This post was originally published on this site.
The latest rugby news and headlines from Wales and beyond
Here are your rugby evening headlines for Friday, May 1.
Welsh props sign new deal
Wales props Danny Southworth and Keiron Assiratti have signed new deals to stay at Cardiff.
Assiratti, who moved past 100 appearances for the club this season, turned down interest from England to remain at the Arms Park.
“I’m absolutely loving it at Cardiff,” said the tighthead. “There is such a good environment and culture here, with a good group of boys and it’s obviously my home club.
“I’ve been here a long time now and it has always been my preference to stay at Cardiff and fight to not only make myself a better player but to help the club improve year on year.
“With the players we already have, the exciting young talent coming through and the recruitment plans in place, I am really excited about the future.
“There is also still plenty to play off this season and we are all really on focused on taking that next step and reaching the play-offs. That would show the progress we have made and we can keep building.”
The 28-year-old has established himself with Wales in recent years, winning 19 caps for his country.
As for loosehead Southworth, he earned his first cap for Wales in the autumn – having established himself at Cardiff after joining from Exeter in 2024.
“Joining Cardiff was probably the best decision of my career, so I am really happy to be staying here,” said Southworth, who qualifies for Wales through his Welsh grandmother.
“I have absolutely loved playing for this team. The fans are amazing and playing at the Arms Park is such a special experience thanks to the support we get.
“Cardiff also gave me the platform to step up to the international stage, which I am immensely proud of and I want to continue pushing for further honours. That all starts at the Arms Park and consistently performing and growing in a Blue & Black jersey.
“I’m excited about what we are building and I am hopeful that we can keep building year on year and become a really competitive URC team.”
The pair join the likes of Alex Mann, James Botham and Mason Grady in signing a new deal at the Arms Park.
Former All Black ‘deeply saddened’ as move falls through
Former All Black Roger Randle says he is ‘deeply saddened’ after his role with Munster was cancelled this week.
He had been in line to join the Irish province as attack coach, but backlash over an incident in his past ultimately resulted in the move being scrapped.
In 1997, Randle was accused of raping a woman in Durban, South Africa. The charges were dropped and Randle has always denied the allegation.
“I am deeply saddened that unfounded allegations from nearly 30 years ago – allegations I have always denied – have resurfaced during this process and overshadowed what was a wonderful opportunity to contribute to Munster Rugby,” said Randle.
“I want to state clearly that these claims are false, and I maintain my complete and unwavering innocence, as I always have.
“It became clear that the renewed public attention around these allegations had created circumstances where proceeding with the role was no longer the right outcome for our family. This is something that we accept with genuine sadness and disappointment.
“My priority now is supporting my family and moving forward, while continuing to stand by the truth.
“I would like to sincerely thank Clayton, the wider Munster Rugby organisation and its supporters, and I wish them every success in the future.”
Ospreys tie down South African star
South African centre Evardi Boshoff has signed a new deal to remain at Ospreys.
The 27-year-old joined from the Cheetahs on a permanent deal last June, having initially been on loan.
“This was a no-brainer for me when it came to signing the deal,” said Boshoff. “I’m glad to be able to continue my career here and I’m looking forward to what the future holds as part of this group.”
Boshoff has been competing with the likes of fellow Ospreys centres Keiran Williams, Owen Watkin and Phil Cokanasiga, with the latter heading to Gloucester next season.
“Evardi has become an important member of the squad,” said Ospreys head coach Mark Jones.
“He’s got that edge and calmness that you need in a centre at this level.
“His work rate is exceptional and he’s a smart, physical presence in the middle of the park on both sides of the ball.”
Follow all of our channels to ensure you stay up to date with the latest Welsh rugby news. Sign up to our free daily newsletter here and our WhatsApp channel here for all the breaking news.
