Latest news with #Quins
Wales Online
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Leigh Halfpenny's future plan as Wales star one of 10 picked to be next coaches
Leigh Halfpenny's future plan as Wales star one of 10 picked to be next coaches The former Wales full-back started his new temporary role this week Leigh Halfpenny talks with Wales fly-half Dan Edwards (Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency ) In the days before Leigh Halfpenny's long-awaited 100th cap for Wales, such was his obsessive nature, Neil Jenkins had to rein in the full-back when it came to his training load. "What are you doing, Pence?" were effectively the words of choice from the former Wales fly-half to the man that he had mentored for well over a decade. Even as he neared the century in a red jersey - having had to endure injuries and late withdrawals as he made it into the nervous nineties - the steadfast dedication to pushing himself to the limit remained. That has always been one of the strengths of Halfpenny, the reason behind the remarkable career he has enjoyed. He is meticulous, with nothing left to chance. In many ways, the metronomic goal-kicking was symbolic of that attitude; reliably getting the most out of everything in his career. And yet, now, some close to Halfpenny suggest that - in a relatively unexpected sojourn from playing this summer - he is uncharacteristically relaxed about what happens next. A move to France seems likely once his summer in Japan - with a brief stint in Australia for the Classic Lions too - is done. Article continues below But, while a deal with Beziers could come at some point after his departure from Harlequins, he's welcoming this unanticipated piece of work experience. This week has marked Halfpenny's first with the senior national team not as a player, but as a coach. Word from the camp is he's settled in well, commanding respect from the players. Some he will know better than others. There are some new faces since Halfpenny called time on his Test career. For the second summer in a row, Cameron Winnett will spend time learning from one of the men he was suddenly tasked with replacing in last year's Six Nations. Having got to learn from Liam Williams down under last year, he'll now be seeking words of wisdom from the other half of Wales' full-back duopoly for the past decade or so. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. Of course, the likes of Josh Adams and Taulupe Faletau will have provided some familiarity, as would the coaching ticket he's joined - having spent the season working with Danny Wilson and Adam Jones at Quins. Even Dan Edwards, who is currently in his second Wales camp after making his debut in the Six Nations, has worked with Halfpenny while the full-back was working with the U20s. Back in 2022, he worked with Wales' age-grade side while out injured - working as a kicking coach. It was little surprise he did the role, given a move into coaching has always felt the obvious step for Halfpenny. 10 players hand-picked by WRU Back in 2019, he was one of 10 players - alongside Justin Tipuric, James Hook, Bradley Davies, Paul James, Rob McCusker, Aaron Jarvis, Brok Harries, Angus O'Brien and Dan Fish - hand-picked to undertake a new coach development programme with the Welsh Rugby Union. The year-long programme saw them work with WRU performance coach manager Dan Clements towards a UKCC Level 3 award in Coaching Rugby Union as they took the first steps towards coaching - with mentors brought in for the players. Six years on, it's starting to pay off. Tipuric will begin next season coaching the Ospreys' defence, while Hook is also involved with both the senior side and the academy at the region. Former prop James has also been coaching the academy, as did Davies - although he will move onto the Scarlets next season. Elsewhere, Jarvis is head of rugby at Ivybridge Community College, while Fish is coaching Cardiff RFC. At the time, there were plans for Halfpenny to hold kicking clinics with a group of under-18s players. There's certainly a sense that, for all he's achieved, there's too much rugby intellectual property to not be passed on. Just as Jenkins went from a diligent player who lived on his nerves - you need only hear the retching on those old Lions documentaries - Halfpenny has seemed destined for a similar path to his mentor. The only downside to Halfpenny's opportunity this summer is where it leaves the man who watched all of his kicks closer than most over the years. Jenkins is still contracted by the WRU, but communication is understood to have been scarce with all of the existing coaches when it came to the tour of Japan. It's understandable interim head coach Matt Sherratt wants his own people if he's going to do the job. Missing Japan is no major blow to the coaches whose contracts expire this summer. Mike Forshaw, for example, is seemingly set for a move to Leicester Tigers before the WRU get their new head coach in place. Join WalesOnline Rugby's WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free But where not touring leaves Jenkins when a new coach does take over is anyone's guess. One thing is for certain is that Jenkins has nothing but pride in seeing Halfpenny's rise to coaching. After the tour of Japan, Halfpenny will head down under with the Classic Lions before writing the next chapter in his storied playing career. There's still more to squeeze out of his playing days. Jenkins, who has been working with the U20s recently, should still have a role to play with the WRU moving forward - although that probably rests on whoever the new head coach is. By the autumn, Jenkins could be back with the national team, while Halfpenny could be plying his trade in France. Article continues below However, this summer will have paved the way for the natural progression. The student becoming the teacher. One day, Halfpenny might just be the one reining in someone in the days before a big match.
South Wales Argus
03-06-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Beard ready for England chance after waiting in the wings
The 23-year-old is still yet to earn a cap, although he was in the squad for the 2025 Six Nations behind Henry Slade, Ollie Lawrence and Elliot Daly in the pecking order at outside centre. The Harlequins ace has played for England A this season and now has his sights set on featuring in Argentina and the USA this summer, having featured in a 33-man training squad assembled by Steve Borthwick at Pennyhill Park in May. "As long as I can control how hard I'm working and put my hand up in the right way hopefully an opportunity will come one day and I'll just hang in there, keep my head down and see what happens," Beard said. "For me, it's been quite nice because there's a lot of boys that I played U20s and U18s with and grown up playing with, so in a weird way there's been loads of familiar faces. Before England jet off to the Americas, they will have a final preparation game between against a France XV at Allianz Stadium on June 21. No Premiership finalists will feature but with Harlequins not in the play-off picture, Beard could be among those hoping to seize a last chance and nail the audition for a seat on the plane. "Firstly, it's a great opportunity for the lads to put on the England shirt even though it's not an official cap," Beard said. "France has a great group of youngsters coming through as well as a great group who aren't playing. 'So, whatever the outcome will be, it'll be a great spectacle and some great rugby on show." When Beard returns from Argentina, he will be without a familiar face around their Guilford training base after club legend Danny Care's retirement. Care has been a considerable influence on Beard's rise through the ranks in South West London and the centre hopes to carry his legacy on. "He's a legend,' he said. 'I've supported Quins all my life and have gone to watch Danny play countless times. I was lucky enough to be a ball boy for the club, feeding him balls at the age of ten. "He's helped me endlessly, and I'm forever grateful for that. Not only is he one of the best rugby players I've ever seen, but he's such a good bloke. "He'll be heavily missed. I know his legacy will stay at Quins and he'll shape the way we want to play and hopefully the DNA of Quins will keep Danny Care in it forever."
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bristol thrash Quins to book semi-final derby spot
Gallagher Premiership Bristol (26) 52 Tries: Kloska, Batley, Ravouvou, Mata, Ibitoye (2), Grondona, Janse van Rensburg Cons: MacGinty (6) Harlequins (12) 26 Tries: Murley (2), Dombrandt, Hammond Cons: Benson (3) Advertisement Bristol secured their Premiership semi-final at Bath in style with a superb attacking display in a 12-try epic at Ashton Gate. The Bears needed a win to be sure of a top-four spot and made the perfect start, registering a bonus point inside 24 minutes with close-range scores from George Kloska and Joe Batley and explosive Kalaveti Ravouvou and Viliame Mata tries. Cadan Murley's fine first-half double reduced the gap to a 14-point lead at the break. Gabriel Ibitoye extended the advantage to 31-12 soon after the restart but memories of the 2021 'Bristanbul' comeback by Quins at Ashton Gate loomed large as the visitors notched quickfire tries from Alex Dombrandt and George Hammond to go within five points. Advertisement However, scores from Santiago Grondona and Ibitoye settled the nerves before Benhard Janse van Rensburg brought up the half-century as the Bears booked a trip to their West Country neighbours on Friday night. Blistering start sets the tone for Bears Noah Heward made his first Bears start at full back since January after injury while Pat Lam handed Argentina international lock Pedro Rubiolo his Bears debut. With a semi-final spot out of reach Danny Wilson made three changes to the Quins starting XV as Jamie Benson made his first Premiership start at fly-half while Luke Northmore returned at centre and Nick David started at full back. Advertisement It took just 93 seconds for the hosts to break the deadlock as quick hands from MacGinty sent Ibitoye flying down the left wing and despite some good defence from Quins near their own line, prop George Kloska plunged over near the posts, with MacGinty slotting the extras. The second try arrived inside five mins as lock Joe Batley stretched to touch down over the line after another powerful drive, with MacGinty again converting. A penalty kick into the corner and a deep lineout paved the way for Luke Northmore to cross for Quins after an angled run on 10 minutes but the try was chalked-off for a forward pass from Dombrandt, who was then held-up over the line by Fitz Harding after a bulldozing run straight from the restart. Quins got back in it on 17 minutes when Murley raced onto a clever chip forward from Benson on the 22 to catch a high bouncing ball and plunge over, allowing Benson to add two points from infront of the posts. Advertisement Bristol extended their lead just three minutes later as Harry Randall found space on the right and Fijian flyer Ravouvou raced down the whitewash to acrobatically dive over in the corner for his 11th try of the campaign, though the conversion sailed wide. The onslaught continued and Mata produced a brilliant angled run and bulldozed his way under the posts through some rather static defence for Bristol's fourth try and a bonus point on 24 minutes, with MacGinty notching the conversion to make it 26-7. Bears' 16th try bonus point of the season is a new Premiership record. Batley was denied a second try by another forward pass to the left wing before MacGinty's pass was intercepted by Hammond in midfield and a long ball out wide paved the way for Murley to step inside his man and scorch down the left from inside his own half for his 11th try of the season just after the half-hour, though Benson missed the conversion attempt from out wide. Gabriel Ibitoye beats Jamie Benson to the line and finished as joint top try-scorer with Ollie Hassell-Collins with 13 [Getty Images] Bears battle back after nervy start Six minutes after the turnaround Quins replacement Sean Kerr almost broke away but Bears won back possession and Ravouvou's break down the left and some fine passing across the width of the field paved the way for Ibitoye to stroll into the right corner for his 12th try of the campaign, a new club record, against his former club, though the conversion was unsuccessful. Advertisement Bears nerved started jangling, as memories of the 28-point collapse in the 2021 semi-final against Quins returned as the visitors notched two converted tries in three minutes. Dombrandt reduced the arrears after a slick dummy through the line from Benson created space and Quins added another from close range on 52 minutes after a break from Northmore, with Hammond diving through a crowd to touch down on the line, with Benson's third conversion making it a five-point game. The hosts could breathe again on 58 minutes when Grondona plunged over to end a series of goalline probes, with MacGinty adding the two points, and some lightning hands and feet from MacGinty saw the ball spread to Ibitoye on the left to jink his way to the line for try number 13, the joint most in the league this season, with MacGinty adding the extras from the whitewash to restore the 19-point lead and bring up 1,000 in his Premiership career for Bears and Sale. As Quins wilted in the Bristol sunshine Bears were denied a penalty try for Benson's slap into touch behind the posts, however Janse van Rensburg barged through a gap to dot down behind the posts to bring up the half-century, with MacGinty adding his sixth conversion. Advertisement The hosts saw out the final 10 minutes without further alarm to register their biggest ever win over Harlequins, secure their return to the semi-finals for the first time in four years and book a mouthwatering clash at the Rec on Friday night. 'We know how to beat Bath' Pat Lam, Bristol director of rugby, told BBC Radio Bristol: "I am very proud of this group, this is probably one of the highlights of my time at Bristol Bears. "We know there's areas we can improve on. To be missing stardust players for several months at a time, the squad has really gelled together to get us through the tough times." Advertisement [On the derby date at the Rec on Friday night] "We're excited. Bath have only lost three games this year, and we've beaten them twice. "We've played them 14 times since we've been back in the Premiership, won all of them at Ashton Gate, once at the Principality and we've won more at the Rec than we've lost. "We know how to beat Bath. The challenge is it's now a semi-final. I have to get the game plan right." Quins head coach Danny Wilson said: "We started the game terribly today and it put us in a bit of a hole. "We were back in it at 31-26, but then Bristol capitalised on their opportunities. Advertisement "They are a very, very good side if you let them let rip. It has been a painful end to the season." Bristol: Heward, Ravouvou, Janse van Rensburg, Williams, Ibitoye; MacGinty, Randall; Thomas, Oghre, Kloska, Rubiolo, Batley, Grondona, Harding, Mata. Replacements: Thacker, Woolmore, Lahiff, Owen, Luatua, Marmion, Byrne, Bates. Harlequins: David; Isgro, Beard, Northmore, Murley; Benson, Porter; Baxter, Walker, Lamositele, J Green, Hammond, Kenningham, Evans, Dombrandt. Replacements: Jibulu, Els, Streeter, Launchbury, Lawday, Murray, Kerr, Halfpenny. Referee: Luke Pearce
South Wales Argus
02-06-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Harry Randall challenges England to 'make a statement'
The majority of the 27-year-old's 14 international caps have been from the bench, as was the case in his two Six Nations appearances earlier this year, but Alex Mitchell's British & Irish Lions call-up has opened up an opportunity for the scrum-half. It is one the Bristol Bears star is determined to seize and he was able to get to know some of those he may end up touring with as part of a 33-man training squad who assembled at Pennyhill Park last week. 'It will be really cool,' he said. 'I've never been to Argentina or Washington, which is exciting in itself, and it will be a great group of boys to be a part of. 'It's an opportunity to go out and make a bit of a statement in Argentina and America. 'We have a few Argies at Bristol now who talk it up so look forward to seeing them out there. 'Argentina are probably one of the most improved sides over the past four or five years, competing in the Rugby Championship as they do every year. 'They are a big, physical team, that's the first battle, and they pose a load of threats out wide, as you've seen in the Premiership this year. It will be a great test.' Randall hopes to head into the summer off the back of a play-off campaign with Bristol Bears, who head into the final weekend of the Premiership season in the fourth and final spot. That means their destiny is in their own hands for the visit of Harlequins and their No.9 is hoping to end a rollercoaster regular season on a high. 'It has been very up and down,' he added. 'At the start of the season, your goal is to be in those play-off spots and within a chance of winning the Premiership and that's where we are at the moment, so we can't complain. 'We are in that spot, we have a big last game at home and hopefully we get a chance at a play-off. 'Teams have developed how they play against us so being able to adapt in games, for myself as a nine, doing what's best for us to win games has been big this season. 'That last game of the season at home is always a nice send-off for a few boys who are heading off at the end of the season and it's a chance to celebrate the year in front of your own fans. 'We know the test Quins will pose and we are really excited about it.' Randall was an unused replacement when England beat France in the Guinness Men's Six Nations earlier this year. Should Bristol not make the Premiership showpiece, he will hope to have a greater involvement when the international summer begins with a visit from a Les Bleus XV to Allianz Stadium on June 21. 'It's an opportunity for those boys not involved in the (Premiership) final, a chance for boys to stamp their chances of getting on tour and the team to get a bit of cohesion.' England XV face France XV at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, on Saturday 21 June at 3:15pm. Tickets from £25, please visit
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Danny Care to retire from rugby after 19 years with Harlequins: 'It's finally time'
Harlequins and former England scrum-half Danny Care has announced his retirement from professional rugby at the end of the season. The 38-year-old announced on Tuesday that he was hanging up his boots after almost two decades with Quins, making 393 total appearances across all competitions - a club record in the professional era - and scoring 111 tries and 587 points after joining as a teenager from Leeds Tykes in 2006. Care won two Premiership titles at The Stoop in 2012 and 2021 in addition to the 2011 European Challenge Cup and last year signed a new one-year contract to take his stay in south-west London into a 19th season after rejecting a lucrative move abroad. That came after he had retired from international duty following the 2024 Six Nations, having amassed 101 caps for England since 2008 and won three Six Nations championships, including a Grand Slam under Eddie Jones in 2016. Thank you @dannycare ❤️#COYQ | #DC9 — Harlequins 🃏 (@Harlequins) May 13, 2025 'So, it's finally time. Unfortunately, after 19 years of playing for this incredible Club, I'm going to be retiring from rugby at the end of the season,' said Care, who will remain at Harlequins moving forward in an ambassadorial role. 'I just wanted to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for letting a lad from Leeds come down to this Club and feel like home from day one. 'To all the fans. Thank you for everything you've given me and my family. As I said, you brought us into your hearts. You've sung my name louder than it's ever deserved. And I can't really put into words what representing this Club and playing in front of you all has meant to me. 'To Charles and to Duncan, the owners of the Club - two magnificent people, who've given me this opportunity to play here, and have stuck by me all these years – thank you both. I'd also like to thank all my amazing teammates, all the coaches, staff members who have been a part of my career. 'I will be supporting this Club forever, and I'll always be a Quin.' Harlequins' director of rugby Billy Millard said of Care: 'It has been an honour to work with Danny these last 6 seasons. He will go down as one of the greatest to play for Harlequins, and his spirit and approach to the game has luckily been passed down to our group of players. 'I will never forget that look on his face after we won the Premiership in 2021, he drove the back end of that season brilliantly. His impact at this club has been immense and his presence and cheeky grin will be missed around the environment.'
