Warren Gatland hails Leigh Halfpenny’s professionalism ahead of 100th Wales cap
Wales boss Warren Gatland has hailed Leigh Halfpenny as “the ultimate professional” ahead of him joining rugby union’s 100-cap club.
Gareth Thomas Sport News
Thomas backing Reffell to fill Tipuric void
Gareth Thomas is backing Tommy Reffell to fill the void left by the 'outstanding' Justin Tipuric and play a key role in Wales' World Cup charge. The emergence of flanker Reffell was one of the bright spots of Wayne Pivac's reign as Wales boss but the Leicester Tigers man started just one match during the 2023 Six Nations following Warren Gatland's return.
Jenkins can step up to be Jones replacement, believes Williams
Now is the time for Dafydd Jenkins to step up according to Wales legend Shane Williams, as Warren Gatland seeks his long-term replacement for Alun Wyn Jones. The world's most capped player announced his retirement from international rugby during Wales' World Cup preparations, bowing out with 170 caps in total. Ad That followed Justin Tipuric making the same decision, with Rhys Webb having followed suit a week later.
Williams warns Wales against World Cup complacency
Shane Williams has warned Wales against complacency ahead of a favourable looking Rugby World Cup group – admitting he is still scarred by an 'embarrassing' early exit in 2007. Wales have been drawn as the top seed in Pool C for this year's tournament and despite falling to ninth in the world rankings, will be favourites to progress alongside Australia ahead of Fiji, Georgia and Portugal.
Shock retirement won't impact Alun Wyn Jones' legacy, says Gareth Thomas
ALUN Wyn Jones' decision to retire from Test rugby months out from a World Cup might have shocked a few but Gareth Thomas believes the move should not have any effect on how his career is viewed. With 170 caps for Wales and the British & Irish Lions, Jones is the most capped rugby player of all time, and looked like he would appear at a fifth Rugby World Cup after being initially selected in Wales' wider training squad.
Rhys Carre released from Wales training squad for missing performance targets
Cardiff prop Rhys Carre has been released from Wales' preliminary Rugby World Cup training squad after failing to meet individual performance targets.
Wales leave Joe Hawkins out of World Cup squad but select Will Rowlands
Wales have omitted Joe Hawkins from their preliminary World Cup training squad. The Ospreys centre has been capped five times since making his international debut last November, but doubts were cast over the 20-year-old’s eligibility following his decision to join Exeter next season.
Ospreys 21-38 Cardiff: Thomas Young shines a day after dad's suspension to clinch Welsh Shield
Cardiff put the sudden suspension of director of rugby Dai Young behind them as they secured the Welsh Shield and Champions Cup rugby with a dominant five-try victory over the Ospreys at Judgement Day.