Here are the latest rugby evening headlines on Wednesday, May 25.
Welsh Exeter Uni captain goes pro
Welsh BUCS Super Rugby-winning captain Olly White has signed a professional contract with English Championship side Cornish Pirates after leaving Exeter University RFC.
The Wales U18s international and back-rower has put pen to paper on a one-year deal for the 2022/23 season after spending four years with Exeter Uni, where he made 28 BUCS Super Rugby appearances - a number which would have been higher had it not been for Covid and injury - and was named first team captain for 2021/22.
He was injured in the semi-final against Cardiff Met and subsequently ruled out of the BUCS National Final against Durham, but the former Welsh U18 and U19 international still led from the front throughout the season, finishing off a memorable team try away against Cardiff University. It is hoped he will make a big impact next season as the Pirates look to improve on their third-place finish in English rugby's second tier.
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Cornish Pirates coach Louie Tonkin, a former UWIC, Swansea and Llandovery lock who worked with White at Exeter previously, said: "He is a very talented young man who played for Wales U18s and has this season captained the successful Exeter University team. We feel Olly is someone physically ready to step up into the Championship. His set piece play is great, he’s a very good leader, and we are really excited about having him on board.”
"All at EURFC are delighted to see White make the leap into the elite game and wish him the best of luck as he embarks on his first season in professional rugby," he said.
Wales flanker Dan Lydiate agrees new Ospreys contract
Wales international Dan Lydiate has agreed a new contract with the Ospreys. The Ospreys said that 34-year-old flanker's deal will see him remain with them for another season.
Lydiate, who has won 65 caps and played in all three Tests of the British and Irish Lions' 2013 Australia tour, returned to action earlier this year.
He was sidelined for 12 months after suffering a serious knee injury during Wales' Guinness Six Nations opener against Ireland in 2021. But his form soon caught the attention of Wales head coach Wayne Pivac, who named him among a 33-man squad to tour South Africa in July.
"Getting back on the field was my main focus this season, and I am grateful for the support of the Ospreys' medical and strength and conditioning teams for getting me playing again," Lydiate said. "The focus now is to get back to my best, produce performances and play my role in a successful Ospreys side."
Ospreys head coach Toby Booth added: "Dan's resilience and determination to get back playing after his injury has been well documented. His leadership skills and the standards he sets, on and off the field, have been recognised by his recent call-up for Wales."
Europe boss wants Welsh teams to be stronger
European club competitions director Mark McCafferty has said they will help in any way they can to make Welsh rugby stronger as he issued an update on the proposed World Club Cup.
Each of the regions failed to fire in Europe this term and missed out on the United Rugby Championship play-offs, although the Ospreys will be playing Champions Cup rugby next season by virtue of being the top Welsh side.
"We really, really want Welsh rugby to be stronger, if we can help that in any way," the independent director of European Professional Club Rugby told i.
His role includes negotiating with Super Rugby Pacific on the hoped-for World Club Cup, with a decision likely to be taken this autumn. "I hear a lot of people saying has Europe lost some of its mystique, some of its shine," McCafferty said. "And I think the answer is yes, it has done for a while. The Covid period was an immense challenge.
"And in each of the three leagues [Top 14, Premiership, URC], the prestige of winning them has gone up, and Europe has stood still a bit, with probably the exception of the Irish who are so invested in the Heineken Champions Cup. We really, really want Welsh rugby to be stronger, if we can help that in any way.
Former Premiership Rugby chief executive McCafferty also said he believes English teams can win the Champions Cup again soon, while he forecast the tournament will include a future final in Italy with venues in Spain, Germany, the Netherlands and South Africa also possible.
Dragons duo sign new contracts
Dragons have announced that wing Jared Rosser - last season's top try-scorer - and forward Huw Taylor have agreed new deals to remain with the Welsh region.
Former Wales U20s and Sevens international Rosser, 24, has amassed 25 tries in 65 games and can also operate at centre.
Director of rugby Dean Ryan said of the academy graduate: "Jared brings a real attacking strike threat to our game and is eager to keep developing and bring even more to his game as we move forward."
Taylor, 25, can operate at lock or in the back row and believes his shift to a "mobile, lineout-calling second row has paid dividends". He added: "I intend to maintain my mobility, even though I am bulking up, so that I can also play back row when required."
Ryan said of the forward: "Huw is eager to play his part in what we're aiming to achieve, and we're pleased he remains with us on that journey. He is a valuable member of our squad who has shown his versatility, particularly in the second half of this season, operating at both lock and in the back row."
