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Wales Online
16 hours ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
Today's rugby news as Welsh players fear for their jobs amid dispute and Wales play England
Today's rugby news as Welsh players fear for their jobs amid dispute and Wales play England The latest rugby news from Wales and around the world Scarlets and Ospreys players face an uncertain time amid the ongoing dispute with the WRU (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd ) Here are your rugby morning headlines for Friday, June 6. Hook: Players are worried amid WRU uncertainty James Hook says Welsh rugby players are fearing for their jobs amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding the game in Wales. The Ospreys and Scarlets have refused to sign the new Professional Rugby Agreement, with the WRU activating its two-year notice period on the old PRA. Next season, Cardiff and the Dragons, who have signed the agreement, will receive more funding than the other two sides, while a future that still includes four professional sides in Wales looks bleak. The WRU have confirmed it will not return to the previous model of four equally funded sides, with various independent reports concluding Wales should cut a team. It's understood the Union is now seriously considering reducing to three, or even just two pro teams. And former Wales and Ospreys fly-half Hook, who is part of the coaching set-up at the region, has urged the Union to offer some clarity as soon as possible, not only to the players, but the fans who support both clubs. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. "There needs to be a roadmap and some reassurance," Hook said on Scrum V. Article continues below "People go on about the fans are worried - the players are worried. Especially with the Scarlets and the Ospreys not signing (the PRA), they have got their own reasons, which is fair enough, but the players will rightly be worried for their jobs. "Because no one has come out and given a roadmap about how it's going to look." It's believed the WRU hope to have the future thrashed out within the next few months, but the prospect of legal action from the Scarlets and Ospreys is likely to complicate things. The Union has withdrawn the offer of the new PRA to the the two regions and it is unclear how any decision on the number of sides will play out. Wales play England today Wales Under 20s play England today in a match that will go a long way to deciding who makes the squad for the World Championship later this month. Wales' promising age-grade side will be looking to repeat the shock win over the English that proved to be Welsh rugby's result of the season during the Six Nations. Richard Whiffin's side won 23-13 at the Arms Park in March - a statement victory that destroyed their rivals' Grand Slam hopes. Today's match at Pontypool Park (KO 3pm) is the first of two warm-up matches before the Under-20s World Cup begins in Italy against Argentina on June 29. Number eight Evan Minto captains the side. "We've had guys in camp for three weeks working super hard and they deserve an opportunity," said coach Whiffin. "We said to the group at the start of the campaign we were going to use it as a selection game in terms of whittling the squad down from 45 down to 30 so there will be guys playing on Friday night putting their hands up for the plane ticket to Italy. "So pressure goes onto those guys but ultimately if they can perform on Friday in a big game against England then it sets them up well for the World Cup." Wales U20s: Lewis Edwards (Ospreys); Ioan Duggan (Dragons), Elijah Evans (Cardiff), Elis Price (Scarlets), Aidan Boshoff (Bristol Bears); Harri Ford (Dragons), Sion Davies (Cardiff); Cam Tyler-Grocott (Cardiff), Saul Hurley (Aberavon), Owain James (Dragons), Dan Gemine (Ospreys), Kenzie Jenkins (Bristol Bears), Ryan Jones (Dragons), Caio James (Gloucester), Evan Minto (Captain - Dragons). Replacements: Evan Wood (Pontypool), Louie Trevett (Bristol Bears), Jac Pritchard (Scarlets), Tom Cottle (Cardiff), Luke Evans (Exeter Chiefs), Deian Gwynne (Gloucester), Harry Beddall (Dragons), Logan Franklin (Dragons), Lloyd Lucas (Cardiff), Dylan Scott (Cardiff Met), Steffan Emanuel (Cardiff), Osian Darwin-Lewis (Cardiff), Jack Woods (Bath), Dylan Alford (Scarlets). Halfpenny thanks 'special club' Harlequins Leigh Halfpenny has penned a heartfelt thank-you letter to Harlequins after his season-long stint at The Stoop came to an end. The 36-year-old is still hoping to continue playing, however yesterday he was announced as part of Matt Sherratt's coaching staff for the summer tour of Japan. While the role is only a temporary one, it is likely that his future will travel down that route once he hangs up his boots for good. For now, though, it's on to pastures new, with the full-back linked with a move to French outfit Beziers. But the Wales and Lions legend signed off from his Quins stint in typically classy fashion. "Thank you Harlequins for an unforgettable season," he wrote on Instagram. "Have loved every minute of my time at the club and will treasure the memories and relationships we've made both on and off the field with this special group. "A big thank you to the players, coaches, staff and especially the fans for making me and my family feel so welcome. "I'm grateful to have worn the Quarters and proud to have represented such a special club." Glasgow confident Leinster can be beaten By Anthony Brown, PA Assistant coach Nigel Carolan stressed that defending champions Glasgow are not heading to Dublin as URC semi-final no-hopers this weekend as he pointed out that hosts Leinster are not infallible. Warriors were thrashed 52-0 by the Irish side in the Champions Cup quarter-final in April and then lost 13-5 when they faced them in the last match of the regular league campaign three weeks ago. However, Carolan is taking heart from the fact Leinster lost a semi-final at Aviva Stadium just a month ago when they were eliminated from the Champions Cup by Northampton. "They're not superhuman," said the coach. "They're humans after all. They're only players. They're not a team that are going to get it right all the time. Anything can happen in a knockout game." Asked if Glasgow would have any scar tissue from their heavy defeat against Leinster two months ago, Carolan said: "I think it's in the back of your mind, of course, but you look at Leinster as well, they're probably more scarred from their defeat in the semi-final against Northampton, and that's something that continues to be alluded to. "But as a sportsperson, you can only be next-game focused. You try and right the wrongs, you try and learn from what you can and try and do a better job the next time. I think that's what we've done. I think we're in a good space, definitely travelling over to Leinster this time, even more so than we were three weeks ago. "Maybe it was a dead-rubber game, but I definitely think physically we were in a good position, our mindset was right to play and we certainly asked some good questions of Leinster. There's enough of a template there to know that if that's the way we can travel again, we'll ask good questions this time as well." Leinster have not won a major trophy since their URC triumph in 2021 and Carolan believes there will be pressure on the Irish side. "Albeit we have the champions tag, they're at home, they've got a serious quality team, a world-class team," he said. Article continues below "Obviously their expectations were to be a lot higher in the Champions Cup and they've missed out on that. "There's a lot of pressure on them to get silverware this year and it's up to us to try and get that trophy back to Scotland. "All we can do is focus on ourselves and put as much pressure on Leinster as we can, try and play the best version of our game. If we do that, we know we'll put pressure on them and who knows what will happen?"
Pembrokeshire Herald
6 days ago
- Sport
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Alun Wyn Jones slams ongoing Welsh rugby row as 'embarrassing'
Calls grow for resolution as uncertainty over regional future deepens FORMER Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones has branded the ongoing stalemate between the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) and two of its professional regions as 'embarrassing', as tensions threaten to derail preparations for the 2025–26 season. Speaking on the BBC's Scrum V programme, Jones said it was unacceptable that a resolution had not yet been reached, months after the WRU's introduction of a revised Professional Rugby Agreement (PRA). The Scarlets and Ospreys are the only regions yet to sign the new deal, putting them at odds with the union at a critical time for the domestic game. The WRU recently confirmed that its long-standing policy of equal funding across the four regions – Scarlets, Ospreys, Cardiff and Dragons – would end under the new structure. Although not officially confirmed, widespread speculation suggests the WRU may be considering a reduction in the number of professional teams, a move that has sparked alarm among fans and players alike. Jones, who retired from international rugby in 2023 after earning a record 170 caps for Wales and the British & Irish Lions, expressed frustration at the impasse: 'It's embarrassing, really. These conversations have been going on for years, and we're still no closer to long-term stability.' He was joined on the programme by Rhys Patchell, another former Wales international, who has spent recent seasons playing club rugby in New Zealand and Japan. Patchell said the situation in Wales was drawing international attention for all the wrong reasons. 'World rugby is crying out for Wales to sort itself out,' he said. 'There's so much passion and talent here, but without a clear plan and proper leadership, we're wasting it.' The Herald understands that behind-the-scenes talks are ongoing between WRU officials and regional bosses, but with no deadline for resolution and continued silence over the fate of one of the teams, concerns are mounting over the viability of Welsh rugby's current structure. While Cardiff Rugby and Dragons RFC have reportedly accepted the new PRA terms, the refusal of Scarlets and Ospreys to sign has created an impasse. Both regions have questioned the financial and governance changes proposed, arguing they could compromise the sustainability of their operations. The WRU has so far declined to comment on whether any region faces the axe, but critics say the lack of transparency is damaging trust in the game. Jones concluded: 'There's a generation of young players and fans watching this unfold. What message are we sending them?'
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
29-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Wales rugby star Jonathan Davies climbs Everest as he ticks off 'bucket list' adventure
Wales rugby star Jonathan Davies climbs Everest as he ticks off 'bucket list' adventure The former Scarlets, Wales and Lions star has posted the stunning photos on social media Wales rugby star Jonathan Davies has climbed to Everest Base Camp (Image: Instagram/Jonfoxdavies ) Former Wales and British & Irish Lions centre Jonathan Davies has embarked on a trek to Everest Base Camp, marking a new chapter in his post-rugby life. The 36-year-old, affectionately known as "Foxy," is undertaking the challenging journey through the Himalayas with adventure company EverTrek. Davies announced his retirement from professional rugby in October 2024, concluding an illustrious 18-year career that included 96 caps for Wales, two Grand Slam titles and six Tests with the Lions. Since retiring, the ex-Scarlets star has been preparing for this high-altitude adventure, sharing updates on his training and experiences, alongside a burgeoning broadcasting career which has seen him become a regular on the new-look Scrum V show. In a recent LinkedIn post, Davies expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "Loving every minute of my trip to Nepal so far". Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. Earlier this year, he shared his anticipation for the adventure, saying: "Looking forward to challenging myself again…. a different physical test. I'll be embarking on a journey to Everest Base Camp this year. "It as a challenging trek and one that I've had on the bucket list for a long time." A post from the EverTrek social media account on Wednesday confirmed that Davies, along with his travelling cohort, had reached Base Camp, stating: "Awesome news coming in that Yeti Rhys, Foxy and the rest of the EverTrekker team have reached Everest Base Camp! "Huge congrats to everyone! What an awesome achievement! Safe journey back down guys." Content cannot be displayed without consent Base Camp is located at an altitude of approximately 5,364 meters (17,598 feet) above sea level on the south (Nepalese) side of Mount Everest. A standard round-trip trek to Base Camp typically takes anywhere between eight to 12 days and is around 130km (81 miles) in distance. Article continues below Despite the altitude, the trek is non-technical, meaning no mountaineering experience is required, but it does demand good fitness and preparation due to its physical demands.
ITV News
17-05-2025
- Health
- ITV News
Former Wales international and Lions star Jamie Roberts to join NHS as doctor
Former Wales international and British and Irish Lion Jamie Roberts will complete his medical training to become an NHS doctor. Three years after his retirement from professional rugby and over a decade after finishing his initial medical degree, Roberts has announced he will begin working as a resident doctor and start the final part of his training this summer. UK medical training usually requires a five-year undergraduate degree before a two-year foundation course where trainees become resident doctors working in a professional setting and are paid a salary. Due to his rugby commitments, Roberts completed his undergraduate degree in seven years, graduating from Cardiff University in 2013. He then went on to obtain postgraduate degrees at both Loughborough University and Cambridge University. Now, after passing a 'return to medicine' exam in November, Roberts will start his two year-foundation course before deciding on what area of medicine to specialise in the long run. As a result he will start working within Cardiff and Vale Health Board this summer. 'I crave pressure, responsibility and accountability,' Roberts told WalesOnline'It has taken me a while to work out exactly what I miss from the game, and that's it. I miss the pressure and doing something that brings with it pressure and scrutiny.'Of course I miss the lads, I miss the changing room and I miss the social side of rugby probably above all else.'I love problem-solving, I love working with people and I guess when you go through that soul-searching when you retire, you try to narrow down what you really love and what you really want to go after.'Medicine and being a doctor ticks a lot of boxes. It's problem-solving, it's in science, it's working with people, it brings significant pressure and responsibility. I can't wait to join another great team in the NHS.' As a father to two young children, Roberts who has returned to living in Cardiff, said he applied for a process called 'pre-allocation' which allows him to work in his local health board. Since retiring from playing the game, he has formed a career as a well-respected pundit, regularly appearing on BBC Scrum V, ITV's Six Nations coverage, Premier Sports and TNT Sports. He is also a non-executive director on the Welsh Rugby Union board. As a result, while undergoing his medical training, Roberts is hoping to stay involved in Rugby on some-level. 'The NHS is probably more flexible now than it has been previously. I get pre-allocated to Cardiff and Vale health board.'I have young children, so you can apply for something called pre-allocation, which allows you to work in your local health board.'I'm starting at Llandough, which is my first rotation on geriatrics, and then I've got my other five rotations at the Heath for the next couple of years. I think I've got A&E, emergency medicine, trauma orthopedics, cardiovascular medicine, respiratory medicine and colorectal surgery.'So you can pro rata your time commitment and salary I guess for 50% all the way to 100%. So I've applied for 70%-80%, which gives me that day off in the week to allow me to stay involved in the game.' 'Whenever anyone goes into hospital, it is still humbling to see the effort and work which goes into treating patients.'I'm under no illusions of how challenging it will be and how much I need to learn. Even just looking at one medical textbook now, I go 'wow!' 'The volume and intensity of work is immense, but that's the challenge.'When players retire, if you take the whole-life approach, you've got 30 years of life ahead of you. You invest in a career that has longevity and there's a clear path.'That's one of the great things in medicine. There's a clear pathway of things you want to work in.'You get fulfilment from seeing people under your care get better. There's a reason people see a GP – they are not well.'It's a privilege to be able to go into it because you are contributing to people's health at the end of the day. That's the buzz and appeal.'There's a lot of discourse around the health service and the challenges it is facing, but to me therein lies the challenge and appeal about going into that, rolling my sleeves up and giving it everything I've got.' After completing his foundation training, Roberts will need to make a decision on which area to specialise. 'Because of my background in sport trauma, orthopedic surgery appeals straight away. I loved learning about injuries when I had them and my fellow players [did]. I took a real interest in it whenever players got injured, and found it fascinating – the process of surgery and the rehabilitation process as well.'When you go through that as a player, you feel like you learn more. I was really invested in that when I got injured.'
