The latest rugby news and headlines from Wales and beyond
Rhys Webb has made his feelings on the Ospreys clear(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency)
Here are your rugby evening headlines for Monday, February 2.
Former Wales star offers blistering criticism of Ospreys crisis
Former Wales and Ospreys scrum-half Rhys Webb has offered a blistering criticism of the long-term decisions that have moved his former club to the brink of extinction.
The British and Irish Lions half-back has penned a lengthy post on Ruck, in which he says the current crisis engulfing the Ospreys is not a sudden misfortune, but the inevitable result of years of “poor leadership” and “short-term thinking.”
The Ospreys are not guaranteed a future beyond June 2027 at the minute, with owners Y11 set to buy Cardiff.
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“And watching how players and staff are being treated now is nothing short of a shambles,” says Webb. “What frustrates me most? None of this is new.
“This is not a sudden crisis. This is not bad luck. This is not something that’s come out of nowhere. It’s the same cycle we’ve seen time and time again — poor leadership, short-term thinking, and a complete disregard for the people at the heart of the game.
“I remember it clearly. Five or six years ago, I re-signed. And almost immediately after that, there were talks of the Ospreys potentially going under. That tells you everything. The warning signs have been there for years. Players felt it. Staff felt it. Supporters felt it.
“But nothing changed.”
In the lengthy column, Webb bemoans the uncertainty that has been placed upon players and staff.
He added: “Welsh rugby as a whole needs to wake up. Because if the most successful region in the country can be allowed to drift into this level of chaos, then what message does that send to everyone else?
“We’re not asking for miracles. We’re asking for competence, accountability, and care.
“After 20 years of living and breathing this place, I can say this with absolute certainty: If nothing changes, we will keep having the same conversations — just with fewer players, fewer staff, and fewer reasons to believe.
“And that would be the biggest loss of all.”
Former Wales coach approached by All Blacks
Former Wales coach Steve Hansen has been approached by New Zealand Rugby over a return as All Blacks head coach.
NZR have started the search for Scott Robertson’s replacement, having dispensed with the former Crusaders boss last month. Any candidates considered must be a New Zealander and have international coaching experience.
Having guided the All Blacks to the 2015 World Cup, while also being an assistant in their 2011 success, Hansen obviously fits the bill.
And the New Zealand Herald report the governing body have already approached both Hansen and Ian Foster to gauge their interest in applying.
Hansen left the job in 2019, being replaced by Foster.
Foster repeatedly came under fire from the New Zealand media – with Robertson nearly replacing him in 2022. However, in the end, he stayed in the job and guided New Zealand to the 2023 World Cup final before leaving the role.
Jamie Joseph and Dave Rennie are believed to be the favourites for the job, while Tony Brown is another name being mentioned – although he is currently contracted by South Africa.
Former Wales coach Warren Gatland and Wayne Pivac also fit the criteria.
URC club lining up move for Welsh club’s playmaker
Dragons fly-half Tinus de Beer is reportedly a target for the Bulls.
Netwerk24 report that the Pretoria-based side want de Beer as a replacement for Johan Goosen, with the former Springbok having stepped away from the game.
De Beer joined the Men of Gwent from Cardiff last summer, having spent two years in the Welsh capital.
But the 30-year-old is now being linked with a return to Loftus Versfeld, having started his career there before playing for the Griquas and Pumas.
Goosen hasn’t officially retired, but the injury-hit fly-half is no longer training with the club and has started a new career in the insurance industry.
Were de Beer to join the Bulls, he would be competing for the 10 jersey with Springbok veteran Handre Pollard and Keagan Johannes.
The Dragons are believed to be in the market for a new fly-half as they look to build ahead of next season.
Best for Itoje to start on bench
England coach Steve Borthwick says it is best for captain Maro Itoje to start on the bench against Wales this weekend in their Six Nations opener.
Itoje joined up late with England last week, having been in Nigeria for the funeral of his mother, Florence. Borthwick has named the Lions skipper on the bench, with Jamie George leading the side on Saturday.
“We all feel for Maro and his family after the very sad loss of his mum,” said Borthwick.
“Maro was out in Nigeria and arrived back in camp a day or two after everybody else. We made the decision for this game it’s best for him to start on the bench.
“I think he is going to have a massive impact. I am excited by the impact the whole bench is going to have.
“I also know the crowd when Maro comes to the touchline, I’m sure he will get a big roar.”