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Here are your rugby morning headlines for Thursday, April 30.
Welsh region announce signing of international centre
Cardiff Rugby have bolstered their midfield options with the signing of Namibia international Le Roux Malan ahead of the new season.
The versatile back arrives from the Hollywoodbets Sharks, where he has featured primarily at centre, making eight first-team appearances during the current campaign.
Capable of operating across the back-line, Malan brings size, athleticism and a well-rounded skillset to the Arms Park, with Cardiff targeting greater depth and physicality in their outside backs.
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Cardiff forwards coach Corniel van Zyl believes the 25-year-old can make an immediate impact.
“We are delighted to bring Le Roux to the Arms Park next season,” he said.
“He has really improved his all-round game over the last few seasons. He has put in some impressive performances for the Sharks since joining them in November and stood out against us a few weeks ago.
“It’s an area where we needed some more strength in depth. He’s a big, physical boy who has played international rugby and will push standards, while he’s versatile enough to play 13, 12 and wing if needed.
“From watching him closely and speaking to people in South Africa, his work-rate is one of his biggest strengths. He has brilliant ball skills, he can finish and he can be physical.
“He has experienced the game around the world, from Cape Town to the Sharks, then to America where he rotated between the MLR and New Zealand’s NPC, so he will be good for the environment and bring valuable experience.
“He is very keen to contribute to the culture here while testing himself somewhere new.”
Born in Windhoek but raised in South Africa, Malan has enjoyed a well-travelled career since graduating from the University of Cape Town and joining the Sharks academy.
Spells with New England Free Jacks – where he won three consecutive Major League Rugby titles – and Hawke’s Bay followed, before returning to Durban on a short-term deal.
Despite having the option to remain in South Africa, Malan is relishing the opportunity to take his game abroad.
“I’m really looking forward to joining Cardiff,” he said.
“I have always wanted to play my rugby abroad, especially in the UK, so I’m excited for the opportunity to learn a new style.
“I’m someone who really values different cultures and embracing them, so I can’t wait to meet the Welsh people and become part of the club.
“From what I’ve heard, the people are humble, hard-working and friendly – qualities I value and try to carry in my life.
“Knowing the strong history of the club, seeing the upward trend in recent years and hearing about the project, I’m so excited to play my part.
“The project that Corniel laid out is something that excites me. I feel I can add value, but also learn and grow as a player and a person.
“Playing at the Arms Park is going to be very cool. It’s such a historic ground and I can’t wait to represent the club.
“Cardiff is also a sports-mad city, which I’m passionate about and looking forward to experiencing. I’ve visited before and it’s a really beautiful place.
“I’m excited for this opportunity and the life experience that comes with it. I can’t wait to meet the boys, the staff and, of course, the supporters.”
Welsh region snap up Super Rygbi Cymru superstar
Dragons RFC have moved to secure one of the standout performers in Super Rygbi Cymru, snapping up exciting winger Caio Parry from RGC.
Parry, 20, makes the switch after racking up 47 appearances for RGC, who last night announced the transfer on their website, having progressed through the academy pathway via the Coleg Llandrillo programme. His move sees him step up to the United Rugby Championship (URC) after an eye-catching campaign in which he started every SRC game.
The Caernarfon product has developed into one of the competition’s brightest attacking threats, earning his opportunity at regional level.
“My time at RGC has meant so much to me and it’s hard to put into words,” he said.
“I would like to thank everybody that’s helped me along the way, going from Caernarfon rugby club into the RGC pathway and then into the senior group.
“I’m incredibly thankful to every member of staff at RGC for the support and guidance, as well as the supporters. I’d like to thank all the players as well for helping me along the way and I’m going to miss them very much.”
RGC academy manager Josh Leach believes Parry’s move is another example of the pathway delivering talent into the professional game.
“Everyone at RGC is excited for Caio and his opportunity with the Dragons,” he said.
“As an academy our aim is to develop future professional and international players, and following Tom Cottle and Dylan Alford heading to Cardiff and Scarlets last year, Caio is the latest RGC Academy player to be recruited into the professional regions.”
Leach highlighted the winger’s rapid development over the past three years, pointing to significant improvements in key areas of his game.
“He’s worked very hard on his skills and his physical development, and as a result his high ball catching, his kicking game and his finishing have gone to another level,” he added.
“Yet he remains very humble, his attitude in training is always good, and he knows this next step is going to demand more of him.”
Parry, who came through the ranks at Clwb Rygbi Caernarfon, now joins a growing list of RGC graduates making the leap into the regional game and will be hoping to make a similar impact at Rodney Parade.
Springbok to discover doping fate as verdict timeline revealed
Asenathi Ntlabakanye is expected to learn his fate within the next three weeks after a crucial development in his ongoing doping case.
Closing arguments in the Springboks prop’s hearing have now been completed, with a panel currently deliberating before delivering a verdict that could have major implications for his career.
The tighthead, who has continued playing for both South Africa and the Lions, faces a potential ban of between two and four years if found guilty.
Ntlabakanye tested positive for anastrozole in August 2025 — a banned substance which is not considered performance-enhancing — but had also admitted to taking Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which is prohibited.
His hearing had initially been scheduled for December but was delayed due to logistical challenges and the availability of expert witnesses, prolonging uncertainty over his future.
Despite the case hanging over him, the prop returned to action in September and has continued to feature domestically and internationally. His only Test appearance came during the Quilter Nations Series in November, when he came off the bench in a 73-0 win over Wales.
Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus previously explained why the player was initially left out of the squad following the failed test, despite being eligible for selection.
“We could’ve brought him on tour, but I had a long conversation with him about it,” Erasmus said last year.
“If you look at the emotional and personal side of it, having Asenathi on tour would’ve led to a lot of questions for him. To play and be ready for a Test, your focus must be 100% on the match.
“In this situation, he needed to deal with the matter and ensure he presents his side of the case. It’s very emotional for him.”
Erasmus has since reiterated his support for the player, admitting he is anxious about the outcome while hoping for a positive resolution.
“I’m nervous for him because I know how he trained and tried,” he said earlier this year.
“But it’s a separate thing that we don’t have any involvement with. As much as we can support him, we will.
“He worked incredibly hard and I enjoy him as a person. I don’t think he intentionally did anything wrong — but I’m not making any judgments. I just hope he comes out on the right side of it.”
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