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The latest rugby news stories from Wales and beyond today
Here are the latest rugby headlines on Wednesday, April 29.
Wales miss out on potential world star
Wales have missed out on a “world-class player in waiting” who could now help transform Scotland’s fortunes instead, according to one Super Rugby expert.
Centre Riley Higgins was a shock signing for Edinburgh from Hurricanes last week, with the 23-year-old qualifying for both Scotland and Wales through his grandparents’ heritage. It’s understood his name had been on the Welsh Rugby Union’s radar but his decision to move north signals his intention to represent Gregor Townsend’s side.
New Zealand Herald columnist and Deputy Sports News Editor for Newstalk ZB, Elliot Smith, believes he will come straight into the international equation and has the potential to be a world superstar. His exit has been greeted with a certain level of surprise in New Zealand, with many tipping him for full All Blacks honours. A broken leg decimated his season last year and saw his upward trajectory halted, but he has since returned to rave reviews.
“I think if he plays to his potential then he can absolutely live up to the hype,” Smith told The Scotsman.
“I’ve been really impressed through his time in New Zealand rugby where he was earmarked early on as a potential All Black.
“I’m really surprised [he’s signed for Edinburgh], he definitely seemed like the next generation of All Blacks. Would it have been before the 2027 Rugby World Cup? Hard to know but I think he had the potential.
“He is really, really good at finding gaps across the park and he’s a good offloader. He has played a bit at 13, and on the wing, but by in large he’s best at 12. He has a lot of pace and is very good at spotting gaps.
“I think he will be in the conversation for Scotland immediately. I’m sure Gregor Townsend will be watching tape.
“Obviously you’ve got Huwipulotu [Huw Jones and Sione Tuipulotu] who are a great combination and played a lot of tests but it adds to the depth. He’s a gamebreaker and could be one of the missing pieces for Scotland to start getting those kinds of results over the likes of New Zealand and South Africa in the future.
“If he can stay fit I think he could genuinely be one of the best midfielders in the world. He’s a world-class player in waiting, if he can stay fit.”
Cardiff star turns down rivals
Welsh international Jacob Beetham has turned down interest from clubs inside and outside Wales and committed his long-term future to Cardiff after signing a new deal at the Arms Park.
Cardiff revealed the versatile back, who was capped by Wales in 2024 and is tipped for a place in this summer’s Nations Championship squad, had been targeted by numerous teams as he approached the end of his contract, including rival regions in Wales.
But the 25-year-old has vowed to stay at Cardiff, with coach Corniel van Zyl confident more international honours are just around the corner.
Beetham said: “I’m absolutely delighted to sign another contract with Cardiff and in the end, it was a really easy decision to make.
“It’s my home club and I have loved being here with the first team this past five years. I love playing for Cardiff, at the Arms Park, where we have incredible support, and with some of my closest mates.
“I’m really excited to have the opportunity to push on in myself individually but also as a team. We have come a long way in the last few years, and it just shows now with this opportunity to make the URC play-offs and placing high in the rankings.
“We can continue to build on that, progressing game on game, and season and season. I can’t wait to carry on in and see where we can go as a team.”
With the ability to play in the centre, wing and full-back, as well as age-grade experience at fly-half, Beetham is an invaluable member of the squad, who brings physicality, aerial prowess and an impressive kicking game.
Van Zyl said: “I’m excited for what the future holds for Jacob in blue and black. Not only is he very versatile but he is very good rugby player, with high skill level and knowledge of the game.
“He’s had a few injury issues in the past, which have prevented him from pushing on but he’s growing in consistency, adding to his game and pushing every week.
“He is enjoying some really good form at the moment and has settled well on the wing, which suits him with the way the game has developed.
“That versatility is invaluable to us and while it can be challenging at times for the individual, Jacob has the ability to nail his role in whatever position he plays.
“The next step is establishing himself as a certainty in our team and while he has had a taste with Wales, I am confident there is more to come.
“He is a great young player, who is diligent, professional and highly motivated and we are delighted to keep him here at the Arms Park.”
Davies starts new venture
Wales international Gareth Davies has announced he is launching a new venture as heads towards the end of his rugby career. The 35-year-old scrum-half, who also played for the Lions, plans to bring through the next generation of rugby stars after setting up his very own rugby academy.
Davies is coming to the end of his 18th season at the Scarlets and has been one of the most prominent Wales players of his generation, winning 77 caps.
He is now looking to the future by starting a new business close to his heart.
Davies said: “When I was a young boy aspiring to become a professional rugby player, I loved attending rugby camps during school holidays and would look forward to these experiences. They taught me valuable skills, gave me confidence and experiences that have stayed with me throughout my career.
“Over time, I’ve realised that there is a lack of opportunities available for secondary school children outside of club and school rugby.
“That’s why I’ve decided to build an exciting team of coaches and create something that gives children the same experiences that I had and benefited so positively from at their age. These opportunities played a big part in helping me reach the professional game, and I’m passionate about giving that back to grassroots rugby.
“Living in West Wales, I will be bringing GD9 School of Rugby to the local communities. I can see strong and thriving junior sections around, which is fantastic to see. I’m hoping I can help develop some of these players with a different experience so they can take back what they have learnt to their local teams and thrive.”
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