The latest rugby news from Wales and beyond.
Former Wales head coach Warren Gatland(Image: Getty Images)
Your rugby morning headlines on Thursday, September 4.
Crunch talks held amid Gatland job links
Red Bull executives are set for crunch discussions with Newcastle Falcons’ hierarchy this week as speculation continues to swirl around Warren Gatland’s future.
The Wales boss has been linked with the newly rebranded Newcastle Red Bulls following the energy drink giant’s takeover of the struggling Premiership side.
While Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has ruled himself out by signing a new deal through to the 2027 World Cup, Gatland’s name remains somewhat in the frame after reports emerged last week.
Current director of rugby Steve Diamond faces uncertainty over his long-term position, with Red Bull moving quickly to reshape their latest sporting venture.
The Daily Mail report that senior figures from the company will meet Diamond and club officials in the coming days to thrash out plans for the season ahead.
It marks a remarkable turnaround for Newcastle, who just two years ago were on the brink of financial collapse and endured a record 25-game losing run.
Red Bull’s investment has transformed the outlook almost overnight, drawing interest from coaches and players who had previously steered clear of Kingston Park. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.
Accused star to learn fate
Sinead Peach will reportedly learn her fate today following an incident which stunned rugby.
During the Women’s Super League match between her York Valkyrie side and St Helens, footage allegedly heard her make a vulgar accusation towards official Oliver Salmon.
Peach was frustrated by a call that went against her side late in the game. While her comment wasn’t heard on the broadcast, the angry referee’s response was as he issued the red card.
“I’m not having you saying, ‘Which one are you s*******?’. You’re off,” referee Oliver Salmon is heard saying.
Peach will now face a disciplinary hearing on Thursday. The Rugby Football League confirmed that Peach’s red card will be considered by the match review panel today.
After the incident, Peach’s club released a statement. Club chairman Clint Goodchild said on Monday afternoon: “On behalf of York RLFC, I wish to address the matter concerning Sinead Peach.
“Sinead expressed genuine remorse immediately for the comment and understands the serious nature of the situation. We will continue to support Sinead while she and the team prepare for the approaching play-offs.
“As a club, we have confidence the RFL tribunal process will take into account Sinead’s longstanding positive contribution to the game and her respectful reputation will be recognised. We are committed to the values of respect and integrity that underpin our sport.”
Louis Rees-Zammit’s team suffer heavy defeat in first game
Louis Rees-Zammit’s Bristol Bears suffered a heavy 54-12 defeat in his first game for the PREM Rugby outfit in pre-season.
While Bears kept the result under wraps, a video published by Connacht shows the Irish province running in nine tries against their English opponents.
It is unclear whether Rees-Zammit played in the match, but it’ll be a frustrating one to take ahead of the new season at the end of September.
Bears face Leicester Tigers at the end of the month, and if the Welsh winger takes to the field, it will be his first competitive rugby match since the World Cup in 2023 – almost two years ago.
Franco Smith signs new contract
Glasgow Warriors head coach Franco Smith has signed a new contract until 2028.
Smith, who was touted for the Wales head coach role after Warren Gatland departed earlier this year, will continue his reign at Scotstoun and has insisted there is still “much more to achieve”.
He was appointed as head coach in 2022 and led the team to Untied Rugby Championship glory in 2024 – his biggest achievement with the club to date.
“I’m incredibly proud and grateful to extend my journey with this club,” said Smith.
“From day one, I’ve believed in the vision we share to build something special, to push our limits, and to grow together as a team and as a community.
“The players, the people, and the supporters have created an environment full of trust and ambition, and that inspires me every single day. There’s still so much more we can achieve, and I’m excited to keep working hard to take this club to the next level.”
Scotland bring in former Andy Murray guru
Fresh off the back of announcing a new contract for head coach Gregor Townsend, Scotland have brought in Andy Murray’s former performance director.
James Moore worked with the tennis legend between 2019 and 2023 and helped return Murray to the elite level following a period of injuries that negatively impacted his career.
He also worked for Team GB and has worked at two Olympic games. Alex Ross also joins as head of athletic performance and sports science, with five total appointments made.
Former Scotland international Ali Kellock will switch from his role as managing director at Glasgow Warriors to spear-head Scottish Rugby’s athletic performance programme.
Richard Chessor and James McLaren also join the performance team as Scotland work towards the next World Cup.
World Rugby: World Cup hammerings part of growth
World Rugby says the teams that have been thrashed at this year’s Women’s World Cup will grow as a result.
The tournament has been criticised for the huge difference in the quality of nations, with a number of heavy defeats for smaller teams.
However, World Rugby have now addressed the talking point, with Sally Horrox, chief of Women’s Rugby at World Rugby, making the statement.
“We acknowledge that competitiveness is a talking point, and so it should be, but we also must remember the context – the relative youth of the women’s game,” she said.
“The men’s professional game is 30 years old and we are in the very early stages, relatively, of that professional development of the women’s game.
“We made an intentional decision to expand the Rugby World Cup from 12 to 16 teams in full knowledge that that would give more exposure to teams like Fiji, Samoa, Spain and Brazil.
“Their performance on the biggest stage is critical for their national pride, but also to attract fans, commercial investment and government investment to drive the teams and game forward.”