Tonight's rugby news as Thomas speech moves stadium to tears and England star tests positive
Here are your rugby evening headlines for Friday, 24 June.
Rugby Sport News
Wales coach will 'stick my life' on little-known teen playing at next World Cup as U20s side revamped
Wales start their U20 Summer Series campaign against Scotland on Saturday (4pm) with coach Byron Hayward welcoming back two of the brightest prospects in British and Irish rugby in locks Christ Tshiunza and Dafydd Jenkins.
Ian Watson wants to coach in NRL after finishing ‘project’ at Huddersfield
Huddersfield head coach Ian Watson says he has a desire to coach in the NRL, but only once the ‘project’ he has started with the Giants is complete.
Thousands pay respects to ‘great’ Phil Bennett at former Wales star’s funeral
Phil Bennett was described as “a great gentleman and a great rugby player” as giants of the sport from Wales and beyond united in tribute to him at a remembrance service in Llanelli.
No bus parade in city for champions of England Leicester Tigers
No open-top bus parade will be held in Leicester to celebrate the Tigers amazing victory to secure their 11th English Championship. The club said that, as in previous years, many of the team were simply not around to enjoy a city celebration.
England wing tests positive for Covid-19 ahead of Australia opener
England have suffered a blow early on in their tour of Australia with Jonny May testing positive for Covid-19.
Exeter Chiefs confirm 2022/23 pre-season away day opponents
Exeter Chiefs will tune-up for the new 2022/23 campaign with a pre-season friendly away to United Rugby Championship side Ulster Rugby.
Stormers star Roos scoops URC Player of the Season award
Stormers No 8 Evan Roos has completed a dream tournament by bagging the inaugural United Rugby Championship Player of the Season award, which forms part of the annual SA Rugby Awards.