The search for the remaining members of Wales' coaching team is still ongoing. It was expected that the successful candidate for the scrum coach position would be informed late last week, but that deadline has passed without any announcement. Adam Jones, Duncan Jones, and Paul James have all been interviewed for the role, though there are indications that another candidate has yet to be interviewed by the Welsh Rugby Union.
Kicking and Attacking Skills Roles
The other two positions—kicking and attacking skills—are less advanced. The WRU has reportedly shortlisted candidates, but interviews have not yet taken place this week. One notable applicant who will not be joining is former New Zealand fly-half Nick Evans. According to WalesOnline, the 45-year-old, who briefly worked with England's coaching staff in 2023, applied for a coaching role with the WRU after leaving Harlequins this summer. However, he appears to have secured another position elsewhere.
Another New Zealand coach, who recently worked in Test rugby, held brief discussions with Steve Tandy about the role but ultimately decided not to apply. Candidates believed to have applied for the two roles include Jonny Goodridge, Scott Sneddon, James Hook, and Leigh Halfpenny. With Wales' Nations Championship campaign starting in three weeks, it remains unclear whether they expect to have these coaches in place for the summer.
Player Movements
Wales second-row Rory Thornton has signed a new contract with Cardiff. The 31-year-old, who surpassed 100 appearances for the club this season, was out of contract this summer but will remain at the Arms Park.
Former Great Britain Sevens player Olise Monye—cousin of ex-England international Ugo—has joined London Welsh ahead of next season. The 23-year-old, who recently played for Chinnor, made three appearances for Wasps before competing on the Rugby Europe Sevens circuit.
Welshman Gareth Baber has overhauled the squad at Nissa after securing promotion to France's second tier. The Cote d'Azur club has released 10 players, including former Fiji captain Waisea Nayacalevu. The centre joined Nissa at the start of the season after leaving the Ospreys without playing a match for the Welsh club. Nissa has also signed Samuel Bielle-Biarrey, the younger brother of France and Bordeaux-Begles star Louis, ahead of their move to Pro D2.
Former Australia wing Marika Koroibete has signed a short-term deal with Indian sevens side Chennai Bulls. The dual-code international, who won seven caps for Fiji in rugby league before earning 63 caps for the Wallabies after switching codes, last played for Australia in 2024 and has been playing in Japan recently. The signing of an international who featured for the AUNZ XV against the Lions last year is a major boost for Indian rugby.
Coaching Staff Changes
Former Wales defensive guru Shaun Edwards is not the only reported departure from France's coaching staff. Kicking coach Vlok Cilliers is also reportedly set to leave Fabien Galthie's team. Earlier this week, Zimbabwe announced Cilliers as a kicking consultant, but he has since repeatedly denied any involvement on social media.
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