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The rugby stories making headlines on the morning of Tuesday, April 28.
These are your headlines on the morning of Tuesday, April 28.
Sheedy signs new deal
Callum Sheedy has become the latest Cardiff player to commit his future to the club.
The fly-half joins the likes of Mason Grady and Josh Adams in signing new terms at the Arms Park.
Sheedy has made 38 appearances for the club, scoring 168 points in the process, and has been in fine form of late, with a Wales place very much in his sights this summer.
First though he has a big end to the season with the capital city club.
He said: “Staying at Cardiff was an absolute no brainer for me. When I signed for the club two years ago it was all about coming back to my home club and where it all started. It has been everything I dreamed of and more.
“The players and staff here are amazing and the culture we have built together makes every day so enjoyable.
“Playing at the Arms Park is the most special feeling. We have incredible supporters, they are close to the pitch and the atmosphere is electric.
“To be able to connect with the fans and see how much passion they have is a massive driving factor both for myself and the wider group.
“I’m really excited by what the future holds. It is a young and hungry group and I am desperate to do everything possible to make sure it is a successful period for the club.”
Head coach Corniel Van Zyl added: “We are really happy that Sheeds has decided to stay at the club. He has become a really important player here and is enjoying a rich vein of form.
“He is quite a character and brings good energy to the group, while also managing the collective emotional levels.
“His rugby IQ is next level, and he manages matches and the training week very well. His communication and leadership is first class and he continually works hard to improve his all-round game.
“So he it’s an important re-signing for the club and I am looking forward to seeing him continuing his journey in Blue & Black. I know this place means a huge amount him and he is desperate to help us bring success.”
Hook: No harm in Wales taking talent on tour
James Hook feels there is no harm at all in Wales bringing in the likes of Cam Jones and Tom Howe this summer to take a look at what they can do and help their progress.
Prop Jones made a significant impact off the bench for the Ospreys against Cardiff at the Arms Park on Friday night, hitting a sumptuous angle to set up Jack Walsh for his try.
Hook pointed to his own experience – when he was called into Wales camp before even playing for the Ospreys – and says learning from the more seasoned professionals at international level was invaluable to his development.
Posed the question by BBC Scrum V host Lauren Salter, Hook was asked: “Do you think there’s any negative in bringing in the likes of Cam Jones or a Tom Howe, the Cardiff hooker, just into the Wales set-up to learn from a Rhys Carre or to learn from a Dewi Lake?”
“Not at all, summer tours were always used for that sort of thing,” Hook said.
“I know this summer is different, it’s more of a competition now, but that’s where I had my first cap as a 20-year-old, I was taken to Argentina before I played for the Ospreys. I was shocked myself that I got selected. I know I played but it was a development sort of thing as well, to learn from players.
“Like, you know, your Stephen Jones and Gareth Thomas and Martyn Williams, Dwayne Peel, these boys around the camp, and it certainly accelerates your development so yeah, to answer your question, there’s no harm.”
Pivac sees seven players leave
Incoming Benetton head coach Wayne Pivac will be without seven players next season as the Italian club confirmed the departures of some key personnel.
It has been a disappointing campaign for the Treviso-based side, despite their win over Leinster at the weekend.
World-class star Tommaso Menoncello is the most high-profile name departure, with the centre set for a move to France – rumoured to be Toulouse.
Malakai Fekitoa is also leaving, while Thomas Gallo is heading for Lyon. Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, Eli Snyman, Scott Scrafton and Nicolas Roger Farias complete the departures list.
Benetton president Antonio Pavanello said: “I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to all the athletes who are about to conclude their careers at Benetton.
“Over these years, they have demonstrated great professionalism, dedication and loyalty to the jersey, contributing significantly to the club’s growth and sharing in important moments of our recent history.
“Each of them leaves a mark, both personally and sportingly, within this group. Our thanks go to them all and we wish them success in their future challenges, both on and off the field.”
Pivac will take the reins at Stadio di Monigo from next season, with former Wales fly-half Rhys Patchell included in his coaching ticket.
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