Rugby evening headlines as top Wales teen international goes pro in England and European boss wants Welsh improvement

Here are the latest rugby evening headlines on Wednesday, May 25.

Welsh BUCS Super Rugby-winning captain Olly White has signed a professional contract with English Championship side Cornish Pirates after leaving Exeter University RFC.

The Wales U18s international and back-rower has put pen to paper on a one-year deal for the 2022/23 season after spending four years with Exeter Uni, where he made 28 BUCS Super Rugby appearances - a number which would have been higher had it not been for Covid and injury - and was named first team captain for 2021/22.

He was injured in the semi-final against Cardiff Met and subsequently ruled out of the BUCS National Final against Durham, but the former Welsh U18 and U19 international still led from the front throughout the season, finishing off a memorable team try away against Cardiff University. It is hoped he will make a big impact next season as the Pirates look to improve on their third-place finish in English rugby's second tier.

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Cornish Pirates coach Louie Tonkin, a former UWIC, Swansea and Llandovery lock who worked with White at Exeter previously, said: "He is a very talented young man who played for Wales U18s and has this season captained the successful Exeter University team. We feel Olly is someone physically ready to step up into the Championship. His set piece play is great, he’s a very good leader, and we are really excited about having him on board.”

"All at EURFC are delighted to see White make the leap into the elite game and wish him the best of luck as he embarks on his first season in professional rugby," he said.

Wales international Dan Lydiate has agreed a new contract with the Ospreys. The