This post was originally published on this site.
Here are your rugby evening headlines for Wednesday, May 6.
Barbarians call up exile to face Wales
The Barbarians have confirmed the inclusion of Tom Willis for their summer clash with Wales, handing the powerful back-row a high-profile opportunity on the international stage.
The match, set for June 27 at Allianz Stadium, forms part of a double-header and is already shaping up to be a fascinating encounter.
Willis’ selection is particularly noteworthy given his current international exile. The Saracens forward has not been picked by England all season after it was announced earlier in the campaign that he would sign for French club Bordeaux-Begles next term.
Willis has built a reputation as one of the most destructive forwards in European rugby, however RFU eligibility rules state that players cannot play for England while playing their club rugby outside of the country.
The Barbarians, famed for blending flair with physicality, appear to have found an ideal fit.
Their announcement described Willis as “absolute dynamite in the loose” with a “ferocious tight game” – attributes that should make him a key figure against Wales and in France next season.
Wales face the Barbarians before taking on Fiji, Argentina and South Africa in the new Nations Championship.
Wales VIP hospitality tickets from £330
Seat Unique offers VIP hospitality tickets for Wales’ autumn internationals including New Zealand and Australia
Wigan and Warrington eye Ben Earl switch
Two of Super League’s biggest names are reportedly circling England international Ben Earl in a move that could spark a bombshell code switch.
Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves are both said to be monitoring the Saracens back-rower’s situation closely, according to City AM.
Earl, a British and Irish Lions Test star, has openly admitted his admiration for rugby league, even suggesting that trying the 13-man code might be a lingering career regret. Those comments have only fuelled speculation that a switch could one day materialise.
At 28, Earl remains firmly committed to Saracens and England for now, with a contract running until 2029. However, he has hinted that a change could appeal later in his career, particularly if he feels he has achieved all he can in union.
“I love league, I watch more league than union but I don’t really know the ins and outs,” he told RugbyPass last month.
“I would have loved to do it. If someone said, ‘what would be your one regret?’ it would probably be not giving it a go at one point.”
The potential move is made more viable by Super League rules, which allow clubs salary cap dispensation for players crossing codes.
That incentive, coupled with looming investment from Australia’s NRL, could make the competition an increasingly attractive destination.
England star blasts smaller ball trial as ‘worst decision ever’
England fly-half Zoe Harrison has launched a scathing attack on plans to introduce a smaller ball in the women’s game, branding the move “the worst decision someone has ever made”.
The trial will see a size 4.5 ball used in the WXV Global Series later this year.
World Rugby’s decision is aimed at improving handling and kicking dynamics, with the slightly smaller ball designed to better suit average hand sizes. However, the proposal has sparked strong backlash from leading players.
Harrison, widely regarded as one of the best kickers in the world, believes the change is unnecessary and potentially harmful.
Having used a standard size five ball since her early teens, she argues the adjustment could negatively impact technique – particularly in the kicking game.
“It’s the worst decision that someone has ever made,” Harrison told the BBC. “I’ve not kicked any less than a size five since I was the age of 14.
“There is not the same amount of surface area for you to wrap your foot around.”
Her criticism carries weight given her recent form. The 28-year-old was flawless from the tee during this year’s Women’s Six Nations and played a key role in England’s World Cup success, underlining her authority on the issue.
The debate is unlikely to fade anytime soon. With the WXV tournament looming and more international fixtures on the horizon, the spotlight will remain firmly on how, and whether, the change benefits the women’s game.
