The latest rugby news from Wales and around the world
These are your rugby headlines on Sunday, June 29.
Lions put scrum-half replacement on standby
The British and Irish Lions are on standby to call up a replacement scrum-half after Tomos Williams suffered a hamstring injury during the 40-22 win over the Western Force in Perth, according to the Mail.
Williams, who scored two tries at Optus Stadium, was forced off in the second half clutching his hamstring and now faces an anxious wait for medical results. Head coach Andy Farrell said a decision on his availability will be made after further assessment.
“Tomos has come off holding his hamstring,” Farrell said post-match. “We’ll only know more in the morning. You’ve got to let these things settle down and give it some space. We need to assess it properly and make the right call for the group.”
The Mail say Scotland’s Ben White is the most likely candidate to be called up if Williams is ruled out. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.
White is currently on tour with Scotland in New Zealand and could link up with the Lions squad in Brisbane by Sunday night if required.
There was some relief for Farrell, however, with fellow scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park confirmed as fit to return for Wednesday’s clash against the Queensland Reds.
Warburton: Pollock can become ‘complete player’
Sam Warburton believes Henry Pollock is not far way from being a “complete player”.
Pollock was impressive from the off for the Lions against Western Force on Saturday, playing a key part in their eight-try win in Perth.
The youngster’s rise has been incredible, with the 20-year-old now playing at the elite level of rugby, despite only being on the international scene for a matter of months.
His display against Force wasn’t perfect, Warburton admitted, but the former Lions skipper says Pollock has all the raw materials and that he can be coached out of the mistakes.
“Pollock showed everything he is brilliant at – that linebreak ability, his energy in attack and defence,” two-time Lions captain Warburton told Sky Sports.
“The longer the tour goes on, the specialty at playing back row – breakdown, physicality, collision dominance – comes into play more, that is where the likes of Tom Curry have got a little bit of an edge.
“I still think the back-row selection is wide open. There isn’t a set three, it’s still all to play for, but Pollock brings something no one else does.
“He has got some good moments, and there was even good news about the yellow card and penalty given against him, because that’s easy to coach out.
“You cannot give someone pace or the ability to beat a man, but you can coach some of the simple mistakes that every 20-year-old back-rower makes.
“If you can get him more measured at breakdown defence then you’ve got a pretty complete player.”
Japan endure a hiding a week before Wales clash
A Japan XV suffered a heavy 53-20 defeat to the Moari All Blacks in Tokyo.
Wales face Japan in Kitakyushu next Saturday in the first of a two-Test series.
Matt Sherratt’s side will be hoping to end a record run of 17 Test defeats on the bounce against a Japan side coached by Eddie Jones.
Japan led 17-15 at half-time but the Maori All Blacks ran in six tries in what was a ruthless second-half performance by Ross Filipo’s men.
“Let’s not connect this game with next week,” Japan coach Jones told Rugby JP.com.
“This was Japan XV. Next week is Japan. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here.
“If we need to give the ball back to Wales we need to do it in a difficult situation.”
Wales will be confident of coming out on top next week but Japan do have a habit of bouncing back from a heavy defeat.
Last year Japan XV lost 36-10 to the Maori All Blacks before beating the same opponent 26-14 a week later.
Wates appointed chair of RFU
By PA Sport Staff
Sir James Wates CBE has been appointed chair of the Rugby Football Union board.
He takes over the role from Sir Bill Beaumont, who was named chair on an interim basis in December last year following the resignation of Tom Ilube.
Wates is currently a board director of the Wates Group, a privately-owned construction, development and property service company in the UK and served as chairman between 2013 and 2023.
A statement from the RFU said: “Sir James has had a distinguished career in the construction and business sectors, marked by significant leadership roles and contributions to industry standards and charitable causes.
“He brings extensive leadership experience to the RFU alongside a deep love of the game of rugby, stretching back to his early playing days.”
Speaking about his new role, Wates said: “It is a true honour to be named chair of the board of the RFU, and I can’t wait to get started.
“English Rugby is steeped in legacy and history, and it is a history that the country should be proud of, while also being excited about what is to come.
“Later this year, we have the Women’s Rugby World Cup hosted across England and I am looking forward to this happening so soon into my tenure.
“I will do my upmost to maximise the growth of the game, with the support of the RFU board and wider team in the years ahead and engaging as much as possible in the rugby community at all levels across England.”
