Here's your rugby morning headlines for Sunday, 26 March.
Wales star 'offered £100,000 pay cut'
Gareth Anscombe seems likely to leave Welsh rugby after reportedly reportedly being offered a deal that represents a £100,000-a-year pay cut.
Anscombe has long been linked with departing the Ospreys this summer, with France or Japan the likely destination. Now, the Rugby Paper report his new new offer from the Welsh region represents a massive drop in pay.
He signed a one-year contract extension last season after returning from serious knee injury in impressive style.
But another serious shoulder injury in November blew apart another season, which he still hopes to end by making Warren Gatland's World Cup squad.
The new offer to Anscombe, who has been one of Welsh rugby's higher earners in recent years, is an example of the financial reset Welsh rugby is undertaking, with player wages and budgets being driven down.
Scarlets win sweeter after being written off
The Scarlets' win over a Springbok-heavy Sharks side was even sweeter being written off in the build-up, according to captain Josh Macleod.
The Wales back-row skippered Dwayne Peel's side to a stunning 32-20 win over the South African side - who had the likes of Lukhanyo Am, Makazole Mapimpi, Eben Etzebeth and Siya Kolisi in their ranks - that kept their hopes of winning the Welsh Shield alive.
Afterwards, Macleod admitted that the fact the west Walians weren't fancied prior to the match only motivated them more.
"Look, it's even more pleasing because I was hearing, in games earlier on today, commentators and that writing us off," he told S4C. "No one's mentioned us leading up to this with their team-sheet.
"But never write this team off. We're building something really special with this coaching team. We're looking to kick on with Europe next week. This was a massive test and next week will be exactly the same."
Williams surely impresses Gatland
Wales centre Johnny Williams produced a man-of-the-match performance in his first start for the Scarlets since October. While the general consensus was that such performances would make his place in Warren Gatland's World Cup training squad a formality later on this year, the centre said he hadn't given it much thought.
"I don't really think about that," he said. "I'm just glad that I'm back in a Scarlets shirt.
"It's my second game back after a tough injury with my calf that I really struggled with. It's so good to lace the boots up."
He added: "It was amazing. It's so good to be back out here at Parc y Scarlets.
"They're an amazing team, but honestly I'm so proud of the effort. The crowd was class as well. It's amazing to be back out here. It's our last home game in the URC so it's good to send it off like that."
Cunningham chuffed after victory
Wales head coach Ioan Cunningham said he was chuffed with his side sticking to their gameplan in the bonus-point five-try Women's Six Nations win against Ireland.
The Welsh hosts ended the game on Saturday as 31-5 victors in front of a record crowd of almost 5,000 at Cardiff Arms Park.
Cunningham said: "I'm delighted for the players, they put in so much hard-work and I'm just absolutely delighted they we've started with a win and a bonus point.
"I think up-front we put a great platform and we managed to go after that as well and I was pleased with that.
"Obviously, I'm delighted with the crowd as well, it gives us a boost here. We're chuffed with the game plan, we stuck at it.
"It's going to be a tough challenge away in Scotland but we've started with a win so we'll enjoy that, reflect on it and move forward.
"I genuinely think Sisilia Tuipulotu can be one of the best props in the world, she showed today what she can do.
"I though Gwenllian Pyrs was outstanding as well as Kelsey Jones."
'Historic moment' awaits for Welsh rugby as judgement day arrives
More than 280 Welsh Rugby Union clubs were today voting on proposed governance changes following a series of damaging scandals.
Today's extraordinary general meeting in Port Talbot will see clubs vote over whether they should 'modernise' the WRU board by allowing changes that would see the number of appointed independent representatives doubled from three to six, while also reducing the amount of elected members from eight to four.
The proposal will need to garner 75% of the vote for it to be passed, with many having warned of dire consequences for the game if it doesn't go through. You can follow it live here.
Speaking on Viaplay, former Wales centre Tom Shanklin called it a "historic moment for Welsh rugby".
"We need to move on," he added. "I get why some clubs are wary as they want to make sure they're ok. But unless it's changed and we can modernise and drive more revenue which filters down to the clubs, nothing will happen.
"We'll just continue like we are. It's a massive moment. I hope they go for it."
European prospects driving Cardiff on
Cardiff scrum-half Lloyd Williams is hopeful that the prospect of Europe can help them finish a testing season strongly.
Cardiff welcome Sale Sharks to the Arms Park in the Challenge Cup Round of 16 next weekend, while the Arms Park side are in pole position to get Champions Cup rugby through the Welsh Shield.
There's still plenty of uncertainty ahead of next year in the Welsh capital in terms of contracts and finances, but Europe is a decent way to focus the players' minds on the job at hand.
“We have some real big games coming up, starting with next week against Sale, and once we get in on Monday we’ll hit the ground running again. It’s a massive game for us,” said Williams.
“It’s going to be a brilliant occasion and a massive game. In fairness, whenever we play at home we always build a great atmosphere there.
“I’m sure that next weekend will be no different. Sale Sharks are a good team but we’ll relish this opportunity.
“Europe is always brilliant, especially given there’s something on this game. The boys will be buzzing come next weekend, as will the crowd.
“It would be brilliant to have similar numbers to the Pau game in 2018, and it would be great to have the same result as well.
“Europe is a brilliant competition and one we really want to excel in this year. It’s a massive game and hopefully one that, when you look back at the end of the season, is one you remember."
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