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Ospreys sign Cardiff hooker Daniel
Ospreys sign Cardiff hooker Daniel

BBC News

time3 days ago

  • Sport
  • BBC News

Ospreys sign Cardiff hooker Daniel

Cardiff hooker Efan Daniel has joined Ospreys ahead of the 2025-26 made 24 appearances during his time with Cardiff and has played for Wales at Under-20 22-year-old was called up to Wales' senior squad that toured Australia last summer and featured as a replacement against Queensland Reds."The boys and coaches have been great since I got here and have all made me feel welcome, it's like I've been here for a few years instead of a couple weeks," Daniel said."The Ospreys were the team I watched the most growing up, so I'm looking forward to putting on the black jersey and making an impact wherever I can."Ospreys head coach Mark Jones said Daniel was a player he had long admired and said: "It's exciting to have him as part of our setup."We've got a good blend of youth and experience at hooker which is highly important with it being such a specialised position."We feel we're in a really strong position in our front row now and set up well for the season ahead."

Dylan Brown cops brutal reality check about NRL role after surprise call from Eels
Dylan Brown cops brutal reality check about NRL role after surprise call from Eels

Yahoo

time4 days ago

  • Sport
  • Yahoo

Dylan Brown cops brutal reality check about NRL role after surprise call from Eels

Greg Alexander says Dylan Brown's shock switch from five-eighth to hooker has signalled the beginning of the end of his playmaking days at Parramatta. Coach Jason Ryles made the surprise call before Sunday's loss against four-time defending premiers Penrith to shift the Newcastle-bound Brown to hooker and play youngster Joash Papalii in the halves instead, despite naming the Kiwi Test star at No.6. Brown is set to join Newcastle next season after signing a 10-year, $13 million deal and with the 15th-placed Eels little chance to play finals footy this season, Ryles has decided to turn his attentions to the future. And as far as Alexander is concerned, that means Brown has likely played his last game as Parramatta's starting five-eighth, with the league great backing the move to give Papalii a chance to prove he can be Mitch Moses' long-term halves partner. 'It's very odd,' Alexander said on SEN radio on Monday. 'Jason Ryles is looking to the future. The Eels are not going to figure in finals. Brown is not part of the future and you're now at a stage where you look back on the season." Alexander questioned whether the Knights may actually be having second thoughts on their mega-money move to bring Brown to the club next season after his recent performances for the Eels. And he said the fact Ryles replaced the Kiwi star in the first half and only brought him back on in the dying stages of Sunday's 32-10 defeat to Penrith, suggested Brown was no longer in the coach's starting team plans. RELATED: Laurie Daley's worrying call as glaring NSW Origin mistake exposed Nathan Cleary lifts the lid on father Ivan's act after heartbreak Sam Walker's future cast into doubt after news about father and uncle 'For Brown, has he done anything? Is he doing things during the game that are likely to win you a game? I'd say not," Alexander said about Brown's recent form. "Playing the Dragons a fortnight ago, Newcastle would be watching this and thinking '(is) that our man?' 'The Eels don't have a five-eighth for next year and they want to see Joash Papalii can handle it. After taking Brown off 30 minutes in and (Ryles) not putting him back on until the last five minutes when the game was lost, I think we know where Dylan Brown stands now... his time at the Eels is done in terms of playing at six.' With Moses out injured for much of the season, many expected Brown to stand up in the halfback's absence and lead the Eels as their chief playmaker. That hasn't been the case though, with rookie fullback Isaiah Iongi seemingly taking on that mantle and being a standout for Parramatta in his first season at the club. And after Sunday's defeat to Penrith, Ryles has since confirmed that Papalii will get another shot at the No.6 role for next weekend's clash with the ladder-leading Raiders. But with first-choice hooker Ryley Smith returning from suspension to share dummy-half duties with mid-season recruit Tallyn Da Silva, it raises further question marks over Brown's role for the rest of the season. "(Papalii) will get the first opportunity and then we'll just see what it looks like going forward," Ryles said. He's going to take a little bit of time to find his way; I think he's five or six games in. We'll just let him keep working on his game and let that keep evolving." The Eels coach says Brown understands the situation though and has handled his demotion well. "Whilst he's still here, he's happy to do what's best for the team. It's a good reflection of his character," Parramatta's coach said about the Kiwi playmaker.

British & Irish Lions squad 2025: the chosen 38 players
British & Irish Lions squad 2025: the chosen 38 players

Yahoo

time09-05-2025

  • Sport
  • Yahoo

British & Irish Lions squad 2025: the chosen 38 players

Back in the England fold after a two-year injury absence. Played in all of England's Six Nations matches, starting four, winning the nod, as here, over Jamie George, England's previous captain. Also involved in every Test in South Africa in 2021, starting the first two. A handful around the park with much-improved technical skills. Sale and England Age 31 Caps 49 Lions caps 3 We thought he might be Ireland's hooker for the foreseeable when he made his debut in the 2020 Six Nations, a few months after Rory Best retired. And then along came Sheehan. Kelleher does not have his Leinster teammate's pace (what front-row forward does?) but he is rock solid at the important bits. Leinster and Ireland Age 28 Caps 39 If he is fit, he will surely start the Tests. Has captained Ireland and racked up 13 Six Nations tries, comfortably the most by any forward. And that's because he has the pace and power to terrify anyone, whatever their position. Leinster's elimination from the Champions Cup will hurt – and hopefully spur. Leinster and Ireland Age 26 Caps 32 Played for Glasgow at 18 and Scotland at 20 and has formed the cornerstone of both more or less ever since. Currently injured, so a show of faith from Farrell. If Scotland are more about the flashy backs these days, they would really be at sea without this fellow where the sun don't shine. Glasgow and Scotland Age 29 Caps 75 The man in possession and no obvious reason why he wouldn't stay as such if fit. He has started all of the Lions' last six Tests, across two tours, to New Zealand and South Africa. To do so again would complete a nice set. He did miss most of the Six Nations with a calf niggle, though. Leinster and Ireland Age 32 Caps 79 Lions caps 6 The Lions won't lack for leadership – but it is easy to forget this larger-than-life personality led Leicester to a Premiership title not so long ago. Indeed, he was England's vice-captain during the Six Nations. Not that such gravitas stops him charging round the pitch like someone much less grown-up. Bristol and England Age 30 Caps 71 His feats in the gym did much to secure his early reputation, but hardly anyone talks about that now, such is his prowess on the field. He has played at the highest level on both sides of the scrum, always handy in a tourist, but as a loosehead he has found a licence to rampage in the loose too. Leinster and Ireland Age 29 Caps 75 You know when he has the ball because his adoring fans cry 'Schooooooo'. He came to Edinburgh in 2018 from the high veldt of South Africa, one of the last to qualify under the old three-year residency rule. As soon as he was eligible he was in the Scotland team. Edinburgh and Scotland Age 31 Caps 42 The prop's prop. He has bided his time in the shadow of more obviously charismatic rivals at tighthead, but he came into his own in this year's Six Nations, being named in the official team of the championship. Australia have a long-standing phobia of big England props. Here comes the latest. Bath and England Age 28 Caps 50 If the distinction between lock and back-row forward is increasingly blurred in the modern game, this guy embodies that trend as much as anyone. Comfortable in the second or back rows. Comfortable leaping in the air, comfortable grappling in the godforsaken nooks and crannies, comfortable in the wide-open spaces. Munster and Ireland Age 33 Caps 61 Lions caps 2 Another of these multi-purpose forwards. They really come into their own on a Lions tour. Chessum had a bad run of injuries at the back end of last year, but by round three of the Six Nations he was back in England's engine room and revving. Leicester and England Age 24 Caps 28 A testament to him that he should be selected for this after such little rugby at the highest level this season. Fell victim to one of the more ridiculous red cards in the autumn, then missed the entire Six Nations with a broken arm. Sorely missed then, a figure of substance in Scotland's tight five. Glasgow and Scotland Age 28 Caps 48 He has finally consummated the 'Future England Captain' tag that was foisted on him from a young age. And he wears it well. Back to his best this Six Nations, his first as England captain, he now strides on to a stage he knows well as captain there too. Now is his time. Saracens and England Age 30 Caps 90 Lions caps 6 Try saying his name without breaking into a rendition of Vanessa Paradis's 80s hit, 'Joe le Taxi'. Back to the rugby, he made his name as the star of Ireland's hugely impressive win in Marseille to launch their grand-slam campaign last year, so soon after another disappointing World Cup. The Leinster production line keeps rolling. Leinster and Ireland Age 24 Caps 19 At least some players remain specialist locks. Ryan is an understated but influential technician of the set-pieces. Which is not to say he cannot gallop with the best of them. Indeed he scored on his Ireland debut which, unusually, came before his Leinster one. Another with a taste for captaincy. Leinster and Ireland Age 28 Caps 72 Started all three Tests in South Africa last time out. With Caelan Doris missing, his chances of repeating the trick have shot up, probably vying with Ben Earl for the No 8 jersey. A good old-fashioned, snarling back-row forward, who packs quite the punch with ball in hand. Leinster and Ireland Age 32 Caps 51 Lions caps 3 Classical openside in a modern era. Which means punishment and lots of it. Almost inhuman amounts. Extraordinary how he rides it all and still produces world-class performances in attack and defence. Has had stem-cell treatment on a chronic bone condition in his hip. So a link between the past and future, as much as between backs and forwards. Sale and England Age 26 Caps 61 Lions caps 3 Comfortable at the base of the scrum or on the flank, his explosiveness is an asset anywhere – including the centre, where England have deployed him. Then there's the niggle, celebrating every little scrum win as if it were a World Cup. Must be a nightmare to play against – and thus a dream to play with. Saracens and England Age 27 Caps 42 It seems they hand out player of the series awards for any old collection of matches these days, but Van der Flier collects more than most. And his gong for world player of the year in 2022 puts him among quite the elite. He scores tries, makes tackles, wins turnovers and never stops running. Leinster and Ireland Age 32 Caps 73 Amid Wales's recent tribulations, Morgan has stood out as a player and a man. Co-captain for Wales's World Cup campaign at the age of 23, he pretty much fulfilled the role on the field alone. Now captain outright. Barrel-chested and explosive, he will contend with a few others answering to that description. Ospreys and Wales Age 25 Caps 18 There will be bumps along the road (surely) but for now this kid is a sprinting, bristling advert for doing whatever comes naturally – in his case playing rugby without fear. More Test tries (two) than halves of Test rugby (nearly one) at the moment. An outrageous selection for this tour. But an increasingly undeniable one. Northampton and England Age 20 Caps 1 If we in the north were to think long enough about how someone who didn't make the All Blacks went on to become one of the very best up here, we might get a little depressed. Or maybe the Irish just understand him better. Either way, he's a gem and likely to start the Tests. Leinster and Ireland Age 33 Caps 43 Northampton win the Premiership with him at No 9. They slump when he is injured earlier this season. He returns and they win all their Champions Cup games. In short, he's one of those heartbeat players. All the management skills of your petit general-type scrum-halfs and the pace of those quicksilver ones. Northampton and England Age 27 Caps 23 These are not halcyon times for Welsh rugby, but Williams remains beyond reproach. In the Premiership where teams are, shall we say, more evenly matched, he repeatedly stars for Gloucester, winning multiple match awards and turning sides inside out with his pace and derring-do. Gloucester and Wales Age 30 Caps 63 Time is ticking by and he must know it. After a decade of sublime brilliance the maestro must yearn for achievements more concrete. He has a title from his formative years at Glasgow and is looking good for two finals with Bath in the next few weeks. Some more silverware there would be great for his tour. Bath and Scotland Age 32 Caps 87 Lions caps 1 Suddenly England's steady hand on the tiller, even though he's three years younger than the maverick, uncut option of namesake Marcus. His stock is higher still after the role he played in Northampton's undoing of star-studded Leinster on Saturday. One of those who just get rugby. Northampton and England Age 22 Caps 11 Despite a recent ankle injury Smith proved an irresistible selection. Now no longer the precocious youngster, he enters the mid-stage of his career with the extra asset of versatility. England deploy him at full-back as often as not these days. Wherever it is, he turns heads – including those of his opponents. Harlequins and England Age 26 Caps 44 Of the triumvirate in seemingly perpetual competition for a place in Ireland's centres, Aki has proved the most eye-catching. Rugby is not always about the most obvious, but when someone throws their considerable weight around like Aki does, it looks good because it really is good. Don't overthink it. Get him in your team. Connacht and Ireland Age 35 Caps 65 Lions caps 1 The purveyor of rugby with a smile on its face. Even if he might not always be grinning widely as he slashes his way through opposition defences, it feels as if he is. The speed and footwork are outrageous. He'll be a popular tourist, certainly among those who have paid good money for a ticket. Glasgow and Scotland Age 31 Caps 58 Long been a classy operator in the outside-centre channel, where Brian O'Driscoll was once so indispensable to Ireland. Glides through defences like the old maestro and reads opposition attacks just as astutely. His comfort in that fabled No 13 shirt is as much tribute to him as Ireland's uptick in titles since he donned it. Leinster and Ireland Age 30 Caps 67 Big vote of confidence. A pectoral injury denied him a chance to lead Scotland in the Six Nations. Due to make his comeback this weekend, for Glasgow, he has already impressed Farrell enough to bring him straight in. And no wonder. Was the form centre only a few months ago. Glasgow and Scotland Age 27 Caps 30 The thinking man's winger. Not as lightning quick as some but reads the game like few others. Given his try-scoring exploits (a try in every round of the Six Nations, three against Leinster last weekend), easy to forget he started life as a full-back. Also fancied in the 13 shirt. Class wherever he plays. Northampton and England Age 24 Caps 20 A maverick who will prove very hard to defend against, however well they might feel they know him in his native Australia. Injury means he won't play again before the tour starts and has disrupted his last two Six Nations, but he is worth the gamble. Anything can happen when he's on the ball. Connacht and Ireland Age 27 Caps 28 Another of Ireland's beloved New Zealanders, he was fast-tracked into international rugby as soon as eligible, in 2020. Deadly with ball in hand, waving it around like a wand as he feints this way and that. Also pretty devastating with ball off foot, launching enormous punts to all corners. Leinster and Ireland Age 32 Caps 40 Not much arguing with this fellow in full flight. Huge and quick, he is in an enthralling duel with the very differently-sized Darcy Graham to be Scotland's top try-scorer. He currently leads by one. Expect him to add a Lions try or two to his collection. Started all three Lions Tests in 2021. Edinburgh and Scotland Age 29 Caps 49 Lions caps 3 A perfect tourist. Versatile, deadly and able to land kicks from great distances. He is also vastly experienced. He started every match on the 2017 tour to New Zealand and picked up a further two Test caps in 2021. As France can testify, his pace and power are as lethal as ever. Saracens and England Age 32 Caps 73 Lions caps 5 One of those electric types who had a schooling on the sevens circuit. Soon he was wowing the fans of Leinster and Ireland, just as they were coming to terms with the retirement of Rob Kearney. Has been a fixture ever since, missing only four Six Nations matches in the last five years. Leinster and Ireland Age 28 Caps 46 Not only would he miss start of tour if Toulouse make the Top 14 final, as expected, he is also injured. Such is his importance, Farrell has picked him anyway. A Rolls Royce of a full-back who can play wing or fly-half and kick goals. Rock-solid under the high ball and rangy on the gallop. Toulouse and Scotland Age 28 Caps 60

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