The latest rugby news from Wales and beyond.
Your rugby evening headlines on Tuesday, May 20.
Harlequins coaches react to Wales call
Harlequins head coach Danny Wilson and scrum coach Adam Jones have spoken for the first time since being revealed as part of Matt Sherratt’s coaching team.
Wilson and Jones will join Gethin Jenkins and T Rhys Thomas in the collective to take on Japan in this summer’s Test series, which was confirmed today by the Welsh Rugby Union. You can read the Wales squad in full here.
Quins boss Wilson, who has previously worked with Sherratt at Cardiff, branded it as an “honour” to return to international coaching.
“Coaching rugby at the international level is a great honour and opportunity,” began Wilson.
“Wales’ summer tour to Japan is a fantastic chance to return to the international game for a short period, learn from others in the environment and ultimately develop myself further as a coach.
“I’m grateful to the Welsh Rugby Union for the opportunity and to Harlequins for allowing me to undertake the short-term role during our off-season. We’ll return to the club in the first week of a long pre-season campaign to begin our preparations for the 2025/26 season.”
Wales legend Jones, who worked with his country during the Six Nations, reacted similarly. “I’d like to thank the Welsh Rugby Union and Harlequins for another opportunity to step up into an international coaching role,” he began.
“My time with Wales during the Six Nations was hugely beneficial to me both personally and professionally, and I’m looking forward to enhancing my skillset as a coach once more this summer.”
Leigh Halfpenny says goodbye
Wales legend Leigh Halfpenny has said goodbye to Harlequins in a touching message ahead of his exciting next step.
On Saturday, Harlequins revealed their comprehensive list of leavers, which included Wyn Jones, Dillon Lewis, Danny Care, Halfpenny and many more. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.
For 36-year-old Halfpenny, he is still hoping to continue playing, but for his current team-mate and England legend Care, it’s the end of the road.
Writing an Instagram post which detailed a final goodbye to Quins, he also included a tribute to the legendary Care.
“Final time at the Stoop have loved playing here,” he said.
“Thank you for making us feel so welcome. Incredible day celebrating a special guy, been a pleasure to share this season with you a legend on and off the field @dannycare9.”
It’s understood that the WRU have approached Halfpenny with a coaching role for the upcoming tour of Japan, but nothing has been confirmed on that front yet.
The iconic full-back is reportedly set for a move to Pro D2 club Beziers, but it is understood this wouldn’t affect him taking on a coaching role for Wales this summer.
Wales boss provides clarity on absentees
Interim Wales head coach Matt Sherratt has revealed why certain players have been left out of the touring squad for Japan.
Wales take on the Brave Blossoms in a two-Test series in the Far East and today named their squad for those games.
There were notable absentees in Dafydd Jenkins, Adam Beard, Will Rowlands and more. The WRU confirmed Jenkins wasn’t included as he is set to have elective surgery on an injury.
It was confirmed by the Welsh Rugby Union in their announcement that Beard and Rowlands would be rested for the upcoming tour, but Sherratt provided a bit more clarity on Beard’s situation and explained other omissions.
“Adam Beard has got a move coming and he’s got a young family,” explained Sherratt. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.
“It’s a mix of players injured or unavailable through family circumstances. Max Llewellyn is injured. Jarrod Evans is in the same boat. Mason Grady hasn’t played since the autumn. It’s letting them boys have a break and a good pre-season so they’re ready to go next year.”
Sherratt was also asked why Gareth Anscombe had been left out. “It was more around Dan Edwards,” answered Sherratt.
“He was obviously involved in the Six Nations. It’s time to look forward with Dan. Sam Costelow was injured during the Six Nations. The squad is slightly smaller for this trip. So it’s getting Sam up to speed. Ben Thomas can cover 10 as well.”
Scarlets wing Ellis Mee burst onto the scene in the Six Nations, and despite his good efforts, was not included in the squad. Sherratt provided clarity on this.
“Ellis is not injured. We’ve decided to go with Josh (Adams), Tom Rogers and Keelan Giles,” answered Sherratt.
“That was probably one of the hardest decisions. I spoke to Dwayne Peel this morning around some of the rationale around it. I think Ellis is going to be a well-capped international.
“I just feel we need experience, particularly in the backline. I know Keelan isn’t capped, but he’s came on a tour nine years ago with me to Samoa. He’s been in good form and is a regular starter in the URC. I feel his time is right. That was one of the toughest calls. Ellis has a big future.”
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso eyeing comeback
By Duncan Bech, PA England Rugby Correspondent
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso will make his first appearance in an England squad since November as he closes in on his comeback from a dislocated shoulder.
Feyi-Waboso has been included in a 33-man training squad for a two-day camp at England’s Surrey base as preparations begin for the summer tour to Argentina and the United States.
The 22-year-old Exeter wing has yet to play in 2025 after undergoing surgery to repair an injury sustained on club duty in December, but could feature in the Chiefs’ final match of the season against Sale on May 31.
A strike rate of five tries in eight caps, including three on last summer’s tour to Japan and New Zealand, propelled Feyi-Waboso into British and Irish Lions reckoning only for his dislocated shoulder to rob him of the chance to press his claim in the Six Nations.
His situation was complicated when his operation was delayed while England and Exeter discussed his treatment options and because of a tooth infection.
