Here are your rugby evening headlines for Monday, May 30.
Cardiff flanker joins Cornish Pirates
Cardiff flanker Alex Everett has joined Cornish Pirates on a one-year deal.
The 25-year-old was called upon to be part of the 'misfits' squad to face Toulouse last year when several of Cardiff's frontline players were stuck in quarantine. He made his debut off the bench against the French giants, replacing Olly Robinson with eight minutes to go.
Cornish Pirates’ coach Louie Tonkin said: “Alex is a hugely physical man, a real handful with a good pedigree, who is just the sort of backrow player we are looking for.
“Very physical both sides of the ball, he has gained real experience with Cardiff RFC, played for Cardiff Rugby. And being ambitious is keen to take his opportunity in the Championship and to push on.”
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Former England flanker announces retirement
Former England flanker Tom Wood has announced he will retire from professional rugby next month.
The 50-cap international has been a stalwart at Northampton for 12 seasons, making 240 appearances since moving to Franklin Gardens from Worcester in 2010. His Test career saw him play in two World Cups, win the Six Nations twice and captain his country on three occasions.
However, a shoulder injury has kept the 35-year-old out since February.
"Obviously, retiring is a difficult and emotional decision for any player," said Wood. "Northampton Saints has been such a big part of my life and I've made some very special memories. I feel privileged to have been able to pull on the jersey here for the past 12 seasons.
"I'm very proud of my playing career with both Saints and England. Having worked hard in recent years to set myself up for life after rugby, I'm excited for what the next chapter has in store."
Northampton director of rugby Chris Boyd added: "You can't overstate the contribution he's made on the field, and if you look at his entire career in Northampton, there aren't many people who have done more for the jersey in the history of the club.
"He's been an incredible competitor and the ultimate team man, and I know everyone at Franklin's Gardens wishes him the very best for his retirement."
Davidson becomes first female ref to take charge of men's Six Nations team
Scottish referee Hollie Davidson will become the first female official to take charge of a men’s Six Nations team in a Test match when Italy face Portugal next month.
Davidson, who became Scottish rugby's first full-time professional women's referee in 2017, will be part of an all-female team for the June 25 clash in Lisbon. While she has refereed a men's international rugby match before, this is her first involving a Tier 1 side.
She will be assisted by English official Sara Cox and France's Aurélie Groizeleau, with Claire Hodnett of England acting as the TMO.
"To be the first woman to referee a men's Six Nations team is a tremendous honour and an achievement I am proud of," said Davidson. "I have been happy with my progress in the last couple of years and working as a full-time professional referee with Scottish Rugby has really helped that.
"I couldn't believe it when I heard the news as I didn't think something like this would have happened so quickly in my career, but I'm really proud and looking forward to the summer. In the last year I have been fortunate to have refereed high-profile fixtures in both the men's and women's game, which will act as great preparation going into the summer for these two matches."
World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont added: "Congratulations to Hollie, Sara, Aurelie and Claire on this historic appointment. Today's announcement signifies the strength and depth that has been developed in female match officials globally and demonstrates the many pathways available to women and girls wanting to get involved in this great game."
Rees-Zammit named in RPA's U23s team of the season
Wales wing Louis Rees-Zammit has been included in the Rugby Player Association's U23 Team of the Season.
Player reps for the representative body of professional rugby players in England have chosen their team of the best performers under 23 in England's Gallagher Premiership this season - with Rees-Zammit making the cut after another fine year at Kingsholm.
London Irish back-row Tom Pearson, who graduated from Cardiff Met last year, was also included in the team.
PRA's U23 team of the Season: Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers); Louis Rees-Zammit (Gloucester), Fraser Dingwall (Northampton Saints), Dan Kelly (Leicester Tigers), Ollie Hassell-Collins (London Irish); Marcus Smith (Harlequins), Harry Randall (Bristol Bears); Bevan Rodd (Sale Sharks), Nic Dolly (Leicester Tigers), Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers), Nick Isiekwe (Saracens), Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers), Ben Earl (Saracens), Tom Pearson (London Irish), Fitz Harding (Bristol Bears).
Italy name first squad since Wales scalp
Italy have named their first squad since beating Wales in this year's Six Nations finale.
Head coach Kieran Crowley has named a 33-man squad for his side’s summer fixtures against Portugal, Romania and Georgia, with fly-half Tommaso Allan returning from his international exile.
The Harlequins playmaker had previously declared himself unavailable, but returns to the fold for the first time under Crowley. There's four uncapped players included, with prop Ion Neculai, fly-half Giacomo Da Re and scrum-halves Manfredi Albanese and Alessandro Garbisi named.
The latter might be familiar to Welsh fans, having scored two tries in the Italian's win over Wales U20s earlier this year.
Crowley said: “We have a very interesting squad available with a mix of young people who will be able to make their debut in the national team and the return of experienced athletes.
“This summer tour represents a crucial stage in our journey. We are back from a win in Wales and will now face teams against which we want to show further progress by strengthening our team identity just over a year out from a major event like RWC.”
