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Wales Online
a day ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
Tonight's rugby news as Wales star reveals 'disgusting' training regime and Morgan's chances rated
Tonight's rugby news as Wales star reveals 'disgusting' training regime and Morgan's chances rated These are the rugby stories making headlines on the evening of Thursday, June 19 Jac Morgan warms-up during a training session (Image:) These are your headlines on the evening of Thursday, June 19 Page reveals 'disgusting' training regime Macs Page says training sessions in the intense heat at Wales' Vale base have been the hardest thing he's ever done. Matt Sherratt is busy preparing his side for their two-Test tour of Japan this summer and has been putting his players through a gruelling schedule in order to help them acclimatise. Temperatures in the Far East will reach sweltering levels during their visit and in preparation for the conditions, the heating in the gym at the Vale has been turned on to get temperatures up to more than 38°C. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. Article continues below Sitting down in conversation with team-mate Taine Plumtree, the pair discussed what it's been like in their first week in camp. "The highlight was probably that chamber," Page began. "That's probably the hardest thing I've ever done. Yeah, it's disgusting. Getting used to that heat and being able to work in it. It's been good getting training. "All the boys have been good getting around me." Page, new to the squad this summer, said there had been a few tears when he told his family of his call-up. "The first person I told was my dad, I FaceTimed him and told him," he added. "Then I FaceTimed my mam," to which Plumtree asked "any tears?" "My mam was crying yeah!" he replied. "No tears from me." Page has earned some rave reviews for his performances in a Scarlets jersey last season and hopes a debut in the red of Wales could be the cherry on the top. "Well, that's the dream, isn't it, someone growing up in Wales, that's what you dream of," he said. " If I get that opportunity, it's obviously a proud day for me and my family if it happens and the people that have helped me the last few years." Woodward: Morgan good enough to start Tests Former Lions head coach Sir Clive Woodward says Jac Morgan is good enough to start in the Tests against Australia this summer but needs to show it. Morgan has been handed a first start under Lions chief Andy Farrell in the warm-up match against Argentina in Dublin on Friday night. Farrell has gone strong in the Lions' first proper hit-out, with Morgan named alongside Tom Curry and Ben Earl in the back-row. Morgan will know he has stiff competition for his shirt but Woodward believes he has the talent to make the jersey his own, if he shows what he's all about. "There are only two Welshmen in this Lions squad - Morgan and scrum-half Williams," Woodward wrote in his Mail column. "Wales have had such an awful time of it in the last two years or so. "But I've been hugely impressed with flanker Morgan. To stand out as he has at international level in a team that has struggled so badly is very, very impressive. "He fully deserved his Lions selection and it's great for him that he starts against Argentina. "Alongside Tom Curry and Ben Earl, Morgan forms part of a very dynamic back-row. I like what I see in that area. "The back row is probably the most competitive area of this Lions squad and there are the likes of Josh van der Flier and Jack Conan still to come into the equation. "Morgan is good enough to start the Tests. He just has to show it." Russell signs new deal By Rachel Steinberg, PA Scotland fly-half Finn Russell has signed a new deal with Bath that will keep him at the Gallagher Premiership champions until 2028. The 32-year-old kicked 13 points and added an impressive interception in Saturday's 23-21 victory over Leicester to inspire Bath to an historic treble and first Premiership title in 29 years. Russell, who joined Bath in 2023, has made 45 appearances and scored 420 points in all competitions, and finished the 2024-25 Premiership season with 183 points. 'I have loved my time here at Bath,' the British and Irish Lion told the club website. 'It's a great team and a great club. We've come a long way over the last couple of years and I am really looking forward to staying here and seeing what the club can achieve. 'The fans have been outstanding since I got here. We've had some big results at home and that's just our way of giving back to the fans and trying to represent them in the right way.' 'The way the club is developing and with the young players coming through, the belief and confidence that we've got week-to-week is just growing. There are some brilliant new signings coming in as well who will be great additions to the club and I can't wait to get started next season.' Bath head of rugby Johann van Graan, who has transformed the Somerset side from rock-bottom finishers in 2021-22 to league champions, added: 'It's amazing news. 'Finn is one of the world's best 10s, a player who performs in the big moments and more importantly he's an incredible team man and a family man. 'He is one of the lads, his training is exceptional, and he's added so much to our group. 'It's great that he'll be staying on at Bath Rugby and continuing his journey with the blue, black and white.' Care backing Smith to make mark By Ed Elliot, PA Danny Care has tipped 'incredible' Harlequins team-mate Marcus Smith to hit greater heights as he bids to make his mark with the British and Irish Lions. Smith began this year's Guinness Six Nations as England's first-choice fly-half before being shifted to full-back and dropped to the bench due to the emergence of rival playmaker Fin Smith. In preparation for this summer's series in Australia, the 26-year-old will start Friday's pre-tour send-off fixture against Argentina in Dublin in the Lions' number 15 jersey, with namesake Fin selected at 10. Care believes his long-term half-back partner has been a victim of his own versatility and also suffered at international level due to an underwhelming season for Quins, which concluded with a seventh-placed finish in the Gallagher Premiership after a 62-0 thrashing by Leinster in the last 16 of the Investec Champions Cup. Fin Smith, meanwhile, helped Northampton finish runners-up to Bordeaux in the European competition following last season's Premiership title triumph. 'I don't think he's got anything to prove,' former England scrum-half Care, speaking of Marcus Smith, told the PA news agency. 'He played in the autumn internationals against some pretty good teams not long ago and everyone was saying he's England's best player and he was wearing the 10 shirt. 'Unfortunately, I think Harlequins' form probably hasn't helped because we've not been playing in the big games, or giving ourselves a chance in those big games this season, whereas Northampton have been playing really well and got themselves to a European final. 'My belief in Marcus' ability is he's still going to get better and better; he's already incredible and he deserves everything he gets.' Marcus Smith was a late addition to the 2021 Lions squad as injury cover for Finn Russell but did not make a Test appearance during the series defeat in South Africa. Russell is the other fly-half selected by head coach Andy Farrell this time around, with fellow Scotland star Blair Kinghorn and Ireland's Hugo Keenan the alternatives at full-back. Following the Aviva Stadium clash with Los Pumas, the Lions will fly to Australia to prepare for Test matches against the Wallabies on July 19, 26 and August 2. 'They are three very different 10s, which I think is great for Andy,' said 38-year-old Care, who will officially retire from professional rugby at the end of this month. 'Maybe there are games where he can pick and choose a certain style that maybe he wants to see. 'Obviously Marcus almost suffered from his own success in a way: he's so good at playing 15 as well that he's so interchangeable. 'I'd imagine you're going to see him in a 10 and a 15 jersey this summer, whereas the other two are out-and-out 10s.' While the two Smiths took part in last week's Lions training camp in Portugal, Russell only joined the group on Monday after becoming a Premiership champion with Bath on the back of Premiership Rugby Cup and European Challenge Cup glory. 'I've been a massive Finn Russell fan ever since playing against him, seeing him throwing some of those incredible passes, unlocking our defence with England a few times,' said Care, who won 101 England caps and made a record 395 appearances for Quins. 'And Fin Smith has come in and taken to international rugby so well. I've been blown away by his professionalism. Article continues below 'He's a wise head on young shoulders but he's a real confident lad and it's shown again with the Lions that it's timing: if you get your timing right and you can get in and play really well in that Six Nations and your club form is good then you can find yourself on a Lions tour. 'Three different 10s to choose from and each of them would deserve a pick, so I'm looking forward to seeing how they go.'
Wales Online
7 days ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
Ross Harries: 'Every Sunday was like presenting Newsnight rather than Scrum V'
Ross Harries: 'Every Sunday was like presenting Newsnight rather than Scrum V' Ross Harries has been one of Welsh rugby's leading presenters for over a decade, dealing with the sport's 'exhausting' politics and subplots Premier Sports presenter Ross Harries (Image: ©INPHO/Billy Stickland ) Ross Harries has spent the past 14 years as a central figure in Welsh rugby broadcasting, becoming one of the most trusted voices in the sport. From presenting the BBC's flagship Scrum V programme to covering the Six Nations and Rugby World Cups, Harries has reported on some of the greatest moments in Welsh rugby — as well as its most turbulent chapters. Today, Harries fronts Premier Sports' rugby coverage, and with Welsh rugby in arguably its most precarious state for years, he's well placed to assess the current crisis and whether the game in Wales can emerge stronger on the other side. Despite the national team's decline and uncertainty surrounding the future of the regions, Harries is confident there are better times ahead for Welsh rugby. "The one thing I always cling to is that we always produce good rugby players," he told WalesOnline. "I regularly travel to all the different territories the URC covers. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. "There's still a perception when you chat to people from Ireland, Scotland and South Africa that Wales still has a reputation for producing skilful and gifted rugby players. Article continues below "Take the rise of someone like Blair Murray. "A cynic might say he's come through the New Zealand system and he is a Welsh international but he represents that Welsh flair. "If you were to create a Scarlets player in the lab you'd come up with Blair Murray. "He's a player who plays head-up rugby, is a really skilful footballer and can play in multiple positions across the backline. "If you look at the Scarlets backs there's tons of hope for the future there. "When you consider not so long ago Jonathan Davies and Scott Williams were still in the squad but couldn't get a game because you've got Macs Page, Johnny Williams, Eddie James and Tom Rogers, who is having almost a renaissance, isn't he, after his initial rise. "So, I look at that Scarlets backline and think 'jeez, those players are as skilful as anyone across the domestic leagues in Europe'. "We just need a few nasty, meaty forwards to get our national team back on track. "But we have Dewi Lake and Jac Morgan, who is one of the only genuine world-class players we have. "There's always hope and things do go in cycles. "I'm confident we can climb out of it." This weekend, Harries will lead Premier Sports' coverage of the United Rugby Championship final between Leinster and the Bulls at Croke Park — a massive occasion in one of sport's most iconic stadiums. After more than a decade in broadcasting, you might think the big days would lose their shine but Harries insists they still get the blood flowing. 'We can be a jaded bunch as journalists and broadcasters but I think it's really important that despite all the negativity we experience that we can have those pinch-me moments,' he said. 'I remember one specific game when I presented Ireland v Wales in the Six Nations in Dublin. "It was one of those weekends where everything had been done last minute. We'd done the U20s game in Athlone on the Friday then had a late bus journey to Dublin after that. "Everyone had had a few beers on the bus and I was just sitting there with my laptop scrabbling together the running order for the Test match. "I was flying back that night to present Scrum V in the club, so my mind was frazzled because I was trying to juggle three running orders at once. 'I was aware that audience figures in those Six Nations games get up to 8-9 million figures at times. "You've got all that stuff going through your head, so it can sometimes be easy to lose focus of the bigger picture. "I remember standing there about five minutes before going on air and I was trying to compose myself. "It was a sold-out Aviva Stadium for Ireland versus Wales. It was around the time when that rivalry was at its fiercest. "I was just thinking 'let's get through this and make sure you get to the airport in time to catch your flight'. Join WalesOnline Rugby's WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free "I remember just turning around and Brian O'Driscoll and Gordon D'Arcy were doing some passing drills in the dead ball area directly behind me. "I just had this almost like an epiphany where I went 'jeez, that's one of the greatest centre pairings that's ever played rugby' and here I am standing just yards from them with a mic in hand about to present the coverage of their game against Wales. "It had this really relaxing effect on me and I thought, 'do you know what, I need to appreciate this as it's happening'.' Growing up in the 1980s and early 1990s, Harries had few triumphs to cheer for as a Welsh rugby fan. But as a broadcaster, he's been front and centre for some of the national team's most iconic moments — including Sam Warburton's rise as captain. 'I remember interviewing Sam Warburton when he'd come back from the 2011 World Cup and bless him he was getting so much press coverage," he said. "I almost didn't want to do the interview but I had to do it. I knew he'd be sick of getting asked about the red card. "He was such a gentleman and he was so diplomatic. He handled it so well for a 22-year-old. "We became quite friendly as a result of that. There's always a line you don't want to cross in broadcasting because ultimately you've got to maintain a level of professionalism. "I remember after that 2012 Grand Slam victory over France I was right down on the touchline. "The final whistle blew and Sam was there because he'd come off injured. He just launched himself into the air doing a fist pump before turning around and I was the first person he saw. "He enveloped me in this massive bear hug. It was one of those moments where I thought 'you know what, I've probably compromised my professionalism a bit here and I hope my boss doesn't see that on the coverage' but it felt like 'wow, this is amazing'.' Unfortunately Welsh rugby has slipped back into its old ways with the men's national team slipping to a record 17 defeats in a row and the regions struggling to achieve consistent success. Harries was a prominent journalist in Wales the last time there was a rift of this magnitude between the Welsh Rugby Union and its four professional clubs - Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets. The future of Welsh rugby is uncertain with a tiered funding model and the possibility of reducing a club or two being considered. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here. Working as a journalist through such turbulent periods is extremely challenging, as Harries knows all too well. "It can get really depressing, can't it?" he added, "I remember there was a long period where there was a huge row which felt never ending when Roger Lewis was CEO. "There was that constant warring between the union and the regions. It wasn't too dissimilar to what we are seeing now, although there seems to be a bit more collaboration now. "I know there's still a lot of antagonism and people have entirely different opinions of how the game should be run. "But back then it got really quite malicious. I was hosting Scrum V. At that point it seemed every Sunday was like presenting Newsnight rather than Scrum V. "It almost became a political show where every week we were trying to hold WRU directors and regional directors to account. "While it was an important subject that needed to be covered I think Welsh rugby fans as a whole just got really jaded with it all and they lost their appetite for rugby. "Ultimately it was a rugby show that was supposed to show highlights and analysis with a bit of fun and humour. "In Wales sometimes if you try to inject a bit of humour you then get accused by the social media mob of trivialising things or not taking things seriously enough. "You have to cover the political stuff and you have to give it the air time it deserves, but equally you have to remember that 80-90% of rugby fans aren't really interested in that." So, what is Harries' views of Welsh rugby's latest crisis? "It is exhausting," he admits. "There seems to be a bit more of a will to compromise than there has been in the past. "Back in the days of Roger Lewis some of those press releases were quite malevolent in tone and it seemed like it was us against them, whereas there seems to be more of an attempt to build a consensus here. "But the numbers just aren't adding up, are they? We've got four regions - none of whom have won anything since Cardiff won the Challenge Cup in 2018. "The sums seem to point towards cutting a region but we all know politically and socially that could be disastrous for Welsh rugby. "In an ideal world what we need is more money. "Look at Rachel Reeves at the moment, she is trying to satisfy everyone but she can't say yes to every request that comes across her desk. "It's almost the same thing in Welsh rugby. The money that Welsh rugby raises isn't sufficient to support four teams that can realistically compete for trophies. "Do we go down to those 2+2, 3+1 or does someone come in and do a David Moffett and take a sledge hammer to it all? "It just seems like we are in no man's land at the moment." Ross Harries is part of the Premier Sports team bringing every game live from the URC and will be lead presenter for URC's Grand Final this Saturday from 4pm on Premier Sports 1 as Leinster take on Vodacom Bulls at Croke Park. Ross will be alongside Tom Shanklin, John Barclay, Simon Zebo, Stephen Ferris, Ian Madigan Ryan Wilson and Rory Hamilton on commentary. Article continues below Premier Sports now broadcasts more than 400 live rugby games every season from the most exciting club rugby competitions in the world. 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BBC News
13-06-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Scarlets add ex-Wales lock Davies to coaching team
Former Wales lock and captain Bradley Davies has joined Scarlets' coaching set up for the 2025-26 38-year-old former Ospreys, Wasps and Cardiff forward will "focus on the contact area" as part of Dwayne Peel's backroom said: "Brad is a young, ambitious coach who will bring a huge amount of energy and enthusiasm to the group as well as his experience at the top end of the game from his playing days."Davies moves from his assistant coaching role at Super Rygbi Cymru side Bridgend, which he combined with working in Ospreys' academy."It's great as a young Welsh coach to have a club like the Scarlets show faith in you and offer you the chance to grow - I'm looking forward to helping the Scarlets become the team we want them to be," said Davies."I'm excited to get going, working with the boys and ripping into pre-season."Meanwhile former Scarlets defence coach Gareth Williams has left his position in charge of their removed Williams from his defence coach role in February, 2024 and he went on to become academy pathway of Peel's assistants, Emyr Phillips, has succeeded Williams a head of their academy.
Wales Online
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Welsh international announced at region as former Wales coach leaves
Welsh international announced at region as former Wales coach leaves The Scarlets have also confirmed the departure of a former Wales coach Former Wales lock Bradley Davies is climbing up the coaching ladder (Image: Darren Griffiths/Huw Evans Agency ) The Scarlets have confirmed the addition of former Wales international Bradley Davies to their coaching team ahead of next season. The 66-cap second-row joins from the Ospreys, where he has been working as an academy coach for the last two seasons. He has also been working with Scott Baldwin at Super Rygbi Cymru side Bridgend Ravens. The former Cardiff, Wasps and Ospreys lock will look after the contact area for Dwayne Peel's side - joining existing assistant coaches Jared Payne, Albert van den Berg and Emyr Phillips. The 38-year-old - who captained Wales in 2013 on their summer tour of Japan - was one of 10 players hand-picked by the Welsh Rugby Union in 2019 to take part in a player to coach scheme. 'I am honoured to take up the coaching role at the Scarlets," said Davies. "It is a fantastic opportunity for myself and one which I am going to take with both hands. 'For me, it's the chance to add some value in my areas and help the team reach the next level. I also get to work with some awesome coaches which will be invaluable in my career. Article continues below 'It's great as a young Welsh coach to have a club like the Scarlets show faith in you and offer you the chance to grow - I'm looking forward to helping the Scarlets become the team we want them to be. I'm excited to get going, working with the boys and ripping into pre-season. 'I'd also like to thank the Ospreys Academy, the coaches and my good friends Andrew Bishop, Paul James and James Hook for their help in getting me to this position as well as everyone at Bridgend Ravens, a proper Welsh club where I had two fantastic years. I have no doubt they are going to be a massive force in semi-professional rugby.' Join WalesOnline Rugby's WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free On the addition of Davies, Peel added: 'Brad is a young, ambitious coach who will bring a huge amount of energy and enthusiasm to the group as well as his experience at the top end of the game from his playing days. 'We were pleased with the growth shown by the squad this season, securing Champions Cup rugby and reaching the URC play-offs and as a coaching team we are determined to build on that over the summer heading into the new campaign. 'After coaching with the Ospreys Academy, age-grade teams and with Bridgend in the SRC, Brad is keen to take the next step into the professional game and we look forward to welcoming him to the group when we return to Parc y Scarlets next month.' The Scarlets have also confirmed their academy coaching set-up for next season. Article continues below Scott Sneddon, who is currently coaching with Wales U20s, will continue as head coach, withy Phil John, Tom Phillips and Rhodri Jones assisting him. Former Wales contact area coach Gareth Williams, who also previously coached the Scarlets defence, has left his position as academy pathway manager. Emyr Phillips will take on the role, while also coaching with the senior squad as a scrum coach.
Wales Online
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Young Wales international's new life gamble pays off after telling Welsh region he'd had enough
Young Wales international's new life gamble pays off after telling Welsh region he'd had enough He wasn't getting picked so told the coach he'd had enough. Now, he's been rewarded in the Top 14 after some impressive performances Carwyn Tuipulotu has started a new chapter in France Welsh back-row Carwyn Tuipulotu has signed a new deal with French club Section Paloise after impressing for the Top 14 side this season. Having initially joined from the Scarlets in February as a medical joker following a brief spell with Saracens, Tuipulotu went on to make nine appearances for the French outfit - crossing for two tries. As such, the club have moved to sign him up for another year, with the option of another season after that. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. 'I love the supporters and this club with its unique history and pride," said Tuipulotu. "I am very honoured and grateful to have been so quickly adopted by the Section family. "A new season is coming up. I am looking forward to it; the club is building something strong and special.' Head coach Sébastien Piqueronies added : "Through his commitment and performances, Carwyn has demonstrated that he's at TOP 14 level. Article continues below "We're delighted to be able to count on him next season. Our third line is becoming more robust and will be even more of a strength in the coming season." The back row has moved overseas. (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd ) Tuipulotu had long been tipped for senior Wales honours after catching the eye of previous coach Warren Gatland and playing for Wales Under 20s, but fell out of favour at the Scarlets this season, with the Welsh region letting him go. He made 48 appearances for the Welsh region in total after making his senior debut for the club in 2020 against Ospreys. His departure came after an honest conversation with Scarlets' forwards coach Albert van den Berg resulted in him deciding he had to move for his own sake. "It was just an honest conversation and that almost became the turning point," he said. "I said to him I'd had enough and I felt like I should be playing in the team.' Article continues below Tuipulotu still has big senior internationalaspirations after choosing Wales over England as a youngster, recently telling the Times: 'Obviously I have aspirations for Wales. That's every boy's dream who comes from Wales. I'd love to have that as a goal to hopefully go on that summer tour [to Japan]. "I'm just quietly doing my business here in France. Hopefully someone notices and wants to see me." Tuipulotu is the son of former Tonga international Katilimoni, who played for Dunvant and Neath in Wales. Before joining Scarlets, Tuipulotu was part of the Newcastle Falcons academy after studying at Sedbergh School, and was picked up through the Welsh Exiles programme.
