The latest rugby news stories from Wales and beyond
Here are the latest rugby headlines on Wednesday, July 9.
Wales respond to Japan comments
Adam Jones has responded to Michael Leitch’s comments about Wales ‘blowing’ during the second-half of their 24-19 defeat in Kitakyushu, as they look to make the Japan captain eat his words.
Wales let a 19-7 lead slip in the extreme conditions, with Leitch saying the Brave Blossoms knew they “would get them in the end” as the heat proved too much for Wales. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.
However, Wales’ scrum coach has challenged his side to prove Leitch wrong in the second Test in Kobe this Saturday – while also having a subtle dig at Japan coach Eddie Jones, who was also in charge the last time Wales toured Japan in 2013.
“Their captain came out after the game and said a few things so hopefully we’ll pay heed to that and hopefully he’ll have a different opinion of us after the game on Saturday,” said Jones. “It was hard for both sides.
“We’ve done as much as we can. Being in Wales, it’s not as if we’re living in Dubai. You can put the boys in the heated chamber, have them wearing extra layers of stuff, but it doesn’t replicate that.
“I think it was sensible around World Rugby, given the water breaks. I think it was a touch and go whether that was going to be the case.
“But it turned out there’s enough stoppages in the first half anyway, because it was 59 minutes, wasn’t it?
“So the ball in playtime wasn’t massive. I think a lot of it was made around Eddie having the time he wanted.
“If I remember correctly, Wales played the same sort of time in the last summer tour when we were in Japan. So I am sure Eddie was not up to his old tricks.”
Wales international’s brother signs for Dragons
The Dragons have signed two more players ahead of next season, including the brother of Wales international Ioan Lloyd.
Fly-half Jac Lloyd and utility back David Richards both join the Welsh region from Newport RFC after impressive seasons in Super Rygbi Cymru.
Lloyd has scored 219 points over two seasons and 36 games. The 22-year-old playmaker, a former Wales Under-20s international, has previously represented Bristol Bears and Hartpury RFC.
Richards, who is comfortable playing across the back line, returns for a second spell having previously made four senior appearances.
The 25-year-old, a product of the Dragons Academy, also impressed with Newport RFC, scoring five tries in 13 appearances last season.
Head Coach Filo Tiatia said: “Both Jac and David have performed well in the Super Rygbi Cymru and commanded an opportunity.
“It’s great to see Super Rygbi Cymru working in that way, providing a showcase for players to feed into the next level.
“Jac is a talented young fly half and while David has had previous injury issues, he’s got his body right and he gives depth to our back line.
“Both players know what it takes in a professional environment and are eager to grab the chance when it comes.”
Backs Coach Matt O’Brien added: “Both players have had good seasons at Newport RFC and give us depth across positions that we need in the squad.
“Jac and David have strong skills sets, bring a point of difference, and want to grasp this opportunity and make the step up over the coming years.
“It’s important that they keep playing on a regular basis and continue their development in our environment.”
Wales captain ‘upset’ by decision
Wales Women’s star Hannah Jones was upset by the decision to remove her as captain ahead of the summer tour to Australia and Rugby World Cup but has responded well.
Jones has been replaced by new co-skippers Alex Callender and Kate Williams after boss Sean Lynn decided to make a bold decision. Lynn believed the captaincy was weighing Jones down after a difficult period on and off the pitch and was keen to change the culture in the squad.
He said: “She was upset but she knew it was my decision and her response has been brilliant in training, going above and beyond.
“I’m hoping we will see a different Hannah and I want her to lead the way she can lead on the pitch.
“We had a chat after the Six Nations, some good honest conversations, and I just felt I didn’t see a Hannah I saw in Gloucester-Hartpury.
“She’s gone through some tough times as captain and I can’t fault what she’s done.
“She was very professional about it; she just said, ‘whatever’s right for the team, I will do’.”
Jones has spoken about being removed as captain on social media, saying: “Being captain was one of the greatest honours of my career I’m proud of that chapter, every messy, brilliant, brutal bit of it.
“I’ve always worked hard. That didn’t start when I became captain and it didn’t stop when it (the captaincy) was removed. Environments change. My standards never have.”
England set high bar
By PA Sport Staff
Joe Heyes admitted England have set a high bar after largely nullifying Argentina’s attacking threat over the weekend.
Despite the absence of 13 players who are on the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia, England started their summer schedule with an impressive 35-12 win over the Pumas in La Plata on Saturday.
They managed to keep Argentina at bay when they were down to 13 men at one point, with Alex Coles and debutant Seb Atkinson sin-binned, and restricted the hosts to just two tries as England ran in five.
“Everyone stepped up really well and the defence was something that we could be really, really proud of,” Leicester tighthead Heyes told BBC Sport. “That’s our standard now.”
But Heyes expects Argentina, who defeated the Lions 28-24 in Dublin just over a fortnight ago, to come back even stronger in Saturday’s second and final Test at the Estadio San Juan del Bicentenario.
“I am fully, fully expecting a massive response from Argentina,” he added.
“The only thing we can do is make sure we’re in the right spot to do the same as we did last Saturday. We’re ready for it.
“If we do go on and have the success we want to have on this tour, then I think some of the memories we’ll make for everyone – especially these younger guys – will stay with us forever.”
