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The latest rugby news from Wales and around the world
These are your evening rugby headlines on Thursday, December 11.
Jones: There’s no guarantees
Ospreys head coach Mark Jones says no guarantees have been given to the club’s players and staff amid intense speculation over their future.
Fans of the Ospreys remain in the dark amid the Welsh Rugby Union’s plans to cut from four to three clubs, with speculation rife over the Ospreys’ owners, Y11, having submitted a bid to buy Cardiff. No official confirmation has been offered on the identity of the bidders, with even many at the Arms Park unsure what is happening at the highest level.
It is a similar story at the Ospreys, with Jones unable to offer much in the way of clarity to his players and staff.
“No guarantees,” said Jones. “Nobody is giving any guarantees.
“The only guarantee is they are still talking about it. I trust Lance Bradley and Dan Griffiths to do the best at that level of operation to represent us to the WRU. I’ve got that level of trust. My job is to do the best I can with the rugby department.”
He added: “That level of difficulty will vary on the different personal circumstances. Someone who has three years left on a contract versus someone who has a family and children, someone who is single, someone who has come from overseas.
“That’s what makes it so tough. No one person’s circumstances are the same. It’s the void, the unknown. It’s difficult enough when you have news that is tough for you, but it’s worse when you have no news.
“That’s when your imagination can run wild and it creates a lot of anxiety. Everyone handles it differently. It’s not easy.
“It could be (over), but it could also be the start of something new, exciting or amazing. Naturally, you always go to the fear side of things.
“I’m of the mindset that whatever comes out of this will be better than what’s before. That’s how I’m viewing it. But until that happens, everyone will have to consider the other scenario you’ve outlined.”
Offering a message to the fans, Jones added: “Just keep doing what you’re doing. You’re supporting the team exceptionally well home and away.
“You’re making noise at the ground which the players can live off. I’m not on social media, but I know there’s huge support for the players and the Ospreys. I just encourage you to keep going. We’re all working towards a bright future and we hoping that future will involve the Ospreys being a key part of it.”
Welsh rugby matches moved
The 2026 Welsh Varsity rugby match between Cardiff University and Swansea University has been moved.
The hugely popular student day event traditionally alternates each year between Swansea and Cardiff, with next year’s event initially scheduled to take place in Swansea having been held in the capital earlier this year. The day culminates in the men and women’s rugby matches, which have been held at Cardiff Arms Park and the Swansea.com Stadium in recent years.
However, due to “significant construction and redevelopment work” taking place at Swansea’s facilities, the event is unable to take place in the city as planned. Instead, the event has been moved back to Cardiff, with it set to return to Swansea in 2027.
“Over the past few weeks, we’ve worked tirelessly to explore every possible option for keeping Welsh Varsity in Swansea this year,” Robbie Richards and Tanwen Moon, Sports and Welsh Affairs Officers at Swansea University said in a statement.
“While we know some students may understandably prefer a home event, we want to reassure everyone that the Varsity spirit will remain as strong as ever.
We’re committed to delivering an amazing experience in Cardiff this year, and we’re already looking forward to welcoming Varsity back to Swansea in 2027 for its 30th anniversary.”
Meanwhile, Molly Elliott, VP Sports and AU President at Cardiff University said: “To see Welsh Varsity return for a second year in a row is very exciting for us all here at Cardiff. Varsity is a pinnacle event in the student calendar for athletes and supporters.
“We are excited to get planning, looking into how we can make the event bigger and better than it already is and to see our teams start their preparations to hopefully retain our title as Varsity champions.”
Former Wales coach honoured
Former Wales head coach Mike Ruddock has been awarded an honorary degree by Swansea University.
Ruddock, who guided the national team to their first Six Nations Grand Slam in over 25 years in 2005, also coached at Swansea RFC, where he oversaw victories including a famous win over Australia in 1992 as well as two Welsh league titles and the Welsh Cup.
He was awarded the honorary degree by the university “in recognition of his exceptional contribution to the game in Wales and his long-standing connection with the region’s sporting community.”
Upon receiving the degree, Ruddock said: “My links to Swansea University stretch back to my playing days, when we would often train on the running track and in the gym at the University. Swansea University lecturer and head coach Stan Addicott was my coach at the Whites in those days.
“The link was very strong. When I coached Swansea RFC, I would often watch Swansea University play, and I selected university student Chris Clarke to play for the Whites against the World Champions, Australia, in November 1992. Chris starred as his team recorded a famous 21-6 victory.
“After living in Ireland for many years I returned to Swansea as the development director at the Ospreys,” he added. “As part of my role there I set about working closely with Swansea University to attract talented players into the region.
“I really enjoyed promoting the outstanding reputation of Swansea University on a global stage. Swansea University’s ability to attract, nurture, and develop the brightest academic and sporting talent was a lasting memory of my time in rugby.”
England star nominated for SPOTY
England international Ellie Kildunne has been nominated for BBC Sports Personality of the Year after helping the Red Roses to Rugby World Cup glory earlier this year.
The 26-year-old scored five tries as England won the Women’s Rugby World Cup this summer. Although she missed the quarter-final with concussion, she scored two tries in the semi-final win over France, and then added another in the final over Canada, having already helped seal Six Nations glory.
She is included on this year’s shortlist alongside England football stars Chloe Kelly and Hannah Hampton, F1 champion Lando Norris, darts sensation Luke Littler and Masters winner Rory McIlroy.
This year’s Sports Personality of the Year top prize will be awarded at a ceremony in Salford on December 18, with viewers able to vote live during the show.
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