Here are your rugby evening headlines for Monday, June 8.
Wales star supports rugby players after tragedy
Jac Morgan turned up to support players from Brynamman RFC as they ran Swansea Half Marathon in honour of their team-mate and the Wales international’s cousin, Harri.
Harri Morgan, who was also vice-captain of Brynamman, died suddenly earlier this season. Paying tribute to him at the time, the British and Irish back-row said his cousin and best friend “meant the world” to him and his family in an emotional social media post.
On Sunday, a number of players – including Harri’s brothers Cerith and Ifan – took part in the half marathon in order to raise money for the Jac Lewis Foundation. You can donate to the GoFundMe here.
And the club shared images on social media of a number of them running arm-in-arm, as well as the Ospreys captain showing up to cheer them on.
Jac Morgan turned up to support some of Brynamman RFC’s players as they ran Swansea Half Marathon in honour of his best friend and cousin, Harri(Image: Instagram: Brynamman RFC)
“Today, several of our players took part in the Swansea Half Marathon in memory of our much-loved player and Vice Captain, Harri Morgan,” said the club on Instagram.
“They ran to honour Harri’s memory while raising funds for the Jac Lewis Foundation and the important work they do supporting young people and families.
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“We are incredibly proud of everyone who took part. Their effort, commitment and support for such a worthy cause are a fitting tribute to Harri and the impact he continues to have on our club.
“A huge thank you to everyone who donated, supported and encouraged our runners along the way.
“Forever remembered. Forever part of our team.
“Well done lads, we’re proud of you!”
Jac Morgan turned up to support some of Brynamman RFC’s players as they ran Swansea Half Marathon in honour of his best friend and cousin, Harri(Image: Instagram: Brynamman RFC)
Morgan was praised for his bravery back in April, having played for the Ospreys the week after the death of his cousin and best friend.
“This week I suddenly lost my cousin and best friend Harri,” wrote Morgan earlier this year. “He meant the world to us as a family.
“He loved so much about life, but his greatest joy was playing rugby for Brynamman.
“Yesterday I played my game in honour and memory of Harri. It felt important to go out there and make him proud, playing the game that he loved.
“If anyone is struggling, please reach out to your friends, your family, or anyone around you.
“There are always people you can talk to, and there is help out there with @jaclewisfdn. His brothers and close friends are running the Swansea half marathon in June in memory of Harri and there is a GoFundMe link in my Bio to donate.
“Cysga’n dawel Harri. Caru ti. [Sleep peacefully Harri. I love you].”
Springboks add to squad ahead of Wales Test
Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus has called up two players to join his squad in Johannesburg ahead of their summer fixtures.
South Africa take on the Barbarians on June 20, ahead of Nations Championship Tests against England, Scotland and Wales. With those matches in mind, Erasmus has brought in Sharks back-row Phepsi Buthelezi and Bordeaux prop Carlü Sadie.
Buthelezi, who made his Test debut against Portugal in 2024, reported for duty on Monday, while Sadie is set to arrive in South Africa on Wednesday after the European champions failed to make the Top 14 play-offs..
“It’s great to be back on the field and to see familiar and new faces in the squad,” said Erasmus.
“The excitement in the group to get the season underway is palpable, and we are looking forward to the week ahead.
“We are also pleased to welcome Phepsi and Carlü to the squad, and we are confident they will slot in with ease.”
English club closing in on new owners
Exeter Chiefs CEO Tony Rowe is hopeful new American owners will be running the club by the start of July.
Black Knight Group, which owns Premier League football side AFC Bournemouth, is in advanced talks to buy the club.
“I would hope we’ll get to get it tied down hopefully before the end of this month, so I’d like to step in by 1 July with a new owner and away we go,” Rowe told BBC Radio Devon.
He added: “I’ve looked into what they’ve done at AFC Bournemouth and they’ve been there three or four years, they’ve invested a lot of money, and they’re still investing money there and they’re very happy with their set-up there.
“The same guy that was in charge within Black Knight then is the same guy we’re dealing with and I’m very excited about it, so is Rob.
“We know down the line we’re going to go franchise – 2030’s the idea that Prem Rugby goes franchise.
“Well, between now and then we’re going to spend some money, we’re going to sort out a few issues at Sandy Park, and that means money.
“Across the league we’ve all got to spend a bit of money to get ourselves ready and what better way – we’ve got a new investor who appears to have a big chequebook.
“My job is to make sure I run the business properly, Rob’s job is to make sure he gets results on the pitch and then their job would be to supply the money.”
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