The latest rugby news and headlines from Wales and beyond
Bryn Bradley smashes his way through for Harlequins(Image: Getty Images)
Here are your rugby headlines for Saturday, June 6.
New Wales call-up tipped to star this summer
Harlequins head coach Jason Gilmore believes that new Wales call-up Bryn Bradley is ready for the international stage and backed him to earn a cap next month.
The 23-year-old is one of six centres in Steve Tandy’s summer squad, with his former U20s midfield partner Louie Hennessey having been ruled out though injury earlier on Friday.
The Harlequins centre will have to first make Tandy’s slimmed-down squad for the Nations Championship before he can dream of a first Test cap, but Gilmore has backed him to make the step up next month.
“It’ll be interesting because he’s played a lot of minutes for us over the last four months. He’s really carried our centre group. He’ll be up against (Fraser) Dingwall this week, obviously, or other good centres from Northampton,” Gilmore told RugbyPass.
“So, to me, every time he steps up against an international centre, it’s a measure. If he can handle himself and go well against Dingwall this week, then he’s in a position where he can play international rugby.
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“He’s just got to make sure he keeps his consistency on both sides of the ball. Not that he’s not doing it, but you can’t float in and out at a national level. But if he gets his chance, and I hope he does, look, we’ll be fully behind him.
“Bryn had a chat with some of the coaches the other day. He’s one of those players I reckon who plays to the level. So if I watched him play at London Scottish, it goes solid. When he plays Prem Cup is solid.
“But as soon as he stepped up to Europe and Prem, I think he’s played the best he’s played at Quins since I’ve seen him. So he seems to be a guy who flourishes at the next level when he steps up.
“If he gets the call-up to Wales, which I hope he does, I’ll be really interested to see what the growth in him is at that next level.”
Wales scrum-half signs on
Wales star Ellis Bevan has agreed a new deal at the Arms Park, following teammates Johan Mulder and Aled Davies in committing his future to the club.
Bevan, who made his first team debut during the 2020-21 season after signing from Cardiff Met, has now made 53 first team appearances and is relishing the opportunity to continue his development while continuing to push for international honours
He said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have re-signed with the club. From the moment discussions began, it was clear that my ambitions and those of the club are perfectly aligned.
“I know the best rugby of my career is still to come, and there’s no place I’d rather continue that journey.“The last 18 months have presented challenges both on and off the field, but they’ve also been some of the most valuable in terms of my growth as a player and a person.
“I’m proud of how I’ve come through that period, and the lessons I’ve learned have only increased my hunger to improve and contribute even more to the team.“My connection with the club is stronger than it has ever been. There’s a special togetherness within this squad that makes coming in every day a privilege, and the culture being built here is something I’m incredibly proud to be a part of.
England star backed for remarkable recovery after surgery
England winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso is set to miss the rest of the Gallagher Prem season after undergoing facial surgery, but Steve Borthwick’s medical team remain confident he’ll feature against the Springboks in a month’s time.
The 23-year-old was hurt in Exeter’s win at Leicester last week – with surgery ruling him out of their final regular season match against Saracens on the weekend.
Chiefs could yet make the play-offs, but reports suggest Feyi-Waboso’s club involvement this season could be done.
However, England’s medical staff are said to be confident that he will be fit for their first Nations Championship fixture against back-to-back world champions South Africa.
England have a warm-up fixture against a France XV on June 18 – but it seems unlikely, regardless of Chiefs’ Prem involvement, they would risk Feyi-Waboso in that game.
After facing the Springboks in Johannesburg, England’s summer continues with matches against Fiji in Liverpool on July 11 and Argentina in Santiago del Estero seven days later.
Feyi-Waboso hurt his jaw making a tackle in the second half against Tigers last weekend, with his face appearing swollen afterwards.
He had an operation on Wednesday.
It is the second major setback of the year for the winger, who missed the Six Nations after suffering a hamstring injury while training with England in early February.
He also missed the second half of last season because of a shoulder injury, with England and Exeter disagreeing over how his treatment was handled.
Farrell pens new contract with Ireland
By PA
Andy Farrell has signed a contract extension to remain as Ireland head coach until the conclusion of the 2031 World Cup.
Farrell replaced Joe Schmidt in 2019 and has overseen two Six Nations triumphs including one Grand Slam and four Triple Crowns in five years, while his previous deal ran until the end of the 2027 World Cup.
But Farrell, who has been linked with both the England job and a return to Saracens in recent months, has now committed to leading Ireland beyond the 2027 tournament, due to be held in the United States.
“I am incredibly proud to continue this journey with Irish Rugby,” Farrell said. “It is a privilege to work with such a talented group of players and staff.
“What excites me most is the increasing strength and investment in pathways and the quality of talent coming through.
“There is a real confidence in the system that has been built across the provinces and age-grade programmes, and I believe with sustained effort that the best is yet to come.”
Farrell started his coaching journey with Saracens from 2010 to 2012 before progressing to England assistant and then joining Ireland initially as a defence coach following the 2016 Six Nations before stepping up to the top job three years later.
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In March, he scotched reports linking him with going back to Saracens at the end of his previous Ireland deal, saying it was a case of “people putting two and two together and making five”.
Farrell, who was denied a third Six Nations title earlier this year by France, was British and Irish Lions head coach last year and ushered them to a 2-1 series win in Australia.
IRFU chief executive Kevin Potts said: “We are delighted to secure Andy through to 2031. He is a truly world-class coach and an exceptional leader who has helped shape Ireland as one of the most exciting and consistent teams in the world.
“His impact reaches far beyond what we see on the pitch – he has instilled a deep sense of pride, connection, inspiration and belief across Irish Rugby, creating a culture that truly unites players and supporters and one that Irish fans at home and across the globe feel incredibly proud to stand behind.
“Ensuring Andy’s long-term future with us is a hugely positive step for Irish Rugby as we continue to grow the game and strive for sustained success on the international stage.”
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