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Here are your rugby morning headlines for Monday, June 29.
Wales star cleared to play
Wales Under-20 wing Tom Bowen has been cleared to play immediately after appearing before an independent disciplinary committee following his red card against Georgia.
Bowen was sent off during Wales’ opening match of the World Rugby Under-20 Championship on Friday, June 27, after receiving two yellow cards.
An independent Foul Play Review Committee considered the incident and ruled that the player’s dismissal during the match was sufficient punishment, meaning no further suspension will be imposed.
The committee, chaired by Marcello d’Oray of Portugal and also comprising Wales’ Olly Kohn and England’s Vicky Irwin, noted that one of Bowen’s yellow cards was issued for a technical offence.
Bowen accepted the committee’s decision and is therefore available for selection with immediate effect, providing a boost for Wales as they continue their campaign in the World Rugby Under-20 Championship.
Wales next group match is against Uruguay on Thursday morning.
Global star spots something about Wales that gives him hope
Two-time World Cup winner Faf de Klerk has praised the “dog” in this current Wales side and how well the young players coped under pressure – saying it’s a good indication of where Steve Tandy’s side can go.
The Springbok legend has gone toe-to-toe with some of Wales’ best sides – with the scrum-half having marshalled South Africa through a close-fought World Cup semi-final in 2019, all while getting under the skin of Warren Gatland’s side.
Back then, World Cup mastermind Rassie Erasmus viewed Wales as one of the Boks’ hardest opponents – calling them “tough f*****s”.
But, since narrowly missing out on a first World Cup final, Wales’ fortunes in Test rugby have changed dramatically.
They’ve won just three times since the start of 2024 – with Tandy helping Wales to their first Six Nations victory in three years back in March.
Despite seeing their stock falling in the world’s game, de Klerk believes – after captaining the Barbarians against them on Saturday – that Tandy’s side are still a tough nut to crack.
“Honestly, we know they are always tough as nails,” said de Klerk. “That’s why I love the Welsh.
“We can compare a lot to the boys back in South Africa, they like going into the gutters to fight.
“It was a challenge for them physically today. But the amount of youngsters in their group, they really stood out today.
“Being under the pump but still being able to perform. They’re going to have to learn quickly, but it’s a great testament to where it can go.
“If those boys can get caps under their names, get the experience they got today and front up physically – which happened today and it was fantastic to see.
“But Wales always have that dog. If they lose that, it’s going to be a problem.
“But as of now, all I’m seeing is that dog. That’s something I love to see in a rugby team.”
Top England star lined up for big overseas move
England prop Ellis Genge is reportedly being lined up for a lucrative move overseas after the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
According to RugbyPass, the Bristol Bears and British & Irish Lions loosehead is attracting strong interest from both France’s Top 14 and Japan Rugby League One ahead of the tournament in Australia.
Genge is currently under contract at Bristol after signing a long-term extension in September 2024, but the report claims clubs in two of world rugby’s biggest-spending leagues are monitoring his situation with a view to making a move after the World Cup.
The 80-cap England international returned to his hometown club in 2022 after captaining Leicester Tigers to the Premiership title with victory over Saracens in the final.
By the time the 2027 World Cup concludes, Genge will be 32 years old, an age at which many leading international players opt to cash in on lucrative deals abroad.
A move overseas would almost certainly end his England career under the Rugby Football Union’s current selection policy, which generally prevents players based outside the Premiership from representing the national side.
The Bristol front-rower has established himself as one of England’s most influential players over the last decade and was also selected for the British & Irish Lions tour.
Wales boss handed selection headache after youngsters seize chance
Sean Lynn says Wales’ emerging stars have given him a welcome selection headache after impressing in Saturday’s 34-17 victory over the Barbarians.
The Wales head coach used the uncapped fixture at Allianz Stadium to blood a host of young players, with five debutants featuring and several others producing eye-catching displays.
While urging caution after only his second win in charge, Lynn admitted the performance had strengthened competition for places ahead of the WXV Global Series later this year.
“This has given exposure to individuals coming into the camp,” Lynn said.
“You can’t just put them into Test match rugby, this was the perfect opportunity for us to play the next generation.”
Teenage wing Amy Williams scored twice on her Wales debut, while scrum-half Seren Lockwood, lock Jorja Aiono and number eight Bryonie King were among those to impress.
Lynn reserved special praise for 19-year-old Williams, who crossed twice and showed her pace and power throughout.
“Amy looked threatening with ball in hand. She is like a sponge, she just wants to learn and take everything on board,” he said.
“What I love about Amy is that she just said before the game, ‘I am just going to concentrate on being me, Lynny’. That’s what she did and she has a bright future.”
Wales return to camp in August ahead of autumn fixtures against South Africa, the USA and Japan, with Lynn believing the emerging talent has provided genuine competition for more established internationals.
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