Here's your round-up of all the latest rugby news for Wednesday, January 11.
Lions legend passes away
Former England and British & Irish Lions star David Duckham has died at the age of 76.
Duckham, who made his international debut against Ireland in 1969, won 36 caps for England and went into rugby folklore as part of the victorious 1971 Lions tour to New Zealand.
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He was also a member of the Barbarians side that beat the All Blacks 23-11 at Cardiff Arms Park in 1973, and even earned the nickname 'Dai' from Welsh fans after one particularly famed counter-attacking run.
Duckham helped make up the star-studded Lions backline against New Zealand that was dominated by Welsh superstars. He was the sole Englishman, with Ireland's Mike Gibson also featuring next to the Wales quintet of Gareth Edwards, Barry John, Gerald Davies, JPR Williams and skipper John Dawes.
It was perhaps the greatest back division any side has fielded in the history of rugby and each of the players have become legends of the game.
Despite the intense rivalry with England, Duckham's swashbuckling style of play and tryscoring prowess earned him huge respect among Welsh fans. Hence the nickname, as it was felt he was the one English player who would have fitted into the thrilling way Wales played in the 1970s golden era.
Duckham's former club Coventry said in a statement: "Donned as arguably the 'greatest' Coventry player, our thoughts go out to David's family at this difficult time. The club will demonstrate a minute's silence prior to kick-off at this Saturday's match against Jersey."
Wales get Jones boost
Wyn Jones looks set to hand the Scarlets a welcome injury boost ahead of their European Challenge Cup clash at home to the Cheetahs on Friday.
The 30-year-old has been out of action with a knee injury since the Scarlets' victory over Zebre on October 15.
However, Scarlets contact skills coach Emyr Phillips said the prop had been "training well, so we hope he can feature".
The news also comes as a welcome boost to Wales boss Warren Gatland ahead of the upcoming Six Nations campaign. Jones was Gatland's first-choice Lions loosehead on the tour to South Africa and is bound to be in his thinking for the looming Six Nations opener with Ireland in Cardiff.
"Over the last two season's he's picked up a few injuries and has found it tough to string a few games together so to have his experience back is a huge boost for us," said Phillips.
"We have seen how much influence Ken [Owens] has done to the pack, so the more we can get back fit with their experience the better."
Ospreys chief departs
Paul Whapham is to leave his role as Corporate Brand Director at the Ospreys to take over as chief executive at Hockey Wales.
Whapham has spent eight years at the Welsh side, but is leaving to take over from Ria Burrage-Male. He will take up his new role in March 2023.
Commenting on the move, Whapham said: “Defining the Ospreys brand in recent years has allowed me to personally connect to our supporters and aided in establishing the team from grassroots to senior level. Despite moving out of the sport, Ospreys will always hold a special place in my heart and I look forward to cheering the team on from the sidelines.”
Hockey Wales chair Conrad Funnell said: "We are truly thrilled to have Paul lead Hockey Wales. His experience, capabilities and exceptional leadership shone throughout our recruitment process. I very much look forward to working with him along with board to evolve hockey in Wales."
Read more:
England pick two of Wales' brightest prospects for Six Nations amid fears they could be lost
Warren Gatland's likely new full Wales coaching team as things stand
The Wales team Warren Gatland should pick for the Six Nations match against Ireland
The life and tragic death of Carwyn James, the lonely Welsh rugby genius who worked as a spy
