Here are the latest rugby evening headlines on Thursday, May 19.
Pivac's Rhys Webb contact
Wales head coach Wayne Pivac has revealed he has held talks with Rhys Webb, who is as "keen as ever" to represent his country despite not being selected in a squad since 2020.
Pivac opted for Tomos Williams, Gareth Davies and Kieran Hardy in his Wales squad to face South Africa in July, and again cited pace being a major factor in his scrum-half selection decisions when asked about 33-year-old Webb's repeated omission. He played in three Tests in the autumn of 2020 but was axed for the 2021 Six Nations - due to a perceived lack of pace and accuracy in his passing game - and has not been involved since, but has been a consistent standout performer for the Ospreys this term.
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"I've caught up with Rhys a couple of times since his non-selection 12 months or so ago," Pivac told the Scrum V podcast. "He's as keen as ever, he's playing some good rugby for the Ospreys, they're probably playing slightly differently from the way we play.
"It's not so much the age because we've got a number of guys in their early 30s and different roles require different skill-sets. As a No. 9, we're looking at pace as one of the big ingredients. So nothing's changed from those discussions."
Asked if the door was closed for the World Cup squad, the Wales boss added: "It's the same message as to Jonathan Davies. Any player that has been left out, it is around working hard around your game, getting consistency, showing the desire, and we just don't have the number to write a player off. Rhys Webb is a quality player and we're keeping tabs on him like all the others in the competition."
Rob Evans signs for rivals after Scarlets release
The Dragons have announced the signing of Wales international prop Rob Evans. Evans, who has been released by the Scarlets, will join the Dragons ahead of next season.
The 30-year-old made his Wales debut against Ireland in 2015, going on to win 39 caps. He has not featured for Wales, though, since the 2020 Six Nations.
"We are delighted to be welcoming a player of Rob's calibre to the Dragons and excited about the impact he can make with us," Dragons rugby director Dean Ryan said.
"Rob is highly-driven and motivated to help us move forward as a squad. He also still has big international ambitions with Wales that he wants to achieve as a Dragon."
Wales to play strongest team from now to the World Cup
Wayne Pivac has indicated Wales' South Africa tour this summer will effectively ramp up preparations for next year's World Cup. This year's dismal Six Nations outing ended with Wales suffering a first home defeat against Italy, which hardly augers well for tackling South Africa.
"It (tour) is the first step and the last step if you like," Pivac said. "It is probably the last step for a few players to show they can compete on a regular basis at this level. "It's probably the start of [when] we are not going to be tinkering too much with selection. We will be looking to play our strongest side now through to the World Cup, and we make no apologies for that."
Pivac, meanwhile, said that he has had "very, very positive" discussions with Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Steve Phillips. "We certainly had a good discussion around the Six Nations," he added. "We do a normal review internally, our reports go through, and then obviously the powers that be have their discussions. My discussions I've had with Steve have been very, very positive and they have all been about preparing the side through to the World Cup."
George North surprised but 'chuffed' to get Wales call after long lay-off
George North says he was surprised by his Wales call-up after playing just two hours of rugby following a 12-month injury lay-off.
The 30-year-old centre or wing suffered knee ligament damage in April 2021, ending hopes of making a third successive British and Lions tour in South Africa last summer. North finally returned to action last month and, despite making just one start for the Ospreys and another appearance off the bench, has been named in Wayne Pivac's Wales squad for this summer's three-Test series in South Africa.
Asked if he had expected to take on the world champions, North said: "No, to be honest. My main focus off the back of my injury was just to get back playing for the Ospreys and trying to find a groove. I've been involved in limited games, but I'm feeling better each time. It's amazing and I'm chuffed to be selected, though obviously I realise I have a lot of work to do to get back up to speed."
2023 European finals switch from Tottenham to Dublin
The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will no longer host the 2023 European finals after scheduling issues forced a switch to the Aviva Stadium.
Dublin will now stage the showpiece events of the Heineken Champions Cup and Challenge Cup next year on May 19 and May 20 respectively.
Tournament organisers have acted due to complications caused by the Premier League finishing later than usual because of the 2022 football World Cup, as well as the 2023 rugby World Cup altering the sport's European calendar.
"We are very happy to continue working with Tottenham to stage our finals there soon. It is a sensational stadium with a burgeoning history of hosting rugby matches," EPCR chairman Dominic McKay said.
"In the meantime, it is exciting to be returning to a rugby heartland at the Aviva Stadium, and we look forward to welcoming fans, clubs, players and stakeholders to what promises to be an outstanding weekend in May next year."
