The latest rugby news stories from Wales and beyond
Here are the latest rugby headlines on Saturday, April 19.
Petition launched against WRU
More than 1,500 people have signed a petition against the Welsh Rugby Union’s decision to remove Hub Officers from schools across Wales. The move comes as part if its plan to transform the game in Wales with a huge restructure announced earlier this month.
The current ‘Hub Officer’ programme sees individuals who are part-funded by the WRU and educational establishments deliver rugby activities to young people across Wales.
However, as part of WRU plans that will put up to 20 jobs at risk, the system will be restructured, with current funding discontinued in key areas. It will be up to schools to decide how they reallocate the investment into rugby.
The WRU says its plans, which you can read more about here, will see the business run more efficiently, save £5m and increase funding to the community game. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.
It says the plan is that the existing WRU staff will be reorganised, with a much wider remit to ensure there is total coverage of all community clubs and educational establishments across Wales in terms of having named contact and consistent level of support.
However, the petition, which calls for the union to reverse its decision, reads: “We, the undersigned, are calling on the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) to urgently reconsider its decision to remove Hub Officers from schools and communities across Wales.
“Hub Officers are the backbone of grassroots rugby — providing coaching, support, and opportunities for thousands of young people who would otherwise not have access to the game. They connect schools with clubs, mentor future players, and promote rugby’s core values: respect, teamwork, and resilience.
“Without them, rugby in many schools will simply not happen. In some areas, they are the only link between young players and the sport.
“This decision not only risks alienating the next generation of Welsh rugby players but also threatens the future of District rugby, where Hub Officers play a crucial role in talent identification and development.”
Wade to seek Shaun Edwards advice
Rugby star Christian Wade has revealed he will seek the advice of Shaun Edwards after the stunning announcement of his departure for rugby league. Wade revealed he was leaving Gloucester at the end of the season to join Wigan Warriors in a breaking live interview on Sky Sports on Friday.
It will be his third professional sport, after previously leaving rugby union for the NFL before returning in 2022. His move to rugby league has been described as the biggest coup for the sport since Wales star Jonathan Davies headed north back in the 1980s.
Wade told Sky Sports: “I know I have a lot to learn and it is a different game but I am going to back my skills. There are a lot of great coaches around and mentors I can speak to in Martin Offiah and Shaun Edwards, guys I have had relationships with before, as well as other rugby players. It is going to be another challenge but everyone knows I am not afraid of a challenge. I am looking forward to it.”
Wigan and Great Britain rugby league legend Offiah said: “Wigan’s signing of Christian Wade is the biggest coup for the sport of rugby league since Jonathan Davies joined me at Widnes back in the 80s.”
Mapimpi stuns Scots
By PA Sport Staff
Makazole Mapimpi scored a try in the closing seconds to earn the Sharks an 18-17 United Rugby Championship win away to Edinburgh. Sean Everitt’s side looked on course for a fourth successive home win only to be stunned right at the death by their South African visitors.
The result improves the Sharks’ prospects of securing home advantage in the play-offs, while Edinburgh are seventh ahead of the weekend fixtures.
The home side were forced into a late reshuffle when Wes Goosen, previously ever-present this season, withdrew with a back injury. Mosese Tuipulotu came into the starting line-up, with Jack Brown taking his place among the replacements.
The Sharks, with 12 Springboks internationals in their starting line-up, got on the board first when Emile van Heerden won the turnover and Jordan Hendrikse knocked over the penalty from just inside the Edinburgh half.
The fly-half then tried again from the tee from even further out after Edinburgh had been pinged for coming in at the side but this time his effort was short and wide.
It was the home side, though, who landed the opening try with a spectacular move started by a Jamie Ritchie offload.
The ball went wide through hands before arriving at James Lang who finished with a flourish in the corner.
Edinburgh were in the ascendancy at this point and only a tap tackle from Lukhanyo Am denied Ross McCann a score down the opposite wing.
The home team, though, continued to press for another opening and got their reward midway through the opening period.
Ritchie was the scorer, rounding off another flowing move started by Ross Thompson and crossing the line after swapping passes with Matt Currie.
Edinburgh were looking in control as half-time approached but another Jordan Hendrikse penalty kept the Sharks within touching distance.
The visitors then moved into the lead with their first try just two minutes into the second half. Am was the creator, throwing a dummy before bursting through a gap and teeing up Aphelele Fassi to score. Jordan Hendrikse made the extras.
Am was then one of three players to be shown a yellow card in quick succession, with Eben Etzebeth and Sam Skinner also sent to the sin bin for sparking a brawl.
Edinburgh took full advantage of the resulting penalty, with Ali Price finding Ewan Ashman who dived over from close range.
Jordan Hendrikse then missed two makeable penalties to leave Edinburgh with a four-point lead heading into the last 20 minutes.
The home side then thought they had landed their fourth try only for some brilliant defence from Siya Kolisi to deny Magnus Bradbury who was held up.
That proved costly when Siya Masuku fed a pass wide for Mapimpi to score in the corner with the clock in the red.
Saints scrape win
By Rebecca Johnson, PA
Northampton director of rugby Phil Dowson admitted there was a feeling of relief in the changing room after his side held on to claim a narrow 35-34 win over Newcastle.
An entertaining encounter at Kingston Park saw Craig Wright cancel out Jamie Blamire’s opener and after Brett Connon restored Newcastle’s lead with a penalty kick, Northampton took control just before the break when Luke Green, Fin Smith and debutant Will Glister all scored.
Connor Doherty struck for the hosts early in the second half and although Tom James crossed for Saints, tries from Alex Hearle and Ben Stevenson sparked a potential late comeback.
With four minutes to go, Falcons got within touching distance when Max Pepper grounded following a brilliant sprint, but Northampton managed to withstand late pressure to clinch victory by just one point.
Dowson said: “I think the feeling in the changing room was clearly one of relief, but also an emotional high because you’ve had to work so hard for it because you’ve dug in for it.
“Actually they’re the ones you remember when you squeak past by a point after Falcons haven’t come back.
“There’s a mixture of relief and euphoria, as after most games.
“A couple of them are going to stay up in Newcastle and have a night out, I think that’s good as well with a long weekend over Easter, and we’ll rebuild for Bristol next week.”
A tight victory ends a three-game losing run in the Premiership for Northampton, who remain third-from-bottom in the table.
Despite a frustrating season for the reigning Premiership champions, they have enjoyed success in Europe and set up a Champions Cup semi-final clash with Leinster, but Dowson is now targeting a good run in the league
