The latest rugby news and headlines from Wales and beyond
Here are your rugby evening headlines for Friday, May 23.
Welsh rugby in mourning over death of former international
Welsh rugby is in mourning following the death of former Wales dual-code international Mark Jones at the age of 59. The former Neath No. 8 died of a heart attack in the Middle East, with Wales Rugby League confirming the sad news on Friday.
Others have now paid tribute to Jones, who played 15 times for Wales’ rugby union national team and 11 times for his country in rugby league.
One of his former clubs, Ebbw Vale, said: “Mark was adored by players and supporters during his time as a player, and even more so after he left.
“A true legend of the game and his passing leaves an unfillable hole in our hearts. To his family and friends in Wales and overseas, we are truly sorry for your loss.
“Mark, you were a legend of this club and will always be remembered as one of the greatest characters to ever pull on our jersey. We will never see your like again.” Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.
Neath said: “Mark was a real force of nature who cut an imposing figure and, such was the sheer dynamism, explosiveness, force and focus that he brought to every game, everybody around him felt that he was indestructible.”
Former international referee Nigel Owens paid tribute, saying: “This is very sad news . Sincere condolences to all the family.”
Ex-Wales fly-half Lee Jarvis called Jones a “warrior on the pitch and a gentleman off it”.
Andy Powell, who also played No. 8 for Wales, said he was “absolutely gutted”, adding: “Remember the first day I went to Ebbw Vale as a 16-year-old to train with them, he was so kind and made me feel welcome.”
Team GB sevens programme cut
The Great Britain men and women’s full-time sevens programme will be scrapped at the end of July – leaving six Welsh players without a contract.
Currently, there are six Welsh players contracted with Great Britain across the men’s and women’s game. England have 27 players on deals, while Scotland have three. Not all are full-time though.
However, it has now been announced that, moving forward, there will be no more permanent contracts, with players instead coming together to train and play on the World SVNS Series.
The decision has been driven by financial pressures, according to the home unions – with the news coming days after Irish rugby ended its men’s sevens programme.
Unlike many other unions, GB7s does not received Olympic funding – according to RFU performance director Conor O’Shea.
“We believe the camp-based approach we are taking will provide the best development opportunities for players from the men’s and women’s game given current financial constraints and the congested schedule,” added Welsh Rugby Union interim performance director Huw Bevan.
“We will continue to work with the other unions and World Rugby to explore the on-going role sevens plays within our development pathway.”
Wales lock hails ‘best season’
Cardiff lock Teddy Williams has hailed his “best season” after picking up two awards.
The 24-year-old second-row won both the Peter Thomas player of the season award and fan’s player of the season award after an outstanding campaign, which saw him often skipper the side in the absence of Liam Belcher.
He’ll now head to Japan as one of four locks with Wales, with the likelihood that he’ll play a big part in Wales’ two-Test series.
“It’s a honour. I really enjoyed playing this season and it’s probably been my best season,” he said after picking up the awards.
“I loved playing this year. I just want to play as much as I can, I think that’s probably how you get better and we really enjoy just taking the field with this group every week.
“There’s been some real growth for us this year. Obviously, we were all devastated we didn’t reach the playoffs and last year we weren’t really anywhere near the playoffs so there’s a lot of progress in that regard.
“I think ultimately it was disappointing not to reach the playoffs. Hopefully, we just keep progressing and we make sure we can get into those spots.
“It’s an exciting year to look forward to next year.”
French star recovers from injury for Cardiff final
France superstar Damian Penaud has overcome injury to start for Bordeaux Begles in the Champions Cup final against Northampton Saints
The 28-year-old has scored 21 tries this season for club and country, shining alongside team-mate and fellow wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey.
However, he hasn’t played since the semi-final victory over Toulouse earlier this month.
Northampton also welcome back players from injury, with captain George Furbank over an arm injury and Ollie Sleightholme back from an ankle problem.
