The most recent rugby news from Wales and beyond
All Blacks appoint Welshman
The most recent rugby news from Wales and beyond
The Welshman Jon Gardner has been chosen to the All Blacks’ new coaching staff for 2024.
After previously working with new New Zealand head coach Scott Robertson at the Crusaders, the Welsh analyst joins rugby’s most recognized international squad.
Gardner, who was born in Pontypridd, has a strong reputation in the realm of performance analysis and was considered as a key pick by Robertson as he takes on the most important position of his career.
He has been in New Zealand since 2015, having previously played for the Dragons in Wales under Lyn Jones. Our daily email will deliver the most recent Welsh rugby news to your inbox for free.
Dragons fight to keep Dyer and Wainwright
The Dragons are determined to retain key players Rio Dyer and Aaron Wainwright amid growing interest from both England and overseas teams. Despite their impressive performances this season, the Wales stars are approaching the end of their contracts, prompting decisions about their futures in the coming weeks. Rio Dyer faces a crucial decision, as rejecting an offer from a Welsh region to move to England or France would render him ineligible for the Welsh national team, given his current caps stand at 14, 11 short of the 25-cap rule.
Expressing the team’s commitment to keeping their top talents, Dragons head coach Dai Flanagan emphasized the intention to present fair and honest contract offers. While acknowledging the possibility of losing players, Flanagan highlighted the exemplary performances of Aaron and Rio, attributing some credit to the Dragons’ management approach. He emphasized the team’s focus on individual development, acknowledging that they might not be able to sign players of the caliber of Leinster or Racing. However, Flanagan expressed hope that the Dragons could recruit players at a certain level and elevate them to the next stage of their careers.
In encouraging both players to consider their current career stages, developmental progress, and peak performances, Flanagan asserted that the Dragons provide the ideal environment for continued growth. He expressed confidence that players like Aaron and Rio are aware of the club’s commitment to individual development and urged them to consider the Dragons as the optimal platform for their ongoing success.
Wales duo impress
Wales internationals Sam Davies and Tyler Morgan have been named to the French Pro D2 team for the first half of the season.
Since joining Grenoble in the summer, Davies has been the competition’s leading goal-kicker, earning consistent praise for his efforts despite Grenoble’s troubles. He has 148 points this season, but Grenoble is now in 14th place.
Morgan, who played center for Wales at the 2015 World Cup, has also been impressive for Biarritz, who are currently 15th in the table.
Vannes presently leads the competitive league, with Tomas Francis’ Provence Rugby in second place, vying for promotion to the Top 14 before the arrival of George North in the summer.
Vakatawa sensational after return from heart problem
Bristol coach Pat Lam praised the contribution of the returning Virimi Vakatawa as his team defeated Newcastle 21-13.
After suffering 11 consecutive losses, the Falcons improved their game for the Bears’ visit and were 7-6 down in the second half.
But Vakatawa’s try helped the visitors draw away, and Lam praised the Fijian-born player, who has returned from retirement to play in the Premiership.
Last year, the France international was forced to retire from the game after medics at French giants Racing 92 refused to allow him to play owing to a heart irregularity.
“The saying is ‘form is temporary, class is permanent’, and he is a class player,” he remarked.