The latest headlines from Wales and around the world
Joe Hawkins (left), has had his say on the WRU proposal(Image: © Huw Evans Picture Agency)
These are your evening rugby headlines on Wednesday, August 20.
Wales international speaks out
Wales international Joe Hawkins has become the first player to speak out against the Welsh Rugby Union’s proposal to cut from four to two teams. Hawkins, who has just returned from Exeter to sign for the Scarlets, fears players and fans will walk away from the game if the suggested plan goes through in October.
Hawkins described the WRU’s optimal solution as “short-sighted”, suggesting the loss of regional fans could “kill the game”. His statement on X comes after players were informed of the proposal on Tuesday ahead of the formal announcement on Wednesday.
It’s understood the Welsh Rugby Players’ Association has urged its stars to fully engage with the process over the coming weeks and air their views.
“I think everyone agrees change is needed, but going down to two from four seems very short sighted,” Hawkins wrote on X.
“It will definitely increase squad quality and maybe success short term but probably at the cost of the little fans Welsh rugby has left walking away which will kill the game and even more players heading to England at a young age due to lack of playing opportunities.
“What happens then in five years when there is no fans and all the best young players are over the bridge with no one coming through?
“Also, as a player, if two new teams are made then who wants to play for a team with no history and no loyal and passionate supporters? All the best Welsh players will want that and find it outside of Wales.”
Under the two-team proposal the number of professional players in Wales will be greatly reduced, with 50 places available in each of the teams, compared to around 170 that exist across the four regions currently.
Welsh region respond to WRU plan
The first of Wales’ four regions has responded to the publication of the Welsh Rugby Union’s consultation document, which has publicly put forward a radical cut to just two professional teams.
The optimal solution has been presented by WRU bosses, sparking a six-week consultation that will see the regions, players and other stakeholders have their say on what is being proposed. While other possibilities, such as three teams and tiered funding will be part of discussions, the union has laid out its preferred option of just two clubs, each with a men’s and women’s side.
The public declaration on Wednesday comes amid the Ospreys, Scarlets and Dragons all maintaining they have no intention of going anywhere, with mergers seeming an unlikely outcome. Cardiff, of course, are currently owned by the WRU after being rescued from administration earlier this year.
Now, the Ospreys have issued a statement – the first team to respond to what has been laid out. Despite the threat that has been looming in recent weeks, they are ploughing on with plans to redevelop St Helen’s and insist they have a bright future.
A statement on Wednesday read: “We have reviewed the WRU’s consultation document and welcome the opportunity to engage constructively in this process. There are some interesting ideas within it, including options that we feel hold real potential, alongside others that present more challenges.
“We look forward to working closely with the WRU and all stakeholders to help shape a system that serves the best interests of the Ospreys, our supporters, and the wider Welsh game. Details will follow shortly for a supporters’ evening, where we will share more of our views and, importantly, listen to the views of our supporters.”
Rugby returns to Wembley
South Africa will take on Japan at Wembley Stadium this autumn in the first rugby union match played at the venue in nine years.
The reigning world champions will face Eddie Jones’ side on November 1, in what is a rematch of the Brave Blossoms’ iconic win over the Springboks at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, which is widely regarded as one of the sport’s biggest ever upsets.
It will be the first time rugby has been played at Wembley since South Africa drew 31-31 with the Barbarians in 2016.
“The game in Brighton 10 years ago changed rugby in Japan from being a minor sport to a boom sport,” said Jones. “Playing against the Boks is the dream of every young Japanese player.”
Meanwhile, Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus said: “We are delighted to be starting off our tour of the Northern Hemisphere with a match against Japan at the iconic Wembley Stadium.
“The Brave Blossoms are renowned for playing fast, attacking, high-tempo rugby – which has been prevalent in our last two encounters, before and during the Rugby World Cup in Japan in 2019.”
After kicking off a packed autumn campaign against Japan, South Africa will take on France the following week before travelling to Italy, Ireland and Wales on a five-match tour.
England international backs URC’s US expansion
Former England international Nick Easter has backed the incorporation of United States-based teams into the United Rugby Championship, but says they should be brought in in place of South African sides.
The URC looks set to undergo a big shake-up due to the WRU’s intention to cut two of Wales’ professional sides, with it being reported that the league is in talks to potentially replace those teams with US franchises.
The league last expanded in 2021 when four South African teams – the Bulls, Stormers, Lions and Sharks – joined the competition, which previously featured teams from Wales, Scotland, Ireland and Italy.
Easter, who now works as the US Eagles’ forwards and defence coach, has welcomed the idea of incorporating US-based teams into the league, and says the “best outcome” would be for those sides to replace the South African franchises.
“It’s good that the URC has shown interest in trying to get a couple of teams into that league,” he told RugbyPass. “For me, the best outcome for the URC would be the South African teams going back to join Super Rugby and create more of those fantastic games and not be a part of European rugby.
“Then keep the URC as Europe and the US teams because you need to grow the sport in North America, and that funding and exposure are needed over here.
“Of course, in terms of quality, the MLR is nowhere near the URC, and it may be that teams from the US would pull together their funds so they could get better players plus the top Eagles talent with the best coaches.
“The possibility I have been hearing over the last couple of weeks is that Super Rugby wants the California Legion, as they are on the Pacific Coast, and Chicago Hounds, having been approached, and probably the Free Jacks for the URC,” the Harlequins legend added.
“What you have with those two Eastern teams is the Irish influence, and you will get Irish supporters flying in to Chicago and Boston for matches, along with ex-pats putting bums on seats. From the California side of things, there is a big Pacific Islands community that could be attracted to matches.”