The latest news and headlines from Wales and beyond
Here are you rugby morning headlines for Wednesday, June 10.
WRU announce new appointment
David Rees has been appointed to the Welsh Rugby Union Council as a National Council Member.
Rees has held senior roles in both Welsh rugby and Hong Kong Rugby, serving as the latter’s chief rugby operations officer between 2016 and 2020. During his time there, he helped contribute to Asian Games medal success, Women’s Rugby World Cup qualification in 2017 and six consecutive World Rugby U20 Trophy qualifications.
He replaces Anthony Buchanan, who stepped down last December after saying he had no confidence in the governing body.
“It is an honour to join the WRU Council at such a pivotal time for the game in Wales,” said Rees. “Throughout my career, I have seen how meaningful progress comes from aligning intent with delivery and I look forward to doing everything I can to help Welsh rugby thrive.
“We have something special here in Wales. A national sport that’s rooted in community. It’s our duty to ensure clubs, coaches and volunteers are supported to grow participation across Wales which will ultimately contribute to a healthy and sustainable pathway system.”
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Rees currently serves as head of rugby at Monmouth RFC, as well as director of rugby at Crawshays Welsh RFC.
“My approach is to make inclusion part of everyday decision-making, not a separate initiative, ensuring it is embedded in how the game is run and developed,” added Rees. “I am passionate about making rugby more accessible, inclusive and welcoming, and I look forward to contributing to the continued development of the game at every level.”
Lion finds new job after leaving Wales
Former Scarlets coach Jared Payne has landed a job with Munster after leaving the Welsh club.
The 40-year-old former British and Irish Lions centre has moved to the Irish province on a two-year deal, where he will combine attack and backline coaching responsibilities with Mossy Lawler. Munster had initially hired Roger Randle – only for the deal to be called off after it was met with a backlash after a 1997 rape allegation resurfaced.
The charges were dropped and Randle has always denied any wrongdoing, but the club still saw fit to cancel his appointment.
Now, they have turned to 20-cap Ireland centre Payne – who has spent the last three years in Wales.
“Munster is a club with a proud history, strong values and a special connection with its supporters and community. As a family, we’re excited to become part of that,” said Payne.
“There is a huge amount of ambition across the club and I’m looking forward to working alongside the players and staff to help move the club forward.
“There is a lot to be excited about and I can’t wait to get started.”
Welcoming the move, Munster head coach Clayton McMillan said Payne has “developed an excellent reputation for empowering players and assisting them to fulfil their potential”.
“I’m equally delighted that Mossy has extended his contract,” added McMillan.
“The attack portfolio is vast, and I have always had the view that it is a two-person job.
“There is accountability to bring a higher level of detail to their respective areas of responsibility within our attack framework, and I believe that in Mossy and Jared, we have two innovative and detailed coaches who will work outstandingly well together.”
New Lions coach taps into Andy Farrell’s knowledge
By Duncan Bech, Press Association Rugby Union Correspondent
Jo Yapp is tapping into the knowledge of Andy Farrell as she prepares to lead the maiden tour of the British and Irish Lions Women.
Yapp has been appointed head coach for the three-Test series against New Zealand in September next year, emerging as the outstanding candidate from a seven strong shortlist.
To give the Lions the best possible chance against the Black Ferns, former England captain Yapp is drawing on Farrell’s experience after the Ireland boss masterminded a 2-1 series triumph by the Lions men’s team against Australia in 2025.
“Andy was super open, which was really lovely,” said Yapp, who currently acts as England’s head of women’s pathway.
“One of the things he talked about is when you’re pulling together your staff, you get the right people, people who you can trust and can work with. That’s massively important.
“It’s really important that we draw on the experiences of people who have gone before us and pick their brains. It would be naive to not use that experience.”
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