Here are the latest rugby headlines on Thursday, April 6.
Llewellyn speaks about Gloucester move for first time
Cardiff centre Max Llewellyn has admitted the offer he received from Gloucester was too good to turn down given the uncertainty which engulfed Welsh rugby for most of the season.
The 24-year-old is one of the most promising players in Wales but has decided to cross the Severn to play for Gloucester next season. Despite moving to England, he will remain eligible for Wales selection due to the fact he is an uncapped player who hasn't been in a national squad before. He admitted the uncertainty surrounding Welsh rugby played a part in his decision to leave.
"A lot has been going on in Welsh rugby," he said. "It's about securing your own future and especially when a good club comes in it was hard to turn down then.
"I am looking forward to it but I'm just looking forward to concentrating on the last few games we have this season because we have a chance to end on a high. That's something I'm looking forward to."
With Cardiff heading into a Challenge Cup quarter-final against Benetton on Saturday and remaining in contention for the United Rugby Championship play-offs, there remains plenty to play for before he departs for Kingsholm and it goes without saying Llewellyn is keen to end his time at the Arms Park on a high note.
"That's something I want but there's also a lot of people moving on at the end of the season, especially with everything that's gone on in Welsh rugby," he said. "These could be the last few games we are playing together and I think everyone at the club wants to make it special."
Dragons prop banned for rest of the season
Dragons prop Aki Seiuli has been banned for the rest of the season following his red card in last Saturday’s 73-33 defeat to Glasgow Warriors.
The Samoan international was sent off for making contact with the head of Glasgow player George Horne in the 33rd minute of the Challenge Cup tie. A disciplinary panel has issued a three-week suspension which rules him out of the Dragons' remaining games against Ulster and Scarlets.
Seiuli was given an initial six-week suspension before it was reduced to three due to his clean disciplinary record and timely apology to Horne. If Seiuili applies for and completes a World Rugby coaching intervention, he will be free to play again from April 24, two days after the Dragons finish their season.
Lions could have Vegas stopover
The British and Irish Lions may head to Las Vegas for a warm-up fixture before travelling on to Australia for the 2025 series, according to reports.
RugbyPass say serious talks have taken place over the plan, which could see the Lions take on the USA or an invitational side like the Barbarians.
While Las Vegas is more known for hosting sporting events like basketball, boxing and UFC, staging a major rugby fixture in the entertainment capital of the world would be an attractive prospect in a bid to grow the game.
The Lions usually play a warm-up game before going on tour, playing Japan in Scotland before the 2021 tour of South Africa while they played the Baabaas in Hong Kong before the last tour of Australia in 2013.
Itoje recalls experiences of racism
England and Lions star Maro Itoje has revealed his own battles with racism following a devastating RFU report concluded that racism has been experienced by players at all levels of elite rugby in England.
The eight-month investigation was launched after former Newcastle Falcons player Luther Burrell made allegations of racism. Itoje, who has won 65 caps for his country, said: “I guess I’ve had a few experiences where things weren’t exactly what I’d have liked.
“I’ve never felt my skin colour has held me back in terms of selection, in terms of playing or how the coaches have perceived me. But I guess there have been occasions with individuals throughout my time that have been below standard.
“As always we need to be actively trying to be anti-racist and try to eradicate this from out sport, our games and our lives. I definitely hope we can continue to improve in this area, continue to make rugby a much more accessible sport and a much more comfortable sport for all players, regardless of skin colour or creed.”
Ex-Ireland flanker slams Champions Cup scheduling
Stephen Ferris has criticised EPCR’s scheduling of the Champions Cup quarter-finals after fans were only left with a week to organise travel and accommodation ahead of the games.
The round of 16 was played last weekend and EPCR did not release any detail on fixture times for the upcoming quarter-finals until Sunday night, leaving fans with little time to prepare. Leicester Tigers fans have had less than five days to find tickets, travel and accommodation for Dublin for the quarter-final against Leinster.
The introduction of South African teams to the tournament has also led to further logistical issues.
Ferris said: “We were told on air not to mention the (Leinster) fixture on the Friday. We were like 'why?' and then they were like 'European Rugby want to announce it themselves'.
“This isn’t 15, 20 years ago. We’ve got to wake up and really look after our fans and our clubs and be able to give them time, and the logistics of things don’t just happen overnight. They take a few days, especially with travelling teams coming from South Africa or teams having to get to South Africa, it’s baffling.”
Wales U18s set for Six Nations Festival
Wales' young stars will relish the opportunity to wear the famous red jersey at the Six Nations U18s Festival, which returns for its second year.
Richie Pugh's Wales men's squad will first take on Italy before facing Ireland and Scotland during the men's festival at Energia Park in Dublin between April 8-16.
Wales Women U18s, coached by Catrina Nicholas-McLaughlin, take on England in their opener followed by a tough test against Scotland, with both matches 35 minutes in length. This will be the case across the opening two matchdays, before three 70-minute matches take centre stage on April 15, the final day of the women's festival.
Stars of the future will get a chance to represent their country and show what they can do on the international stage.
"It is a huge opportunity, we have spoken about the privilege and honour to represent your country, it is something that every 16, 17, or 18-year-old who is in the regional set-up is aiming to do," Pugh said. "The boys selected in the 26 have worked hard to be where they are, and it is an exciting opportunity for them." Pugh's side fell to defeat to Ireland, England and France during the 2022 festival.
Nicholas-McLaughlin said: "Within Wales, we have seen growth within our regional programme from last year to this year and now we are expecting an increase again. For the first time last year, we were able to have conversations about being a professional rugby player. The reality is now the U18 girls are role models too." Her Wales side stormed to victories over Italy and Scotland last year to follow it up with an impressive 17-10 win against Ireland.
Wales U18s (men's) squad: Ioan Emanuel, Max Bignall, Sam Scott, Owain James, Harry Thomas, Evan Wood, Nick Thomas, Luke Evans, Kenzie Jenkins, Harry Beddall, Evan Minto, Owain Paskell, Harri Wilde, Tom Bowen, Steffan Emanuel, Osian Roberts, Harry Rees Weldon, Scott Delnevo, Kyle Harris, Keanu Evans, Kane James, Joshua Pearce, Jack Woods, Ioan Duggan, Elijah Evans, Kodie Stone.
Wales U18s (women's) squad: Niamh Padmore, Chloe Thomas-Bradley, Abi Meyrick, Molly Wakely, Chloe Gant, Elan Jones, Cadi Davies, Robyn Davies, Erin Jones, Milly Summer-Webb, Alaw Pyrs, Maisie Davies, Poppy Ellis, Katie Sims, Catrin Stewart, Gwennan Hopkins, Katie Bevans, Sian Jones, Carys Whitfield, Rachel Thomas-Evans, Molly-mae Powell, Kelsie Webster, Savannah Picton Powell, Nia Fajeyisan, Bronwen Griffin, Hannah Lane, Rhiannon Griffin, Carys Hughes.
The Six Nations Under-18 Festivals are a vital development platform for future starts of the men’s and women’s game, extending to match officials and coaches. To find out more, visit: www.sixnationsrugby.com
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