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These are your evening rugby headlines on Tuesday, May 12.
Williams injury update issued
Gloucester boss George Skivington has issued an update on Wales scrum-half Tomos Williams after the Cherry and Whites captain suffered a shoulder injury against Sale.
The 31-year-old was forced off just three minutes into the second half of his side’s 21-15 win at Kingsholm on Friday night as he reported concerns with his shoulder joint, sparking worries that he would miss out on a place in Steve Tandy’s squad for Wales’ summer fixtures.
While Williams was named in the squad on Monday, Skivington has confirmed that he will need “a bit of recovery time” having only just returned from another shoulder injury that he picked up against Harlequins at the end of March.
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“Tomos just said his shoulder was sore like it was before,” he explained. “I wouldn’t think it was horrendous, but he needs a bit of recovery time and will take whatever time is necessary to get right. It is not ideal, but it’s not horrendous.”
With Caolan Englefield now in prime position to take over the number nine jersey against Saracens this weekend, Skivington added: “It has been nice to roll a few players over and have some consistency in selection, but Caolan is a quality player in behind Tommy.
“As we all know, Tommy isn’t here next year, so from that point of view it gives another opportunity for Caolan and Mikey (Austin) to get some game time.
“You would always rather have everyone available for these last few games, but Caolan has done some good stuff for us and it will be for him to step up.”
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New Wales call-up faces ‘challenge’
An injury update has also been issued for new Wales call-up Kane James, with the Exeter Chiefs forward still currently unavailable after undergoing ankle surgery earlier this year.
The 21-year-old, who previously represented England at U20s level, was named in Steve Tandy’s summer squad on Monday, having missed out on a potential spot in the Wales boss’ Six Nations plans after suffering a “large” ankle injury against Cardiff in January.
Tandy claimed on Monday that he believes James is “only a couple of weeks away” from making his return from injury, adding: “We wouldn’t be picking him if we didn’t feel he’d be available” for the summer.
Issuing an update on the Haverfordwest-born talent, Exeter boss Rob Baxter confirmed that he remained unavailable, but was back running on the training pitch.
“He had multiple injuries to his ankle, so he’s had two or three bits operated on,” he said of James. “He’s getting back. He was straight line pitch running, that’s as far as he’s got at the minute.
“The reality is we haven’t got a lot of games left. So he’s going to have to work extremely hard to get back involved with a frontline 23 in such important games. So that’s going to be his challenge.”
Davis signs new Scarlets deal
Scarlets back rower Dan Davis has signed a new contract with the region.
The 27-year-old academy product made his senior debut in 2017 and celebrated his 100th appearance for his side in their west Wales derby clash with the Ospreys on Saturday.
After following teammates Fletcher Anderson, Jac Davies and Josh Macleod in putting pen to paper on a new deal, the openside flanker will now head into his 10th season at Parc y Scarlets
“The club means a lot to me,” said Davis as his new contract was announced. “I’ve been here since I was in the Academy and being able to mark my 100th appearance in a west Wales derby with my family and young daughter there to watch was a really special moment.
“It hasn’t been the season we wanted in terms of results, but there is a real feeling within the group that we are building something. There is a lot of quality in the squad and a lot of competition, which is exactly what you want as a player.
“That competition drives standards and I’m looking forward to fighting for the jersey every week. I’m excited about what is ahead for this group and I’m determined to keep driving forward personally as well.
“We have a big game to finish on Saturday against the Dragons,” he added. “Our supporters have been outstanding again this year. Whether it’s home, away or across Europe, they continue to back us and as a group we want to repay that support with performances they can be proud of.”
Scarlets’ interim director of rugby Nigel Davies added: “To play a century of matches for the same club in professional rugby is a fantastic achievement and Dan should be proud of what he has already achieved in a Scarlets jersey.
“He is a dynamic back-row forward, whose style of play fits with the rugby philosophy we are looking to develop here and at 27, his experience in the URC and in Europe will be invaluable in helping bring through the young talent we have in the squad.”
Fiji international dies at 56
Former Fiji international Filimoni Seru has died at the age of 56 following a battle with motor neurone disease.
A hugely respected figure in Fijian rugby, Seru represented his country in both rugby sevens and the 15-a-side game, as well as in rugby league.
In union, the former wing made 10 Test appearances for Fiji in the early 1990s and represented them at the 1991 Rugby World Cup.
He was also part of the 1995 Fiji Bati team that played at the Rugby League World Cup in England and Wales, while he represented several clubs including the South Queensland Crushers, Illawarra Steelers and Hull FC.
Just three weeks ago, Seru was capped by Fiji Rugby Union CEO Koli Sewabu at his home in Levuka, on the Fijian island of Ovalau.
Paying tribute to their former player, Fiji Rugby issued a statement on social media which read: “The Fiji rugby community mourns the loss of former Flying Fijian, Filimoni “Fili” Seru — Flying Fijian #416 — a respected figure in Fiji rugby.
“He represented Fiji from 1990 to 1993; playing 11 Test matches on the wing and scoring 4 tries for his country. He made his Test debut against Tonga in Nuku’alofa on 24 March 1990 and quickly became known for his speed, determination, and passion for the white jersey.
“Fili was also part of one of the greatest eras in Fiji Sevens history, helping Fiji claim three consecutive Hong Kong Sevens titles in 1990, 1991, and 1992 alongside the legendary Waisale Serevi. His contributions to Fiji rugby and the pride he brought to the nation will never be forgotten.
“To his family, friends, former teammates, and the wider rugby community, we extend our heartfelt condolences during this difficult time,” the statement continued. “Vinaka vakalevu Fili for your dedicated service to Fiji rugby and to your country.
“Fiji Rugby also extends its heartfelt gratitude to his loving wife, Tima — vinaka vakalevu na vosota kei na veiqaravi e sinai ena loloma. Rest in peace, Flying Fijian #416 – Filimoni Seru.”
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