Here are your rugby evening headlines for Thursday, June 11.
Shaun Edwards' France exit complications emerge
Shaun Edwards' departure from France has become increasingly complicated, with negotiations ongoing and the Welsh rugby great potentially facing an uncertain future just over a year before the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
The former Wales defence coach has not been involved in France training camps since this year's Six Nations and discussions over his exit are understood to be ongoing, with 18 months still remaining on his current contract.
Edwards has been one of the most influential coaches in world rugby during his time with France, helping guide Les Bleus to three Six Nations titles since joining Fabien Galthie's backroom team in 2020. However, despite lifting the championship again in 2026, France's defence came under scrutiny after they conceded more tries than every side in the tournament except wooden spoon winners Wales.
The 59-year-old's departure is not straightforward, though. The BBC report that French rugby officials are keen to protect confidential tactical information developed during Edwards' tenure, particularly given his previously stated desire to coach in the southern hemisphere.
In March, Edwards admitted he would be interested in working in the Rugby Championship, which features South Africa, New Zealand, Australia and Argentina. That admission is likely to have heightened concerns within the French Rugby Federation, especially with the next World Cup now little more than a year away.
International rugby unions are notoriously protective of tactical systems and coaching knowledge, particularly in the build-up to major tournaments. France have already experienced the consequences of information finding its way to rivals. Following their dramatic quarter-final defeat to South Africa at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, it emerged that Springbok coaches had deciphered one of France's tactical calls before the match.
The issue of protecting coaching knowledge has become increasingly common in the international game. Former England defence coach Felix Jones was reportedly placed on a lengthy notice period after resigning from his role in 2024, while non-compete clauses restricting coaches from immediately joining rival nations are regularly used across the sport.
Edwards' next move remains unclear. The Wigan-born coach enjoyed enormous success during 12 years with Wales, helping Warren Gatland's side win four Six Nations titles and reach two World Cup semi-finals. He also established himself as one of the sport's leading defence specialists during a trophy-laden spell with Wasps. England have repeatedly been linked with moves for Edwards over the years but have never managed to secure his services.
Ospreys keen on Australian fly-half
The Ospreys are reportedly interested in signing Australian fly-half Lawson Creighton as they continue their search for a replacement for departing fly-half Jack Walsh. According to the BBC, the Welsh region are exploring a move for the versatile 27-year-old, who currently plays for the Waratahs and is capable of operating at fly-half, centre and full-back.
Creighton joined the Sydney-based Super Rugby franchise from Queensland Reds ahead of the 2024 season and has since established himself as a valuable member of the Waratahs squad. With Walsh having left to join French side Montauban, Ospreys are in the market for another No.10 to compete with and support Wales fly-half Dan Edwards heading into next season.
The move would continue Ospreys' recent recruitment drive in Australia. The region have already secured the signing of former Wallabies captain Liam Wright, who will arrive in Swansea this summer, while fellow Australian Ryan Smith impressed during his first campaign in Welsh rugby after joining from the Queensland Reds last year.
There could be more Australian additions to come, too. Wallabies centre Lalakai Foketi has also been linked with a move to Ospreys as head coach Mark Jones continues to shape his squad for the new campaign.
Creighton has built his career in Australian rugby, coming through the ranks with Queensland before earning opportunities in Super Rugby. His ability to cover multiple positions across the backline would offer valuable flexibility to Ospreys, who are looking to strengthen their playmaking options following Walsh's exit.
While Dan Edwards emerged as one of Welsh rugby's brightest young fly-halves last season, Ospreys are keen to add further depth and experience at outside-half as they prepare for the challenges of the URC and Europe.
Scotland U20s make raft of changes to face Wales
Scotland Under-20s have made seven changes to their starting line-up for Friday's World Cup warm-up clash with Wales, while an England age-grade international is in line to make his debut from the bench.
Head coach Fergus Pringle has reshuffled his side following last weekend's heavy 61-19 defeat to Ireland, a match in which Scotland competed well during the first half before conceding five unanswered tries after the break.
Among the most notable inclusions is Saracens academy scrum-half Asa Stewart-Harris, who could make his first appearance for Scotland U20s after being named among the replacements. Stewart-Harris has represented England at Under-17, Under-18, Under-19 and Under-20 level and featured against Scotland in this year's Under-20 Six Nations while part of England's squad.
In the starting XV, Joe Roberts retains his place after being drafted into the squad late last week and will pack down alongside Will Pearce and highly-rated Edinburgh prop Ollie Blyth-Lafferty in the front row. Blyth-Lafferty has already attracted attention higher up the Scottish rugby pathway, with senior men's head coach Gregor Townsend this week revealing the youngster had been discussed as a potential Nations Championship selection before it was decided further Under-20 exposure would better aid his development.
Scotland's second row will be formed by Alfie Blackett and Dan Halkon, while Christian Lindsay returns from injury to start at blindside flanker alongside Jack Marshall and Harry Jackaman. Adam McKenzie comes into the side at scrum-half and will partner Jake Dalziel in the half-backs.
There is also an entirely new midfield combination, with Ross Wolfenden and Campbell Waugh selected in the centres. Daniel Kelly starts on the right wing, while Ewan Caven is handed his debut on the left flank. Rory McHaffie completes the starting line-up at full-back.
The match takes place at Meggetland and kicks off at 3pm on Friday.
Scotland U20 team to face Wales: Rory McHaffie; Daniel Kelly, Campbell Waugh, Ross Wolfenden, Ewan Caven; Jake Dalziel, Adam McKenzie; Will Pearce, Joe Roberts (captain), Ollie Blyth-Lafferty, Alfie Blackett, Dan Halkon, Christian Lindsay, Jack Marshall, Harry Jackaman.
Replacements: Jamie McAughtrie, Jamie Stewart, Jackson Rennie, Finlay Mather, Finn Ronnie, Sam Byrd, Jack Utterson, Oliver Finlayson-Russell, Matthew Fick, Calum Jessop, Harry Clark, Harry Soboil, Harry Provan, Asa Stewart-Harris.
