The latest headlines from Wales and around the world
These are your evening rugby headlines on Tuesday, May 13.
Wales star says England move changed him
Wales star Tomos Williams has credited his move to Gloucester with helping to take him to the next level after he was selected in this year’s British & Irish Lions squad. The scrum-half is one of just two Wales players in Andy Farrell’s 38-man squad for the tour of Australia, with captain Jac Morgan the only other representative in the lowest Welsh cohort in a Lions squad for nearly 90 years.
Williams has been a standout player for the Cherry & Whites in his first season in the Gallagher Premiership, having moved to Kingsholm last summer after leaving Cardiff.
He has seen a series of fine performances rewarded with his first call-up to the Lions, with the 30-year-old named as one of three touring scrum-halves alongside Ireland’s Jamison Gibson-Park and England’s Alex Mitchell.
Williams believes that had he not made the move across the Severn Bridge last summer, he likely wouldn’t have been in contention for a place in Farrell’s squad as he praised the Gloucester coaches for helping him. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here.
“I don’t think I’d be in this position if it wasn’t for Gloucester,” he told BBC Radio Gloucestershire.
“I said before I’m grateful for the coaches, Lights [attack coach James Lightfoot Brown], Dom [defence coach Waldouck] and Skivs [director of rugby George Skivington] for allowing me to play the way we play at Gloucester. Coming here this season has helped me massively.”
On the Lions squad announcement that saw him “shed a tear” as his name was read out, the 64-cap international said: “It’s so special. That’s why I think it’s such an achievement.
“I’m so grateful for the opportunity. It’s the pinnacle of rugby, so I’m immensely proud and grateful.”
Top Welsh signing eyes international call
Scarlets hooker Marnus van der Merwe is targeting a call-up to the South Africa national side after a fine campaign for the Welsh region.
The 28-year-old was selected for the Springboks’ wider alignment camp last year while he was still with the Cheetahs, but is still yet to play for his country.
However, Van der Merwe – who also spent a month on loan with the Ospreys last season – has been in fine form for Dwayne Peel’s side since joining on a permanent deal last summer, with a series of impressive displays seeing him labelled as “one of the signings of the season” by the club.
The physical front rower admits that playing international rugby remains a big ambition, and hopes that his move to the Scarlets will help him to pull on the Springboks jersey in the coming months.
“I think as a child, any South African watching the game, with the Springboks doing well, everyone wants to play for that team, just like people in Wales who grew up watching their team,” he said.
“So everyone wants to play for their nation. It’s definitely a thing I am going for, but I focus on the next thing which is helping the Scarlets where I can. Then, through that, I hope the Springbok coaches can see what I bring and see that I have the talent to be there.
“My goal is to get into international rugby. Everyone hopes for that. I just go out and play the best I can every single day. Hopefully that’s enough.”
Van der Merwe added that moving to Parc y Scarlets was a “very easy decision” as he felt his career was “standing still” after eight years with the Cheetahs.
“I’d had a few injury problems and the Cheetahs weren’t involved in the top competitions,” he added. “They were out of Super Rugby and out of the URC. I had planned to go overseas for a couple of years, so when the Scarlets came and gave me an offer, I couldn’t refuse.
“It was a good opportunity to be somewhere where I could get some game-time and show what I have against the big teams. It was a chance to improve my rugby and I was grateful for that.
“If you get an opportunity, some players take it, some players lose out. I think I have taken it with both hands. I am doing well and the coaches are backing me. Hopefully I can keep performing in this Scarlets jersey and show people what I am.”
Care announces retirement
By PA Sport Staff
Former England international and Harlequins scrum-half Danny Care has announced he will retire from professional rugby at the end of the 2024-25 season.
The 38-year-old joined Quins in 2006 and has made 394 appearances for the club, winning two Gallagher Premiership titles and an EPCR Challenge Cup success during his 19-year association. He featured at two World Cups for England during an international career which spanned 16 years, finishing with 101 caps to his name.
“So, it’s finally time. Unfortunately, after 19 years of playing for this incredible club, I’m going to be retiring from rugby at the end of the season,” Care said. “I just wanted to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for letting a lad from Leeds come down to this club and feel like home from day one.
“To all the fans. Thank you for everything you’ve given me and my family. As I said, you brought us into your hearts. You’ve sung my name louder than it’s ever deserved. And I can’t really put into words what representing this club and playing in front of you all has meant to me.”
After his retirement, Care will represent Harlequins in an ambassadorial role.
England head coach Steve Borthwick said: “Danny has been the heartbeat of every team he’s played for, with his passion, skill, and energy lighting up stadiums wherever he went. He’s given everything to rugby, and I congratulate him on a brilliant career.
“On behalf of the team, we wish him the best in the next chapter – though knowing Danny, we’ll soon hear his voice on our screens, bringing the same passion and personality he brought to the pitch.”
Revived English side name new boss
By PA Sport Staff
Worcester have appointed Matt Everard as their new head coach.
The Warriors are poised to return to professional rugby union in the Championship next season, two and a half years after the club went into administration.
Former back-rower Everard left his role as Leicester’s defence coach in February. The 34-year-old represented the Tigers and Wasps during his playing days before beginning his coaching career with the latter side in 2017.
“This is a club with real heart, a proud history, and a loyal community behind it,” Everard told Worcester’s website.
“The opportunity to be part of its resurgence is incredibly special. I’m here to build a team that works hard, plays with passion, and represents the people of Worcester with pride.”
Warriors chief executive Stephen Vaughan said: “Matt is the right person to lead this new chapter. His elite level experience, connections and leadership will be crucial as we return to competitive rugby and rebuild from the ground up.”