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Wales Online
4 days 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.'
Wales Online
7 days ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
Today's rugby news as Wales star bows out in heartbreaker and Welsh duo say goodbye
Today's rugby news as Wales star bows out in heartbreaker and Welsh duo say goodbye These are your latest rugby headlines on Saturday, May 31. Gloucester's Gareth Anscombe (right) (Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire. ) These are your latest rugby headlines on Saturday, May 31. Wales star bows out in heartbreaker Ross Moriarty's final game for Brive ended in heartbreak as the French side lost their Rugby Pro D2 semi-final play-off against Montauban. The match ended 13-29 and brought the curtain down on Wales star Moriarty's time in France, with a move back to Wales and the Ospreys agreed for next season. Defeat for Brive ruled out a showdown with Sam Davies' Grenoble in the second division play-off final next week, with a place in the Top 14 up for grabs next term. Moriarty, who has been capped 54 times for Wales, will now head to the Swansea-based club for the 2025/26 campaign. The move could potentially reignite his international career, with the national side in need of big and abrasive forwards. Anscombe, Halfpenny, say goodbye Wales fly-half Gareth Anscombe is set to play his final game for Gloucester this afternoon as they take on Northampton Saints in the final round of the regular Gallagher Premiership season. The 33-year-old has impressed during his time at Kingsholm having moved there last summer, but his future as part of George Skivington's squad looked uncertain when the club confirmed the signing of Leinster fly-half Ross Byrne ahead of next season. After speculation around his future, it was confirmed earlier this month that Anscombe will move to French side Bayonne ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. The Top 14 team announced the move in a brief statement, saying: "Having played for the Auckland Blues, the Chiefs and Gloucester, Gareth will bring his experience to our talented line-up. "Gareth Anscombe has also played in two Rugby World Cups for Wales! He will join the club for one season." He is set to bow out in front of a home crowd at Kingsholm later today, having been named in the starting line-up to face the Saints alongside fellow Wales international and half-back partner Tomos Williams. Skivington has made just two changes to the starting team that beat Newcastle Falcons a fortnight ago, with Afo Fasogbon and Jack Clement returning in the pack. Anscombe won't be the only departing player involved on Saturday afternoon, with Santi Carreras, Christian Wade and Chris Harris all also set to play for final time in Cherry & White. Elsewhere, Leigh Halfpenny will play his final game for Harlequins this weekend. Writing on Instagram with a team graphic showing the Wales legend named among the replacements for their clash with Bristol Bears, he said: "Looking forward to getting out there with the boys one last time." The iconic full-back is reportedly set for a move to Pro D2 club Beziers. Wales star signs new deal Wales international Johnny Williams has signed a new deal with Scarlets. The 28-year-old joined from Newcastle Falcons in 2020 and has become a main fixture in Dwayne Peel's team. Williams has earned seven caps for Wales and has recently been recalled to the squad ahead of the Japan tour this summer. He joins Macs Page, Tomi Lewis, Eddie James, Joe Roberts, Sam Costelow, Taine Plumtree and Kemsley Mathias in signing a new deal with the west Wales region. "I am really excited to have re-signed for another couple of years. I have been here five years now and I feel this team is really evolving," said Williams. "There is a lot of talent within the squad, especially with the young guys coming through – I am one of the oldest players in the squad now at 28. These are exciting times and I am looking forward to seeing where this team can go." Head coach Peel added: "Johnny is a key member of the squad, someone who has become a leader for us on and off the field and that experience is going to be vital over the coming years as part of the young back division we are developing at the club. "It has been great to see Johnny's form rewarded with a recall to the Wales squad and his re-signing is more positive news for the club as we continue to build and grow as a group." Dragons retain 'outstanding prospect' The Dragons have confirmed that young hooker Sam Scarfe has signed a senior contract to stay at Rodney Parade. The 21-year-old has impressed while playing for Pontypool in Super Rygbi Cymru this season, while he featured once for Filo Tiatia's side when he came off the bench against Montpellier in the Challenge Cup in December. As his new deal was confirmed, the former Wales U20s star said: "I've played lots of minutes and learnt a lot from Pooler this year with the help of top players and coaches, which has been great for me. 'Dragons is my home club and I want to represent the badge as much as possible. The club is in a good place so it would be great to get the minutes down at Rodney Parade. "Filo has helped me a lot this year in understanding the game in a different way and seeing the opportunities available," Scarfe added. "I've also enjoyed picking the brains of our experienced senior boys as I continue to develop.' Tiatia added: "We've been pleased with Sam's progress and the minutes he has also been able to secure for Pontypool in the SRC. 'He's a hard-working young man who wants to keep improving, so we look forward to his continued development in our senior environment.' Meanwhile, Dragons forwards coach Sam Hobbs hailed Scarfe as "an outstanding prospect," adding: 'Sam converted to hooker from seven about four or five four years ago. He was a very good seven and his body type is suited to being a modern-day physical hooker. Article continues below 'With Pontypool, he played a huge amount of rugby in the Championship, which was a tough education, but now in the SRC he's become a dominant force there and an outstanding prospect winning numerous player-of-the-match awards. 'I'm excited and believe next year will be a big season for Sam," he added. "His contact area is his superstrength and he's developed his ball carrying while his set-piece is going really well."
