These are your rugby headlines on Friday, April 21.
Tributes for Josh
Tributes have poured in for Josh Navidi after the Cardiff and Wales flanker announced his retirement on Thursday night.
Navidi suffered an injury to his neck in the third Test of Wales' tour to South Africa last summer and despite his best efforts he has not been able to recover from it.
The 32-year-old has now hung up his boots with immediate effect, and he released an emotional statement to convey the news to supporters.
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Naturally for a player with many admirers, the tributes and best wishes were bountiful.
Sam Warburton described Navidi as an "epic player", while Tom Shanklin said: "He had so much more to give both for Cardiff and Wales. Sad news but should look back with pride. One of the greatest Cardiff players ever !!!!"
Jonathan 'Jiffy' Davies sent Navidi his best wishes online, saying: "All the best Josh."
Team-mate Josh Turnbull said: "One of the best to do it! Top man on and off the field, Congratulations on an awesome career."
Former Cardiff and Wales wing Chris Czekaj said: "Top player, top bloke. All the best @Jnavidi."
Wales legend Scott Quinnell said: "Sorry to hear this Josh. Congratulations on a fantastic career. Good luck for next chapter. #rugbyfamily love from all the Qs."
The news was met with sadness by many fans, players and people involved in the game, with Cardiff Rugby's chief operating officer, Rhys Blumberg, saying: "This is tragic news for Cardiff Rugby. What a player over the years for us and a top bloke to boot. Thanks for your outstanding contribution to the club.
Navidi played for Cardiff 184 times and won 33 Wales caps.
READ MORE: Wales star Josh Navidi forced to retire aged 32
Davies signs off with thank you message
Sam Davies has thanked Dragons fans for their support as he penned a leaving note after his departure from the club was confirmed.
Davies is one of nine players who are definitely leaving Rodney Parade this summer.
French side Grenoble are said to be leading the race for his signature, with the fly-half publicly ruling out a move to rivals Cardiff.
On Twitter, Davies posted a thank you message to supporters.
"I would like to thank everyone at Dragons RFC for a great past four years, with a proud club that has a great rugby community and such amazing support!" he wrote.
"Hearing the Rodney Parade crowd behind you in all weathers is something else, and I won't forget it. Through highs and lows, the team always feel supported by our brilliant fans and I am grateful to everyone who welcomed me with open arms, when I moved from Ospreys, and for backing us through thick and thin in recent seasons.
"I really enjoyed being part of a proud club and make lifelong friendships and rugby memories that I will look back on fondly.
"I've been lucky to play alongside some great Dragons players, it's a close-knit team, and pulling on the Dragons 10 jersey has been an honour. I wish all the team, the supporters and staff the very best in the future."
Scarlets tease announcement
The Scarlets are set to announce another new contract on Friday, hot on the heels of Sam Wainwright penning fresh terms at Parc y Scarlets.
It's been a busy week in the HR department out west, with Kemsley Mathias, Ryan Elias, Joe Roberts, Ioan Nicholas and Eddie James all agreeing extensions, while Dwayne Peel has secured the services of highly-rated Ioan Lloyd from Bristol Bears.
Teasing more good news today, the Scarlets posted on Twitter, complete with the pen/writing emoji: "Welwn ni chi fory!" which translates as "See you tomorrow!"
Cunningham fears Wales will be 'left behind again'
Wales Women coach Ioan Cunningham says he has concerns his side will be "left behind again".
Wales got off to a flying start in this year's Six Nations, seeing off Scotland and Ireland in convincing fashion, but they were brought back down to earth thanks to a 59-3 thrashing by England at Cardiff Arms Park.
Wales have only entered professionalism in the last year, handing out 24 full-time contracts over the past 12 months but the gulf in class was clear.
New Zealand have just announced 34 contracts with more to come, and Cunningham says "sides are getting serious".
"The World Cup is 29 months away, sides are getting serious," he told the BBC.
"We either want to stay with them or we get left behind again.
"It's a challenge, 24 contracts is good, but you need a squad of 32 minimum and the mix of players within our group, some are experienced, some are very young and need a lot of physical work.
"If you don't get time with them, you can't accelerate that, so it's something that we're continually chipping away at and trying to improve."
Player leaves due to 'ongoing personal legal matter'
Walter Fifita's underwhelming spell at Glasgow is over after the winger was released from his contract by mutual consent.
The 25-year-old Tonga international has made only three appearances since moving to Scotstoun in 2021 and will now continue his career elsewhere.
"An ongoing personal legal matter" has been cited as one of the factors in Fifita's departure.
"Glasgow have released winger Walter Fifita from his contract by mutual consent with Fifita, and his agent," read a statement on the club's website.
"This decision is based on performance, a lack of game time, and an ongoing personal legal matter.
"Fifita has represented the club on three occasions since his arrival during the 2021-22 season.
"This decision has been made to let Walter Fifita out of his contract early to allow him to pursue his career elsewhere."
READ MORE:
The nine players definitely leaving the Dragons as Wales international released after a year
The Scarlets' blueprint to relaunch Ioan Lloyd's club and Wales career
Players support young star after suicide attempt and missing Davis may have drowned
Outgoing coach names Cardiff youngsters who are destined for stardom
