James Lang, the Welsh-qualified centre, is looking for a new club after his summer release from Edinburgh. Lang, 31, who has been capped six times by Scotland but qualifies for Wales through his Penarth-born father, spent three seasons playing for RGC 1404 in Colwyn Bay. His contract with the Scottish capital club expired this summer, and he is now back in Dorset, training on his own, waiting for the next challenge to materialise.
Lang remains positive
"I've just got to keep staying positive," he told Scotland Rugby News. "Last season I played pretty much every game. I've probably been playing the best rugby the past two years, so in that sense I'm surprised I'm in this position, but at the same time it gives me a lot of confidence that I've got a long time left in my yet."
"Although the time will come where I will retire for rugby, it's definitely not for the time being. Obviously there are moments where I feel a little bit anxious but I've learned how to cope with these thoughts." He has reportedly already held talks with clubs in England, France and Japan. The fly-half/centre was last selected by Scotland in 2021.
Hansen warns Springboks
Sir Steve Hansen has warned the Springboks they are taking a risk if they opt for a 6-2 split against the All Blacks. The world champions take on New Zealand in four Test matches in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series this summer. South Africa picking a forward-heavy bench for major Test ties is nothing new, having lifted the last two World Cups using the tactic - even going 7-1 on occasions.
Hansen, though, believes the Stormers showed why it is a risky business in their defeat to the Kiwis last week. "The 6-2 split didn’t work in favour of the South Africans this time. They roll the dice every time they do it and they were unlucky in that they got two players injured in the same position," he said.
"I hear the commentators, ‘it’s changed the course of the game’, but you know that before you go in, I don’t think you can use it as an excuse for anything. If you’re going to play a 6-2 split, you’ve got to go through all the scenarios. It did for me show it can be vulnerable if things don’t go the way you want them to go. That’s the risk you take whomever is doing it, so it will be interesting to see if it changes people’s minds or if they keep doing it and are prepared to take the risk."
Amatosero banned
Wallabies lock Miles Amatosero has been handed a three-week ban after he admitted dangerous play in their win over Japan at the weekend. Amatosero was given his marching orders late in the first half in Osaka, with a video match official judging his left shoulder made contact with the head of an opposition player at a maul.
On Tuesday he was suspended for three weeks - meaning he misses this weekend's Test against Japan, a club match for Gordon in Sydney's Shute Shield and a final Test against Argentina at the end of the month. He could, though, be available for the clash against the Pumas if he applies to take part in World Rugby's Coaching Intervention Program.
Lynn names extended squad
Sean Lynn has named an extended 46-player training squad ahead of Wales' four-match WXV Global Series this autumn. Lisa Neumann returns to the party after missing the majority of the 2026 Six Nations with a hamstring injury. A total of 14 uncapped players have been called up by Lynn ahead of home games against South Africa and the USA in September, before two away Tests against Japan in October.
"This is a new-look Wales squad for a new season as we prepare for an exciting and demanding WXV campaign," said Lynn. "The players selected have all impressed and will be put through a robust pre-season training camp before we select the final squad for the Test matches against South Africa, USA and Japan."
"All the players were given individualised training programmes which they followed before meeting up for block one of pre-season," added Lynn. "High standards and clear expectations have been set for the players and that will allow us to have a real focus on the rugby."
Wales squad
Forwards: Gwenllian Pyrs (Sale Sharks), Maisie Davies (Exeter Chiefs), Katherine Baverstock (Gwalia Lightning), Crystal James (Gwalia Lightning), Shanelle Williams (Brython Thunder), Molly Reardon (Gwalia Lightning), Molly Wakely (Gwalia Lightning), Kelsey Jones (Sale Sharks), Elan Jones (Brython Thunder), Stella Orrin (Brython Thunder), Donna Rose (Saracens), Sisilia Tuipulotu (Harlequins), Gwen Crabb (Brython Thunder), Tilly Vucaj (Gwalia Lightning), Natalia John (Brython Thunder), Branwen Metcalfe (Brython Thunder), Georgia Evans (Saracens), Alex Callender (Harlequins), Bryonie King (Gwalia Lightning), Bethan Lewis (Bristol Bears), Alisha Joyce (Brython Thunder), Kate Williams (Gloucester-Hartpury), Jorja Aiono (Gloucester-Hartpury), Lucy Isaac (Brython Thunder), Anwen Owen (Gwalia Lightning)
Backs: Keira Bevan (Bristol Bears), Seren Lockwood (Brython Thunder), Lily Hawkins (Gwalia Lightning), Kayleigh Powell (Harlequins), Lleucu George (Gloucester-Hartpury), Ffion Williams (Brython Thunder), Courtney Keight (Sale Sharks), Freya Bell (Gwalia Lightning), Carys Cox (Ealing Trailfinders), Jenna De Vera (Brython Thunder), Savannah Picton Powell (Brython Thunder), Hannah Dallavalle (Gloucester-Hartpury), Nikita Prothero (Gwalia Lightning), Jasmine Joyce (Brython Thunder), Amy Williams (Brython Thunder), Kelsie Webster (Gwalia Lightning), Nel Metcalfe (Gloucester-Hartpury), Seren Singleton (Brython Thunder), Lisa Neumann (unattached), Hanna Marshall (Brython Thunder). Hanna Tudor (unattached)
