Latest news with #Welsh-qualified
Wales Online
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Welsh side announce signing of giant South African star
Welsh side announce signing of giant South African star The Dragons have moved to strengthen their front row Robert Hunt while playing for the Bulls (Image: Getty Images ) The Dragons have confirmed the signing of South African tighthead Robert Hunt from the Cheetahs. Hunt – who stands 6ft 1in and weighs over 19 stone – moves to Rodney Parade this summer to add his scrummaging prowess to Dragons' squad. Despite interest from other clubs, the former Bulls, and Cheetahs prop - who hails from Hermanus in the Western Cape - has chosen to make Gwent his home, joining Dillon Lewis and Wyn Jones as new front rowers this coming season. The 28-year-old started his career with Leopards and made his BKT United Rugby Championship debut on Welsh soil against Cardiff Rugby in October 2021. He becomes the 13th new recruit ahead of next season. 'We're pleased to be able to officially confirm Rob Hunt's signing and to add him to our squad ahead of the new season," said Dragons head coach Filo Tiatia. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. 'He's impressed since day one of pre-season, working hard along with the rest of the squad. Article continues below "I'm excited to now work with him as we continue to build towards a new campaign for Dragons.' The Dragons are rebuilding after a bitterly disappointing 2024/25 season where they only won twice all season. But the club have recruited strongly ahead of the new campaign while a plethora of players have also left Rodney Parade. Former Wales props Wyn Jones and Dillon Lewis are among the new recruits, along with Seb Davies, MacKenzie Martin and Thomas Young. Wales U20s captain Harry Beddall has also signing, while Tongan internationals Fetuli Paea (centre) and Fine Inisi (wing) are also coming on board, along with Welsh-qualified lock Levi Douglas from Biarritz. Join WalesOnline Rugby's WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free 'Dragons are evidently working on something big to swing the momentum of the club around and that's something I eagerly want to part of," said Hunt. Article continues below 'I'm excited to get into pre-season with the boys, graft and build that excitement heading into next season. 'I look forward most to the set-piece. "There's some great experience in the pack, and I believe we have the firepower to do some positive things together.' Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here.
Wales Online
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Tonight's Cardiff City news as fresh player link emerges and coach lands huge new job
Tonight's Cardiff City news as fresh player link emerges and coach lands huge new job The latest Bluebirds news from Cardiff City Stadium Welsh-qualified goalkeeper David Harrington (L) has been linked with Cardiff City (Image: David Rawcliffe/Propaganda ) Here are your Cardiff City headlines for Tuesday, July 8. Goalkeeper linked Cardiff City are reportedly one of four clubs who have placed Fleetwood Town goalkeeper David Harrington on their transfer radar. The 25-year-old, who impressed in League Two last season before a shoulder injury in December, is also attracting interest from Bolton, Preston and Wigan, according to Football League World. Harrington, who is dual-qualified with the Republic of Ireland but was named in a Wales squad last November, is keen to secure regular football at a higher level to boost his chances of making Craig Bellamy's 2026 World Cup squad. Quite whether Cardiff will add a goalkeeper to their roster is contingent on whether one leaves, you would suspect. They have Jak Alnwick, who is absent from their pre-season tour owing to a back spasm, and United States goalkeeper Ethan Horvath in their ranks. Horvath, however, has been linked with a move away this summer in a bid to bolster his chances of making the World Cup, which North America hosts next year. Article continues below City also have Matthew Turner and Jake Dennis on tour with them out in Spain, where new head coach Brian Barry-Murphy will be running a watchful eye over them. Join the Cardiff City breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community. Northeast lands Besiktas job Cardiff's former head of performance, Jonny Northeast, has been named as Besiktas' new head of performance. Northeast joined Cardiff in December 2022 following a stint in Turkey with Besiktas, one of the three huge Istanbul clubs alongside Fenerbahce and Galatasaray. Join the Cardiff City breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community It was announced just over a week ago that Northeast would depart and it was understood that he was leaving to pursue an opportunity he couldn't turn down in Turkey. "A mad few weeks but when an opportunity presents itself to you, you have to grab it with both hands," he said in a social media post. "This week sees me say goodbye to 2.5years at CCFC to take up a new challenge 2.0. Thanks to all staff, players and partners who I have had the privilege to work with over the last two seasons. "Excited to start a new chapter and look forward to the season ahead." Cardiff moved swiftly to appoint Kevin Gibbins, who worked under Barry-Murphy while at Rochdale. Besiktas are currently managed by former Cardiff and Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Morrison: Surprised and said Ralls was allowed to leave Sean Morrison has said he is "surprised" and "sad" that Joe Ralls wasn't kept on at Cardiff this year, but is excited by what's next for the midfielder. Ralls left the club officially last week after his contract expired, bringing to an end a 15-year stay with the club which took in more than 400 games. Both Ralls and Morrison, who are close friends, are in that 'City Legends' category, but the ex-defender was surprised his old friend was allowed to leave the club. Speaking to View From The Ninian, Morrison said: "It's sad, really sad. It's going to be so weird seeing him in a different kit, the strangest thing ever. We all know him from wearing that Cardiff City blue. "It's sad but I'm so excited for him, that's where I left our conversation on the weekend. I'm so excited for his new challenge. "All the stuff he does behind the scenes, he's such a stand-up guy. 400-odd appearances, which is absolutely bonkers in football now. "We are all so proud to have shared the pitch with him and watched him do what he's done. He is a proper legend and the club. "I'm excited for him to start a new journey somewhere else, because hopefully that gives him a new lease of life." He added: "I was really surprised with the decision to be honest. Whoever was going to come in as a manager —I've heard nothing but good things about this guy, this coach, from the football world— he is a really nice guy, stand-up guy and an honest guy. "The conversation I believe Joe had with him was a fantastic conversation. Whoever came in was going to have their own plans and people in mind, unfortunately Joe doesn't fit in with that. "But I was surprised. He is the club captain and there is no one else in the changing room like that. It's going to be an odd situation, but it's a rebuild and how the manager wants to do it." Morrison has officially retired from football now, saying he is concentrating on his family life, having a young son with wife Stacey. However, the next steps appear to be on the touchline, with Morrison keen to help the next generation. And that might well be at Cardiff. "I've got the A licence and now it's just about going in and coaching," he said. "I've been speaking to Gavin Chesterfield down at the academy and I know he would love me to come down there and start helping with the young kids and stuff. Article continues below "I'm definitely going to go down there on a voluntary basis, probably starting this season." Sign up to our daily Cardiff City newsletter here.
Wales Online
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Welsh-qualified talent turned down Gatland's approach for one big reason
Welsh-qualified talent turned down Gatland's approach for one big reason The England U20s star is one who got away from Wales England U20s hooker Kepu Tuipulotu in action against Wales U20s (Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency ) Rising English rugby star Kepu Tuipulotu has lifted the lid on why he turned down Warren Gatland's offer of a place in Wales' Six Nations squad. The 19-year-old hooker was born in Pontypool to Tongan parents but qualifies for England on residency after taking up a scholarship at the prestigious Harrow School in London, resulting in the powerful forward representing England at age-grade level. Tuipulotu has made a huge impact for England U20s and has already acquired a handful of appearances for Gallagher Premiership winners Bath. Such is the teenager's potential Gatland offered him a place in the senior Wales squad for the 2024 Six Nations which he turned down. 'It was tough," he told RugbyPass. 'I lean on my dad quite heavily for guidance and wisdom. The main one was, I was still in school at the time. Article continues below "My mother is quite big on, there's a life after rugby, you've got to have a plan B. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. 'You back your abilities – everyone should – but having the confidence to make the right decision in my mind, and with my mum and dad backing me, they gave me the confidence to not say yes in terms of sticking with where I was, finishing my upper sixth year and travelling down the path of England rugby.' Tuipulotu's decision to represent England at senior international level is a severe blow for the Welsh Rugby Union and is mired in controversy. Following the World Rugby Council's decision in October 2023 to amend the eligibility criteria, Tuipulotu is allowed to represent England at senior level with immediate effect. Prior to last August, time spent in school or higher education did not count towards residency because the 60 months required to qualify to represent another nation needed to be unbroken. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here. The recent law amendment means the 60-month qualification period does not need to be unbroken, which is a big problem for the WRU given the huge volume of talented Welsh players who have taken up scholarships in English schools. Despite having fond memories of his childhood in Wales Tuipulotu believes he can hit the big time with England. 'I keep myself accountable to those goals,' he told RugbyPass. 'Yes, I want to represent England and yes, the next four years, having that Lions opportunity, and be a regular starter for Bath. I visualise those goals and put myself in those situations. "If I'm good enough, I'm ready to go out and deliver.' He recalls family camping trips to north Wales where his determination and competitive spirit began to thrive. Join WalesOnline Rugby's WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free 'We'd have these touch rugby games and I'd be the first one to properly throw my body in but the first one to cry," he told RugbyPass. "It would start off touch, I'd slowly lose my head, be the first one to get bumped off or sat down and then cry. Winning was the only outcome. 'I'd hate losing to the point where I'd be crying and stroppy and want to go again and play against my sisters at whatever we did, or against the cousins in a bit of touch rugby. I'd be the most annoying bloke ever. 'Anything I did, I wanted to win. Even playing the Wii with my sisters. If I'd lose, I'd be like, 'let's go again', until the point I started absolutely battering them and they didn't want to play anymore. Article continues below "I was quite annoying and competitive until I got older and took rugby as a passion and a job.' England's gain is certainly Wales' loss.
Wales Online
26-06-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Beaten English finalists confirm signing of 'exceptional' Welsh-qualified star
Beaten English finalists confirm signing of 'exceptional' Welsh-qualified star Gabriel Hamer-Webb had put himself in contention to tour Japan with Wales following a strong end to the season Cardiff wing Gabriel Hamer-Webb after the win over Munster (Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency ) Leicester Tigers have confirmed the signing of Welsh-qualified winger Gabriel Hamer-Webb following his departure from Cardiff last month. The 24-year-old, who qualifies for Wales through his Cardiff-born mother, had put himself into contention for the summer tour of Japan with a strong end to the season at the Arms Park - including a hat-trick against the Ospreys at Judgement Day. However, he wasn't included in Matt Sherratt's squad for the two-Test tour. The Blue and Blacks had been hopeful of keeping hold of the former England U20s wing, but his departure from the Welsh capital was announced in May. And now, beaten Gallagher Premiership finalists Leicester have confirmed they have signed Hamer-Webb ahead of next season. 'I'm really excited about joining the Tigers," said Hamer-Webb. "The group is littered with brilliant players, and I intend to add to that next season, I've played alongside the likes of Jack van Poortvliet and Freddie Steward already and looking forward to building on that connection again. "I see massive potential with Leicester Tigers to go on and do great things in the league and Europe.' 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 He added: 'It is an incredible place to play, having played there against Leicester Tigers before I know how passionate the fans are, and hope I can give them lots of reasons to make some noise.' Hamer-Webb had joined Cardiff from Bath on a short-term contract during the 2023-24 season, before eventually signing a permanent deal with the club. After his departure was announced last month, Hamer-Webb thanked the club "for the opportunity to represent the city that means so much to my family". "Most importantly I'd like to thank my team-mates and the fans for the many memories I am leaving with," he added. Hamer-Webb joins Leicester amid a time of monumental change for the Tigers. Former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika decided to not stay for a second season, with former England and Lions second-row Geoff Parling replacing him. Wales defence coach Mike Forshaw is set to join the coaching staff at the Welford Road club. Speaking about the signing of Hamer-Webb, Leicester general manager Richard Wilks said: 'Gabriel is an exceptional athlete who adds important competition to our outside backs next season. "He's powerful, fast and, as we've seen for Cardiff recently, a very strong finisher. Article continues below 'We identified him a while ago as a potential Leicester Tigers player and, since then, his game has gone from strength to strength, so it's exciting that we will be bringing him in on the back of that kind of form to build on further under Geoff Parling. 'He's keen to show what he is capable of at this level, as well as being determined to bring further success to this club which is a great sign and excites us all ahead of his arrival.'
Wales Online
11-06-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Welsh rugby's possible new future as behind-scenes talks reach crucial stage
Welsh rugby's possible new future as behind-scenes talks reach crucial stage Talks are happening in Welsh rugby's corridors of power and it is clear change must and will happen, Steffan Thomas reports Change is coming to Welsh rugby this summer (Image: Huw Evans ) The future direction of Welsh rugby will be shaped this summer. That is no exaggeration. Wales effectively has two choices: it can limp on as it is and consign itself to a future of mediocrity at best or it can radically change the structure of the game in this country to give itself the best chance of sustained success. The penny has dropped with the Welsh Rugby Union and the Professional Rugby Board are working very hard behind the scenes to come up with a solution. The problems do not need another in-depth explanation. The men's national team have lost their previous 17 Test matches - a tier one record - and the four professional clubs - Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets - have struggled to attain any sort of sustained success. Something has to change and things cannot go on as they are. Article continues below When the men's national side struggles it has a negative knock-on effect on the whole of Welsh rugby from a financial sense. Yes, there are some talented youngsters in the current Wales squad who will get better, while there are some potentially outstanding players emerging from the pathway, but the WRU needs to produce the optimum structure to give them the best chance of developing. Currently Wales' talent is spread too thinly across four professional clubs, while there are also a plethora of Welsh-qualified players in England. During the 2024/25 season, the Welsh clubs were operating from a salary cap of £4.5m, although that will rise next season at Cardiff and the Dragons who have signed the new Professional Rugby Agreement. The Gallagher Premiership salary cap this season was £6.4m which can rise to as high as £7.8m with home-grown player credits, international player credits and extra money for injury dispensation, while they are permitted one marquee player above the cap. In Ireland, Leinster have been significantly more well-resourced than the other three provinces - Connacht, Munster and Ulster - although this gap is closing next season. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. It is very difficult to pin down Leinster's exact playing budgets but Irish sources have told WalesOnline it is in the region of €10.6m Crucially, in Ireland, professional sportsmen get a tax break when they retire which means the sides in Ireland don't have to pay their players as much. For example, a professional player in Wales might be on £120,000 at the Scarlets but get offered £180,000 to sign for Exeter Chiefs. In Ireland a player might be on £120,000 at Munster but get offered £180,000 to sign for an English club but if he stays in Ireland he will be able to claim money back upon retirement. The Irish Government also puts huge investment into professional sport. For example, Connacht received a €10 million grant through the Large-Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund to go towards the development of a new stadium in Galway. These are issues outside of the WRU's control but if it wants professional clubs who are competing for silverware every season they are likely to need playing budgets in the region of £9m. The reality is it cannot do this with four clubs any longer and that is why it is looking at the prospect of reducing to three, if not two, professional sides. For the national side to get back to winning Six Nations Grand Slams it needs its professional clubs competing every year in the latter stages of the Champions Cup and United Rugby Championship, if not winning it. This requires a greater squad spend but also creating an elitist high-performance system built on extremely high standards. For example, Leinster have a squad of 58 players and there is huge cohesion in terms of partnerships, which benefits Ireland at Test level. If you look at Leinster's front-row they have the likes of Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong as starters but on the bench they have further internationals in the shape of Ronan Kelleher, Jack Boyle, Gus McCarthy and Thomas Clarkson, along with a senior France international in Rabah Slimani. To put it into context their two first choice hookers are in the British & Irish Lions squad to tour Australia this summer. That is the level of depth and competition for places needed for Welsh rugby to thrive. Also, with greater depth there will be less of a drop off when teams suffer injuries. Join WalesOnline Rugby's WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free There are also 32 non-Welsh qualified players in Wales, so fewer professional clubs would result in a significant reduction, but the ones that are signed should in theory be marquee players in the same bracket as All Blacks superstar Jordie Barrett who is on a sabbatical at Leinster. At international level Ireland is mainly Leinster with the likes of Tadhg Beirne and Bundee Aki added in on top. The players are all in sync with each other and also benefit from being part of a squad which is regularly competing at the cutting edge of competitions. Wales needs to produce something similar. Two or three clubs competing every year in the quarter-finals of the Champions Cup as a minimum, with the aim of winning is what is being discussed behind closed doors. It is close to impossible to achieve this with four clubs. Talent needs to be concentrated to increase competition for places which should in theory drive up standards across the board which was the thinking behind moving to regional rugby back in 2003. Also, it should also be an aim of the WRU to have at least one club participate in the financially lucrative Club World Cup which will be launched in 2028. Latter stage participation will also significantly improve commercial performances and bring in money across the board. But what also needs to be taken into consideration is what structure underpins the professional game. A new-look Super Rygbi Cymru If the WRU decides to reduce to three or two clubs there needs to be greater investment in Super Rygbi Cymru so it can potentially mirror New Zealand's NPC. The first season of SRC has been positive with the competition achieving far greater alignment to the pathway than the old Welsh Premiership did. But the gap between the professional game and the SRC still needs to be bridged significantly before it is anywhere near the level on offer in New Zealand. But if the WRU reduces the number of professional sides it will have the money to invest in the SRC to significantly increase standards, interest among fans who still hold famous club names dear and commercial possibilities. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here. Naturally, there will also be more professional standard players available to SRC teams if there are fewer professional clubs. If we go down to two professional clubs they will have far deeper squads and will release a greater percentage of players to play in the SRC. Article continues below The discussions at PRB level have to focus on what is needed to get the men's national side competing at the top end of the world game again The way to do that is to have professional clubs regularly competing for and winning silverware. Those at the top of Welsh are increasingly aware the status quo simply cannot deliver that.
