The latest rugby news from Wales and around the world
Here are your rugby headlines for Tuesday, June 24.
Jenkins: I had to think twice about returning
Wales interim defence coach Gethin Jenkins says he had to think twice about returning to the national team’s coaching setup for this summer’s tour of Japan – having previously left the role in 2022 following the re-appointment of Warren Gatland. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.
The Cardiff coach will look after Wales’ defence for their two-Test tour next month, having previously been a part of Wayne Pivac’s coaching staff. However, as Wales prepare to fly to Japan this week, the former Wales and Lions prop admitted he had to give the return to the international game some serious thought.
“It was something I had to think about,” he said. “Matt (Sherratt) asked me in Cardiff when we were walking for a coffee between sessions.
“The people that were doing it was probably the main attraction, with him leading it. It’s hard to turn down that opportunity.
“Five or six weeks where you put everything into it that you can. Go back to Cardiff and then it’s business as usual.
“The only thing I’m giving up is my time off in the summer, but you’re always thinking rugby anyway and I’m looking forward to it.”
Jenkins admitted that he had “probably not” missed international rugby, adding that he’s “actually enjoyed coaching at club level, playing different teams week-in, week-out”. However, as he returns to Wales’ coaching ticket, he says he’s a better coach for his time at the Arms Park.
“I think I’ve learned a lot going back to Cardiff under Matt and other coaches there,” he added. “Working week-in, week-out at club or region gives you more of a grounding.
“Going straight into it at national level is quite tough. It was enjoyable because of the buzz of coaching your country, the pressure of international games.
“No bigger feeling. Learned a lot from Matt in his day-to-day coaching and how puts himself across.
“I’m taking things on board all the time in how I progress myself as a coach. I’m seven years into my coaching career, which is still not a lot, so I like to think I’m learning all the time.”
Welsh youngster looking to make his mark
Scarlets youngster Elis Price says he is hoping to “make his mark” as he prepares to fly out to Italy with the Wales squad for the World Rugby U20s Championship today.
Price – who can play at fly-half or in the centre – is following in the footsteps of his older brother Jac, who currently represents the senior Scarlets side in the second row and famously defeated the All Blacks at the U20s Championship in 2019.
Having missed out on selection last year, the 19-year-old is keen to take his opportunity with both hands this summer.
“Missing out last year was a bit of a setback,” he said. “But I’ve come back stronger and hopefully I can make my mark and take my opportunities.
“There is a lot of talent in the group and I think we can definitely cause a few upsets.”
His Scarlets senior academy team-mate Jac Pritchard, who is also following in the footsteps of his older brother Tomas by playing at the U20s Championship, added: “It is a proud moment for myself and all my family, who have made a lot of sacrifices for me to have these opportunities.
“I am excited by the prospect of going out there and following in the footsteps of my brother, which is another proud moment.”
Meanwhile, Scarlets hooker Harry Thomas – who was part of the Wales U20s squad in South Africa last summer – added: “It is what I’ve been working towards all year and I’m really excited to rip into it.
“We have been working hard as a group during the Six Nations, working on areas that need improving and are ready to go.”
Lions star issues warning after touching down in Oz
By PA Sport Staff
Ollie Chessum has warned his British and Irish Lions team-mates they will have a target on their backs throughout their tour to Australia.
Andy Farrell’s men face Western Force in Perth on Saturday in the first fixture Down Under following their send off against Argentina at the Aviva Stadium.
Argentina celebrated a maiden victory over the Lions in eight attempts after emerging 28-24 winners and Chessum knows all opponents will be eager to claim a special scalp.
“For people playing against the Lions, this is potentially a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said the England forward, who is on course to make his debut for the tourists this weekend.
“I’m sure that for the Western Force lads and all the teams we face in the future, to be part of a team that beats the Lions would be massive.
“We expect that from everyone we face, but we also expect to put the best of ourselves out there.
“If I get the opportunity, I’m like everyone in the camp – chomping at the bit to put on the shirt and play for the Lions.”
Enemies have become friends in Perth as Chessum revealed he has been rooming with Joe McCarthy, the Ireland second row he has battled since they were teenagers.
“I’m with big Joe, so it’s two young locks have been paired together. They’re big beds and there’s a nice bit of space in the room,” Chessum said.
“It’s a bit surreal. We played against each other when I was with England county schoolboys, so not even the academy pathway. Joe was playing for the Irish equivalent.
“We played against each other at Donnybrook, which we drove past when we had our stint together in Dublin last week.
“To be rooming together on a Lions tour six or seven years after we were playing against each other at Donnybrook is cool.”
WRU announce grassroots funding overhaul
The Welsh Rugby Union has announced a radical overhaul of the way community rugby clubs are funded, in a bid to future-proof the grassroots game and better reward both on and off-field success.
The new funding model—set to be fully operational by the 2026/27 season—will see a minimum of £2.84 million allocated annually to the WRU’s 276 member clubs. While the total funding amount remains unchanged, the way in which it will be distributed is being transformed.
For the first time, clubs will be assessed not just on rugby performance but also on off-field achievements such as governance, inclusivity, and sustainability. The union say the aim is to create more resilient, well-run and community-focused clubs across Wales.
“This new model will transform club rugby in Wales,” said John Manders, WRU board member and chair of the community game board. “We’re not changing the amount of funding, but we are making sure it’s used in a more transparent and equitable way—rewarding the good work clubs do off the pitch as much as what happens on it.”
The shake-up follows a 12-month review led by WRU executive director of community, Geraint John. A nationwide consultation process included visits to all nine WRU districts and engagement with club representatives and external stakeholders. The final proposal has now been signed off by the WRU board.
The new system sets the following targets for clubs to hit by 2030:
- 95% of clubs to have a formal Club Development Plan ensuring financial stability
- 95% to implement an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Plan
- 100% to carry out regular self-assessments to maintain high governance and operational standards
To support the transition, a new five-tier accreditation framework will be introduced. This will link financial support to progress in areas such as safeguarding, volunteer development, and facility management.
“We’re shifting the focus to culture, inclusion and governance as much as performance,” said John. “This is about recognising and incentivising clubs that build strong community links, offer safe and welcoming environments, and take a forward-looking approach to running their operations.”
A new volunteer coordinator role will also be created to help clubs attract, support and reward the volunteers who are vital to grassroots rugby.
