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The latest rugby news from Wales and around the world
These are your latest rugby headlines on Friday, December 19.
Welsh rugby awaits imminent news
Welsh rugby’s players, coaches, staff and fans are anxiously awaiting imminent news on whether the Welsh Rugby Union’s plan to cut to three teams will take the next step in the coming days.
The Union set a deadline of the end of the year for a consensus to be reached before it will start a long tender process that will stretch well into next year and prolong the uncertainty currently clouding the four teams.
With the festive break beginning in just a matter of days, a decision on whether there is an agreement on cutting a team could come very soon, although it remains unclear how that will be achieved. With no desire for the Ospreys and Scarlets to merge, and with just one team in the west allowed to remain, the prospect of Ospreys owners Y11 buying Cardiff from the WRU has been mooted, with the union describing that as one potential option weeks ago. WRU bosses have consistently said they are confident a consensus can be reached by the deadline.
Those on the front line appear to still be in the dark, however, with Ospreys coach Mark Jones admitting he is waiting for news, like everyone else.
“I’m waiting, like everybody, for the end of the month, when the WRU are going to put forward whether there’s been a consensual agreement internally or whether it will go to tender, which I think was their language,” said Jones.
“I’m just waiting to hear what the outcome of those discussions are and what the next stages are.”
It comes after Jones has already seen his two best players, Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake, depart for Gloucester amid the uncertainty.
Wales international signs deal with English side
New Wales international Olly Cracknell has committed his future to Leicester Tigers by signing a new contract with the Gallagher PREM club.
The backrower, who moved to Welford Road from London Irish in 2022, has become a fan favourite at the club, with his fine form seeing him rewarded with a second Welsh international call-up at the age of 31.
After being named in Steve Tandy’s squad, former Ospreys man Cracknell – who was also included in Wales’ 2017 Six Nations squad but was never capped – made his Test debut against Argentina, before winning Player of the Match in his second game against Japan.
Now, he has extended his stay at Leicester, with head coach Geoff Parling paying tribute to the Wales international as his new contract was confirmed.
“What Crackers has achieved is a testament to what you can do through being resilient and persistent throughout your career,” said Parling.
“He’s the ultimate example of that by going on to be capped by Wales at the age of 31 and gives absolutely everything when he pulls on a Tigers shirt.
“He’s also an outstanding human to have in the changing room and is a real barometer for myself of where the group is at.”
Former Cardiff star Gabriel Hamer-Webb has also extended his deal with Leicester, having left Arms Park in the summer, while hooker Charlie Clare has also signed a new contract with the club.
Ex-Wales coach’s daughter lands top job
Whitney Hansen – the daughter of former Wales and New Zealand boss Sir Steve Hansen – has been appointed as the new head coach of the Black Ferns.
Hansen, who was the national team’s assistant coach during the 2021 Women’s Rugby World Cup, has become just the second woman to hold the position after Vicky Dombroski in 1994.
She will take charge of the team in 11 Test matches in her first year in charge before facing the British & Irish Lions in their inaugural tour series in 2027.
A teacher and former player for Canterbury, Hansen will be joined in the role by assistant coaches Tony Christie and Riki Flutey.
“It’s an honour to be asked to lead the programme and an exciting time to take on the role of Head Coach,” she said as her appointment was confirmed.
“There is generational talent coming through in women’s rugby in New Zealand and the new international calendar represents a huge opportunity to further enhance the legacy of the Black Ferns. I can’t wait to get started.
“If my appointment can inspire women and girls’ players and coaches in New Zealand that’s a great result. It is so important that we keep investing in growing great coaches of the women’s game, both female and male,” Hansen added.
“The Black Ferns are the pinnacle in this pathway and I’m looking forward to helping this group reach their full potential.”
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