Anscombe: Wales still need to replace Rowlands
Wales international Gareth Anscombe says they are yet to replace Will Rowlands and his physicality. Rowlands called time on his Test career just before last year's autumn internationals. Wales’ Men’s Player of the Year in 2022 had been a mainstay in the side for the previous five years but bowed out with 41 caps to his name shortly before Steve Tandy's first campaign in charge.
Anscombe, though, feels like his huge stature has yet to be replaced, especially after bruising matches against the likes of South Africa.
"I do think Wales are still dying out for .... I know Will Rowlands retired this season, but what he brought for Wales in the last few years was ball-carrying ability, a big man," he said on the latest edition of the SportIn Wales podcast. "We still really miss that and I think we are just dying to get someone to replace him now. I think we've got Daf (Dafydd Jenkins), he's brilliant at what he does, but we are crying out for a really big man that can carry."
Asked if Teddy Williams was perhaps the man to step into Rowlands' boots, Anscombe added: "I think Teddy has shown he can certainly play at this level. Teddy's almost an in between. He's quite a bit of a link player, I think he'll soon be part of the Wales picture moving forward. I think maybe that's the question we'd have is whether that's Teddy or someone else that can become a bit of that big, bruising body for us. I think the Wales pack would certainly improve a long way from that."
Thomas signs new deal
Henry Thomas has signed a new deal with the Scarlets. The 34-year-old Wales international has extended his contract at Parc y Scarlets to remain in Llanelli until the end of the 2026/27 season. Thomas has been capped seven times by Wales, most recently in the 2025 Six Nations, having previously represented England seven times.
Director of rugby Nigel Davies says keeping hold of players like Thomas is vital for the club's progression. "When you're building a squad, there are certain positions where experience is invaluable and tighthead prop is certainly one of them," Davies said. "People often focus on age. We focus on contribution. Henry continues to contribute at a very high level, he remains fiercely competitive, prepares exceptionally well and drives standards every day. He knows what it takes to prepare and perform consistently and he raises standards simply through the way he goes about his work. Those are the qualities we value and they're the reasons we wanted him to remain part of this group. Henry is hugely respected by his fellow players, he challenges people within the rugby group, supports our younger players and brings a calmness that only comes from years of playing at the highest level. Those qualities are hugely important within any successful environment."
Thomas added: "I’m delighted to extend my time with the Scarlets. I still feel I’ve got a lot to give and I’m excited for what’s ahead. I've loved my time here and genuinely feel we're building something exciting. We've got a talented group with a really good mix of youth and experience. I'm looking forward to continuing to contribute, helping the younger boys where I can and doing everything possible to help the team have a successful season."
Halfpenny: Always an honour
Leigh Halfpenny says it's "always an honour" after signing off his time with Wales ahead of his new job with Cardiff. Halfpenny was named as part of Steve Tandy's coaching ticket for the Nation Championship campaign, travelling to Argentina and South Africa in charge of kicking duties. It was just a temporary stint and he now heads back to the Arms Park to take up a permanent role as kicking coach.
"Always an honour. Grateful for the opportunity to work with a special group of people the last few weeks. Excited for the next chapter with @cardiff.rugby," he wrote on social media.
Last week, Halfpenny said of his appointment: “I am thrilled to join Cardiff on a full-time basis. It is a club that means a huge amount to me, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Arms Park as I continued my transition from player to coach last season. There is a great group of players, who I enjoyed working with last season, and I believe I can add value to the group, while also helping the young players coming through. It was a huge honour to work with Wales again this summer, I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity l and I’m looking forward to bringing that experience back to the club."
