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The latest rugby news from Wales and around the world on Thursday, January 22.
Here’s your round-up of all the latest rugby news for Thursday, January 22.
Politicians: ‘Immense disconnect’ with fans
The Welsh Rugby Union has been told by Westminster politicians that there is an “immense disconnect” between the union and Welsh rugby supporters.
The verdict was delivered following chairman Richard Collier-Keywood and chief executive Abi Tierney being quizzed by politicians over the governing body’s plans to reduce the number of professional clubs in Wales from four to three.
After hearing what they had to say, the Welsh Affairs Select Committee said it was clear that the executive understand the scale of the task but far more needs to be done. You can read what happened at the session here.
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“Today’s session was an opportunity to explore the rationale for the radical proposed changes and to hear more from fans on their concerns,” a statement read.
“It is clear that the chair and chief executive of the WRU understand the financial and sporting challenges facing Welsh rugby but the scale of the opposition we heard from the supporters’ groups show that there is more to do when it comes to finding a sustainable solution.
“By going down the path of losing a professional team, the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) risks throwing the baby out with the bath water and alienating supporters.
“There seems to be an immense disconnect between the WRU and fans. [They] need to do more to bring people with them and communicate that it has a vision for a successful future for Welsh rugby – from the grassroots through to the top of the professional game.”
Thomas likely to miss Six Nations opener
Gloucester director of rugby George Skivington says Freddie Thomas is likely to miss the first game of Wales’s Six Nations campaign.
Thomas has been suffering from a hamstring injury, but has still been named in Steve Tandy’s squad for the tournament, with their campaign kicking off with a trip to Twickenham to take on England.
Providing an update, Skivington said: “Freddie’s had some scans. It doesn’t look horrendous, but he doesn’t feel great.
“So, from that point of view, I think he’d be hoping to go [with Wales] but I don’t think he’ll make the start of the Six Nations.
“It’s not horrendous from what we can see.”
Jones hails Ospreys’ unity
Ospreys coach Mark Jones says the unity shown by his players and members of staff has been “absolutely awesome”.
The Welsh side are preparing to take on the Lions on Friday amid a chaotic week that has placed the very future of the region into doubt. You can read the full fallout from Y11’s proposed takeover of Cardiff here.
Players and staff have been left in the dark over what the decision means for their futures, with Jones himself admitting he only found out himself when his wife sent him a screenshot of an article on Monday.
However, he says he’s been delighted by the togetherness of the squad, despite the players angrily walking out of a team meeting in light of the news.
“Absolutely awesome,” he said when asked for his reaction over how the squad had responded.
“It’s just great to see them coming together, like I know they do. They do it on the field, they do it when they have their social gatherings and they get together.
“They’re a tight group, we always say it and I think sometimes people think that’s just a strapline but these boys genuinely are.
“They’re a tight group, the management group is tight. We enjoy each other’s company and I think you can see by their statement, nobody asked them to do that.
“That was off their own back as a group of men, deciding what they wanted to say and what they wanted people to hear. So, yeah, I support them 100%.”
Dyer backed to bounce back from Wales snub
Dragons boss Filo Tiatia has backed in-form winger Rio Dyer to prove a point following his snub by Wales.
Dyer has scored four tries in five games since returning from the autumn internationals.
However, recalls for Mason Grady, along with call-ups for Ellis Mee and Gabriel Hamer-Webb means Dyer has missed out on Tandy’s Six Nations squad.
However, Tiatia believes the 26-year-old can use the disappointment of being overlooked as fuel to impress further.
“I felt for Rio, I called him after the team was announced and just checked in with him, but he’s motivated to keep improving on his game and gets an opportunity this weekend,” said Tiatia.
George announces retirement
Former England skipper Jamie George has confirmed he will retire at the end of 2027 after agreeing a one-year extension with Saracens.
George has been capped 105 times by England and captained his nation in 2024, before serving as vice-captain to Maro Itoje.
“I have always been very open and honest and I wanted to continue to do that with regards to my retirement,” George said.
“I’m sure it seems early to be announcing this with another season to go, but I want to make sure I soak up every moment of my final season – I am more motivated than ever to finish my career at Saracens in a successful way.”
