The latest headlines from Wales and around the world
Williams (centre) has been handed a big new role(Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency)
These are your evening rugby headlines on Wednesday, August 27.
Williams gets new role in shake-up
Wales scrum-half Tomos Williams has been named as Gloucester Rugby’s new club captain, with director of rugby George Skivington shaking up his leadership team ahead of the 2025/26 season. The 30-year-old joined the Cherry and Whites from Cardiff last summer and quickly became a fan favourite at Kingsholm as a series of sensational performances saw him named as the Gallagher Premiership player of the season in his debut campaign for the club.
His fine form was him rewarded with a place in the British & Irish Lions squad for their tour of Australia, but his time Down Under was cut short as he was forced to fly home after suffering hamstring injury against the Western Force, before the Test series got underway.
However, a cruel summer has ended on a positive note for Williams, who will replace Lewis Ludlow as skipper – a role the flanker has held for the last five and a half years. The Welshman will be assisted by vice-captains Arthur Clark and Seb Atkinson. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.
It comes amid reports that Williams is in talks with Gloucester over extending his stay with the club, with his contract set to expire at the end of the upcoming campaign.
‘I’m incredibly proud to be named captain of such a historic rugby club,” said Williams as his appointment was announced. “When I first arrived at Gloucester, I quickly learned how much this club means to the city and how passionate the fans are.
“It’s been an honour and a privilege to represent them, both home and away, and to have their support behind us. We’ve got an exciting, ambitious group here, and I’m looking forward to leading them on the pitch.”
Skivington added: “Firstly, I would like to thank Lewis Ludlow for the great work he’s done as club captain over the past five and a half seasons.
“He’s fully embodied what this club is all about: passion, desire, grit, and continues to do so every time he steps on the field. He’ll continue to be an important player for us, but we felt it was the right time to select a new Captain.
“Ever since Tomos came in, we viewed him as someone with lots of leadership potential, and over the past season, he’s really impressed us with the way he communicates with the lads and the standards that he sets. His performances on the field and the impact he has on those around him speak for themselves.
“Arthur and Seb are two really impressive young men and are both already strong leaders in their own right,” the Gloucester boss added. “Like Tomos, they demand incredibly high standards of themselves and their teammates, and that’ll only be positive in pushing our Club onwards.
“I’m sure fans will join me in congratulating Tomos, Arthur and Seb on their appointments, whilst also recognising Luds’ contribution as the Club’s longest-serving Club Captain of the professional era.”
Star follows Rees-Zammit back from NFL
Australia international Jordan Petaia has followed Louis Rees-Zammit in leaving the NFL and returning to rugby, just seven months after starting his journey to make it in American football.
The 25-year-old joined the NFL’s International Player Pathway (IPP) programme at the start of the year, 12 months after Wales wing Rees-Zammit did the same.
Petaia went on to sign a three-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers as a tight-end, but was waived after suffering a minor hamstring injury. The ex-Wallabies centre was then retained on the Chargers’ injured reserves list.
However, less than a month after Rees-Zammit announced he was leaving the Jacksonville Jaguars to return to rugby – and two weeks after the Welshman signed for Bristol Bears – Petaia has also decided to walk away from his NFL dream and move back to the sport where he made his name.
The former Queensland Reds man has signed for Top 14 outfit Perpignan ahead of the new season in a coup for a side that narrowly avoided relegation to the Pro D2 in the last campaign. He joins former Scotland Jamie Ritchie and Fiji flanker Peceli Yato as the club’s newest recruit.
Announcing the signing on social media, a statement from the club read: “He’s coming to Catalan soil! USAP and its president François Rivière are proud to announce the signing of a new recruit for this season.
“The Australian international with 31 selections and participation in two World Cups at just 25 years old.”
Petaia’s move comes just days after he shared a cryptic message on Instagram, writing: “Man injuries suck, but they’re all a part of the game. Blessed to be able to be living this life, chasing dreams we grew up speaking about.
“Time to get healthy. Excited to see what’s on the cards next…”
Ex-Scarlets coach targeted by England
Bath attack coach Lee Blackett is the subject of interest from Steve Borthwick and England, with a decision over his future set to be made in the coming weeks.
Blackett masterminded Bath’s remarkable attacking play as they stormed to the Premiership title in style last season and impressed after stepping in for Richard Wigglesworth during England’s summer tour to Argentina and the USA.
The former Scarlets forwards coach also made a good impression while coaching England A earlier this year, and the Telegraph reports that Borthwick wants him to become his new attack coach.
While a formal offer has reportedly not yet been made, it is thought that the England boss wants to reshuffle his coaching staff, with Wigglesworth set to be moved to defence coach to replace Joe El-Abd, who looks likely to take on a forwards-specific role.
According to RugbyPass, Blackett’s future is likely to be resolved one way or another in a matter of weeks.
However, England face a potential sticking point in that their target signed a long-term contract extension with Bath back in January, meaning bringing him on board could prove costly.