Wales have already drawn up a shortlist of three men to take over from Warren Gatland as head coach when he leaves after the 2019 World Cup. Gatland, who has been Wales boss since 2008, will leave his adopted home after the tournament in Japan and Welsh Rugby Union chairman Gareth Davies told delegates at the AGM that a global search for his replacement is already well underway. Eight men from across the world have been interviewed for the position, with WRU bosses narrowing those applicants to just three in recent weeks.

The last thing Warren Gatland wanted to see with the 2017 Under Armour Series less than a month away was George North being helped off the pitch at Franklin’s Gardens. The Northampton Saints wing went down twice in the space of two minutes in the first half of his side’s Champions Cup clash with reigning champions Saracens with a left knee injury.

Scott Williams says the Scarlets’ Friday night Round 2 Champions Cup clash at home to Bath his a ‘must-win’ game after losing 21-20 to Toulon. The Guinness PRO12 champions were forced to recover from an 18 point deficit after conceding two tries in the opening quarter-of-an-hour, but then scored the next 20 to take the lead and keep the three-time Champions Cup winners scoreless for 40 minutes.

Gareth Davies outlined proposals to member clubs at the WRU’s Annual General Meeting  to significantly streamline and modernise the governance structure of Welsh rugby. The chairman, who was officially re-appointed as a national director for a further three year term at the AGM, has called for the WRU board to be reduced in number and for the current nine districts to be more geographically aligned.

The Scarlets gave three-time champions Toulon an almighty fright after letting them race into an 18 point lead as they took the lead in the second half before finally falling 21-20.

Rising Welsh track star Jake Heywood proved he can also cut it on the country as he won the Under 20 section at the Cardiff Cross Challenge at Llandaff Fields. The European Junior 1500 metre champion accelerated away from Tom Mortimer in the last 100m to win by three seconds. It was the closest battle of another great day of athletics in the Welsh capital as the duo headed the field for the majority of the race alongside Luke Prior.

The Scarlets begin their European campaign in France on Sunday. Rob Cole says Leigh Halfpenny will be among the points-scorers, but may have one particular score to settle with one particular club owner. Leigh Halfpenny has put his boot into many teams around the world during his career, but there might just be a little bit more relish going into his kicks at goal when he returns to Toulon for the Scarlets opening game in the Champions Cup on Sunday. The Wales and British & Irish Lions full back was staggered to find at the end of last season that the one-year contract extension that was originally on the table with the Top 14 side somehow ended up in the waste paper bin.

Tammy Abraham has been hailed as a striker with a nose for goals by Swansea City manager Paul Clement after clearing some of the stale odour that was afflicting the Liberty Stadium. The on-loan striker, who has a sense for poachers’ goals, scored either side of half-time in a 2-0 victory for the Swans at home to Huddersfield on Saturday – a fixture that already had the whiff of a relegation battle. Three home defeats at the Liberty Stadium – against Manchester United, Newcastle and Watford – had given Clement the nasty scent of supporter impatience in his nostrils, but Abraham ensured everything turned out smelling of roses.

Merthyr Town 5, Gosport Borough 0 Merthyr Town are facing a crucial spell of fixtures in their bid to stay in touch with the leading teams in the Southern League Premier. The Martyrs produced a five-goal display against Gosport Borough and now face three away matches in their next four fixtures. Manager Gavin Williams travel […]

Dean Keates admitted his disappointment as Wrexham’s FA Cup hopes were ended at fellow National League outfit AFC Fylde. Danny Rowe’s first-half goal was enough to give Fylde a spot in Monday’s 1st Round draw for the fourth time in five seasons.

Forest Green Rovers 0, Newport County 4 Michael Flynn hailed his Newport County team after their League Two win, saying: “This was arguably the best performance since I took charge.” Padre Amond took his goals tally for the season  to six by scoring twice during the first half, while Scot Bennett and substitute Shawn McCoulsky […]

Cardiff Devils 2, Guildford Flames 3 after sudden death overtime Cardiff Devils are on the brink of a Challenge Cup exit. They suffered a damaging defeat against Guildford Flames at Ice Arena Wales, losing to a goal scored 27 seconds into overtime. Coventry Blaze now hold the key to Devils’ survival in the competition. The […]

Bangor City host fourth-placed Cardiff Met this afternoon looking to maintain their position at the top of JD Welsh Premier League. A debut goal from new signing James Demetriou saw City claim their sixth win of the campaign against Bala Town last weekend. The New Saints, Connah’s Quay and Cardiff Met are all within touching […]

Paul Clement is confident Swansea City can cure their “strange” home form and start climbing the Premier League table. The Swans’ home record at the Liberty Stadium was largely responsible for their escape from relegation last season, with head coach Clement winning six of his nine home games following his appointment in January. But Swansea have yet to pick up a point at home this season with opening league defeats to Manchester United, Newcastle and Watford.

Danny Wilson insisted his Cardiff Blues can be pleased with their Friday night efforts after they took maximum points from Lyon, who did little to alter perceptions that French clubs lack love for the European Challenge Cup. The Top 14 league leaders made 14 changes to their line-up for their opening tie at the Arms Park and the Blues – who made 10 changes themselves – took full advantage with a bonus point 29-19 victory. French clubs have always held ambivalent feelings towards both European tournaments, often thinking their domestic league positions need to be protected first and Europe is an after-thought, unless their fixture list is forgiving or the glint of silverware comes into view.

Lee Trundle’s hat-trick has put Llanelli Town back on top in Welsh League Division One. The former Swansea City hit-man scored more than 50 goals for the Reds, including nine hat-tricks, when they won league and cup double last season and he’s banging them in again. Scouser Trundle has netted nine times in the new […]

Birmingham City 1, Cardiff City 0 Neil Warnock knew this was a tough assignment. When your first anniversary match falls on Friday the 13th and the Bluebirds are playing in red kit the warning signs are clear. This was the first fixture since Warnock completed his first year in charge and there is no doubt […]

Former Ebbw Vale fly-half Josh Lewis has been handed a chance to make his mark for Bath on the European stage on Saturday. Lewis, who switched from Eugene Cross Park in the summer, will make his first start for the English club in their home European Champions Cup tie against Benetton Rugby.

Newport County are on a high and manager Michael Flynn believes there is even better to come. They have won three of their last five matches, are just outside the play-off places on goal difference and have made their best start to a Football League season for 35 years. “We were rock bottom last season, […]

Gosport Borough are potentially dangerous opponents for Merthyr Town at the Loadlok Community Stadium on Saturday (3pm). They are bottom of the Southern League Premier table and have failed to win in 12 matches, but Gosport have a new manager and strengthened their squad this week. Manager Mick Caitlin has signed striker Dale Mason from […]