{"id":558389,"date":"2026-04-30T08:29:10","date_gmt":"2026-04-30T08:29:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/558389\/"},"modified":"2026-04-30T08:29:10","modified_gmt":"2026-04-30T08:29:10","slug":"todays-rugby-news-as-welsh-team-sign-international-star-and-springboks-doping-verdict-due","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/558389\/","title":{"rendered":"Today&#8217;s rugby news as Welsh team sign international star and Springboks doping verdict due"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Here are your rugby morning headlines for Thursday, April 30.<\/p>\n<p>Welsh region announce signing of international centre<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walesonline.co.uk\/all-about\/cardiff\" rel=\"follow nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"\">Cardiff<\/a> Rugby have bolstered their midfield options with the signing of Namibia international Le Roux Malan ahead of the new season.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The versatile back arrives from the Hollywoodbets Sharks, where he has featured primarily at centre, making eight first-team appearances during the current campaign.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Capable of operating across the back-line, Malan brings size, athleticism and a well-rounded skillset to the Arms Park, with Cardiff targeting greater depth and physicality in their outside backs.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">JOIN OUR WALES RUGBY FACEBOOK PAGE! <a aria-label=\"[object Object]Link opens in a new tab.\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Walesrugbynews\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_blank\">Latest news, analysis and much more<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Cardiff forwards coach Corniel van Zyl believes the 25-year-old can make an immediate impact.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">\u201cWe are delighted to bring Le Roux to the Arms Park next season,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">\u201cHe has really improved his all-round game over the last few seasons. He has put in some impressive performances for the Sharks since joining them in November and stood out against us a few weeks ago.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">\u201cIt\u2019s an area where we needed some more strength in depth. He\u2019s a big, physical boy who has played international rugby and will push standards, while he\u2019s versatile enough to play 13, 12 and wing if needed.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">\u201cFrom watching him closely and speaking to people in South Africa, his work-rate is one of his biggest strengths. He has brilliant ball skills, he can finish and he can be physical.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">\u201cHe has experienced the game around the world, from Cape Town to the Sharks, then to America where he rotated between the MLR and New Zealand\u2019s NPC, so he will be good for the environment and bring valuable experience.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">\u201cHe is very keen to contribute to the culture here while testing himself somewhere new.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"  src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/0_GettyImages-2268096001.jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<p aria-label=\"Le Roux Malan of the Hollywoodbets Sharks in action against Cardiff\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Le Roux Malan of the Hollywoodbets Sharks in action against Cardiff(Image: Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Born in Windhoek but raised in South Africa, Malan has enjoyed a well-travelled career since graduating from the University of Cape Town and joining the Sharks academy.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Spells with New England Free Jacks \u2013 where he won three consecutive Major League Rugby titles \u2013 and Hawke\u2019s Bay followed, before returning to Durban on a short-term deal.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Despite having the option to remain in South Africa, Malan is relishing the opportunity to take his game abroad.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">\u201cI\u2019m really looking forward to joining Cardiff,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">\u201cI have always wanted to play my rugby abroad, especially in the UK, so I\u2019m excited for the opportunity to learn a new style.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">\u201cI\u2019m someone who really values different cultures and embracing them, so I can\u2019t wait to meet the Welsh people and become part of the club.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">\u201cFrom what I\u2019ve heard, the people are humble, hard-working and friendly \u2013 qualities I value and try to carry in my life.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">\u201cKnowing the strong history of the club, seeing the upward trend in recent years and hearing about the project, I\u2019m so excited to play my part.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">\u201cThe project that Corniel laid out is something that excites me. I feel I can add value, but also learn and grow as a player and a person.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">\u201cPlaying at the Arms Park is going to be very cool. It\u2019s such a historic ground and I can\u2019t wait to represent the club.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">\u201cCardiff is also a sports-mad city, which I\u2019m passionate about and looking forward to experiencing. I\u2019ve visited before and it\u2019s a really beautiful place.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">\u201cI\u2019m excited for this opportunity and the life experience that comes with it. I can\u2019t wait to meet the boys, the staff and, of course, the supporters.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Welsh region snap up Super Rygbi Cymru superstar<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Dragons RFC have moved to secure one of the standout performers in Super Rygbi Cymru, snapping up exciting winger Caio Parry from RGC.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Parry, 20, makes the switch after racking up 47 appearances for RGC, who last night announced the transfer on their website, having progressed through the academy pathway via the Coleg Llandrillo programme. His move sees him step up to the United Rugby Championship (URC) after an eye-catching campaign in which he started every SRC game.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The Caernarfon product has developed into one of the competition\u2019s brightest attacking threats, earning his opportunity at regional level.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">\u201cMy time at RGC has meant so much to me and it\u2019s hard to put into words,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">\u201cI would like to thank everybody that&#8217;s helped me along the way, going from Caernarfon rugby club into the RGC pathway and then into the senior group.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">\u201cI\u2019m incredibly thankful to every member of staff at RGC for the support and guidance, as well as the supporters. I\u2019d like to thank all the players as well for helping me along the way and I\u2019m going to miss them very much.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">RGC academy manager Josh Leach believes Parry\u2019s move is another example of the pathway delivering talent into the professional game.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">\u201cEveryone at RGC is excited for Caio and his opportunity with the Dragons,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">\u201cAs an academy our aim is to develop future professional and international players, and following Tom Cottle and Dylan Alford heading to Cardiff and <a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walesonline.co.uk\/all-about\/scarlets\" rel=\"follow nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"\">Scarlets<\/a> last year, Caio is the latest RGC Academy player to be recruited into the professional regions.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Leach highlighted the winger\u2019s rapid development over the past three years, pointing to significant improvements in key areas of his game.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">\u201cHe\u2019s worked very hard on his skills and his physical development, and as a result his high ball catching, his kicking game and his finishing have gone to another level,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">\u201cYet he remains very humble, his attitude in training is always good, and he knows this next step is going to demand more of him.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Parry, who came through the ranks at Clwb Rygbi Caernarfon, now joins a growing list of RGC graduates making the leap into the regional game and will be hoping to make a similar impact at Rodney Parade.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"  src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1777537750_745_0_Bridgend-Ravens-v-RGC-SRCjpg-scor.jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<p aria-label=\"Caio Parry scoring for RGC\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Caio Parry scoring for RGC(Image: Chris Fairweather\/Huw Evans Agency)<\/p>\n<p>Springbok to discover doping fate as verdict timeline revealed<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Asenathi Ntlabakanye is expected to learn his fate within the next three weeks after a crucial development in his ongoing doping case.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Closing arguments in the Springboks prop\u2019s hearing have now been completed, with a panel currently deliberating before delivering a verdict that could have major implications for his career.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The tighthead, who has continued playing for both South Africa and the Lions, faces a potential ban of between two and four years if found guilty.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Ntlabakanye tested positive for anastrozole in August 2025 \u2014 a banned substance which is not considered performance-enhancing \u2014 but had also admitted to taking Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which is prohibited.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">His hearing had initially been scheduled for December but was delayed due to logistical challenges and the availability of expert witnesses, prolonging uncertainty over his future.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Despite the case hanging over him, the prop returned to action in September and has continued to feature domestically and internationally. His only Test appearance came during the Quilter Nations Series in November, when he came off the bench in a 73-0 win over Wales.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus previously explained why the player was initially left out of the squad following the failed test, despite being eligible for selection.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">\u201cWe could\u2019ve brought him on tour, but I had a long conversation with him about it,\u201d Erasmus said last year.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">\u201cIf you look at the emotional and personal side of it, having Asenathi on tour would\u2019ve led to a lot of questions for him. To play and be ready for a Test, your focus must be 100% on the match.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">\u201cIn this situation, he needed to deal with the matter and ensure he presents his side of the case. It\u2019s very emotional for him.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Erasmus has since reiterated his support for the player, admitting he is anxious about the outcome while hoping for a positive resolution.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">\u201cI\u2019m nervous for him because I know how he trained and tried,\u201d he said earlier this year.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">\u201cBut it\u2019s a separate thing that we don\u2019t have any involvement with. As much as we can support him, we will.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">\u201cHe worked incredibly hard and I enjoy him as a person. I don\u2019t think he intentionally did anything wrong \u2014 but I\u2019m not making any judgments. I just hope he comes out on the right side of it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Follow all of our channels to ensure you stay up to date with the latest Welsh rugby news. Sign up to our<a aria-label=\"[object Object]Link opens in a new tab.\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walesonline.co.uk\/newsletter-preference-centre\/?view=Solus&amp;mailingListId=e90f3817-255f-4349-881b-d9a4515d3f52&amp;utm_source=solusarticle\" rel=\"follow nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_blank\"> free daily newsletter here<\/a> and our <a aria-label=\"[object Object]Link opens in a new tab.\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/chat.whatsapp.com\/L8kRCygN2HM6E7iILK0spC\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_blank\">WhatsApp channel here<\/a> for all the breaking news.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Here are your rugby morning headlines for Thursday, April 30. Welsh region announce signing of international centre Cardiff&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":558390,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[35],"tags":[10579,64890,13189,5903,30347,101,7168,56,54,55,9015],"class_list":["post-558389","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-rugby","tag-cardiff-rugby","tag-george-north","tag-liam-williams","tag-rugby","tag-south-africa-rugby-team","tag-sports","tag-todays-updates","tag-uk","tag-united-kingdom","tag-unitedkingdom","tag-wales-rugby-team"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/558389","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=558389"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/558389\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/558390"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=558389"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=558389"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=558389"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}