The latest rugby news from Wales and around the world
The Wales squad huddle in training(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd)
Here are your rugby headlines for Friday, November 14.
Dave Reddin: Tough conversations lie ahead
WRU performance chief Dave Reddin has warned “detailed, difficult” conversations now lie ahead as Welsh rugby begins the process of moving to three professional teams.
In an update following the WRU Board’s decision to press ahead with the restructuring plan, Reddin outlined how the governing body will now work with the four professional clubs, the URC, the Welsh Rugby Players Association and other key stakeholders to map out the next phase of Welsh rugby’s future.
The WRU announced in October that it would move towards a new three-team model, following an extensive consultation process that began in August. But Reddin stressed that the decision marks “the start of the next phase” rather than the end of the process.
“Understandably, the question uppermost on everyone’s mind is how we reach the final decision on the three teams which will go forward in the new model,” Reddin said. “That’s a fair question and may take a little time to answer.
“We’ve already met with each of the four professional sides in a structured way and will be working through everything, from financial stability and governance to player development, community connection, facilities and the demographics of each potential future licence.
“The objective is to explore together all routes to a consensus about how to proceed in a way which gives Welsh rugby the best chance of winning again, domestically, in Europe and internationally. These will be detailed, and at times difficult, conversations.”
“Every team carries its own heritage supported by a passionate community, and that deserves full respect,” he added. “But we have to balance this with the shared goal of building something sustainable, competitive and fit for future success on and off the field.”
The WRU will also continue to work closely with the URC to ensure any changes fit the competition’s wider framework.
Crucially, Reddin confirmed that Wales will continue to field four professional sides “for as long as this transition requires”, with the union committed to honouring existing contracts and agreements. WalesOnline last night revealed the URC are in talks with English team Ealing Trailfinders, who could potentially replace a cut Welsh team in the competition.
There is no fixed deadline for the process, with Reddin insisting the WRU won’t “rush and risk getting it wrong”. However, if consensus cannot be reached, the union will move to “an open, fair and transparent” tender process for three future regional licences; one in the capital, one in the east and one in the west of Wales.
Alongside the restructuring work, the WRU is also pressing ahead with a new £28m five-year investment plan across five key pillars: men’s player development, the women’s elite programme, national talent management, coaching investment, and Super Rygbi Cymru.
“The investment is significant and will bring hugely positive change to the game,” Reddin said. “We are now moving ahead with the detailed planning around each of these pillars and will publish more detail over the coming weeks.”
‘Duracell bunny’ Deaves will bring energy to the squad
James Hook and Alex Cuthbert believe Harri Deaves will bring huge energy to the Wales squad after he received his first call-up this week.
Ospreys back-rower Deaves has replaced captain Jac Morgan in the squad after the British and Irish Lion dislocated his shoulder while scoring a try in the defeat by Argentina.
And both Hook and Cuthbert, who are familiar with the Ospreys having both played there during their glittering careers, were full of praise for the 24-year-old.
“The energy he brings is incredible. He’s been knocking on the door for a couple of years. Obviously in Wales we are blessed with back-rowers,” Hook said on Scrum V.
“But Harri Deaves is like a Duracell bunny with a yellow scrum cap!
“He will run over the top of you, run back and say ‘Sorry!’ He is such a nice guy. Hopefully we will see him against South Africa.”
Cuthbert revealed that Deaves never believed that this moment would come, such is his humble nature, but believes he deserves the opportunity.
“He will offer so much energy in training. His little scrum hat, the boys will see it everywhere and be sick of it by the end!” he said.
“He will really help the non-23 players. His energy is infectious. He is the most humble bloke ever.
“He didn’t really take rugby that seriously, he never really thought he would be top, top level, but last year he had a really good year and he was starting when Jac had injuries.
“But he would happily go training and be on the rooves after training! He is a grafter. A very switched-on bloke.”
All Blacks would ‘welcome’ England haka challenge
By Duncan Bech, PA Rugby Union Correspondent
Scott Robertson insists New Zealand would welcome a challenge to the haka from England when the rivals clash at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.
Twelve months ago England advanced to the halfway line to the delight of an 82,000 crowd at Twickenham before being edged 24-22, while in 2019 they lined up in a V formation before crushing the All Blacks 19-7 in the World Cup semi-finals.
Extra spice was given to last autumn’s Hillary Shield showdown when prop Joe Marler, who has now retired, stated the haka is “ridiculous” and “needs binning”, provoking a furious backlash in New Zealand.
The build-up to the rematch has been less controversial but Robertson understands the sporting theatre provided by opponents responding to the Maori war dance.
“The haka’s setting a challenge and if someone does something different, respectfully, you welcome it,” the All Blacks head coach said.
“There are always rules of engagement around it, but they know what we’re going to do. If you haven’t planned or covered off what they’re going to do, it can be unexpected, and that’s part of it.”
A pivotal moment in Saturday’s collision will be the battle between the benches, with New Zealand including Samisoni Taukei’aho, Wallace Sititi, Anton Lienert-Brown and Damian McKenzie among their reinforcements.
England have stacked their replacements with five British and Irish Lions forwards, with the bomb squad proving decisive in toppling Australia and Fiji so far this autumn.
“The finishing of Test matches is critical and whoever you bring on needs to make an impact,” Robertson said.
“We’ve got good cohesion after a couple of Tests. A lot of the combinations have played together and we have a good, powerful bench to get us home.”
New Zealand will be led by Scott Barrett after the second row recovered from the wound needing 12 stitches sustained against Ireland at the start of their end-of-year tour.
“It’s remarkable once you saw Scott’s cut, he’s got good healing powers. We’ve had to pull him back a bit in training. He’s ready to go,” Robertson said.
Cardiff prop joins English club on loan
Cardiff Rugby prop Joe Cowell has joined English Championship side Bedford Blues on a short-term loan deal.
The 23-year-old, who has featured mainly for Cardiff RFC since arriving at the Arms Park ahead of the 2024-25 season, has made four appearances so far this campaign.
With both Cardiff Rugby and Cardiff RFC currently on a break from fixtures, Cowell has linked up with Mike Rayer’s Bedford side for a month-long spell and will be among the replacements for their clash with Caldy at Goldington Road on Saturday.
Cardiff assistant coach Corniel van Zyl said the move would be a valuable chance for the young front-rower to continue his development in a new environment.
“This is a great opportunity for Joe to gain some experience in a new environment and in a different competition during an important stage in his development,” he said.
“We wish Joe and Bedford Blues all the best for the weeks ahead and look forward to welcoming him back to the Arms Park with a new experience under his belt.”
