Young Welsh star at the top of the list for WRU to bring home
The Welsh Rugby Union is eyeing young talent to bring back to Wales, with Wales under-20s star Sam Scott reportedly at the “top of the list.” The WRU is looking to implement a long-term strategy to entice top talent back across the Severn Bridge. Despite Wales under-20s’ recent win against their Irish counterparts, nine players in Richard Whiffin’s matchday 23 are currently playing for English clubs. Among them is Sam Scott, who earned praise for his standout performance against Ireland. England prop Ellis Genge commended Scott, calling him a “legend” and acknowledging Wales’ acquisition of a promising player.
Exeter centre Joe Hawkins is also on the radar, with reports suggesting he is close to signing with the Scarlets. The WRU is keen on bringing back Welsh-qualified players currently based outside of Wales, with over 90 such players plying their trade abroad. These efforts aim to bolster Welsh rugby with homegrown talent, securing a stronger future for the national team.
Dragons’ boss Filo Tiatia praises re-signing of Harrison Keddie
Dragons head coach, Filo Tiatia, has lauded the re-signing of back-rower Harrison Keddie. The 28-year-old, who has been with the Rodney Parade outfit for a decade, has been a vital asset to the team, making 126 appearances. Keddie, a former Wales youth international, has secured a long-term deal with the Dragons. Tiatia commended Keddie’s leadership qualities and on-field contributions, highlighting his value to the club. Keddie expressed gratitude for the opportunity to continue representing the Dragons and looks forward to contributing on the field after recovering from a minor injury.
RFU imposes ban on player for racist abuse
The Rugby Football Union has suspended a player from Hartpury College for nine matches following racial abuse directed at a University of Bristol athlete. Joe Cooper, 20, was found guilty of conduct prejudicial to the union and the game. The RFU’s disciplinary panel issued a nine-match ban, with three games suspended, and mandated Cooper to participate in an online program addressing racism in sport. Hartpury College reiterated its commitment to fostering an inclusive environment and condemned the incident. The University of Bristol expressed support for the affected student and welcomed the disciplinary outcome.
England responds to Rob Baxter’s criticisms regarding Immanuel Feyi-Waboso’s injury
England Rugby has refuted claims by Exeter Chiefs’ director of rugby, Rob Baxter, regarding the delay in Immanuel Feyi-Waboso’s shoulder surgery. Baxter alleged that the absence of RFU medics over the Christmas period resulted in the delayed operation for the winger. England head coach Steve Borthwick defended the medical team’s communication and care for Feyi-Waboso, emphasizing player welfare as a top priority. Borthwick highlighted the documentation of interactions with Exeter regarding Feyi-Waboso’s injury and affirmed England’s commitment to supporting the player’s recovery. The RFU aims to address concerns raised by Baxter to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Injury concerns for England players ahead of fixture against Italy
England faces uncertainties with George Martin and Tom Willis due to knee and concussion issues, respectively, ahead of their upcoming fixture against Italy. Tom Curry, Ollie Lawrence, and Ben Earl have been excluded from the 29-man squad for modified training but are expected to be fit to face Italy. Despite challenges with player availability, England aims to field a competitive team for the upcoming match.
In conclusion, the Welsh Rugby Union’s efforts to bring back young talent like Sam Scott demonstrate a proactive approach to nurturing homegrown players. The disciplinary actions taken by the RFU against racial abuse highlight the commitment to combatting discrimination in rugby. England’s response to criticisms regarding player welfare underscores the importance of effective communication and collaboration between clubs and national teams. As Wales and England navigate challenges with player injuries, both nations remain focused on fielding strong teams for future fixtures.