Welsh coach Richie Williams has joined Premiership Women's Rugby side Gloucester Hartpury as an assistant coach. Williams, born in Port Talbot, was most recently attack coach at Champ Rugby side Chinnor, having spent more than a decade there as a player, and also coached at Oxford University last year. Previously, he served as Cambridge's director of rugby, leading them to the Champ during a six-year stint.
Williams joins Gloucester Hartpury
Having also worked with the Hungarian Rugby Union, England Counties U20s, and both Belgium and England Universities' sevens teams over a 20-year career, Williams has now joined head of rugby Dan Murphy's staff at Gloucester Hartpury.
“I’m really excited to be joining the club and to have the opportunity to work with such a talented group of players and coaches,” he said as his appointment was confirmed. “Gloucester Hartpury is a prestigious club with a strong reputation for success and player development, and that was a big attraction for me. I’m looking forward to bringing my experience into the environment and helping the players continue to develop.”
Murphy added: "Richie brings a huge amount of experience from across the game, both in England and internationally. His work at Cambridge, where he helped guide the club into the Championship, speaks for itself."
Henderson sidelined after hip surgery
Ireland lock Iain Henderson will spend months on the sidelines after undergoing surgery on his hip, his club have confirmed. The 34-year-old Ulster skipper will miss the start of the 2026/27 United Rugby Championship season following the successful operation, having not played since being sent off in his side's draw with the Stormers in May.
Ulster released a statement which read: "Ulster Rugby can confirm that captain, Iain Henderson, has successfully undergone hip surgery this summer and as a result, will be unavailable for a number of months." The province added that three other players had also had operations during the summer break, with the trio now "undergoing a period of rehabilitation". Back-row forward Bryn Ward, who won his first Ireland cap against Japan last month, has gone under the knife for a shoulder injury, while number eight Juarno Augustus and centre Jude Postlethwaite had surgery for ankle and knee injuries respectively.
Springbok van Wyk dies at 82
Tributes have been paid to former South Africa international Piston van Wyk, who has died at the age of 82. Van Wyk, who represented Northern Transvaal and Natal at provincial level, played 15 Tests for the Springboks between 1970 and 1976 and faced the British & Irish Lions in 1974.
Paying tribute, SA Rugby president Mark Alexander said: "It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of Piston van Wyk, a former Springbok whose legacy is etched into the proud history of South African rugby. Piston’s career was marked by his formidable scrummaging strength, his unwavering commitment to the team and his memorable performances against some of the world’s toughest opponents."
