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Here are your rugby morning headlines for Thursday, May 7.
International star banned for Cardiff clash
Cardiff Rugby have been handed a boost ahead of their United Rugby Championship clash after Adam Hastings was suspended for two matches.
The Glasgow Warriors fly-half will miss Friday’s meeting with Cardiff, as well as next weekend’s Round 18 fixture against Ulster in Belfast, after accumulating three yellow cards in the competition this season.
Hastings was cited under the URC’s disciplinary “totting up” process following separate incidents against Zebre Parma in January, Leinster in March and the Stormers in April.
Two of those offences related to dangerous tackles, with the Judicial Officer ruling that Hastings failed to lower his body height and made significant contact with the head of an opponent without attempting to wrap his arms – bringing the Head Contact Process into play.
The third incident was deemed unsportsmanlike conduct, with Hastings reacting after a Glasgow try by pushing and provoking an opponent, which sparked a mass melee between both sides.
The judicial officer described the incidents as “moderately serious”, highlighting the repeated nature of the dangerous tackles and the potential for one to have warranted a red card.
Taking into account Hastings’ disciplinary record and his decision not to challenge any of the yellow cards, a two-week suspension was deemed appropriate.
The ban means Cardiff will avoid facing one of Glasgow’s key attacking threats as they look to finish their URC campaign strongly.
Jeremy Guscott offers Borthwick theory
Jeremy Guscott has offered an intriguing theory behind the RFU’s decision to back Steve Borthwick through to the 2027 World Cup.
England endured a dismal Six Nations, losing four matches in the same tournament for the first time since 1976, prompting a detailed internal review into the team’s performances.
Despite that, the RFU opted to stick with Borthwick and his coaching staff, insisting improvement would not come from a single change and pointing instead to underlying issues such as discipline and execution.
Writing on X, Guscott suggested the decision may be less about loyalty and more about timing within the global coaching market. With many unions expected to make appointments for the 2027-2031 cycle well in advance, he believes the RFU may be prioritising stability to ensure they are well-positioned in that landscape.
He also pointed to what he described as the “upside no one is talking about” – the possibility that England could peak at the right time and challenge for the World Cup. In that scenario, a poor Six Nations would quickly be forgotten in the wider context of success on the biggest stage.
Guscott said: “One factor may be the coaching market. Andy Farrell’s Ireland contract runs to 2027, and most unions will be making their 2027-2031 appointments at least a year out from the tournament.
“If the RFU wants to be in that conversation, they need to be settled, not searching. There’s also the upside no one is talking about. What if England win it? Lift the Webb-Ellis [Trophy] in Australia and the 2026 Six Nations becomes a footnote in a bigger story.
“Backing Borthwick now is partly a bet that this is the bottom of the curve, with the France performance and the prior 11-match winning run as evidence the level is there. So the call may be less about loyalty and more about timing. Stability now, optionality later, and a genuine shot at the only prize that reframes everything.”
Wales handed major fitness boost ahead of Ireland clash
Wales Women have been handed a timely boost ahead of their Six Nations clash with Ireland team this weekend.
Head coach Sean Lynn has confirmed that centre duo Carys Cox and Hannah Dallavalle have both returned to full training ahead of Saturday’s trip to Belfast. The pair missed the recent defeats to France and England, with Dallavalle a late withdrawal before the heavy loss at Ashton Gate.
Lynn welcomed their return, praising both players’ previous performances in the tournament and highlighting the added strength they bring to the midfield. Wales have struggled for continuity during the campaign, and their availability offers a significant lift as the side chase a first win.
However, there is also fresh concern in the pack, with influential second row Gwen Crabb ruled out after picking up a knock in training. The injury is not believed to be serious, with Lynn hopeful she could return for the final-round clash with Italy.
Her absence opens the door for either Georgia Evans or Natalia John, both of whom have impressed in training and are pushing for an opportunity.
Elsewhere, Wales continue to deal with longer-term injury setbacks. Kate Williams has been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament, while Catherine Richards joins Lisa Neumann on the sidelines after suffering a serious knee injury.
With the competition resuming after a short break, Wales sit bottom of the table but have picked up two bonus points, which could prove vital in their bid to avoid another wooden spoon.
Dragons announce double boost as duo sign new deals
Dragons have handed themselves a timely double boost ahead of the run-in after confirming new contracts for David Richards and Oli Burrows.
Versatile back Richards has been rewarded for an impressive return to Rodney Parade this season, while dynamic hooker Burrows has also put pen to paper following a breakthrough campaign in the front row.
Richards, 25, has been one of the standout stories of the season after rejoining the region from Newport RFC. Capable of playing across the backline, he has made 15 appearances and scored four tries — including a dramatic last-gasp winner against Zebre Parma.
Reflecting on his resurgence, Richards admitted he had doubts about his future not so long ago.
“I feel honoured to be a part of the squad this year, something 12 months ago I’d probably given up on,” he said.
“To have been part of a team that feels like it’s really building to something has been pretty special.
“Representing Gwent is huge. Everywhere you go in the community you see how much rugby means to people — it’s for them that you want to try and take Dragons forward.
“There’s a good feeling in camp and I’m looking forward to what’s coming next.”
Burrows, meanwhile, has enjoyed a strong second season with the club, making 12 appearances and scoring five tries after overcoming injury setbacks earlier in his career.
The former Wales Under-20s international said he is excited by the direction the squad is heading.
“It’s been enjoyable to be a part of the progress that we’ve made this season as a group and the opportunity to continue that is something that is exciting,” he said.
“This season has been great for me personally. It’s been nice to get minutes and string performances together after a bit of a layoff last year.”
The 23-year-old also believes there is plenty more to come from both himself and the team.
“As a team, we’re determined to build on what we’ve achieved, while I want to use this as a springboard to kick on over the coming years,” he added.
“There’s a good group of hookers here and we’re always pushing each other.”
Senior coach Matt O’Brien praised Richards’ impact and resilience, saying: “He’s shown great one-v-one ability and scored some very important tries for the club. His story is one of real determination and he’s improving week on week.”
Fellow coach Sam Hobbs was equally glowing about Burrows’ development.
“Oli has had an excellent season for us,” he said. “He worked incredibly hard to come back from injury and has really taken his opportunity in some tough games.
“He’s a physically impressive player with a very high ceiling. We believe he can push on at URC level and potentially beyond.”
