The latest rugby news from Wales and around the world
07:43, 15 May 2025Updated 07:50, 15 May 2025
WRU Chief Executive Abi Tierney and newly appointment Dave Reddin, Director of Rugby and Elite Performance(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd)
Here are your rugby morning headlines for Thursday, May 15.
WRU issue statement on Cardiff Rugby sale
WRU CEO Abi Tierney has given her sales pitch for Cardiff Rugby just weeks out from the deadline for expressions of interest.
WalesOnline this week revealed that the WRU had placed a £10m price tag on the sale of Cardiff, which includes the £6m of debt owed, and has told potential buyers they have until June 6 to register an expression of interest. You can read more about that here.
Wales’ capital city side entered administration last month after Helford Capital failed to meet their obligations but was saved by the WRU, who assumed ownership. The acquisition of Cardiff and its assets cost the WRU £780,000, with the governing body taking £3.1m of what was the club’s £9m debt, with £6m left to its new Cardiff Subsidiary Company.
However, the WRU are keen to sell the Arms Park outfit and Tierney has told would-be buyers that it’s an “exciting opportunity” in a statement released last night. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here.
“Cardiff Rugby is a major feature within Welsh rugby with a proud legacy and a passionate supporter base and to lose such history from our capital city would have been unthinkable,” said Tierney.
“The club is signed up to a new Professional Rugby Agreement (PRA25) with guaranteed funding over the next five years, but it is vital that we secure a vibrant and sustainable future for Cardiff and we are seeking outside investment to do this.
“This process provides an exciting opportunity for an investor to become part of one of the most recognisable brands in world rugby, and we believe the right partner can help unlock the full potential of Cardiff Rugby on and off the pitch.”
South Africa international dies aged 37
Tributes are pouring in from across the rugby world following the death of former Springbok wing Cornal Hendricks, who passed away on Wednesday after reportedly suffering a heart attack. He was just 37.
Hendricks, known for his speed and skill on the wing, made his Test debut for the Springboks in 2014 and earned 12 caps, however his promising career was dealt a major blow in 2016 when he was diagnosed with a serious heart condition, forcing him into early retirement at just 27. A prospective move to French club Toulon was also cancelled as a result of the diagnosis.
Despite the setback, Hendricks never gave up on his rugby dream. In 2019, after receiving medical clearance to return to the sport, he staged an inspiring comeback with the Bulls in South Africa. Over five seasons, he played 115 games and scored 34 tries, cementing his legacy as a fan favourite.
As recently as last year, Hendricks was still playing at the top level, with plans to potentially finish his career where it began — at the Boland Cavaliers.
In the wake of his passing, messages of condolence have flooded in from fans, teammates, and public figures.
Ex-Springboks star Schalk Burger said: “Devastating news. RIP Cornal! You made such a great comeback, notwithstanding your condition, due to your love of the game.”
Another South Africa international, Jesse Kriel, wrote: “You will be missed my brother! Fly high.”
Liam Williams & Cornal Hendricks go up for a high ball during a Test match in 2014(Image: Wales News Service Ltd.)
The Toyota Cheetahs wrote on X: “Free State Rugby mourns the loss of an ex-Toyota Cheetah player, Cornal Hendricks. Our condolences to his family and friends.”
South African Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie paid tribute on social media, writing: “Rest in perfect peace Cornal Hendricks, you have made your mark by inspiring many. Death be not proud!”
Hendricks is remembered not only for his achievements on the field, but for his resilience, humility, and unwavering determination to overcome adversity.
Scarlets ‘fully focussed’ despite off-field uncertainty
Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel says off-field contract disputes won’t distract his side as they chase a place in the United Rugby Championship play-offs.
The Welsh region moved up to sixth after beating the Lions in Johannesburg and face the Sharks in Durban this Saturday in their final regular season fixture. Join WalesOnline Rugby’s WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free
Back home, Scarlets remain one of two regions yet to sign the WRU’s new Professional Rugby Agreement (PRA25), citing ongoing concerns. Despite the uncertainty, Peel insists the squad remains focused: “It hasn’t been a distraction at all out here. We’re just preparing for the game.”
Only Cardiff and Dragons have signed the new deal, which offers increased funding starting next season. The WRU now has the option to trigger a two-year notice period that could ultimately impact teams’ participation in European and URC competitions.
“It’s not something we’ve spoken about. Obviously, there have been conversations around it but we haven’t addressed it formally,” Peel said.
“We know that our board is working hard on that and we have full trust in them and they’re doing a great job.”
Meanwhile, the team will be without Gareth Davies against the Sharks after the scrum-half suffered a rib injury. Peel hopes the 34-year-old could return if Scarlets make the play-offs, saying: “He was pretty sore after the game… the medics will take a proper look.”
Rising star’s plan to avoid Rees-Zammit’s mistake
England flanker Henry Pollock has revealed a clever plan to ensure he doesn’t fall victim to one of the British and Irish Lions’ longest-running — and most mischievous — traditions.
As the youngest member of the touring squad, Pollock will be tasked with one of the most lighthearted but high-pressure responsibilities on the trip: looking after the team’s stuffed mascot, a lion named ‘BIL’. While the job might sound simple, it comes with a legacy of pranks and pitfalls. Wherever the Lions go, BIL goes too — and teammates often make life difficult for the mascot’s custodian, regularly hiding or stealing it during training sessions and travel days.
The mascot tradition dates back to the 1950 tour, with ‘BIL’ replacing the original lion, ‘Leo’, in 2013. Over the years, notable players such as Leigh Halfpenny (2009), Stuart Hogg (2013), Maro Itoje (2017), and Louis Rees-Zammit (2021) have taken up the challenge.
Speaking on the Stick to Rugby podcast, former Wales centre Tom Shanklin raised the subject with Pollock. “What about BIL, the Lion, you’ve got to look after him as well. Bit of responsibility that is,” Shanklin said.
Pollock responded with a laugh, revealing his plan to avoid any embarrassing mascot mishaps. “I feel kind of bad for him. I was just thinking about just AirTagging him in case he gets lost. Putting it in and sewing it back up, and then you can never lose him.”
The 19-year-old’s idea won praise — and some playful ribbing — from Lions greats. Lawrence Dallaglio suggested Pollock get some early preparation: “I think your mum might need to buy you a little cuddly toy just so you get a bit of practice for a few months before you go on the trip.”
Meanwhile, former Wales forward Scott Quinnell added with a chuckle that the pressure of mascot duty was so great it might have contributed to Rees-Zammit’s surprise switch from rugby to the NFL.
“There’s a lot of pressure with BIL, though,” he said. “Louis Rees-Zammit found it so stressful that he went to the NFL, that’s how stressful he found it.”
Pollock added: “Hopefully it won’t be that bad! I’m excited for it.”
With a historic tour to Australia looming, Pollock may face the ultimate test — both on the pitch and in keeping BIL safe from the clutches of prankster teammates. But with tech on his side, he seems ready for the challenge.
Ireland disband men’s sevens team
The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) has announced it will end the men’s sevens programme after the 2024/25 season, citing financial pressures and strategic priorities.
Following a review after the 2024 Olympic cycle, the IRFU concluded the men’s sevens setup no longer aligns with its development goals for the 15-a-side game. The decision comes after financial results last November revealed an €18 million deficit for 2023/24, prompting widespread programme evaluations.
High Performance Director David Humphreys called the move difficult but necessary. “We must focus our resources where they’ll have the greatest long-term impact,” he said.
The IRFU found provincial academy structures offer stronger development opportunities for men’s rugby, while the Sevens pathway for women remains vital. The women’s sevens programme will continue, supporting Ireland’s ambition to grow the women’s 15s game.
IRFU CEO Kevin Potts thanked the men’s sevens team for their contribution, including qualifying for the Tokyo and Paris Olympics. “We’re proud of what was achieved and remain committed to building a financially sustainable future for Irish rugby,” he said.
The IRFU emphasised its goal to continue developing elite players and teams across all levels while prioritising financial sustainability and strategic focus.