Here are the latest rugby headlines on Saturday, July 1.
Gatland ponders World Cup gamble
Wales head coach Warren Gatland is considering taking only two scrum-halves to the Rugby World Cup in France.
It would be the first decision of its kind for Wales for 20 years, with Wales having headed to the 2003 tournament in Australia with two No. 9s - Gareth Cooper and Dwayne Peel - as winger Shane Williams could also cover the position.
After Rhys Webb announced his shock international retirement and withdrew from Wales' World Cup training squad, the remaining three scrum-halves in camp are Tomos Williams, Kieran Hardy and Gareth Davies.
Asked how many scrum-halves are headed for the World Cup, Scarlets half-back Davies told a press conference on Thursday: "In 2015 and 2019, we took three nines. But who knows? We have been told it's two or three nines so that's up to Gats. Between the three of us, we're all working hard and we all get on with each other. We'll see what Gats thinks."
Gatland has alluded to what the mix of his squad could like like, admitting Wales may be a bit short in one position in the 33-man squad.
"We have started to think about whether it is an 18-15 mix, 19-14 or 20-13," he said. "When you look at those there is still probably one position in which you could be a little bit light on. Do you have four second rows, or do you only take two No. 9s and three 10s or the other away around? That mix will be a discussion for later when we pick the squad."
Wales gambled on picking just two hookers in the 2015 World Cup in England. With the World Cup being close by in France, calling players up from outside the squad in the event of injury is less of an issue than it was in 2019 when the World Cup was in Japan.
Arundell signs for Racing
Rising England star Henry Arundell will join Racing 92 after the World Cup until next summer, it has been announced.
The 20-year-old winger, who shot to prominence last year with London Irish for his try-scoring exploits, made his international debut last summer while still a teenager.
He, along with the rest of the London Irish squad, were left unemployed when the club went into administration last month.
Arundell will link up with former England head coach Stuart Lancaster in Paris after the World Cup.
Dragons appeal for fundraising help
Dragons RFC are encouraging fans to support a mammoth walk in memory of an Ammanford man who spent his final years fundraising to help others.
Ryan Davies – a close family friend of scrum half Rhodri Williams - was 21 when he was diagnosed with a rare form of leukaemia, which he battled for a decade. He died in November 2016, just weeks before his 33rd birthday.
A charity called Ryan4Leukaemia was set up by Ryan during his treatment to help others in a similar situation to himself, and fundraising efforts have continued since his death – raising thousands for families going through leukaemia treatment to help with travel costs and funding treatments not available on the NHS.
The latest epic fundraising event comes to a special finale this weekend.
A group 15 friends – that includes Ryan’s dad Doug and younger brother Nathan – will complete a week-long walk from Ammanford to Anfield – the home of sports-mad Ryan’s beloved football club.
The two brothers of Dragons ace Rhodri Williams are among the walking party while Rhodri has himself played his part by helping on pit stops and drinks breaks along the way.
The group started the walk last Saturday and in total will cover 160 miles over seven days. They will finish this Saturday, July 1, at the spot where Ryan’s plaque is at Anfield. Find out more here.
