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The latest rugby news stories from wales and beyond
Here are the latest rugby headlines on the evening of Thursday, December 18.
WRU: ‘We are making positive changes’
The Welsh Rugby Union has issued a statement in response to comments made by former Wales international Anthony Buchanan, who has quit the union’s council saying he has no confidence in the executive’s plan to cut to three regions.
WalesOnline reported news of Buchanan’s decision earlier this week, with the man himself going on live radio on Thursday to explain the full reasons he could not continue. Buchanan said he was “heartbroken” Dewi Lake and Jac Morgan have quit Welsh rugby and hit out at the WRU’s current direction of travel.
“I haven’t taken this decision lightly,” he said. “I was hoping to use my experiences and knowledge of the game to perhaps influence the direction of travel. I feel very uncomfortable now. Rugby has been in the heart of Wales for many years, but It’s on the brink of losing our culture and identity.”
In response, the WRU said: “We are making positive changes to the structure of the professional game in Wales.
“We know this process will present challenges, but the Board has confidence in the decisions it has made and in our plans for the future. Our role is to implement a change for the good of the whole system in Wales for the long term and we remain dedicated to this aim.”
Farrell calls out rising English star in training
Owen Farrell delivered a timely reality check to one of Saracens’ brightest young prospects after the former England captain pulled the winger aside during a first-team training session.Saracens legend Alex Goode has revealed how Farrell confronted teenage speedster Noah Calouri when the 19-year-old was left out of a matchday squad and appeared to be struggling with the disappointment.Speaking on the Stick to Rugby podcast, Goode recalled a “stern” exchange which he says proved a defining moment in Calouri’s early professional career.“He’s in training, moping around a bit like an 18-year-old probably does,” Goode said of the wing who has since turned 19.
“He’s in a first-team session, but he’s only been a professional player for a couple of months at that point, so he doesn’t really know what it’s like.”Farrell, renowned for his uncompromising standards, quickly stepped in.“Owen just goes to him and says, ‘Are you injured?’” Goode explained. “He says he’s got a bit of a sore calf. Owen asks again, ‘Are you injured?’ He says he’s got a bit of a cold.“Owen just says, ‘Train properly. Just train properly. That’s all we ask.’ Just stern.”According to Goode, the impact was immediate. “He trained the house down that day,” he added.Calouri, a rapid and highly-rated wing who came through Saracens’ academy system, was sent to Championship side Ampthill on loan to gain senior experience and responded emphatically.“He went to Ampthill that week, got man of the match, then got picked for Sarries again and scored five tries on his first start,” Goode said.After a blistering start to the season, Caluori was called up to Steve Borthwick’s 36-man squad for the Autumn Nations Series, but didn’t earn his first Test cap, instead playing for the England A team.
Dragons signing leaves
Hooker Wills Austin has left the Dragons following the conclusion of his emergency loan move from Sale Sharks.
The 21-year-old made his first Dragons appearance in the narrow defeat at home to Leinster, while he marked his European debut against Perpignan with a brace of tries.
Swansea University’s BUCS captain Austin was also a replacement in the Dragons’ win against Lyon – their first victory of 2025.
“I really enjoyed my time at Dragons and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to make my European debut with the team,” said Austin.
“It was great to be part of a hugely important win on Sunday and I wish the team all the best for the remainder of the season.”
Dragons head coach Filo Tiatia added: “We’re really grateful to Wills for his time at the club, coming in and helping us when we had injuries.
“He came off the bench in three games including last weekend’s win and I wish him all the best for the remainder of the season with his club Sale and Swansea University sides.”
Six Nations referees announced
Hollie Davidson is set to make history as the first female referee to take charge of a men’s Six Nations match. World Rugby has confirmed her appointment for the 2026 tournament, where she will officiate the clash between Ireland and Italy.
This milestone follows a series of pioneering achievements for the Scottish official. Davidson previously became the first woman to referee the South African Springboks in a test match against Portugal, and she also made history as the first female official to take the whistle for an All Blacks test against Wales. Her rise through the ranks has been steady; she has already served as an assistant referee and a Television Match Official (TMO) in the Men’s Six Nations before earning this primary role.
Davidson’s transition to officiating began after a shoulder injury ended her professional playing career as a scrum-half for Scotland. Since then, she has built an elite resume that includes officiating at two Women’s Rugby World Cups, the Olympics, and the Commonwealth Games. In recognition of her impact on the sport, she was recently inducted into the Scottish Rugby Hall of Fame and named the 2025 World Rugby Referee of the Year.
Her appointment is part of a broader selection of 13 referees chosen for the 2026 championship.
Wales’ opening match against England at Twickenham will be refereed by Pierre Brousset. Wales v France will see James Doleman in the middle, while Wales v Scotland gives Matthew Carley the opportunity to take charge of his 50th Test match. Karl Dickson officiates Ireland v Wales, while Christophe Ridley is main man for Wales v Italy.
Frenchman Luc Ramos takes charge of a Six Nations game for the first time, while Katsuki Furuse (Japan) will make his debut as an assistant referee, as will Olly Hodges (Ireland) as a Television Match Official. Welshman Craig Evans will be an assistant referee for Scotland v France.
The list of 14 referees is: Karl Dickson (RFU), Ben O’Keeffe (NZRU), Pierre Brousset (FFR), Hollie Davidson (SRU), Nika Amashukeli (GRU), James Doleman (NZR), Andrea Piardi (FIR), Matthew Carley (RFU) and Andrew Brace (IRFU), Angus Gardner (RA), Luc Ramos (FFR), Luke Pearce (RFU), Christophe Ridley (RFU) and Nic Berry (RA).
Referee: Karl Dickson (RFU)Assistant Referee 1: Angus Gardner (RA)Assistant Referee 2: Jordan Way (RA)TMO: Ian Tempest (RFU)FPRO: Richard Kelly (NZR)
