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The latest rugby news from Wales and around the world
These are your evening rugby headlines on Saturday, January 10.
Jiffy offers help to WRU
Wales legend Jonathan ‘Jiffy’ Davies says he “would love to help” the Welsh Rugby Union in sorting out the ongoing crisis in the national game, adding that “egos [are] out of control” at the governing body.
The dual-code icon made his feelings clear after it was announced that former Wales captain Ken Owens had been appointed to the Football Association of Wales’ new strategic advisory committee, a role in which he will help to strengthen the association’s planning, decision-making and delivery across the game.
The move has been hailed a smart one for both parties, with recently-retired Sunday Times journalist Stephen Jones saying it was a “great choice” by the FAW, while adding that he should have been brought in by the WRU “ages ago” as the uncertainty hanging over Welsh rugby continues to rumble on.
“Simply cannot believe that the great Ken Owens is joining Welsh football,” Jones wrote on X. “A great choice for FAW but the death-riders on the WRU should have brought him in ages ago. More nous [in] his little finger [than] the shockers in charge of rugby’s demise.”
In response, Jiffy said: “They don’t tap into any previous people with rugby knowledge or experience only consultants. Egos out of control,” before adding: “Would love to help as we all care about the game.”
The 63-year-old also had a blunt response to the news that the WRU has warned its member clubs not to call an extraordinary general meeting (EGM), labelling it an “irresponsible nuclear option”.
Last week, the Central Glamorgan Rugby Union sent out a letter urging clubs to call an EGM where it proposed three motions, including a vote of no confidence in chair Richard Collier-Keywood and Malcolm Wall, the chair of the Professional Rugby Board.
However, in a letter sent out to all member clubs and seen by WalesOnline, the WRU has insisted now is not the time to gamble with the game’s future, leading Jiffy to remark: “The lack of humility is astounding!!”
Wales star ‘locked in talks’ amid French interest
Saracens are reportedly “locked in talks” with Rhys Carre as the Wales prop weighs up his options with his contract in north London up at the end of season.
Carre, who was recalled to the Wales squad by Steve Tandy in the autumn after being deemed eligible for selection by the Professional Rugby Board, had been a target for Mike Tindall’s rebel league R360, which was due to launch later this year.
However, the ambitious venture’s launch has now been pushed back until 2028, leaving the 27-year-old to reconsider his options.
According to RugbyPass, the Wales international has been “sounded out” by more than one club in France’s Top 14, but is keen to stay in north London.
The publication adds that he is currently in talks with the club, with details being ironed out before he puts pen to paper on a new deal.
WalesOnline reported last month that Carré looked set to turn down a move to France in favour of staying at Saracens.
Carre has thrived at Saracens after leaving Cardiff at the end of the 2023/24 campaign, with Tandy hailing the “huge impact” he has made for the English giants.
“It gives me real excitement to have him available for us and to bring him into the autumn,” the Wales boss said after Carre’s recall was confirmed in October. “The way he’s playing for Saracens is outstanding.
“Saracens are playing really well at the minute and he’s having huge impacts. It’s really exciting to have him back. We’ve got some really good looseheads but it adds to that depth which is great.”
O’Gara ‘on the brink’
RugbyPass also reports that Ireland legend Ronan O’Gara is set for crunch talks to decide whether to stay at La Rochelle or depart for pastures new this summer.
The former fly-half has been in charge of the French side since 2019, leading them to three consecutive European finals, but has found himself under pressure in recent seasons.
However, he has been linked with top jobs in Test rugby, being shortlisted for the England head coach position in 2022 and expressing interest in taking over Australia last year.
O’Gara is also seen as the leading contender to become Ireland’s new head coach if Andy Farrell leaves his role in 2027.
For now, the Irish great is set to hold talks with his bosses at La Rochelle to see if he will stay on for another year to see out the rest of his contract at Stade Marcel-Deflandre.
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