These are your rugby headlines on the evening of Thursday, May 4.
Jiffy's tribute to Peter Thomas
Wales legend Jonathan Davies has paid tribute to the late Peter Thomas, claiming professional rugby in Wales wouldn't exist without him.
Former Cardiff chairman Thomas sadly passed away last month, and the impact he had on Welsh rugby cannot be overemphasised.
Close to 800 people attended a memorial service at Llandaff Cathedral today to honour the former Cardiff chairman, and Davies insists the Blue & Blacks' survival in the professional era is all down to Thomas.
"There's a lot of problems in world rugby let alone Welsh rugby, and all I can say is if we didn't have people like Peter Thomas there wouldn't be professional rugby in Wales," said Davies
"World rugby needs people like Peter to be involved in the game, and giving their opinions.
"Who knows if we'll ever see the likes of him again. It's getting harder and harder in this professional world."
Davies also has fond memories of his relationship with the man who brought him back to Wales from rugby league by signing him for Cardiff.
"He brought me back into rugby union but also through that particular time I was going through a tough time personally," said Davies.
"He was a very generous man, and a shoulder to cry on.
"I always remember with all the fuss when I came back, just before facing the press to announce I was back, he turned around to whisper in my ear and said 'I hope you can still play, mate.'
"He always had a wicked glint in his eye, we had some fantastic banter, and some brilliant social time together.
"Peter was a very generous man, a very funny man, a very social man and a great friend.
"He'll be sadly missed."
Folau to face Baa baas
Controversial rugby player Israel Folau is set to line up for in a World XV against the Barbarians at Twickenham later this month, according to the Daily Mail.
Former England coach Eddie Jones will take charge of the Baa-baas, while Steve Hansen will be at the helm of the World XV.
The clash, set to take place on May 28, already has a star-studded line-up, but Folau's inclusion is likely to prompt headlines.
The 73-times-capped winger had his Australia contract terminated in 2019 after he posted some controversial views on social media.
In 2022 he switched to play for Tonga, taking advantage of World Rugby's eligibility rule change. He is set to feature in the World Cup later this year.
If he is selected in the World XV squad, he could be lining up alongside Wales' Rhys Patchell, and could face Wales trio Alun Wyn Jones, Rhys Webb and Taulupe Faletau in the Barbarians' team.
Winger leaves Exeter for TV show Gladiators
Winger Jodie Ounsley is leaving Exeter Chiefs to join the TV show Gladiators.
Ounsley, who has represented England at sevens, will become "Fury" on the programme, which has been revamped from its successful 1990s carnation.
It was broadcast on Saturday nights on ITV until its final episode in January 2000, with Sky picking it up in 2008 for two series.
The BBC version will now start filming this summer and will be fronted by Bradley and Barney Walsh.
"I'm proper buzzing," Ounsley, 22, said via the BBC.
"Watching Gladiators growing up I was always in awe of their strength and power and now I am one.
"I hope contenders are ready to feel the Fury."
Ounsley, who is deaf, is a former British Brazilian jiu-jitsu champion.
Mitchell named new England coach
New Zealander John Mitchell has been named as the new head coach of the England women's team.
Mitchell, who has had two spells on the coaching team with England's men's side in a lengthy career, is currently defence coach for the Japan men's side and will take up his new role after the Rugby World Cup later this year.
Mitchell succeeds Simon Middleton, whose trophy-laden eight-year spell ended with another Six Nations Grand Slam last weekend.
He said on englandrugby.com: "The Red Roses have set an incredible standard and foundation for women's rugby, being the most successful team in the Six Nations, which is a tremendous achievement.
"We now have the opportunity to build on this, mature in key areas and become a truly champion side that can rightfully contest for the World Cup in 2025.
"I would like to honour the hugely supportive Red Roses fans with successful performances as we work towards winning and selling out Twickenham Stadium for the Rugby World Cup in 2025."
The black mark on Middleton's reign was two World Cup final defeats to New Zealand and Mitchell's main target will be to claim the prize on home soil in two years' time.
Louis Deacon will keep his role as forwards coach and will be acting head coach until Mitchell joins while England's most capped player and former captain, Sarah Hunter, has been appointed to the role of transition coach, working with the senior team and upcoming players.
Lou Meadows has been promoted from her role as under-20s head coach to attack coach for the senior team, with Charlie Hayter becoming head of women's performance.
Executive director of performance rugby, Conor O'Shea, said: "We are thrilled to be welcoming John back to England Rugby together with Louis, Charlie, Sarah and Lou.
"This will be a formidable coaching team to take the Red Roses to the next stage in their development."
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