Here are the latest rugby headlines on Tuesday, April 19.
Ospreys star re-signs
Ospreys wing Keelan Giles has signed a new two-year contract at the Welsh region.
The former teen prodigy is slowly getting back to his dangerous best after a nightmare couple of years that saw serious injury derail his development. Giles, 24, is one of the quickest and most exciting players in Welsh rugby and is a firm favourite of the Ospreys supporters.
He said: “I grew up in the region, have supported the club since I was a youngster and I enjoy being here and feel there is a real future here. You can really feel us growing as a team and you will really see that come to fruition over the next few years.
“Personally, it is just great to be back playing and training, trying to improve as a player and contribute to the team. The more I play, the more confidence I get. I have thoroughly enjoyed just getting back out there and doing what I do. The competition for places on the wing is unreal here and it really drives you on in training and in games.
Coach Toby Booth added: “Keelan has shown real resilience to get back on the field and he has improved his performances week on week. His game changing ability will help our attack become stronger and more potent which is exciting to see."
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Aussie star suffers spinal injury
Australian rugby player Nathan Stapleton has suffered a serious spinal injury in a match.
The former NRL star, who now plays Union, fractured his neck during the second half of his Boorowa club’s opening game of the season against West Wyalong. The match was immediately abandoned while the 32-year-old was treated by a nurse at the ground before being taken to a Sydney hospital.
"Goldies men’s player Nathan Stapleton suffered a significant injury during the second half which led to the match being abandoned,” Boorowa Rugby Club posted on Facebook.
“Unfortunately during contact, Nathan fractured his neck and injured his spinal cord, requiring significant medical assistance. Through an incredible effort from members of each club, Nathan was given first aid until paramedics could arrive.
“Nathan has begun his recovery at a hospital in Sydney, and whilst he shows improvement each day the extent of his injuries and long term impact remain unclear.”
Stapleton scored 17 tries in 61 games for Rugby League giants Cronulla Sharks between 2009 and 2014.
Scarlets player looks to beat own team again
The Scarlets will have one of their own players looking to pile more misery on them this weekend when they travel to Rodney Parade to face the Dragons.
Young hooker Taylor Davies is currently on loan at the east Wales club from their rivals in the west and was instrumental in last weekend's shock 38-27 win, scoring a crucial try. The two sides now face each other once again, with Davies eager to continue his development.
His is due to return to the Scarlets next season and fight for a place in the team after 18 appearances for the Dragons this term.
"It was a sweet moment, it's always nice to get over the try line and it was a special moment to do it at Parc y Scarlets as well," the hooker told the South Wales Argus.
"There were highs and lows in the game," said Davies, who came on after just three minutes following injury to Elliot Dee.
"We stayed composed and managed to come back to get the win. It was nip and tuck pretty much all the way to the end and a good game of rugby to play in."
"I have to see how things play out but I am really enjoying my rugby at the moment. I am having a lot of game time and I am focusing on the things that I need to work on to better my career.
"There are five more games this season and I want to have a good end because I have really enjoyed my season. I feel like I am one of the boys, they are a great set of lads and we work really hard.
"I am really grateful to the Dragons, I am putting in the work and have been fortunate to get the game time that I wanted.
"At this level you improve by playing. There is only so much that you can do in training, you have to be in the position of getting on the field. Every game you get something different, you learn from other people and how the opposition play."
New deal for scrum-half
Glasgow scrum-half Sean Kennedy has signed a deal that will keep him at Scotstoun next season.
The former Alloa, Edinburgh and London Irish player has made 19 appearances during two spells with Warriors.
The 30-year-old told the club website: "I'm happy to be staying with the club. I enjoy coming to work everyday - it's a great club with great people.
"There's a strong group of scrum-halves at the club and it's great to compete against them every week for the jersey. Despite being a more senior player, I learn new things every day and I have a great time doing it.
"The club feels like we're building towards something and I'm looking forward to continuing to be a part of it."
Head coach Danny Wilson added: "Sean is an integral part of our squad. He's an extremely good professional who's played well for us when he's had his opportunity."
