospreys
Wales Online
8 hours ago
- Business
- Wales Online
Tonight's rugby news as Ospreys make major move amid WRU row and new Nations Cup fixtures leaked
Tonight's rugby news as Ospreys make major move amid WRU row and new Nations Cup fixtures leaked The latest rugby news stories from Wales and around the world Ospreys flags will be back on show at St Helen's next season (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd ) Here are your rugby evening headlines for Tuesday, June 3. Nations Cup fixtures leaked Some of the fixtures for next summer's inaugural Nations Cup appear to have been leaked. England are expected to begin their maiden campaign in 2026 with fixtures against Fiji, South Africa, and Argentina, as plans take shape for the new global tournament, according to the BBC. Wales' opponents are as yet unknown. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. Negotiations are ongoing for England's opening fixture against Fiji to be played at a neutral venue in Europe, although it could well be played at Twickenham's Allianz Stadium despite it being Fiji's home fixture. The idea is to capitalise on the large number of Fijian players based in the northern hemisphere and the financial draw of a London crowd. Following the proposed Twickenham opener, England are set to travel to face South Africa and Argentina in July, before hosting New Zealand, Australia and Japan in the autumn window. A finals weekend in late November will conclude the tournament, with an overall winner crowned. Wales are set to either face summer matches against Fiji, South Africa and Argentina, or New Zealand, Australia and Japan due to geographical proximities. Article continues below The Nations Cup, confirmed by World Rugby in October 2023, will run every two years, excluding Rugby World Cup and British and Irish Lions tour years. The competition aims to bring greater structure to the summer and autumn international windows. The top division of the Nations Cup will comprise the Six Nations teams, the four Rugby Championship nations (South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and Argentina), and Japan and Fiji. Unlike the Six Nations and Rugby Championship, which will continue in their traditional formats, the Nations Cup will see each team play three matches in July and three in November against teams from the opposing hemisphere. The results will be combined into a single table, with the top teams advancing to a finals weekend. Promotion and relegation are scheduled to be introduced from 2030. Ospreys make stadium announcement The Ospreys have officially submitted their planning application to Swansea Council for the redevelopment of St Helen's, marking a major step forward in their return to the historic venue. The team had previously confirmed plans to leave the Stadium and make St Helen's their home ground from the 2025-26 season. Describing the planning submission as a 'significant milestone,' the club emphasised its importance amid an ongoing funding dispute between the Ospreys, Scarlets and the WRU. The WRU has announced huge change is coming to Welsh rugby after the two west Wales clubs refused to sign the new professional rugby agreement, with the prospect of a reduction in the number of teams on the horizon. The governing body has so far publicly confirmed it will not be proceeding with four equally-funded teams. 'This is a vital step toward bringing our long-term vision to life,' said Ospreys chief executive Lance Bradley. 'It reflects our belief not only in the transformation of St Helen's, but in the strength of our future, rooted in Swansea and powered by our supporters. "This is about more than new stands or improved facilities. It's a statement of intent about who we are, where we belong, and where we're going.' The proposed redevelopment, designed to accommodate 8,000 fans, will be delivered in two phases in partnership with Swansea University. The goal is to create a premier venue for both elite and grassroots rugby. Phase one includes a new 4G playing surface, roofing over the existing terrace, three new stands, and a revamped fan zone. Phase two will add a state-of-the-art training complex featuring a gym and indoor training barn. Despite the plans, the Ospreys will not kick off the 2025-26 season at St Helen's. Swansea Cricket Club will continue to use the ground until the end of their summer 2025 schedule before relocating, delaying the Ospreys' move. As a result, the Ospreys will play their early home matches of the season at alternative venues, with hopes of running out at St Helen's in December later this year. Wales lock makes England move Premiership Women's Rugby champions Gloucester-Hartpury have added rising Welsh talent Alaw Pyrs to their squad ahead of the upcoming season. The 19-year-old second row made her international debut for Wales in September and featured in the 2024 Women's Six Nations, underlining her rapid rise in the game. Pyrs arrives with experience at both club and university level, having represented Gwalia Lightning in the Celtic Challenge and Hartpury University in the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) championship. Gloucester-Hartpury head of rugby Dan Murphy praised the teenager's potential and physicality. 'To be an international whilst still a teenager is a remarkable achievement, and shows the potential that Alaw clearly has,' said Murphy. Article continues below 'She's a physical player and has impressed with Wales, Hartpury, and Gwalia Lightning, so we're delighted that she's put pen to paper here. 'She'll learn so much from the experienced forwards we have in the squad and continue to develop — and that's what really excites us.' Join WalesOnline Rugby's new WhatsApp Channel here.
Wales Online
10 hours ago
- Business
- Wales Online
Scarlets announce signing of young Wales international from rivals Ospreys
Scarlets announce signing of young Wales international from rivals Ospreys The 23-year-old has impressed this season but is leaving to join close rivals in Llanelli Tristan Davies is leaving the Ospreys (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd ) The Scarlets have signed former Wales U20s backrower Tristan Davies from Welsh rivals the Ospreys. The 23-year-old has played 16 games for the Ospreys since making his debut in 2022, starting in the Challenge Cup ties against the Lions and Montpellier this season, along with the URC matches against the Scarlets in Llanelli and Cardiff on Judgement Day. The 6ft 4in Davies played his junior rugby for Bryncoch RFC and was capped by Wales U20s during the 2020-21 campaign as a No. 8. 'We are looking forward to welcoming Tristan to Parc y Scarlets this summer. I have been impressed with his physicality in the games he has played for the Ospreys this season, he has really taken his opportunity, both in the URC and Europe," said Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel. 'He carries well, puts a big shift into defence and has a great work ethic. He will add to a strong group of back-row forwards we have at the club.' Davies is the Scarlets' fifth signing ahead of the 2025/26 season joining Dane Blacker, Ioan Jones, Joe Hawkins and Jake Ball as new additions. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. Article continues below 'I'm really excited for the opportunity ahead," said Davies. "I love what's being built at the Scarlets and the direction the team is heading and believe I can bring my own style of play to the group and add to what is already a very strong outfit. 'I'm extremely grateful to Peely and Cubby for giving me the chance to join this exciting playing group and work on improving my game. Article continues below "I've always admired the Scarlets' style of play and the support at Parc y Scarlets is always top class — it's a tough place for opposition, so I'm happy to have that kind of backing on my side now. 'I'm also very thankful for the past few seasons at Ospreys and everything I've learned there, but I'm really looking forward to the future at the Scarlets.'
BBC News
10 hours ago
- General
- BBC News
Scarlets sign back row Davies from Ospreys
Scarlets have signed back row Tristan Davies from Ospreys for next 23-year-old has played 13 games since making his Ospreys debut in 2022, featuring against Scarlets on Judgement Day in April. Davies also ran out in this season's Challenge Cup matches against Lions and Montpellier."I'm really excited for the opportunity ahead. I love what's being built at the Scarlets and the direction the team is heading and believe I can bring my own style of play to the group and add to what is already a very strong outfit," Davies said. "I've always admired the Scarlets' style of play and the support at Parc y Scarlets is always top class - it's a tough place for opposition, so I'm happy to have that kind of backing on my side now."I'm also very thankful for the past few seasons at Ospreys and everything I've learned there."Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel said he has been impressed with Davies' physicality and the way he has taken his opportunities when selected."He carries well, puts a big shift into defence and has a great work ethic. He will add to a strong group of back-row forwards we have at the club," said Peel. Davies becomes the Scarlets' fifth new signing for next season, joining Joe Hawkins, Jake Ball, Dane Blacker and Ioan Jones.
BBC News
13 hours ago
- Business
- BBC News
Ospreys apply for St Helen's stadium planning permission
Ospreys say they have made the official planning application submission for the redevelopment of St Helen's to Swansea Welsh rugby regional team had already announced they would be moving from Stadium to the smaller St Helen's venue for the 2025-26 say the planning application is a "significant milestone" and comes at a time when they and Scarlets are involved with a dispute with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) about future funding."This is a vital step toward bringing our long-term vision to life," said Ospreys chief executive Lance Bradley. "It reflects our belief not only in the transformation of St Helen's, but in the strength of our future, rooted in Swansea and powered by our supporters."This is about more than new stands or improved facilities. It's a statement of intent about who we are, where we belong, and where we're going. "Our goal is a world-class home for elite rugby, community sport and shared experiences that inspire pride across the region." Planning phases Ospreys say the planning application for the 8,000 capacity is structured in two phases, with the aim of transforming St Helen's into a premier venue for both elite and grassroots rugby that involves Swansea one will see the installation of a 4G pitch, a cover over the existing terrace, three new stands, and a new fan zone. Phase two includes a "state-of-the-art training facility", including a gym and training will not start next season in their new home because Swansea Cricket Club will continue to play at St Helen's until the end of their 2025 summer campaign before moving to a new ground in the means Ospreys' first home game at the new venue will take place a few months after the 2025-26 season has started and they will have to play any home matches between September and December at alternative venues. Uncertainty in Welsh game The move comes with Ospreys and Scarlets at loggerheads with the WRU after the two professional sides did not sign the new Professional Rugby Agreement (PRA) by the imposed deadline of 8 WRU has since announced it will move away from a model of four evenly funded professional sides and implement a new two-tier funding is a move Ospreys and Scarlets have described as a U-turn that has "created more destabilising and debilitating uncertainty in our game".The agreement has been signed by Dragons and also by Cardiff, who were last month taken over by the WRU after they temporarily went into WRU insisted the new PRA offered a better deal for the regions but Ospreys and Scarlets said they had asked the governing body for assurances the takeover "will not disproportionally benefit Cardiff and disadvantage the independent clubs".After Ospreys and Scarlets did not sign in May, the WRU says it has taken "the difficult but necessary decision" to issue the formal two-year notice to terminate the current PRA agreement, in particular, to proceed with its debt refinancing with its have suggested the WRU intends to cut a team from its professional rugby's governing body has not confirmed or denied whether this is part of its plans, stating it hopes a long-term resolution will be decided by September.
Wales Online
17 hours ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
Today's rugby news as new faces spotted in Wales camp and Moriarty says 'it's been an honour'
Today's rugby news as new faces spotted in Wales camp and Moriarty says 'it's been an honour' These are the rugby stories making headlines on Tuesday, June 3 Ross Moriarty and his family have signed off from their time in Brive (Image: Ross Moriarty/Instagram ) These are your rugby headlines on Tuesday, June 3. New boys arrive in Wales camp Wales players have arrived in camp at the Vale as their summer preparations officially started on Monday. Last week a number of Matt Sherratt's squad turned up early for an optional extra conditioning session at their training base. Several members took up the opportunity, with the likes of Taulupe Faletau, Elliot Dee, Rhodri Williams, Alex Mann and Cam Winnett being put through their paces ahead of a two-Test tour against Japan later this summer. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. The Welsh Rugby Union have now published more photos as the camp officially gets under way, with new uncapped call- ups Cardiff hooker Liam Belcher, Dragons tighthead Chris Coleman, Ospreys loosehead Garyn Phillips, Ospreys scrum-half Reuben Morgan-Williams and Ospreys wing Keelan Giles all pictured in training. Content cannot be displayed without consent Article continues below Fellow new face Macs Page has likely been granted further time off due to his exploits with the Scarlets last weekend in Dublin. Wales will be heading to the Far East for two matches against Eddie Jones' Japan and they will be looking to put an end to their miserable run of 17 straight Test defeats. Moriarty signs off Ross Moriarty has signed off his time in France with Brive, saying it's been "an honour" to serve the club. The Wales international moved to the continent in 2022 and quickly proved a popular addition to the French side's squad, winning multiple awards for his performances in the Pro D2. After three years with the club he's now heading home, with a deal with the Ospreys believed to have been signed and sealed for some time. Moriarty's final appearance for Brive ended in heartache, with his team losing in their Rugby Pro D2 semi-final play-off against Montauban. Content cannot be displayed without consent "What an unforgettable experience," the 54-times-capped man wrote on Instagram. "Thank you to all the incredible supporters for the passion and energy you brought to every game. I'm truly grateful for the opportunity to represent this club and for the memories we've made as a family. It's been an honour." Club to open tonight in tribute to Wales man Ebbw Vale Rugby Club are set to open their doors this evening for anyone wishing to sign a book of remembrance for former player Mark Jones. The Wales No.8 passed away last month, with tributes pouring in from across the rugby world. "Ebbw Vale RFC will be opening a book of remembrance for former player Mark Jones who recently passed away," the club said on social media. "The club will be open from 6pm-8pm Tuesday 3rd June and again on Saturday 7th June from 2pm for anyone wishing to sign and send messages of condolence to Mark's family." An emotional tribute was published to Jones on the club's website after the sad news was confirmed. "Everyone at Ebbw Vale RFC is shocked and heartbroken at the news of the very recent passing of former player and club legend Mark Jones," the club said. "We were lucky enough to have Mark spend the evening with us promoting his book launch last year. Mark was adored by players and supporters during his time as a player, and even more so after he left. "A true legend of the game and his passing leaves an unfillable hole in our hearts. To his family and friends in Wales and overseas, we are truly sorry for your loss. We send our love and deepest condolences. "Finally to Mark himself. Mark you were a legend of this club, and will always be remembered as one of the greatest characters to ever pull on our jersey. We will never see your like again. Rest easy old friend. Much love from everyone at EVRFC." Venter disappointed at exit By Anthony Brown, PA Henco Venter expressed disappointment over his impending Glasgow exit after becoming one of the first victims of Scottish Rugby's drive to reduce the number of non-Scottish-qualified players affiliated to the country's two professional clubs. It was announced in March that the 33-year-old South African back-rower would be leaving Warriors this summer to join French second-tier side Brive. Venter, a fans' favourite at Scotstoun, had hoped to extend his two-year stint at the club, and head coach Franco Smith said in April he would have liked to have retained the forward. However, Scottish Rugby director of rugby David Nucifora is overseeing a shift in strategy to provide more opportunities for Scottish-qualified players to play for Glasgow and Edinburgh. Explaining his reasons for leaving at a press conference on Monday, Venter said: 'Oh, tricky question. It's from above and all the stuff going on in Scotland rugby with the foreigners. That's basically one of the main reasons. I love this place and I'd love to stay here.' Venter has had more than two months to get his head around the fact his Glasgow career will be over once their involvement in the United Rugby Championship play-offs is over this month, but he admits he was not expecting to be released. 'It's rugby, so there's always something and some challenge to overcome, some injury,' he said. 'So, yeah, it's bad and I didn't like it, but it's rugby. You don't take anything personally. 'You learn to accept stuff and just be better where you can be better and perform where you can perform and enjoy every moment. I'll enjoy this week and hopefully next week.' Venter insisted he 'respects' Scottish Rugby's change of policy with regard to foreign players. 'I understand that's their plan going forward and I respect it,' he said. 'I am not Scottish, so it's a privilege to be here and to give back to the club and to the country. 'If they make their plans, they have a will to make Scotland rugby better and I hope they succeed in it.' Venter was the toast of Scotstoun during and after Friday's URC quarter-final victory over Stormers as he scored a try and produced a magnificent display in his final home match for the Warriors. They now face Leinster in the semi-final at Aviva Stadium on Saturday, and the South African is braced for a formidable task as he bids to prolong his Glasgow career by one more week. Article continues below When asked what it would require to win in Dublin, he said: 'Twenty-three dogs and 80 minutes of just everyone giving everything. 'They're a class outfit with world-class players and world-class coaching staff. But it's rugby. So if we do our stuff right, then we can do it. 'These games, this is what you play for. Big stakes, big crowd, everyone just ready to give everything.'
