Your rugby morning headlines for Tuesday October 18.
Wales captain left 'sad and angry'
Wales' most high-profile Sevens player Luke Treharne has stepped away from the game after being left 'sad and angry' following a decision that was not his choice.
Treharne was captain of the national side, which, along with the women's team, has almost disappeared from the world game. Wales, England and Scotland are combining for the 2023 World Series in preparation for the 2024 Olympics.
But there is a chance that the three governing bodies could reform their national Sevens teams for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
In a social media post, Treharne said: "I found something I loved doing and did it for as long as I could, but the time has come for me to step away from 7s.
"It's not been my choice and for a week I was very sad and angry but as with these things when one door closes another opens! Now I'm excited about the next steps.
"So many amazing memories and friends made! I've had so much support from family and friends which I'm so grateful for! I've always wanted to help inspire the next generation and hopefully I can continue to do that."
He added: "Young Luke would be very happy with where he's ended up."
Pivac names Wales squad
Wales boss Wayne Pivac will today reveal his hand as he names his squad for the upcoming autumn Tests.
Pivac was wrestling with a number of last minute decisions, including the fitness of skipper Dan Biggar and that of a host of other injured players.
Some form stars will miss out simply because of the numbers, notably in the back row where Pivac is spoilt for choice. One of Justin Tipuric, Tommy Reffell, Thomas Young or Jac Morgan will be disappointed at openside flanker.
Wales meet New Zealand on November 5 and then face Argentina, Georgia and Australia on back-to-back Saturdays.
It is Pivac's last chance to really experiment with unfamiliar faces ahead of next year's World Cup, because results will take precedence in the Six Nations. That makes his announcement today even more intriguing.
You can follow the build-up to the squad announcement and reaction as it happens here
Hook: Morgan can do no more'
James Hook believes impressive Welsh back-rower Jac Morgan can do no more in his bid to break into Wayne Pivac's Wales plans.
The 22-year-old forward started for Wales back in February against Scotland and was capped twice more in the Six Nations to great impact, but was cut from the matchday 23 for the clash with Italy and then omitted altogether from the squad headed for South Africa this summer as Pivac went in favour of Leicester Tigers' Tommy Reffell.
Now, on the eve of Wales' autumn squad announcement, former Wales fly-half Hook has sung Morgan's plaudits in the wake of the Ospreys' 16-16 draw with the Stormers and believes he has done all he can to add to his Test outings.
"How many times have we spoken about this guy, Jac Morgan?" Hook told the BBC. "He was absolutely everywhere, hustling at the breakdown, he's round the side of rucks, just making a menace of pretty much everything.
"It was a perfect night for Jac, but the highlight reel is so long for him now, it's ridiculous. His skills in the wide channel in tough conditions, again, were brilliant. It's his work post-tackle as well, he makes a tackle, he doesn't just relax, he's back on his feet, driving through and creating a turnover for the Ospreys and a penalty.
"Personally, I don't know what more he can do. He's doing everything that he needs to do."
Former Wales international Chris Horsman, who coached Morgan and Reffell at Wales age-grade level, talked up the former's consistency in the URC.
"He's consistently putting out those performances but it's the other side of his game with the ball in hand, he's comfortable in those wider channels but also his defensive work, time and time again he's that first man over the ball," he said. "I think last year he had the most turnovers in the URC, so he's a consistent performer. He's certainly going to be pushing for that Welsh squad. With Tommy and Jac, they can only play one position. With Wales, I think it's going to be one or the other."
Carre admits he was 'naive'
Cardiff loose-head Rhys Carre admits he was 'naive' after bursting onto the scene as a surprise selection in Wales' 2019 Rugby World Cup squad.
Carre shot to stardom after barely any appearances at regional level but has struggled to regularly compete for the red No.1 jersey.
But in recent times he has shown real improvement, particularly in his scrummaging, that will really be impressing Wales boss Wayne Pivac as he looks to add to his outstanding ability in the loose.
“When I was younger, I was a bit naive and thought it would all come on a platter really,” said the 24-year-old. “There is an adaption period where stepping up from age-grade to seniors is massive. You come up against blokes who are 10, 15 years older than you, who have got a lot more experience.
“For me, it was just learning as quick as I can. It’s taken a few years, but I’m feeling comfortable on the pitch now. I am working hard and learning from my mistakes week-in, week-out. I speak to the coaches and try and see what they want from me and try and apply that on the pitch. I think I am just getting older and playing more games, getting a bit more experience. I think that all helps.”
On a possible Wales call-up today, he added: “That decision is out of my hands. I can’t really stress on that. What will happen will happen. I just work hard for Cardiff, work hard for the boys and the coaches here. If the opportunity comes again, I will just hopefully rely on the experience I have gained over the last few years."
Parliament addresses rugby's crisis
Rugby bosses will face a parliamentary committee next month to address the game's financial crisis.
Wasps joined Worcester in administration on Monday, making 167 members of staff including players and coaches redundant. The clubs had already been suspended from the Gallagher Premiership, which now contains just 11 teams.
Officials from the Rugby Football Union and Premiership Rugby are set to appear before the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) committee next month, to answer questions on the problems facing those clubs and the wider sustainability of the game. A precise date still to be confirmed.
DCMS committee chair Julian Knight said: "The fact that two of the country's top clubs have had the fate of falling into administration raises concerns about the future of the sport and its financial viability.
"The RFU and Premiership Rugby have acknowledged the need to set a more sustainable path for club rugby.
"We will be pressing them to ensure they are putting the foundations in place from the top level right down to the grassroots."
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