The latest rugby stories from Wales and around the world on Thursday, August 28.Former Wales coach Warren Gatland (Image: ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images)

These are your evening headlines on Thursday, August 28.

Gatland linked with shock England move

Warren Gatland has been linked with a shock return to English rugby at Newcastle Falcons. The former Wales coach remains available after reports of an imminent move to Japan proved unfounded

Gatland is now at the top of Red Bull’s wanted list as director of rugby, according to Ruck, following the company’s takeover of the English Premiership side. It’s set to spark a big recruitment drive on and off the pitch, with Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend also linked.

Former Wales boss Gatland has an outstanding record at club level, having masterminded Wasps’ multiple English and European titles in the early 2000s before he moved into international rugby. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.

Since leaving the Wales job during this year’s Six Nations, Gatland briefly worked as an advisor at Uruguayan club side Penarol. He has always said he intends to continue coaching and has targeted a return to the sport at the end of the summer following a break.

“I don’t know what will be next but I have never had a plan in looking too far forward,” Gatland told the Telegraph.

“What will be will be and something will come along. I have already been contacted by a number of people about possible options so I will maybe look at something after the summer.

“One thing that would potentially interest me is working with a team going into the next World Cup,” Gatland added. “I have been proud of what we have done in Wales and I think the experience I have had could be valuable to a team even if in a consultancy role.”

Wales co-captains out as warning issued to players

By Phil Blanche, PA

Wales Women’s coach Sean Lynn has told his players they will be removed from his team if they continue to underperform.

The ultimatum comes amid news co-captains Alex Callender and Kate Williams have been ruled out of their World Cup clash with Canada. Injuries to the pair are a huge blow for Wales, who were thrashed 38-8 by Scotland in their tournament opener and now face the prospect of failing to reach the quarter-finals.

Flanker Bethan Lewis will win her 60th cap and skipper Wales for the first time.

Saturday’s opening defeat to the Scots was the latest poor performance from the Welsh team, with new coach Lynn making his feelings very clear.

“I’ve said to the girls ‘if you are not performing, you’re out’ and individuals just have to step up, and some girls are going to be taking opportunities,” said Wales head coach Sean Lynn.

“We all know that performance wasn’t good enough on Saturday and it’s about putting that to bed now and making sure we have a really good training week.

“We’ve just come back from the training paddock and it’s been a really positive session with good energy. It’s making sure now that on Saturday we’re putting pride back in that jersey.”

Lynn says they are in no doubt of the task that is facing them at the Salford Community Stadium.

“Canada are the number two team in the world and one of the favourites to win the World Cup and we know they will be a major challenge,” he added.

“We need to bring real energy and pride in the jersey and the focus all week has been on us and what we need to do to produce a performance on Saturday.

“There have been changes and they have been made because players have earned the opportunity in training to play in a World Cup.

“All 23 players selected have been told to be brave and to have no regrets when they walk off the field on Saturday.

“We are under no illusions of the challenge ahead, but this is all about us and showing what it means to play for Wales at a Rugby World Cup.”

Back rowers Callender (foot) and Williams (calf) are expected to be fit for Wales’ final Pool B game against Fiji in Exeter.

Lynn has made seven changes from the line-up that started against Scotland.

Maisie Davies, Molly Reardon and Sisilia Tuipulotu make up a new-look front row and Harlequins lock Abbie Fleming comes into the engine room.

Bryonie King and Georgia Evans slot into the back row and Carys Cox replaces Hannah Dallavalle in the centre.

Wales: Nel Metcalfe (Gloucester/Hartpury), Jasmine Joyce-Butchers (Bristol Bears), Carys Cox (Ealing Trailfinders), Courtney Keight (Sale Sharks), Lisa Neumann (Harlequins), Lleucu George (Gloucester/Hartpury), Keira Bevan (Bristol Bears); Maisie Davies (Bristol Bears), Molly Reardon (Gwalia Lightning), Sisilia Tuipulotu (Gloucester/Hartpury), Abbie Fleming (Harlequins), Gwen Crabb (Gloucester/Hartpury), Bryonie King (Gwalia Lightning), Bethan Lewis (captain, Gloucester/Hartpury), Georgia Evans (Saracens).

Replacements: Kelsey Jones (Gloucester/Hartpury), Gwenllian Pyrs (Sale Sharks), Jenni Scoble (Gwalia Lightning), Tilly Vucaj (Gwalia Lightning), Branwen Metcalfe (Hartpury College), Seren Lockwood (Gloucester/Hartpury), Kayleigh Powell (Harlequins), Kerin Lake (Gwalia Lightning).

England ring the changes

By Duncan Bech, PA Rugby Union Correspondent

Marlie Packer will lead England into their World Cup match against Samoa on Saturday as head coach John Mitchell makes extensive changes.

There are only two survivors from the starting XV that amassed 11 tries in Sunderland, with Packer skipper in her first appearance since serving a one-match ban for being sent off for a dangerous clear-out against Spain earlier this month.

Zoe Aldcroft, England’s captain for the tournament, is stood down as part of squad rotation for the pool stage, which ends against Australia on September 6.

Emily Scarratt won her 119th cap off the bench in the 69-7 victory over USA last Friday but is missing from the 23 to take on the Islanders at Franklin’s Gardens.

Wing Claudia Moloney-MacDonald and fly-half Helena Rowland return from injury to make their first appearances of the World Cup, while tournament debutant Jade Shekells partners Megan Jones in midfield.

“It has been in our planning to give everyone game time over the first two pool matches and, bar Holly Aitchison, we’ve been able to execute that with this selection,” Mitchell said.

“Our new combination want to make each other proud and build on our performance against USA in our opening match.

“It will be a great atmosphere for them at one of the most traditional rugby grounds in the country. They’re all excited to get out there.”