Former Neath player and coach Darryl Jones has passed away. On Monday, the club paid tribute to Jones, who helped guide a youthful Neath side to a Premier Division title in 1996. The previous year, Jones had masterminded Aberavon's First Division success.
Coaching legacy at Neath College
Prior to that, he had been in charge of the renowned Neath College team for two decades, leading them to countless Welsh Colleges, Welsh Schools and All-England sevens titles. Under his tutelage, Neath College won the British colleges' competition 11 times and the Rosslyn Park Schools' Sevens three times.
Having made his playing debut for Neath in 1964, the school teacher also played for Oxford University - captaining the Dark Blues from fly-half in the 1972 centenary Varsity Match. A mature student at the time on a postgraduate course, the-then 30-year-old took the place of the injured Tim Seymour in an unlikely Varsity appearance.
Tributes and later coaching roles
Following his time with Neath, Jones coached with Bristol - helping Australia's World Cup-winning coach Bob Dwyer guide the club back to the Premiership at the first attempt in 1999. In 2004, he would guide Newport to the Welsh Premier Division title - with the club going unbeaten at Rodney Parade in the league and cup that season.
Paying tribute to Jones, Neath said: "Grafting a host of talented young backs onto an already-formidable pack proved a winning formula for the All Blacks who, led by the imperious Gareth Llewellyn, won the first Welsh league of the ‘professional’ era."
"Darryl also coached or held director of rugby roles at Aberavon, Bristol, Coventry and Newport RFC but it is as a guide to talented young players that he will always be remembered and he never wavered from his belief which ran: 'Give me a group of boys from the Neath area – Skewen and Briton Ferry up to Banwen – and I’ll produce a rugby team to beat the best'."
"Darryl Jones influenced more than a generation of rugby footballers in the Neath area and he will live on in the memories of his many charges."
Bowen ready to build on breakthrough
Cardiff flyer Tom Bowen says he is ready to kick on after an award-winning breakthrough campaign last year. The wing has just finished his time with Wales U20s, having been a key part of Richard Whiffin's side in the past couple of years. At age-grade level, Bowen dotted down six times across 19 appearances.
As for the Blue and Blacks, Bowen crossed for eight tries in 14 matches last season - adding to his three touchdowns in four matches the previous season. In his first appearance of the season last Friday, Bowen scored twice in Cardiff's win over Zebre at the Arms Park.
Those eight tries in particular caught the eye last season, with Bowen named the URC's Next-Gen Player of the Year. "It was very unexpected to be honest," he said. "It was such a good award to win, especially in a league where there are so many talented youngsters."
"I was really proud and privileged to win it. It’s something I can spring off now this season and hopefully back it up." The 20-year-old was also named Cardiff's breakthrough player of the season and fan's player of the season, while he also picked up the club's try of the season.
"I was over the moon with those awards," he added. "The whole season was just so enjoyable. It was a pretty special year, making the BKT URC play-offs for the first time, making history for Cardiff. It was nice for the group and it’s what we deserved."
"For me to break through in the season that we had was very special. I have really enjoyed it. The first couple of years have flown by. I’ve just wanted to take every opportunity I have had with two hands."
South African rugby mourns Naude
Former Bulls age-grade player Dewald Naude has died at the age of 31 after battling a brain tumour. The South African outside back, who shone for the University of Pretoria during their 2017 Varsity Cup triumph, had been playing his rugby in Hong Kong's Premiership for HKU Sandy Bay prior to his passing on Sunday.
"Those who knew him will remember how effortlessly he could put a smile on somebody else’s face and make them forget their worries," said HKU Sandy Bay. "He had a genuine heart for serving others, and even during the most difficult period of his own life, Donald continued to put those around him first."
"Through all of it, he faced his illness with extraordinary courage, carrying the same optimism and positivity he always had. It never changed the person we knew and loved." In an Instagram post, Naude’s wife, Annabel, shared a touching tribute.
"What a privilege and honour it has been to be your wife and soulmate," she said. "I have been blessed with the best husband. You have taught me to always have courage, determination, perseverance, strength, and, most of all, self-belief."
"Through your bravery, I have learnt to remain positive even through the darkest of times. Thank you for always making me feel loved and for being my calm. I am so proud of your bravery and strength." Another of his former clubs, Paarl Boys’ High Old Boys’ Union, released their own statement: "We share the grief of the class of 2013 over the passing of Dewald Naudé. Our hearts go out in love to the Naudé family during this time. May the cherished memories of his life bring comfort and strength."
Wales name squad for Japan tour
Wales head coach Sean Lynn has named a 30-player squad to tour Japan this month ahead of their WXV double-header. Full-back Nel Metcalfe has returned to the squad, having last played for her country in last year's World Cup.
The 21-year-old Gloucester-Hartpury player has fully recovered from the knee injury that ruled her out of the 2026 Women's Six Nations. Uncapped props Stella Orrin and Crystal James also make the cut, with flankers Alex Callender and Kate Williams once again captaining the squad.
New caps Amy Williams, Elan Jones and Shanelle Williams - who all made their debuts in the 50-19 victory against South Africa - are included. Both Jaz and Alisha Joyce miss out, as does wing Seren Singleton.
Following that hammering of the Springbok women, Wales were narrowly beaten by USA at the Arms Park. Following Ireland's victory over Japan, Wales now find themselves one place ahead of their next opponents in the world rankings - with Lynn's side currently 11th.
"This was a tough selection process after our performances against South Africa and USA, we asked the players to move the dial, and we did that in those two Test matches," said Lynn. "We scored eight tries against South Africa and the disappointment of the players with the two-point deficit against USA, a team ranked sixth in the world, demonstrated the shift in mindset we need."
"All the hard work the players, coaches and staff put in across pre-season was there for all to see and we laid some real foundations in how we want to play and the team's identity. We know we have a long way to go before we become the team, we want to be but the tour to play the Sakura XV in Japan is an exciting challenge for us all."
