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RUGBYSHORTS
Wru And Welsh Regions Agree On New Financial Package
The Welsh Rugby Union and the country’s four regions have agreed to a new financial package aimed at enabling sustainability and growth over the next six years.
The Professional Rugby Board confirmed that it has signed a new long-form Professional Rugby Agreement with all parties, including the WRU, Cardiff Rugby, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets, bound by its terms until 2029.
The new PRA will provide a financial framework that is made up of new funding from the WRU and club shareholders to create a sustainable platform for progress. It will also provide financial predictability for the professional game in Wales, with homegrown player development being a key objective for all parties.
PRB chair Malcolm Wall said: “It is no exaggeration to say a great deal of work, time and effort has gone into establishing an agreement all parties can be happy with.”.
Morris Forced To Call Time On His Career With Harlequins
Aaron Morris is to call it quits at the end of the current campaign at the age of just 28 after injuries restricted him to just six appearances for Harlequins in the last two seasons.
A statement read: “Harlequins back Aaron Morris will be retiring at the end of the season following a series of serious injuries which have seen him sidelined for much of the last two seasons.
Morris, 28, joined Quins from London rivals Saracens ahead of the 2016/17 season and has since made 69 appearances for the club, scoring 45 points.
A former U20s World Champion with England in 2014, Morris said: “This has been a very difficult decision and made with a heavy heart. The last two seasons have been incredibly challenging as I have battled through multiple serious injuries, bringing both emotional and physical pain. It is now time for me to find the joy that rugby once gave me in something else.
“I want to thank the club, my team-mates, the fans and my family for their support, I hope I made them proud.”
Thorley One Of Several Names To Sign New Gloucester Deal
Highly-rated winger Ollie Thorley is one of a number of players who have committed their futures to Gloucester Rugby.
The Premiership club have not disclosed the length of the 26-year-old’s deal, but it is a huge boost to George Skivington, who has also agreed terms with Fraser Balmain, Jack Reeves and Seb Atkinson in recent weeks. The news will help deal with the blow of the Cherry & Whites losing three of their frontline stars for the remainder of the current season.
Fijian No.8 Albert Tuisue has sustained a significant hamstring injury in the loss to Leicester, Georgian centre Giorgi Kveseladze has suffered a similar fate while on international duty, while prop Val Rapava-Ruskin is to undergo surgery on a knee injury.
In other news, the club have also confirmed the signing of centre Max Llewellyn from United Rugby Championship side Cardiff Rugby.
The 24-year-old has made 38 appearances for the Welsh region, scoring five tries since his debut in 2017.
Bears Bolster Their Squad By Adding Former Wasps Duo
Bristol Bears have signed hooker Gabriel Oghre (pictured) and half-back Sam Wolstenholme for the 202324 season.
Oghre, 24, is currently with French Top 14 club BordeauxBegles and Wolstenholme, 23, is at Leicester after both left Wasps following their mid-season demise.
They will join a Bears outfit, who have also secured the futures of nine other players on new deals.
Skipper Steven Luatua heads up that list, alongside, Piers O’Conor, Yann Thomas, Jake Woolmore, Jay Tyack, Max Lahiff, Harry Thacker, Ed Holmes and Jake Heenan.
“A huge part of our long-term retention plan was to ensure the continuation of our experience and leadership within the group,” said Director of Rugby, Pat Lam.
“To have four Bears centurions and three who players are about to become centurioons re-signing with the club reinforces this plan.”
Hatley To Reunite With Jones On Wallabies Coaching Staff
Long-serving coach Neal Hatley is to leave Bath Rugby at the end of the season to become Australia’s scrum coach.
Hatley, 53, will reunited with Wallabies head coach Eddie Jones after working under for three-and-a-half years during their time with England.
Hatley first joined Bath in 2012 as a forwards coach and has also worked as the club’s defence coach.
“I’m honoured to join Eddie and the Wallabies in what’s a massive year with the World Cup just over five months away,” said Hatley.
REFEREE: MATHIEU RAYNAL
TMO: THOMAS CHARABAS
TOUCH JUDGES: LUDOVIC CAYRE & JONATHAN GASNIER
TK: PETER HUCKLE
