The latest rugby news stories from Wales and beyond
Here are the latest rugby headlines on Thursday, April 24.
Welsh-qualified enforcer signs for Dragons
Wales have a potential new giant second row option, with the Dragons announcing the exciting signing of Levi Douglas from French side Biarritz.
The English-born 29-year-old, who is 6ft 5in tall, weighs 20 stone and is described by the club as “an enforcer”, qualifies for Wales through his grandfather. He has extensive experience playing in France with Grenoble, Biarritz and Toulon, while he’s also represented Bath and Wasps in England, and Urayasu D-Rocks in Japan.
Dragons head coach Filo Tiatia said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming Levi into our programme and the impact he can make.
“He brings experience from the clubs he’s played at and has spent many years in the French leagues, where they pride themselves on set piece and physicality.
“Levi brings a physical presence to any game and is someone who wins the gain line on both sides of the ball.” 25% OFF DEAL NOW: Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.
Douglas said: “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be part of the exciting project that Filo and the team are building at the Dragons.”
“I’m really looking forward to getting started and contributing to the club’s future success.
“With my grandfather being born in Wales, this move also gives me a special opportunity to connect with and explore my Welsh heritage.”
In other news, Wales prop Rhodri Jones and young loosehead Dylan Kelleher-Griffiths have signed new contracts at the region.
Ospreys move to St Helen’s latest development
The Ospreys have started the pre-application consultation (PAC) for the redevelopment of the iconic St Helen’s Sports Ground.
The update means the club will now engage with the local community over the plans that will see the region move into its now home by the end of the year. The hybrid planning application outlines the Ospreys two-phase vision for the future of St Helen’s. Phase 1 incudes a new and relocated 4G pitch, three new stands, a covering above the existing northern terrace, a fan zone with a retractable roof, and numerous other facilities to ensure the stadium is modernised and fit-for-purpose.
The outline application for phase 2 will include a purpose-built indoor training barn, gym, and various changing room and recovery facilities.
Pictures released show what the ground could look like from the outside when it is completed.
Ospreys CEO, Lance Bradley said: “St Helen’s is an iconic venue with deep roots in Welsh sport, and we believe this redevelopment will help transform it into a centre for elite and community rugby alike.
“We’re happy to have reached this stage of the redevelopment of St Helen’s. The pre-application consultation is an important step in any major development and we’re grateful to GJP for the work done thus far.
“We’re excited about the future of making St Helen’s our home ground from the 2025/26 season and thankful for the conditional investment from Swansea Council. We continue to work closely with the Council not only on the redevelopment of St Helen’s, but also to ensure matchday operations are well-coordinated, deliver the best possible experience for fans, and minimise disruption for local residents.”
Cardiff lock signs new contract
RAF man Josh McNally has signed a new one-year deal to remain at Cardiff after an impressive season.
The 34-year-old lock moved to the Welsh region from Bath last summer and has been one of the club’s best players this season, making 18 appearances and captaining the side on one occasion.
Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt said of the one-cap England international: “Josh has been excellent this season. Most importantly he has come and shown his quality on the field.
“His set-piece work and physicality has made a real difference to our game and for a big man he has really good soft skills.
“He is also really good in our environment and off the back of his performances on the field his voice and leadership has grown off it.
“I was really pleased when Josh indicated he wanted to play another year as he has made a big impression in a short space of time.”
McNally recently missed Judgement Day to play in the RAF’s Inter Service Rugby Championship clash with the Royal Navy in Northampton. As well as being a pro rugby player he is a Royal Air Force weapons technician – having been in the RAF since 2009.
Pollock nominated for European award
Rising England rugby superstar Henry Pollock has been nominated for European player of the year following an incredible debut campaign for Northampton Saints.
The nominated players were based on the combined verdict of a public vote and the decisions of a renowned panel of judges
The 20-year-old flanker scored two tries in the quarter-final victory over Castres and will be a key man in the semi-final clash with Leinster at Croke Park.
Pollock, who scored two tires on his England debut against Wales in the Six Nations, is joined by Toulouse flanker Jack Willis on the shortlist.
Willis’ Toulouse team-mate Thomas Ramos is also nominated, along with Bordeaux-Begles pair Maxime Lucu and Damian Penaud. T
Leinster’s Caelan Doris, Jamison Gibson-Park and Jordie Barrett complete the list. All the candidates are from the four sides remaining in the competition.
2025 Investec Player of the Year nominees
- Jordie Barrett (Leinster Rugby)
- Caelen Doris (Leinster Rugby)
- Jamison Gobson-Park (Leinster Rugby)
- Maxime Lucu (Bordeaux Begles)
- Damian Penaud (Bordeaux Begles)
- Henry Pollock (Northampton Saints)
- Thomas Ramos (Stade Toulousain)
- Jack Willis (Stade Toulousain)
