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Wales Online
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
Wales announce Rugby World Cup squad as impressive teenager selected
Wales announce Rugby World Cup squad as impressive teenager selected The squad has been described as a 'mix of experience and exciting young talent' Lynn has selected his squad for the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup Wales head coach Sean Lynn has named his 32-player squad for the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup, with their tournament opener against Scotland now less than two weeks away. Lynn, who oversaw a winless Six Nations run in his first campaign in charge earlier this year, is determined for Wales to bounce back at the tournament in England and has selected a strong squad led by co-captains Alex Callender and Kate Williams. Made up of 19 forwards and 13 backs, it features one uncapped player, with 18-year-old Branwen Metcalfe selected after impressing in the U20s Six Nations Summer Series. The Wales U20s captain is the younger sister of full back Nel Metcalfe, with the siblings one of two pairs of sisters, along with prop Gwenllian Pyrs and lock Alaw Pyrs, to be picked by Lynn. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. Together with centre Kerin Lake, Metcalfe is the only other member of the squad outside of the 30 players who recorded a first Test match victory for Wales against the Wallaroos in Australia last month. Three players who made their Wales debuts in Australia - scrum-half Seren Lockwood, prop Katherine Baverstock and lock Tilly Vucaj - have been named in the squad, while 32-year-old hooker Carys Phillips has been selected for her fourth World Cup. However, scrum-half Sian Jones was not considered for selection due to a wrist injury, while the likes of Natalia John, Hannah Bluck, Jenny Hesketh and Robyn Wilkins have also missed out. Article continues below Announcing his squad on Monday, Lynn said: 'These are the 32 players who have earned the privilege and honour to represent Wales at what will be the biggest and best women's Rugby World Cup. 'The Wales squad selected is a mix of experience and exciting young talent that have all proved they deserve the opportunity to play on the biggest stage of a World Cup. 'We have hooker Carys Phillips, who will be playing at her fourth World Cup, and uncapped Branwen Metcalfe, who impressed us all with her performances for Wales U20s in the recent Six Nations tournament." He added: 'As coaches, there were some tough calls on selection but this is the strongest squad we could have selected and we are looking forward to the challenge ahead of us. 'For players, coaches and staff, this promises to be the pinnacle of all our careers and one that we are relishing. We know we are representing a proud rugby nation and we are determined to do the nation proud.' Wales begin their World Cup campaign against Scotland at the Salford Community Stadium on Saturday, August 23. They will return to the same ground to face Canada one week later, before taking on Fiji in their final pool game at Sandy Park in Exeter on September 6. Wales squad for Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 in full: Forwards: Katherine Baverstock (Leicester Tigers), Maisie Davies (Bristol Bears), Gwenllian Pyrs (Sale Sharks), Donna Rose (Saracens), Jenni Scoble (Gwalia Lightning), Sisilia Tuipulotu (Gloucester/Hartpury), Kelsey Jones (Gloucester/Hartpury), Carys Phillips (Harlequins), Molly Reardon (Gwalia Lightning), Alex Callender (co-captain, Harlequins), Gwen Crabb (Gloucester/Hartpury), Georgia Evans (Saracens), Abbie Fleming (Harlequins), Bryonie King (Gwalia Lightning), Bethan Lewis (Gloucester/Hartpury), Alaw Pyrs (Gloucester/Hartpury), Tilly Vucaj (Gwalia Lightning), Kate Williams (co-captain Gloucester/Hartpury), Branwen Metcalfe (Hartpury College) Backs: Article continues below Keira Bevan (Bristol Bears), Meg Davies (Gloucester/Hartpury), Seren Lockwood (Gloucester/Hartpury), Lleucu George (Gloucester/Hartpury), Kayleigh Powell (Harlequins), Carys Cox (Ealing Trailfinders), Hannah Dallavalle (Gloucester/Hartpury), Kerin Lake (Gwalia Lightning), Courtney Keight (Sale Sharks), Jasmine Joyce (Bristol Bears), Nel Metcalfe (Gloucester/Hartpury), Lisa Neumann (Harlequins), Catherine Richards (Gwalia Lightning) Wales fixtures for Women's Rugby World Cup 2025
CAF
6 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Tonny Talasi: 'Expect a 200% Talasi against Zambia'
At just 20 years old, Tonny Talasi is living what could be the most pivotal year of his young career. After standing out with the DR Congo U20s during the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025, the forward is now stepping into a whole new realm of African football at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024—a tournament reserved exclusively for players active in their national leagues. Coming off the bench in DR Congo's opening day defeat to Kenya, Talasi is experiencing firsthand the leap between age-group football and senior-level continental competition. 'In the U20s, I was one of the leaders. Here, I'm one of the youngest. But this tournament pushes me to go beyond my limits,' he told CAFOnline. 'I wanted to make my family proud. Wearing this jersey is a responsibility.' As he looks ahead to DR Congo's crucial second group game against Zambia, the striker is determined to make a difference and sharpen his finishing. 'My role is to be decisive—to score and create chances for the team. If the coach gives me his trust, expect a 200% Talasi out there,' he promises. Below is the full interview with Tonny Talasi: You played in the U20 AFCON with DR Congo earlier this year. What did that experience teach you about yourself and your game? That tournament taught me a lot, both personally and professionally. I had to face players from different African football schools, each with their own styles. It forced me to adapt quickly, improve my football IQ, and learn how to handle key moments in matches. I realized how vital concentration is, especially during decisive phases. Even though I wasn't at my physical peak, I experienced what top-level football demands, and that helped me grow—both mentally and on the pitch. How did your U20 experience help prepare you for CHAN? It especially built me up mentally. Wearing the national shirt—even at youth level—already comes with big responsibility. At the U20 AFCON, I learned to perform under pressure and never relax, even after a good game. I also learned how important it is to constantly self-assess. Now at CHAN, I'm trying to maintain that consistency, to stay focused in every training session, and to be resilient. Those values help me manage expectations and rise to the occasion when needed. You've gone from youth football to senior competition. What are the biggest differences you've noticed? With the U20s, I had a certain status—I was one of the group's leaders. Here, I'm one of the youngest, and I have to earn my place again, prove myself in every session. The physical intensity is much higher, everything moves faster. Tactically, the margin for error is smaller—one wrong move can cost a goal. You have to be smarter in how you play, more mature in your decisions. This tournament teaches humility, but also pushes me to give everything. This is your first CHAN. How are you experiencing it so far? It's a huge honour—and also a personal challenge. CHAN is a unique opportunity to make a name for myself in Africa while serving my country. When I heard I was called up, I felt a mix of excitement and responsibility. Representing DR Congo at this level has been a childhood dream. And the fact that the tournament is being held in East Africa, not too far from home, makes it even more special. I'm enjoying every moment, but I'm staying focused on what matters: helping the team go as far as possible. You came off the bench against Kenya. What was that moment like for you? Who did you think about when stepping onto the pitch? It was an emotional moment. When the coach called me to come on, I felt the pressure, but also a massive surge of motivation. On the pitch, I just focused on giving my best. But deep down, I was thinking about my family—my parents and loved ones who've always supported me, even during tough times. I wanted to make them proud. Even though the match didn't end as we'd hoped, I gave it my all to honour this shirt and honour them. Despite the loss to Kenya, what's the team's goal for the tournament? Our goal hasn't changed: we want to go as far as possible. One defeat doesn't change everything—in fact, it pushes us to work even harder with humility. We're taking it one match at a time, step by step. There's a lot of talent in this group, and a real desire to succeed together. We've reviewed what went wrong against Kenya, and we're determined to bounce back in the next match. How would you describe the team spirit? The atmosphere is really positive. It's a proper Congolese vibe—that's one of our strengths. There's respect, solidarity, and a lot of support. Even those who aren't playing give everything to back up their teammates. It's like a big family. Of course, we have fun—jokes, music—but when training starts, everyone's locked in. That unity is our strength and gives us extra energy. Is there a teammate you're particularly close to? Yes, without hesitation—Ibrahim Matobo. We've known each other since the youth teams. We've done many camps together, and that bond just developed naturally—on and off the pitch. He's someone I can talk to freely, who understands me quickly, and we share the same vision of the game. That relationship helps me feel more confident, especially in key moments. He's a great support in the squad. What aspect of your game are you currently working on most? I'm really focused on improving my finishing. As a striker, people expect me to make a difference in the final third. So I work on my shooting, my decision-making in the box, staying calm in front of goal. I also watch a lot of video to study my movement and learn how to position myself better. I want to become a more complete striker—one who can bring solutions, even in tough matches. Consistency is what will take me to the next level. Next up is Zambia. What can we expect from you? If the coach decides to put me on—either as a sub or a starter—I'll give it my all. Expect a 200% Talasi. This match is crucial for us, and I'm ready to step up. I know every minute on the pitch matters. Whether it's a goal, an assist, a run, or tracking back, I want to contribute to the team. Zambia is a strong side, but we've got our own strengths too. Personally, I feel ready, motivated, and fully committed. And looking further ahead, what are your personal ambitions? This has been an intense year, full of opportunities. I've had interest from top clubs in North Africa and in DR Congo. My goal is clear: to keep progressing at club level, then make the leap to Europe. I want to play in demanding environments, discover new playing styles, and raise my game. Right now, my full focus is on CHAN. It's a crucial step—a real springboard I want to take full advantage of. But beyond this competition and club football, I also want to earn a place in the senior national team. Playing in the senior AFCON, in World Cups—that's what I'm working toward with full determination. I know there's a long road ahead, and a lot of work to be done, but I believe that willpower, discipline, and a love for the game will be my best allies in reaching my goals. If you had a message for young Congolese players watching you today, what would it be? I'd tell them to believe in themselves and never give up—even when times get tough. Talent is important, but it's not enough. You need real discipline, a clean lifestyle, and above all, respect—for coaches, teammates, and the shirt. You've got to be brave enough to self-reflect. Nothing comes easy, but if you work hard with honesty and passion, the doors will eventually open.
BBC News
29-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Versatile back Nicholas signs new Scarlets deal
Utility back Ioan Nicholas has extended his stay Scarlets by signing a new has made 110 Scarlets appearances and can play full-back, wing or 27-year-old joins Macs Page, Tomi Lewis, Eddie James, Joe Roberts, Sam Costelow, Kemsley Mathias, Taine Plumtree, Johnny Williams and Sam O'Connor in signing new senior have also signed Wales internationals Jake Ball and Joe Hawkins, scrum-half Dane Blacker, back-rower Tristan Davies and Welsh-qualified England U20s full-back Ioan Evans, Ioan Lloyd, Charlie Titcombe, Efan Jones, Sam Wainwright, Shaun Evans, Vaea Fifita, Alex Craig, Morgan Jones and Ed Scragg have left the Llanelli-based side.
Scotsman
25-07-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
New Scotland rugby home kit inspired by Murrayfield crowd - how to buy and how much it costs
Sound wave of Scotland chant embossed into jersey Sign up to our Rugby Union newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Scottish Rugby have released the new national team home kit for the 2025-26 season - featuring a sound wave design inspired by the chants of the Murrayfield crowd. Produced by Italian brand Macron, who have been official kit suppliers to Scottish Rugby since 2013, the new strip carries the traditional navy blue as the predominant colour along with the addition of heather purple details. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The design also features two striking graphic elements with a tonal print on the sleeve depicting the sound wave generated by the fans chanting 'Scotland, Scotland, Scotland, Scotland', while the word 'Scotland' itself is embossed repeatedly across the lower back of the shirt. Scottish Rugby's new home kit featuring a sound wave design inspired by the Murrayfield crowd. | Scottish Rugby/Macron The kit is completed by navy blue shorts featuring lighter navy vertical stripes down the sides and purple detailing on the leg hems. The navy socks are finished with a thin horizontal heather purple stripe at the top. The strip, which has the logo of main strip sponsor, Arnold Clark, emblazoned across the front, will first be worn during the upcoming Quilter Nations Series in November, followed by the Men's, Women's and U20s Six Nations Championships in the New Year. Ross Cook, Macron's Senior Technical Sponsorship Manager, said: 'So excited to be unveiling the new Scottish Rugby home kit as a tribute to the unique roar of Scottish Gas Murrayfield and the Hive . Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Darcy Graham models the new Scotland home strip. | Scottish Rugby/Macron 'We've tried to capture the emotion every fan feels as the stadium erupts, interpreting that iconic sound into a striking sound wave design embossed into the fabric of the jersey. 'This jersey doesn't just represent a Scottish team, it echoes a nation's pride.' Scottish Rugby's Lead Creative Designer, Laura Chessar, added: "I am thrilled to unveil the new Scotland home kit. This season's design on our traditional dark navy base with a hint of purple heather on the trim is brought to life with the actual sound wave of home fans chanting 'SCOTLAND! SCOTLAND! SCOTLAND!' illustrated across the players' shoulders and the words across their backs. Scotland women captain Rachel Malcolm models the new 2025-26 kit. | Scottish Rugby/Macron "When you hear the chant, the hairs stand up on the back of your neck and you're transported to the electric atmosphere of Scottish Gas Murrayfield matchday. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad "Designed in-house, in collaboration with macron, I hope it resonates with everyone who wears the jersey."
RNZ News
19-07-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
World U20 rugby final live updates: NZ v South Africa
Xavier Treacy. Photo: Federico Zovadelli / action press The New Zealand U20s return to the world championship final for the first time in seven years, when they face old rivals South Africa. Kickoff is at 6.30am NZT.
