The latest rugby news stories from Wales and beyond as 2025 comes to an end
Keelan Giles during training(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd)
Here’s your round-up of all the latest rugby news for the morning of Wednesday, December 31.
Giles targeting Six Nations bow
Ospreys wing Keelan Giles has targeted a place in Wales’ Six Nations squad.
The 27-year-old finally won his first cap in the summer victory over Japan after a series of near misses due to injury but he missed out on the autumn squad.
And Giles is hoping to use the festive derbies as a launchpad to force his way into Steve Tandy’s squad.
“Yeah, I’d say it is,” when asked if a Six Nations squad place was a goal of his.
“I had a taste of international rugby in the summer. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to get a little bit more.
“But I’ve got to control my performances and put good performances out there to grant that.”There’s obviously a lot of other good wingers in Wales at the moment who are in form.
“I’m just going to focus on my performance and whatever happens happens. I really enjoyed Japan.
“It was class to play for my country.
“I missed out with injury (autumn) which was disappointing and gutting but I’m just looking forward to hopefully putting some good performances in for the Ospreys over the next couple of weeks.”
Despite the Ospreys facing an uncertain future Giles decided to sign a new contract with his home club. And the Ospreys speedster insists he had no hesitation.
“No, they are my home region. I am happy here and I am excited for the future.”
Premiership boss praises Jones
Newcastle Red Bulls head coach Alan Dickens has hailed the growing influence of former Wales star Stephen Jones.
Jones has been handed the responsibility of knocking Newcastle’s attack into shape, as they bid to end a 399-day wait for a Premiership win against Gloucester on Friday night.
Dickens believes Jones has already made a big impact on outside half Brett Connon and has praised the Welshman’s efforts so far. He joined the English club recently after a spell in Super Rugby following his axe from the Wales set-up when Wayne Pivac was replaced by Warren Gatland.
“Stephen Jones was a world class player and with Brett you can see the influence he has had and it is massively important for his development (as a No.10),” Dickens said.
“That nous and understanding from someone who has been there and won it and been coaching at a very high level for 15 years.
“As a coaching team we talk about the kick chase game and the line we have to have chasing the kick and Brett has been outstanding with his kicking game and that has been the influence of Jonesy coming in.”
Thomas in Six Nations fitness race
Wales prop Gareth Thomas is facing a race against time to prove his fitness ahead of the Six Nations.
The 32-year-old has been an important player for Wales over the past few years but has fallen behind Nicky Smith and Rhys Carré in the loosehead pecking order.
And Ospreys head coach Mark Jones has revealed he won’t be back until the end of the month due to a calf injury.
“The calf proved to be a bit more longer-term than we thought at first,” he said.
“We will probably see him towards the end of January as opposed to coming back in the early part.
“We are just making sure we are getting Gareth right now. He is working hard in the background with the conditioning and the medical staff.
“We are hoping for some involvement for January 26 but I don’t want to hold the medical or conditioning staff to that.
“The early indication is that it could be around that period. He has to come through some tests on and off the field for that to happen but it’s what we have in the calendar.”