The latest rugby news and headlines from Wales and beyond
Here are the evening rugby headlines for Monday, March 30.
The Welsh are swapping England for South Africa
England manager Steve Borthwick has been hit with fresh trouble after pundit Joe Lewis linked up with reigning world champions South Africa.
Welshman Lewis, from Builth Wells, is a key figure on England’s staff – he works as a senior inspector under Borthwick. This is his second game with England, having been Eddie Jones’ head coach before a short spell with the Scarlets.
He will leave England in June to take part in a trial with Rassie Erasmus’ side.
“We are delighted to welcome Joe to the Springbok team,” said Erasmus.
“Given his extensive technical and operational experience at international and club level, we believe he will add great value to the team as we prepare for a busy and exciting season ahead of the 2027 RWC.
“His role has seen him gain valuable experience at the highest levels of the game – the 2019 Rugby World Cup, the Six Nations tournament, and the Autumn Nations Cup, among other major competitions, and we have no doubt he will fit seamlessly into our set-up.”
Lewis’ departure comes after England’s worst ever Six Nations campaign, with Borthwick’s side losing four in a row to finish fifth.
The review process by the RFU is expected to be completed by the end of next month.
Faletau and Morgan signed up for major European games
A number of Wales stars have already been booked ahead of this week’s Challenge Cup round of 16 – including the injured Wales No 8, Taulupe Faletau.
Before the knockout stages, teams can add three new players to their European squads.
Cardiff take on Benetton, the Ospreys face Ulster and the Dragons come up against Stade Francais this weekend.
The Dragons welcomed Elliot Dee, Dillon Lewis and James Benjamin into their squad, while the Ospreys brought back Wales skipper Jac Morgan along with Ben Roberts and Harri Houston.
As for Cardiff, they have signed Ed Byrne and Teddy Williams as well as Faletau.
The 35-year-old was forced off with an injury against the Sharks last Friday – just two games into his return.
Currently, there is no update provided for Faletau.
As exciting as the signing may seem, Cardiff were always able to sign the British and Irish Lion if there was even a slight chance of him playing again this season.
The Lions star is out for the European clash
British and Irish Lions full-back Tom Curry will miss this weekend’s Sale Champions Cup clash with Harlequins.
Director of rugby Alex Sanderson has confirmed that the England flanker remains sidelined with a calf injury he picked up in the warm-up before England’s Six Nations defeat in Italy three weeks ago.
Sale will also be without his twin brother, Ben, for 16 matches – with Ben missing the entire campaign after hamstring surgery.
“A few curries can be delicious – making them healthy can make all the difference,” said Sanderson.
The Welsh coach backed up the result
Wales women’s coach Sean Lynn has been backed to make a big impact in this year’s Six Nations – having had less than a week to prepare for last year’s tournament.
Captain Kate Williams – who will skip the side on her own following an injury to Alex Callender – leads a squad with nine players out.
Lynn also added new offensive, defensive and forward coaches to his staff.
“It’s a fresh start and I think it’s needed,” flanker Williams said. “We have strong players in the squad now, a mix of youth and Celtic Challenge and good experience.”
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Regarding Lynn, he said: “He’s just one man and it takes time to build strength in a team,” he said of the former Gloucester-Hartpury boss.
“He has been in the post for a year now, so we know what he is and what he wants. The players are behind him, and everyone, to get to where we want to be, which is a top five team in the world.
“I like the vision he has for the club and I think all the decisions he’s making now are putting us in a good position for the Rugby World Cup in the next four years.”
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