Steffan Thomas

3 days ago | walesonline.co.uk | Steffan Thomas

The WRU has been criticised for scrapping its exiles programme but insist better times are aheadThe Welsh Rugby Union is changing its long-running Exiles programme — but performance director Huw Bevan insists the new version will be more effective at keeping the best Welsh talent in Wales and convincing those lost to the English system to return. In the past the WRU's exiles programme has been responsible for identifying Welsh qualified talent in England and further afield.

3 days ago | walesonline.co.uk | Steffan Thomas

The 23-year-old has impressed this season but is leaving to join close rivals in LlanelliThe Scarlets have signed former Wales U20s backrower Tristan Davies from Welsh rivals the Ospreys. The 23-year-old has played 16 games for the Ospreys since making his debut in 2022, starting in the Challenge Cup ties against the Lions and Montpellier this season, along with the URC matches against the Scarlets in Llanelli and Cardiff on Judgement Day.

3 days ago | walesonline.co.uk | Steffan Thomas

A contender for the Wales job has decided to go elsewhereFormer England boss Stuart Lancaster has been named head coach of Irish province Connacht. Lancaster was heavily linked with the vacant Wales head coach role and was also touted for as director of rugby before the Welsh Rugby Union appointed Dave Reddin. The 55-year-old has been out of work since leaving French giants Racing 92 earlier this year.

4 days ago | walesonline.co.uk | Steffan Thomas

The WRU has scrapped it exiles programmeThe Welsh Rugby Union are currently devising a way to replace its Exiles programme with the retention and repatriation of players at the forefront of its thinking. One look at Wales' senior squads this year can identify players who were tracked by the exiles programme before getting capped, with the likes of Will Rowlands, Nick Tompkins, Blair Murray, Ellis Mee, Archie Griffin, Freddie Thomas and Taine Plumtree such examples.

4 days ago | walesonline.co.uk | Steffan Thomas

The Dragons are building a strong squadThe Dragons have announced what the region is describing as the "major signing" of Tongan centre Fetuli Paea from Zebre Parma. Filo Tiatia has undergone an ambitious recruitment drive as the Welsh club look to turn around a dreadful season which resulted in just two victories and bottom place in the United Rugby Championship.