Here are your rugby evening headlines for Saturday, June 13.
Ospreys tie down key player
The Ospreys have awarded a new contract to Wales cap Luke Morgan. Morgan has made 116 appearances for the team and scored 30 tries, and has been a vital contributor on and off the field during that time. The winger originally progressed through the Ospreys Academy and made his first debut in 2012, before making the switch to Sevens. Morgan became Wales’ top try scorer during his Sevens career and eventually returned to the Ospreys in 2018, making his senior Wales 15s debut the same year.
“The Ospreys have been such a pivotal part of my career so I’m really happy to be staying here,” said Morgan. “I still remember coming through the academy, making my debut in 2012, my first start after coming back in 2018, and all of those mates and memories I have made along the way. This is an exciting time to be part of the club; there’s a good blend of younger boys with a lot of potential and quality experienced players. We’re all looking forward to playing at St Helen’s next season and running out in front of our supporters, who have always backed us, especially over the last year.”
The Ospreys have also recruited well with Australia internationals Lalakai Foketi and Liam Wright coming on board along with former Wales U20s utility-back Dan John from Exeter Chiefs. “It’s great to have Luke sign a new deal with the team,” said Jones. “He’s made over 100 appearances for the Ospreys and you don’t get to those figures here without being a special player. It’s a credit to him that he is still able to perform to a high level after such an extensive career filled with accolades, but that speaks volumes on his commitment to himself as an athlete and his commitment to the club. Lukey is an extremely reliable and hard-working player that always brings a real positive energy around the group, so we’re all really happy to have him continuing his career with us.”
Ireland star diagnosed with rare issue
Ireland fly-half Jack Crowley could miss their summer's Nations Championship fixtures against Australia, Japan and New Zealand as he bids to recover from a blood vessel issue that sidelined him towards the end of the season. Crowley had been suffering from dead leg-like symptoms in the latter stages of his season. “Jack, I don’t anticipate he’ll be involved in the early part of the internationals,” said Munster head coach Clayton McMillan in an interview with the Irish Examiner. “He’s got a blood vessel issue in the back of his leg, which is good that something’s been identified. He’s got a plan around how to manage that, but it literally is just a very obscure, unfortunate thing that was really hard to diagnose. He’s got a diagnosis now, he has a plan around how to get it back, and I’m just not sure medically what the return to play protocols around that are. It’s not like a concussion or a broken arm or leg, it’s something that could literally solve itself overnight, or it might take a month or two. And that’s not being cryptic, that’s just the nature of what he’s going through.”
All Blacks legend shares candid warning from hospital bed
Former All Black Sonny Bill Williams has shared a candid warning from his hospital bed while preparing to undergo his fourth major neck surgery. Speaking in a video on social media, Williams offered a stark view into life after playing. “This is a reminder for young athletes and parents pushing them to pursue a career as a professional athlete,” Williams said. “I’m about to go in for I think it’s my fourth operation on my neck. Understand this is the reality sometimes of this sport that we love and that we play.” The former New Zealand centre added: “Please remember this, I ain’t got no one here paying my bills from back in the days, no organisations, no CEOs ringing me making sure I’m okay. In high-performance space, if you’re not performing, what will happen? See you later with a handshake.”
