These are the rugby stories making evening headlines on Monday, July 14.
These are your rugby evening headlines on Monday, July 14.
WRU set date for uncertainty to end
The Welsh Rugby Union has set a deadline of October to announce its new structure for the professional game in Wales.
The governing body has announced it is seriously considering cutting the number of professional teams in Wales from four to three – or even two.
There will be a consultation process taking place over August and September with the four professional clubs – Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets – and players being the primary stakeholder groups to contribute, but a comprehensive engagement programme will ensure all representative groups of the game in Wales have the opportunity to contribute.
WRU CEO Abi Tierney will seek the WRU board’s approval of strategy for consultation and the commencement of the formal consultation period in August, while in September there will be a consultation and engagement process. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here.
Then in October the intention is for the WRU board to approve the new strategy while also announcing the new structure of the professional game to all stakeholders.
October will be the date where the new structure will be in place and the strong likelihood is it will include a reduction to two professional clubs.
In its statement the WRU says the restructure will be in place for the 2027/28 season at the latest but the reality is if they reduce the number of teams it will be for the 2026/27 season.
Wales hammered by England
Wales were well beaten by England on Monday in their fifth-place semi-final at the Stadio Luigi Zaffanella, Viadana.
After a decent start, England turned the screw and eventually ran out 51-13 winners.
The second half saw Richard Whiffin’s youngsters completely overrun. Two Harri Wilde penalties saw Wales edge ahead early on in the first period and despite capitalising on Ollie Streeter’s 20-minute red card, Sion Davies’ converted score was as good as it got for Wales and England clicked through the gears.
Tries from Campbell Ridl and Archie McParland put England in front before they ran riot in the second half.
McParland bagged a brace after Josh Bellamy and Jack Bracken also went over after the break, before Nick Lilley completed the job late on.
Read the full report here.
Keenan lost a stone as virus hit camp
Hugo Keenan says he lost a stone in weight after a sickness bug threatened to end his Lions tour.
The full-back was laid up for a fortnight with a virus that also affected other members of the squad earlier on in the tour. The Leinsterman made his first appearance Down Under against the Waratahs in Sydney. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.
Now getting back to fitness, the Irishman is putting his hand up to start the first Test with doubts over Blair Kinghorn’s fitness.
Keenan said: “It wasn’t exactly what you planned on when getting on tour. I was sick for about 12 days, it was rough. Getting off the toilet was an issue, and I lost about five or six kilos. There was a little bit of a virus going around camp but for whatever reason it hit me on a different level.
“I was isolating for a good bit, and most lads recovered pretty quick from it, but I’ve never had something like that. God, it was pretty horrible. It was frustrating. Every day you think you’re going to be waking up the next day better. You think it’s going to be sort of a 24-hour, 48-hour thing. The tour will hopefully kick on for me here and I can start enjoying it a bit more.
“It was a challenge but that’s part of touring life, isn’t it? All these little bits, manning up as much as you can. I felt terrible in that Waratahs game. But look, sometimes you just have to front up and do what’s needed.”
Suaalii up for Tuipulotu rivalry
By Duncan Bech, PA Rugby Union Correspondent, Brisbane
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii may be reluctant to reveal the details of his Murrayfield flashpoint with Sione Tuipulotu but is keen to revive their rivalry when Australia meet the British and Irish Lions on Saturday.
Suaalii snarled “I’ll see you next time” after he was forced off in the Wallabies’ defeat by Scotland following a heavyweight collision with Tuipulotu.
“Next time” comes in Brisbane if Tuipulotu is picked at inside centre for the series opener and Suaalii has declined to stoke the fires ahead of their rematch.
“There has been a lot of talk around that moment. At the end of the day, it’s a game of footie. Whatever is said on the field, stays on the field,” Suaalii said.
“I’m just focused on that I can do for the team – I’m not going to speak on it to be fair. I’m sure it’ll be a great challenge and a great battle.
“I respect my opposition, but at the same time I focus on myself and what I can bring, while focusing on my team-mates.”
Cross-code superstar Suaalii last year moved to union in a deal worth £2.61million over three years and the 21-year-old has revealed it was the prospect of facing the Lions that convinced him to switch.
“I’ve always dreamed I wanted to be a part of something so special that happens every 12 years, so that was probably the biggest thing coming across,” he said.
“Just to be a part of the squad is something so special for myself, my family and everyone that’s gotten me to this point.
“I was nine when the Lions came here in 2013 and remember watching it. In my house, all the young kids sit on the floor and I just remember being real close to the TV, watching it.
“It’s something so special as a kid that sparks you to do something great in your life, so to be a part of this squad, it’s amazing.”
