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These are your evening rugby headlines on Tuesday, May 5.
Wales star hurt in mighty collision
Bath head coach Johan van Graan has issued an update on Wales international Louie Hennessey after he suffered an injury in his side’s Champions Cup semi-final defeat to Bordeaux on Sunday.
The PREM Rugby side missed out on a spot in the final as they were beaten 38-26 by their hosts at the Stade Atlantique Bordeaux Metropole, but 22-year-old Hennessey impressed with his performance, getting on the scoresheet as he stretched over the line 10 minutes into the second half.
However, he came off second best in a collision with Bordeaux prop Ben Tameifuna, with the 34-year-old tighthead tipping the scales at a whopping 150kg (23st 9lbs) as the heaviest player in professional rugby.
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Having picked up a shoulder injury, Hennessey – who made his Wales debut off the bench against Ireland during the Six Nations – is now a doubt for Bath’s trip to Sandy Park to take on Exeter Chiefs in the PREM this weekend.
Issuing an update on the Welshman and England wing Will Muir, who also injured his shoulder against Bordeaux, van Graan said: “It’s definitely a shoulder [for Muir]. Rory [Murray, head of medical] made the call to get him straight off, so look, we’ll travel back and get that looked at.
“Louis Hennessey looks like he might have a shoulder as well, the hit that he made there on Ben Tameifuna—some collision that was.]
“Look, there’ll be a bit of bumps and bruises. That was a physical game, and from a humidity point of view, this would have taken a lot out of both teams,” the Bath boss added.
“So we’ll travel back, and we’ll train again on Wednesday. We’ll kind of take stock again and start on zero on Wednesday, and then look forward to the Premiership.”
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Welsh international wants recall
Wales international Taine Basham says he has ambitions of playing for his country again after a two-year absence from the Test arena, but is focusing on his form for Cardiff “first and foremost”.
The 26-year-old back-rower, who made his Wales debut in June 2021, won the last of his 17 international caps in February 2024, falling out of favour during the second Galtand era before also being overlooked for Steve Tandy’s first two campaigns as head coach.
With the back row not an area of weakness for Wales, Basham accepts that things have not gone his way in recent campaigns but remains keen to pull on that red jersey again, with “plenty of miles left in the tank”.
“I came on to the international scene early,” he told RugbyPass as he reflected on his Test career so far. “My rise was fairly quick, starting against the All Blacks at such a young age.
“I felt like I did well, but injuries and selection sometimes don’t go your way and I haven’t been in recent squads. It’s how you bounce back from that.
“Obviously, I have ambitions to play for Wales again, but I just want to play well for Cardiff first and foremost. I want to play as much as I can and as well as I can.
“I am probably a bit more mature now,” Basham added. “I have played a lot of rugby for a 26-year-old, I guess, but I feel like there’s plenty of miles left in the tank. I am still enjoying it, that’s the most important thing.”
The dynamic ball carrier moved to the Arms Park from the Dragons last summer following eight years at Rodney Parade. He has gone on to make 15 appearances for Cardiff in all competitions, packing down both on the flank and at number eight.
Reflecting on his new start in the capital, Basham said: “I was at a stage in my career where I wanted to kick on again. I’m not really a youngster anymore. It felt like the right time to move on and, as soon as Cardiff came calling, I was really attracted to the idea. It’s a club with a really rich history and they play a great brand of rugby.
“Coming in pre-season, it was probably the refresh that I needed, a change of scenery and training. Even though Wales is a small bubble, it is different and I’ve really enjoyed it. I think it’s been a good move for me.
“I settled in quite quickly. They are a great bunch of boys and they have been very welcoming. We have been competitive in pretty much every game and we’ve had some good wins against some really big teams.
“It’s been the first time with the fans being on my side here and hopefully I have made a good impression,” he added. “There is a really good buzz with the supporters. I am loving it and just enjoying my craft here.”
International coach killed in accident
Tributes have been paid to former Kenya women’s head coach Felix ‘Ade’ Oloo after his tragic death at the age of 41.
Oloo, who took charge of the Kenya Lionesses 7s and 15s team and helped the former to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics, was widely respected in Kenyan rugby and credited with aiding the growth of the women’s teams. He also previously spent 15 years as a player with Nakuru RFC, winning two Kenya Cups and several other domestic titles, before moving into coaching.
According to reports in Kenya and the United States, Oloo, who lived in Everett, Washington, was killed after being struck by a car on Interstate 405 in King County on Monday, having reportedly exited a car on the hard shoulder.
Tributes have been paid to Oloo by Kenya Rugby, who issued a statement confirming the sad news on Tuesday morning.
“Felix ‘Ade’ Oloo Otieno was a respected Kenyan rugby coach and former player, widely recognized for his contribution to grassroots development and the growth of women’s rugby in Kenya,” the statement read.
“Commonly known as “Ade” or “Mwalimu,” he built a strong reputation both on and off the field through his leadership and commitment to the sport. Otieno enjoyed a long playing career with Nakuru RFC spanning approximately 15 years (2003–2017).
“During his time at the club, he was part of successful squads that secured Kenya Cup titles in the 2012–13 and 2013–14 seasons, as well as winning the Enterprise Cup and other domestic competitions including the Bamburi Super Series.
“Transitioning into coaching, Otieno took up roles at Nakuru RFC where he handled both the men’s and women’s teams, focusing on rebuilding structures and nurturing young talent,” the tribute continued.
“His impact extended to the national stage where he served as head coach of both the Kenya Lionesses 7s and 15s teams. Under his leadership, the Lionesses achieved qualification for the Tokyo Olympics and competed in major tournaments such as the Africa Women’s competitions, the Dubai 7s Invitational, and the Elgon Cup.
“He is widely credited for building competitive structures despite limited resources. Rest in peace Ade.”
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