Chris Kirwan

The High Court has allowed concussion-related claims brought by more than 500 former rugby union and league players to proceed to trial, despite serious failures to comply with document-disclosure orders. The claims allege that World Rugby, the WRU, RFU and RFL failed to protect players from the effects of repeated head impacts; the governing bodies deny breaching their duty of care. Senior Master Jeremy David Cook said he would otherwise have struck out the cases, but cited exceptional circumstances and the wider public importance of the litigation. The decision followed the replacement of solicitor Richard Boardman and Rylands Garth by KP Law, with future progress subject to conditions and tighter case management.

Former Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones is expected to join the Ospreys board, returning to the Swansea-based club where he made his professional breakthrough and won three titles. His appointment comes as the Ospreys face an uncertain future under the Welsh Rugby Union's plan to reduce Wales to three professional men's teams, potentially forcing a west Wales contest with Scarlets for one licence. The club has criticised the plan, relocated to a redeveloped St Helen's, lost Wales captains Dewi Lake and Jac Morgan, and recruited several players ahead of the 2026-27 season.

Eighteen-year-old Cardiff hooker Tom Howe is attracting strong praise after starting for Wales Under-20s at the Junior World Championship, where he made 28 carries and 54 tackles. Former Wales hooker Scott Baldwin considers him one of the country's most promising young hookers, but Howe remains focused on earning a Cardiff debut rather than rushing into international contention. He will compete with Liam Belcher, Evan Lloyd and Dafydd Hughes while continuing to develop his set-piece, contact and ball-handling skills.

Scarlets have signed 35-year-old Wales fly-half Gareth Anscombe from Bayonne for the 2026-27 season. The 42-times capped former Cardiff and Ospreys player will provide competition for Sam Costelow and experienced cover after Scarlets struggled at fly-half last season. Anscombe made only five appearances for Bayonne because of injury but says he remains determined to compete, contribute and help improve the team. The signing is part of a wider squad rebuild following Scarlets' 14th-place finish in the United Rugby Championship.

Scotland U20 secured fifth place at the Junior World Championship with a 28-21 win over Wales in Tbilisi, matching their best-ever finish. After a 14-14 first half, Scotland capitalised on Welsh yellow cards to pull ahead through tries by Joe Roberts and Dan Kelly. Wales responded through Lewis Edwards but were unable to convert late chances, including during a two‑man advantage after Scotland received two yellow cards in the closing minutes. The result marks a strong improvement for Scotland following previous relegation, while Wales missed the opportunity to achieve their best finish since 2013.

Wales return to a Ben Thomas–Max Llewellyn midfield combination for their Nations Championship match against South Africa, with head coach Steve Tandy reverting to the pairing used at the start of his tenure. Previous centre combinations struggled defensively, prompting scrutiny from former players Jonathan Davies and Gareth Anscombe, who questioned the lack of physicality and consistency in selection. Tandy also reinstates Dan Edwards at fly-half, continuing rotation in that position despite concerns about stability. Wales close their season with Edwards, Thomas and Llewellyn as the 10–12–13 axis before facing renewed selection challenges later in the year.

Wales Under-20s secured a narrow 38-36 win over Australia to reach the fifth-place playoff of the Junior World Championship, their first major southern hemisphere victory since 2019. Early scoring and key tries from Cummings, Darwin-Lewis, Gwynne and a penalty try put Wales ahead, while Leggatt-Jones added 11 points despite receiving a yellow card. Australia mounted a late comeback and appeared to score a decisive try, but it was disallowed for a knock-on after TMO review. Wales will face Scotland next, aiming for their best tournament finish since 2013.

Carwyn Leggatt-Jones reflects on a breakthrough season after an unexpected opportunity with the Scarlets, gaining experience in the URC while completing A-levels. Supported by senior teammates, he learned from challenging moments and remains grounded as he prepares for Wales U20 fixtures at the Junior World Championship. He expects to continue developing with Carmarthen Quins despite his new long-term Scarlets contract.

Wales opened their Nations Championship campaign with a 39-24 win over Fiji, overcoming early pressure through strong defence, effective set-piece play and six tries, including two from Jac Morgan. Head coach Steve Tandy and captain Dewi Lake praised the team’s resilience and physicality, while players and pundits highlighted Wales’ growing maturity and momentum ahead of upcoming Tests against Argentina and South Africa.

Wales begin their Nations Championship campaign against Fiji amid off‑field distractions from a match‑fee dispute with the Welsh Rugby Union, resolved just days before kickoff. Coach Steve Tandy and captain Dewi Lake stress the squad remains focused despite the disruption. Wales seek rare back‑to‑back wins while facing a Fiji side buoyed by strong recent performances and star backs from European clubs. Attendance challenges reflect wider concerns about Welsh rugby, though ticket sales are stronger for Fiji’s other UK fixtures. Both teams announce line‑ups as Wales prepare for a demanding summer schedule that includes Argentina and South Africa.

Deian Gwynne leads Wales U20 through a standout 2025–26 season after breaking through at Gloucester, earning regular appearances and excelling in the Six Nations and Junior World Championship. Strong club performances and upcoming reinforcements at Gloucester bolster optimism, while his late father serves as a key source of motivation. Wales prepare for a critical match against Uruguay with momentum from a narrow victory over Georgia as Gwynne aims to finish his age‑grade career on a high.

Preparations for Wales’ Nations Championship opener against Fiji were unsettled by a dispute between the Welsh Rugby Union and the Welsh Rugby Players' Association over match fees and employment terms. A scheduled press conference was cancelled after players declined media duties amid the disagreement. Negotiations concluded late Wednesday, ensuring the match would proceed, with all parties confirming training had not been affected. The episode follows previous off‑field disruptions, including near strike action in 2023 and uncertainty over proposed reductions in professional teams. Wales will name their squad ahead of the match before continuing their summer series against Argentina and South Africa.

Wales will be without injured lock Dafydd Jenkins for the Nations Championship after he sustained a shoulder injury requiring surgery while playing for Exeter. Head coach Steve Tandy named a trimmed 33-man squad featuring two uncapped players, with several others missing out following the Barbarians match. The squad faces Fiji, Argentina and South Africa, with Wales managing multiple injury absences while welcoming back several English‑based players. Assistant coach Matt Sherratt described Jenkins' loss as significant, leaving Wales with three specialist locks for the tournament.

Wales U20 made widespread changes for their Junior World Championship match against Uruguay, retaining only captain Deian Gwynne and Tom Bowen from their opening win over Georgia. Three players will earn their first caps, and the team aims for a bonus‑point victory against a Uruguay side heavily defeated by South Africa. The result is key to setting up a potential pool decider against the Junior Boks for a semi‑final place, with Wales seeking to build on their first opening‑round win since 2019.