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The latest rugby news from Wales and beyond
Here’s your round-up of all the latest rugby news for Tuesday, January 27.
Tshiunza likely to miss Six Nations
Christ Tshiunza is unlikely to win his fitness race for the upcoming Six Nations, according to Exeter Chiefs boss Rob Baxter.
Tshiunza has been out of action since breaking his foot while in action for the Chiefs on the opening weekend of the Premiership Rugby season back in September.
The 24-year-old has been struggling with foot injuries over the last year or so, having won the last of his 15 Wales caps against South Africa in November 2024.
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It was the second time he had broken his foot, having previously missed five months of the 2023-24 season after getting injured in a win over Sale Sharks at Sandy Park, which was his first game since returning from the World Cup.
He missed the Autumn Nations Series campaign, but was expected to be out for between 8-12 weeks.
However, it seems he has suffered a setback in his recovery.
“We’ve got to be a little bit careful because he’s kind of re-damaged the same area two or three times now,” Exeter director of rugby Baxter told BBC Sport.
“It’s just one of those ones where we’re going to have to be a little careful because the next stage is to put a screw in the bone in his foot.
“It’s one of those things you just don’t want to do unless you really, really have to, it’s a relatively complex structure.
“He’s just been very, very unlucky, almost freakish really, how he’s damaged the same area two or three times.”
Wales start their Six Nations campaign against England on Saturday, February 7, rounding off the tournament at home to Italy on March 14.
Baxter stopped short of ruling the back rower out of the upcoming tournament, but stressed he thinks it’s increasingly unlikely he will be a part of Steve Tandy’s plans.
“I wouldn’t want to rule him out of being available towards the end [of the Six Nations], because it’s such an extended competition, isn’t it?” Baxter added.
“But I would say, here and now, I think it would be unlikely.
“There’s still eight Premiership games left out of 18, we’re still kind of about halfway through the Premiership season, so if we can get him back for the end of the Premiership season, then he’ll still have plenty of game time.”
Council leader makes himself ‘explicitly clear’
Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart has stressed the council’s latest statement confirms their commitment to bringing Ospreys back to St Helen’s next season – but stressed that investment was largely dependent on the region’s long-term future in the city being preserved.
Last week the WRU confirmed current Ospreys owners Y11 Sports & Media was its preferred buyer for Cardiff Rugby.
Should a deal be agreed, Y11 would own both clubs until the end of the 2026/27 season.
The WRU’s bid to reduce the number of professional teams in Wales from four has thrown the future of the Ospreys into grave uncertainty, which in turn has had a knock-on effect on plans to redevelop Swansea’s St Helen’s stadium.
The council is withholding some £5m of possible investment, which it says will ultimately be dependent on whether the Ospreys can secure their future.
A joint statement was issued on Tuesday afternoon from the Ospreys and council, but Stewart later followed up with his own, saying it did not change their position with the WRU.
“To be explicitly clear here,” Stewart said on social media.
“This statement reiterates our continued support and commitment to see the Ospreys return to St Helen’s next season.
“It does not mean the investment available and waiting can be released – as that is dependent on the WRU confirming the Ospreys will continue long terms as a regional rugby side based in Swansea.
“It does not change our recent statements regarding the position with the WRU and the option to taking action to protect regional rugby in Swansea.”
Assiratti ‘gutted’ at withdrawal
Wales prop Keiron Assiratti says he’s ‘gutted’ to have been forced to withdraw from Steve Tandy’s squad for the upcoming Six Nations.
The 28-year-old has had to pull out due to a calf injury, and has been replaced by fellow Cardiff prop Sam Wainwright.
Assiratti picked up the problem in the URC victory over Benetton on Saturday, and he admits he’s devastated to miss out.
“Gutted to have picked up an injury,” he said on social media.
“Everything happens for a reason.
“But all the best Sam Wainwright and the lads.”
All four of Wainwright’s caps came as a replacement in 2022, with his last appearance coming in the 13-12 defeat by Georgia in Cardiff.
Wales head coach Steve Tandy said: “It’s disappointing for Keiron, but that gives an opportunity for Sam and we’re delighted for him to join the group.”
England to rally round grieving Itoje
Jamie George says England will rally around Maro Itoje following the death of the skipper’s mother.
Itoje missed the Six Nations launch event in Edinburgh after travelling to Nigeria for the funeral.
George’s own mother passed away during the 2024 Six Nations after being diagnosed with lung cancer a few weeks prior.
Ahead of their opener with Wales, he says the team will be offering their full sport to their captain.
“It’s horrible news, I’ve been through it myself,” said George.
“It’s a hugely challenging time for him and a hugely challenging time for his family.
“The way he has carried himself over the last few months has been incredibly impressive. The important thing is that he’s been given enough space to mourn and grieve.
“The way he has kept showing up and put the team first in a lot of ways has been incredible.
“I know he’ll be wanting to do his family proud over the next short period of time. We’re all very proud of him and will be there for him.”
