The latest rugby news from Wales and beyond on Saturday evening
Here are the latest rugby headlines on Saturday, January 31.
Young talent trains with Wales
Talented Dragons back rower Ryan Woodman was called in to train with the Wales squad this week after being earmarked as a potential big star of the future.
Steve Tandy and his coaches got to have a close look at the 21-year-old former Wales U20s captain after he narrowly missed out on a first senior call-up for the Six Nations. Woodman has enjoyed a superb season at the Dragons and is seen as someone with the talent, physicality and leadership mentality to be a leading international for years to come.
It’s understood this is not the first time he has been invited to train with Wales, such is the potential the coaches see in him.
He starts for the Dragons against the Ospreys on Saturday night and could yet be made a full member of the Wales squad if injuries hit throughout the course of the tournament.
Former Wales U20s coach Byron Hayward previously spoke glowingly about Woodman, who can also play second row, backing him to go to the next World Cup.
He leads by example,” Hayward said. “He’s a very quiet boy but what he says is mature and sensible and people listen and they will follow him
“I would stick my life on it, he will be playing for Wales in the next World Cup.”
Wales coach calls Dragons captain
Dragons captain Angus O’Brien has revealed he was called by Wales attack coach Matt Sherratt ahead of the Six Nations squad selection announcement, indicating he is on the radar of Welsh selectors despite being uncapped at the age of 31.
O’Brien has been a leading light in the Rodney Parade side’s revival over the past couple of months, earning many plaudits from fans and pundits. He admits he would love to play for Wales and his ability to play full-back and outside-half counts in his favour.
He will also have been encouraged by Olly Cracknell winning his first cap at the age of 31 in the autumn. O’Brien was one of a number of players to be personally contact by the Wales selectors to explain why they had been left out and what they need to work on.
“I had a call from Matt Sherratt and it was good to get some feedback,” said O’Brien.
“Everybody wants to play for Wales and I am no different, but ultimately my job is to do as well as I can for the Dragons.
“I try not to think about Wales too much. It’s still a goal and I would love the opportunity one day but I just focus on being the best that I can to help us continue our momentum.
“The Wales coaches have been around the clubs since Steve has been in post.
“All that we can do is keep performing, winning and challenging each other – the better that we do at Dragons, the more boys we will have in the mix for Wales.”
O’Brien previously represented Wales Sevens at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia.
Public meeting in bid to save Ospreys
With the future of the Ospreys under threat, Swansea Council Leader Rob Stewart and Swansea West MP Torsten Bell are to host a public meeting to bring together supporters, former players and community leaders who support the fight to keep men’s professional rugby in Swansea.
The meeting will provide an opportunity to hear the latest updates on the fight to secure the future of the Ospreys, discuss next steps to oppose the chaotic changes the WRU are attempting to impose on Welsh rugby, and demonstrate the strength of local feeling behind one of Swansea’s most important sporting institutions.
Torsten Bell MP said: “The Ospreys matter to our city, to our communities, and to loyal supporters who deserve to be treated with more than the zero respect that the WRU have shown them in recent weeks. At this uncertain moment, it’s vital that we come together, share information, and show that the whole region stands united behind its team.”
Swansea Council Leader Rob Stewart added: “This is about more than rugby – it’s about pride, community and the future of professional sport in our city. We want to make sure the voices of supporters and local leaders are heard loud and clear.”
The public meeting will take place at the Guildhall at 6.30pm on Wednesday 4 February. Supporters, community representatives and anyone concerned about the future of the Ospreys are encouraged to attend by organisers.