Wales U20s In Comeback Win
Carwyn Harris
On Friday night Wales under 20s showed the seniors how it’s done with an impressive come-from behind victory over Italy under 20s.
Trailing 15-0 at half time with their scrum struggling, Wales scored four tries in the second half to earn a 27-15 win.
Tries from substitutes Harry Thomas and Matty Young accompanied finishes by captain Harry Beddall and full back Matty Young earnt Wales a hard fought victory.
A win for the home side seemed unlikely in the first half when the young Italians, who beat France last week, scored through prop Marcos Gallorini and a penalty try following more scrum dominance.
Despite beating the Italians, Wales’ inferior points difference meant they remain below the Italians in the final table in fifth, but they will by buoyed by only their third win in three Six Nations tournaments.
Last week’s heavy loss against France was overshadowed by a double leg fracture to captain Harri Ackerman.
But his replacement for captain duties Beddall was magnificent, earning multiple turnovers in a fantastic defensive display, while he also managed to cross the whitewash.
Wales began their comeback seven minutes into the second half when substitute Thomas was the beneficiary of a commanding driving maul to drive over.
Captain Beddall repeated the trick from a driving maul just before the hour before Stone dove in at the corner after a fine Ieuan Davies pass to give Wales the lead.
In the final 10 minutes fly-half Harri Ford found Young, who had the simple task of jogging in and securing Wales the bonus point win.
Wales will be proud of how they have performed in the final game, bookending their tournaments with wins after beating Scotland 37-29 in the first game of their championship.
Several players have stood out during this championship.
19-year-old Morgan Morse, who was give player of the match against Italy, was magnificent especially in both victories, while Dragons’ Harri Ackerman shone before injury.
Those two, alongside Cardiff backrower Lucas de la Rua have had opportunities with their regions this season and are clearly reaping the rewards.
De la rua was “playing out of position” in his words against Italy at six but formed a brilliant backrow triumvirate with Beddall and Morse on Friday and says the regional opportunities has had a huge effect on his development.
“I can’t describe how much of a difference and impact it’s had,” said de la Rua.
“It feels like you’re more adapted to the speed and physicality, playing against more physical and senior players.
“Even the training, learning from world class players, I’ve almost transitioned into seven and learning from Ellis Jenkins and Thomas Young, two of the best sevens in the world, teaching me about the jackle area and positionally it’s been great.”
Two others who’ve shone are centres Ackerman and Louis Hennessey, while Macs Page impressed in their absence against Itay, while Ieuan Davies has been a constant threat from scrumhalf.
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Finucane Triple Gold Delight
Carwyn Harris
Welsh cyclist Emma Finucane continued her dominance of women’s track sprinting winning three golds at the UCI Track Nations Cup in Hong Kong.
Wearing the rainbow bands as reigning sprint World champion, Finucane began her golden triple in the women’s team sprint on Friday, bringing her team home to beat Germany in the final.
The Great Britain team of Katy Marchant, Sophie Capewell and Finucane are in spectacular form, also winning gold at the previous, and season opening, Track Nations Cup in Australia.
Finucane, from Carmarthen, lost in the quarterfinals of the women’s sprint in Australia, eventually finishing fifth.
But in the solo event in Hong Kong, Finucane qualified quickest before making her way through the rounds and beating France’s Mathilde Gros in the final on Saturday.
The 21-year-old had to come from behind in the semi-final against Lea Sophie Friedrich but otherwise didn’t lose a race in her pursuit of gold.
“It feels amazing,” said Finucane after her win on Saturday.
“After Adelaide, I had a few things I wanted to work on, so coming into this racing I didn’t know where I’d be at.
“I put together some really good rides and I’m really proud of how tactically I pulled this off.
“This means everything to me in an Olympic year and I couldn’t have done anything more.”
Finucane became the first British woman to win European sprint gold in January and will hope to continue her good form on towards the Paris Olympics this Summer.
The former Towy Riders cyclist will also be hoping to take part in the women’s keirin in Paris but will face tough competition from Friedrich after finishing second behind the German at the last two European Championships, in Switzerland in 2023 and the Netherlands a year later.
The Welsh rider finished agonisingly fourth in the Australia Track Nations Cup in February as teammate Marchant won silver behind Japan’s Mina Sato.
But on Sunday, Finucane showed her superior speed to the rest of the field in the final, overtaking Sato on the final lap and comfortably winning her third gold ahead of Germany’s Emma Hinze with Alina Lysenko, competing as a neutral athlete, in third.
“It feels amazing,” said Finucane after her third podium ceremony of the weekend.
“It’s my first gold in a keirin event on this stage. It was an interesting race, I love riding my bike and getting stuck in and to come away with the win in two sprint events and the keirin is amazing.
“It puts GB women in a good position for the Olympics this year so I’m really proud.”
Next up in the Track Nations Cup is the final round in Milton Canada from the 12th-14th of April, where Finucane will be hoping to continue her momentum in a bid for her first Olympic medal in Paris.
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Page – Ampadu Future Wales Captain
Carwyn Harris
Wales manager Rob Page has backed Leeds’ Ethan Ampadu to captain his country in the future.
Ampadu signed for Leeds in the summer from Chelsea for a reported initial £7million and having just played 12 games for the Blues after joining them in 2017.
However, this season he has made 42 appearances in all competitions for promotion chasing Leeds, including scoring twice in a 3-0 win at Peterborough in the FA Cup.
Ampadu has started every game bar one this season, an unused substitute for the fourth-round replay at Peterborough.
Such is his influence at Elland Road that manager Daniel Farke has given the 23-year-old the captains armband since mid-January.
Page believes the qualities showcased by Ampadu prove he could lead Wales in the future.
“He’s a future captain, 100%, captain of Leeds, a big club,” said Page.
“He’s a great lad, very humble, doesn’t get carried away with things and he’s a model pro on and off the pitch.
“Leeds wouldn’t have given it to him [the captaincy] if they didn’t think he could cope with it, his performances are consistent week in week out.
“I train with him throughout the year, and he trains how he is during the game. You can’t have half measure through the week and expect to turn it on on a weekend, so he leads by example and credit to him.”
One question still to be answered is how Ampadu will be used by Page in his upcoming Euros qualifiers with the Leeds man’s versatility having seen him play as a centre back and a midfielder.
At the start of the season, Farke used Ampadu as a holding midfielder, but since a 3-0 away win at Cardiff on the 13th of January, he has been used as a central defender, alongside fellow Wales international Joe Rodon who is on loan from Tottenham Hotspur.
During the time the two have been together at the back, Leeds have kept eight clean sheets from eleven games.
“Ethan and Joe have been exceptional this season,” said Page.
“It’s nice for Ethan as well because he’s at a club where the pressure is slightly different, he’s at the top and I can only imagine they’re looking forward to games and training.
“We’ve always known Ethan can play centre back and I do like him as a centre back, it’s great to have that luxury that he can play more than one position.
“He and Joe have struck up a good partnership keeping clean sheets and of course you’re going to think about it but when I’ve got a three that are playing well and doing okay, I don’t like making changes for the sake of it.”
When possible, Page has typically selected Spurs’ Ben Davies and Bournemouth’s Chris Mepham either side of Rodon in a back three, with Ampadu in midfield.
Recently that has been as part of a holding two with Birmingham’s Jordan James.
“Ethan’s just as good playing as a six in midfield as he is at the back,” said Page.
“I like him as a centre back because he keeps you high up the pitch, you can play a high line and not be worried about if he’s phased about pace in behind because of his athleticism and aggression.
“On the ball as well, we’ve needed that physicality in midfield and him and James have struck up such a strong partnership.”
If Ampadu does feature against Finland on Thursday, he will earn his 50th international cap and become the youngest Welshman to reach that milestone.
“It seems like he’s been around forever because of the age he was when he got his debut,” said Page.
“He didn’t come through me and the u21s, he was already in the senior team, that’s why he’s getting his 50th cap now.
“But he’s a good lad first and foremost and ever since I’ve worked with him I’ve loved everything about him.”
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Earnshaw Backs Cardiff Derby Double
Carwyn Harris
Former Cardiff City and Wales striker Robert Earnshaw has backed his former side to earn an historic double when they face Swansea in the South Wales Derby.
After winning 2-0 at the Cardiff City Stadium in September, with goals from Ollie Tanner and Wales captain Aaron Ramsey, the Bluebirds are on track for a first ever league double over the Swans.
The two sides come into the game at the Swansea.com stadium in contrasting form, Cardiff in tenth having won their last four, while Swansea are five places and 10 points worse off having failed to win their last two.
Earnshaw played for Cardiff in two spells, between 1998-2004 and then again between 2011-13, scoring 109 goals for the club and perhaps unsurprisingly backs his former side to get the win at midday on Saturday.
“Cardiff are starting to show that consistency, doing very well,” said Earnshaw.
“You’ve got to grind out the results and that’s what they’re doing, right now, I’d probably say Cardiff are going in as favourites.
“Swansea have done okay recently but Cardiff are in really good form, the key is the momentum and what is building for Cardiff.
“After a huge win against Ipswich and how they finished it, that never say die attitude, that character shone through for Cardiff, and it was a brilliant win.”
Things haven’t quite clicked for Swansea since former Notts County manager Luke Williams took the head coach’s position in January following the sacking of Michael Duff.
The Swans are still looking over their shoulder, with only five points separating them from the relegation zone.
“Swansea have had their ups and downs and a couple of different managers,” said Earnshaw.
“Russell Martin leaving at the end of last year I think that was a bit of a shock for the club because it impacts their playing style.
“When you have different managers, they have different playing styles, there may be similarities but it’s different instructions, but slowly with Luke Williams he’s starting to understand his players, what is his best team and who gels together.
“It’s been a very difficult season for them and no way they would have expected to be in the position they’re in, it’s so difficult and competitive down there.”
While Swansea are looking at the teams below them, Cardiff are doing the exact opposite, now only five points off the playoff positions following their recent upturn in form.
“Cardiff are overachieving by being that close to the playoffs,” said Earnshaw.
“There are some quality teams, it’s very competitive, more than I’ve seen in a long time for the championship.
“In about three or four games Cardiff can start looking at the playoff positions, but they’re only two or three wins away from it and they’re capable of it.
“They both have different agendas, Swansea are looking to get away from relegation while Cardiff are thinking ‘we’re only five points off playoffs’ which starts to pull you in that direction.”
Earnshaw issued a stark warning to his Bluebirds asking for cool heads in the cacophony of a South Wales derby.
Poignant advice considering forward Callum Robinson was red carded after just seven minutes in their last visit to Swansea, a game Cardiff would go on to lose 2-0.
“You’ve also got to keep that emotion in check even though it’s a huge game,” said Earnshaw.
“You’ve got to play the game and not get overemotional and keep that calmness and composure.
“They’re also a good team with good players, Ronald who they brought in in January has been bright.
“Also people like Joe Allen, the quality he has, you’re starting to see a little bit more quality wise from Swansea.”
Only time will tell on which side, if either, come out on top on Saturday.
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What If 25-Cap Rule Was Scrapped?
Carwyn Harris
On this week’s Sportin Wales podcast Lee Byrne said that Wales should scrap the 25-cap rule, he’s not the only former or current player who holds that view, with Dewi Lake echoing this, also on the Sportin Wales podcast, suggesting changing the cap rule for a time served in regional rugby or appearances rule and cited Josh Turnbull as an example.
Byrne pointed to South Africa and the success they have had since removing their rule, winning two World Cups.
Many people cite, often incorrectly, the players who would be suddenly available should Wales’ cap rule be lifted, especially when the national side is struggling as is presently the case.
But how many ‘extra’ players would be available if the 25-cap rule was removed? It’s safe to say with the vast majority of the Welsh rugby public, there aren’t as many as they think.
Joe Hawkins is the obvious first name to mention. The former Osprey centre was tipped by Warren Gatland as a future number 10 for Wales when he played in last years Six Nations after making his debut in late 2022 under Wayne Pivac.
With five caps to his name he moved to Exeter as the then 60 cap rule was being revised down to 25 and was the major casualty of the rule not being scrapped completely.
Two other players who would be available are fly-halves Rhys Patchell and Jarrod Evans.
Patchell was released by the Scarlets at the end of last season and made the decision to join the Highlanders in New Zealand while three short of 25 caps.
He has been in fine form for the Highlanders this season, but being a part of Wales’ Six Nations squad would be impractical if not impossible with clashing schedules, although there would be the possibility of meeting up with Gatland’s men for their summer tour of Australia.
Evans had eight caps when he left Cardiff for Harlequins in London admitting recently, he wasn’t sure if he was eligible for Wales due to uncertainty within the law.
That clause suggests that if a player isn’t offered a “reasonable offer” by one of the regions they might be available even if they had less than 25 caps.
Safe to say scrapping the 25-cap rule would provide clarity for both players and fans on the subject but would it help the national side?
But for Byrne, who had the chance to play in France, an experience he cherished, it was a brilliant opportunity to play with world class players in a different environment.
At Clermont Auvergne, he played with the likes of Morgan Parra, Wesley Fofana and Sitiveni Sivivatu to name but a few.
Back in the 00’s, was a steady stream of world class players in Welsh rugby such as Jerry Collins and Tommy Bowe at the Ospreys along with the likes of Jonah Lomu, Percy Montgomery and Regan King.
Since then, players of a similar standard are typically opting to play in France or Japan.
While of course this gives more space for Welsh players to play it does mean players aren’t getting to play with, and arguably more importantly train with, overseas world class talent.
Several players such as Richard Hibbard have praised the impact players such as Marty Holah and Filo Tiatia had on their development so could playing with similar world class players have the same effect?
It won’t be for everyone, with several players having struggled for form and gametime since leaving Wales, but with the possibility of no Welsh team being a part of the Champions Cup next season, their best chance of playing at the highest level of club or regional rugby may be outside of Wales.
The reasons to keep the ruling however are comparatively straight forward.
The rule has been in place to keep the best Welsh players in Wales and with the regions currently struggling, perhaps the incentive of the Welsh jersey can urge some players to stay.
Additionally, Gatland has always been frustrated that players based outside of Wales return to their clubs during fallow weeks in the Six Nations and therefore hampers attempts at preparation.
If they played within Wales, the WRU and coaches would have more say over how much time they get with the players as well as occasionally how much gametime each player is exposed to in regional rugby.
The cap rule was reduced from 60 to 25 to offer balance, the question is whether that balance has yet been struck.
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Anscombe – “Incredible” North A “Big Loss”
Carwyn Harris
Anscombe – “Incredible” North A “Big Loss”
Wales and British and Irish Lions back George North announced that Saturday’s game against Italy will be his last in the red shirt of Wales.
North will earn his 121st and final Wales cap on the weekend against Italy after the Ospreys centre was named in Warren Gatland’s side today.
Raised in Anglesey, North burst onto the international seen as an 18-year-old scoring twice against South Africa on debut.
Since then, he has been an ever present for Wales and toured twice with the British and Irish Lions, scoring two test tries on the tour to Australia in 2018.
The 31-year-old has scored 47 tries for his country, second only to Shane Williams and will hope to add to his tally this weekend.
North has already announced that he will be joining French ProD2 side Provence at the start of next season.
Speaking on social media North said: ““I’ve decided that the game on Saturday will bring my international career to an end.
“After 14 years it feels like now is the right time to step away. I have loved and cherished every second in a Welsh shirt and been able to play alongside some fantastic teammates.
“I’ve been very lucky to have lived my dream. I’m excited for the next chapter. Thank you all for your support over the years. Diolch.”
Speaking exclusively to us, Sportin Wales co-founder Gareth Anscombe said that North “has been a foundation of the Welsh team ever since he came on the seen.”
“120 caps, the amount of tries he’s scored, he’s been a big part of the success Wales have had under Gatland.
“He’s been incredible in the Welsh jersey so it’s a big loss to the group and to Welsh rugby as a whole.”
Anscombe added: “Since I’ve been in the team from 2015 to now, he’s been there, and we’ve got to know each other pretty well as two of the elder statesmen now.
“But it’s a great experience for him to be able to go to play and live in France and for him now is the time to step away from the pressures of international rugby and enjoy the French culture with his family there.”
North will start on Saturday alongside fellow recalled centre Nick Tompkins after the two were omitted from Wales’ squad to face France last Saturday.
Wales have made a total of four changes to the team which started against France, with flanker Alex Mann also returning, while Dillon Lewis makes his first start of the championship.
Six Nations captain Dafydd Jenkins returns to the second row to resume his partnership with Adam Beard while Will Rowlands drops to the bench.
Scarlets, prop Harri O’Connor is in line to win his first Wales cap off the bench while Scarlets teammate Kemsley Matthias also returns.
Speaking on the changes Anscombe said: “I think Owen Watkins is possibly a bit unlucky as he went well and showed positive signs against France.
“Likewise Will Rowlands, as I thought it was good to have his ball-carrying ability last week, he’s been brilliant over the last few years.
“Personally, I thought the combination of him, Beard and Jenkins at six went quite well last week.
“Also, experience is important. In the last 20 mins we haven’t been playing that well recently, so there’s a bit of pressure and with a bit more inexperience on the bench they’ll be looking to come on and make an impact.”
Wales team to face Italy
Cam Winnett; Josh Adams, George North, Nick Tompkins, Rio Dyer; Sam Costelow, Tomos Williams; Gareth Thomas, Elliott Dee, Dillon Lewis, Dafydd Jenkins (capt.), Adam Beard, Alex Mann, Tommy Reffell, Aaron Wainwright.
Replacements: Evan Lloyd, Kemsley Matthias, Harri O’Connor, Will Rowlands, Mackenzie Martin, Kieran Hardy, Ioan Lloyd, Mason Grady.
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Ramsey Returns For Wales Play-off Push
Carwyn Harris
Wales Captain Aaron Ramsey has been named in manager Rob Page’s squad for the upcoming play-off match against Finland.
Ramsey, who has 84 caps for his country, is deemed fit enough to take part in the squad despite playing little more than an hour of football since the 16th of September and not playing since the 13th of February because of a calf injury.
Should Wales win against Finland, at the Cardiff City stadium on the 21st of March, they will face the winner of Poland v Estonia, again at home, on the 26th.
Whoever wins that match will qualify for the Euros in Germany.
If Wales manage to do that, it will mean an historic third consecutive major competition and third consecutive Euros place.
Wales are without Joe Morrell (knee), Niall Huggins (knee) and Tom Bradshaw (achilles) from November’s squad against Armenia and Turkey along with Tom Lockyer, with the Luton defender recovering following a cardiac arrest at Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium in December.
Wycombe centre back Joe Low replaces Lockyer in the squad while there are also recalls for Ipswich’s Wes Burns, alongside Rabbi Matondo and Dylan Levitt, plus Rubin Colwill and Charlie Savage are called up from the under 21s.
Leeds United pairing Ethan and Daniel James are set to win their 50th caps for their country should they feature against Finland a week Thursday.
On Ramsey’s return Wales manager Rob Page said: “It’s not been ideal for him, he’s had a few setbacks but if there’s a chance for him to be involved in the squad I’m going to take him.
“He’s on the grass this week and his rehab to full fitness is on track. The last two camps he’s been in and around the squad even though he’s not been able to play.
“He wouldn’t put himself as fit if he wasn’t, he wouldn’t put himself forward.
“If it’s a bit part of the game then we’ll use him, he’s got loads of quality and has a lot to offer and when he’s got the opportunity to give minutes off the bench we’ll use him.”
Page also stressed the strength Wales have in attacking areas.
“It’s a selection headache for me, but a good one” said Page.
“We’re probably in the healthiest position we’ve been in with regards to minutes an thankfully the players are playing well and scoring goals.
“Kieffer Moore in particular has been scoring goals, Nathan Broadhead and Wes Burns are doing well as well at Ipswich.
“I also saw David Brooks and he was outstanding when Southampton played Birmingham setting up one goal and scoring another.
“We’ve never had the luxury we’ve got today, the healthiest position we’ve been in terms of game time and fitness.”
Wales squad: Hennessey (Nottingham Forest), Ward (Leicester City), King (Wolverhampton Wanderers), A Davies (Sheffield United), B Davies (Tottenham Hotspur), Rodon (Leeds United on loan from Tottenham), Mepham (Bournemouth), Low (Wycombe Wanderers), Cabango (Swansea City), N Williams (Nottingham Forest), Jay Dasilva (Coventry City), Roberts (Leeds on loan from Burnley), Burns (Ipswich Town), Ampadu (Leeds), Sheehan (Bolton Wanderers), Levitt (Hibernian) J James (Birmingham City), Savage (Reading), Ramsey (Cardiff City) capt., Wilson (Fulham), Matondo (Rangers), Brooks (Southampton on loan from Bournemouth), D James (Leeds), Broadhead (Ipswich Town), Cullen (Swansea), Colwill (Cardiff), Johnson (Tottenham), Moore (Ipswich on loan from Bournemouth).
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Byrne Backs Cardiff Duo
Carwyn Harris
Wales suffered a fourth successive loss in this years Six Nations against France and are now staring down the barrel of a first wooden spoon since 2003.
Italy shocked Scotland on Saturday meaning when Wales face the Azzurri this weekend at the Principality Stadium, they will need at least a win to ensure they don’t finish bottom of this years competition.
Speaking on this weeks Sportin Wales podcast former Wales and British and Irish Lions fullback Lee Byrne backs Wales to turn things around and picks a couple of players who he would like to see start for Wales this weekend.
After the shock dropping of George North for the France game, with Scarlets’ Joe Roberts making a try-scoring display when replacing him, Byrne has backed Cardiff’s Mason Grady to start at 13 this weekend.
“There’s a big ask for Mason Grady to come in for the centre,” said Byrne.
“I thought Owen Watkin put his hand up and he really stood up also.
“I’d like to see them as the centre pairing.”
Byrne has also backed Grady’s regional teammate 20-year-old Mackenzie Martin to make his first start for the national side.
“Like Grady I though Martin came on and played well,” said Byrne.
“I like him and thought he really made an impact against France and I can see him starting.
“He’s got it all, wears his heart on his sleeve along with his size and that’s something we’ve been missing.”
The former Ospreys and Clermont Auvergne fullback also gave praise to some of Wales’ other young stars.
“I thought Rio Dyer stood out on the wing against France,” said Byrne.
“I thought it was his best game in a Welsh shirt in my opinion.
“Cam Winnett has been one of Wales’ best players, obviously there are a few errors like any rookie to test rugby, but he’s taken to it well and has a great future for years to come.
“Also, I think Tommy Reffell has been amazing, putting his body in positions which god knows how he puts them there while Dafydd Jenkins is a real workhorse and someone you have to have in the team.”
So who will win, Wales or Italy?
After a disappointing World Cup Italy have improved drastically this year and are now on seven points after drawing against France and beating Scotland.
But Byrne backs Wales to turn things around and get their first win of this years Six Nations.
“It’s going to be really tough,” said Byrne.
“The Six Nations is all about momentum and Italy have that and we haven’t.
“They come here with no fear, like a lot of teams, I think we’ve got to front up and these 80 minutes will go to the wire.
“I’m saying Wales will win by three points, it’s going to be close.”
Wales will be hoping to avoid a first wooden spoon since 2003 but a win against Italy might not be enough to avoid the ignominy of last place.
To usurp Italy, Wales will need to beat their opponents and stop them from getting a bonus point.
Alternatively, Wales would need to win with a bonus point, limit the Italians to one bonus point or less and have a points difference of six or greater.
Of comfort to Wales will be the knowledge that in eight of their last nine meetings, the final score would be enough should they emulate it this year.
The inspiration to the Azzurri will be that the outlier from those results was their dramatic 21-23 victory at the Principality Stadium two years ago.
Fingers crossed Wales will be on the right side of the history on Saturday.
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Anscombe “Excited” To Join Gloucester Rugby
Carwyn Harris
Sportin Wales co-founder Gareth Anscombe has signed with Gloucester rugby for the 2024/25 season.
Anscombe has been without a club since a deal to join Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath fell through following an injury to his groin at last years World Cup.
Initially the injury wasn’t believed to be too serious but when he arrived in Japan they realised that he’d “pulled his adductor off the bone.”
Speaking exclusively to Sportin Wales Anscombe said: “I’m excited to join up for Gloucester next season.
“I believe the team have the foundations in place to push on in the Premiership and I hope my experience can add to that.
“I’m very excited to run out for the club in front of the shed next season.”
Having played for both Cardiff Rugby and Ospreys previously, Anscombe has now returned to the United Kingdom with Gloucester rugby.
The Wales fly-half and full back will join up with fellow Welsh international and former Cardiff half back partner Tomos Williams after the latter agreed a deal to sign with Gloucester from Cardiff earlier this year.
Both Anscombe and Williams shone in the Cardiff side that beat the cherry and whites in the European Challenge Cup final in Bilbao in 2018, where Anscombe kicked a game winning touchline penalty.
A year later, Anscombe was instrumental in Wales’ Grand Slam with a player of the match display in the final game against Ireland whilst he replicated his heroics from Bilbao in 2022 with a last-minute touchline conversion for Wales’ first ever win in South Africa.
Anscombe, who has 35 caps for his country and has appeared at two World Cups, will join his new teammates in the summer, ahead of the 2024/25 Premiership season.
Gloucester Rugby Director of Rugby, George Skivington, said:
“We’re really pleased to bring a player with Gareth’s club and international experience to Kingsholm.
“He’s one of the top fly halves in the Northern Hemisphere and we feel he’ll complement our other options at fly half and full back well.
“We’re looking forward to him joining us in the summer.”
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25 Cap Rule – Stay, Switch Or Scrap?
Carwyn Harris
Last week on the Sportin Wales podcast Dewi Lake had his say on Wales’ 25 cap rule, this week it was the turn of former Wales and British and Irish Lions full back Lee Byrne.
Byrne says scrapping the rule is a “no brainer” for him having played three seasons with French side Clermont Auvergne.
The rule has been the source of much debate in Wales over recent years ever since it’s first iteration in 2017.
Back then it was a 60-cap rule, meaning players would need to have 60 caps or more to play their club rugby outside of Wales and continue being selected for the international side.
The rule was designed to try and keep Welsh players in playing in Wales.
The rule was one of the sticking point during the Six Nations last year with it being reduced to 25 caps.
There are permutations which mean you can play outside Wales without 25 caps, including if a player wasn’t capped at the point when they were at a non-Welsh club, as was the case with Nick Tompkins, Louis Rees-Zammit and Tommy Reffell.
Other countries have had similar rules, with blanket rules in England, Ireland and New Zealand where you cannot play for their national sides if you play domestically outside their respective countries.
South Africa had a 30 cap rule in 2017 but then scrapped it two years later, prior to winnin the 2019 World Cup, a feat they’d replicate four years later.
After Lake suggested last week that he’d like to see the 25-cap rule replaced with a time served or region appearances option, this week Byrne says he’d like to see the ruling be removed completely.
“For me it’s a no brainer [to scrap the rule],” said Byrne.
“South Africa changed their rule, players can play where they want and they’ve won two world cups from it.
“I played in France when the ruling wasn’t in and became a better player along with Mike Phillips and Jamie Roberts, we all played in France with world class players in probably the best league in the world.
“The crowd at Clermont was unbelievable, that was what made me go there. People used to camp outside for tickets, mad rugby passionate fans.
“I always wanted to go away to play, but France was an amazing experience and one I won’t forget.”