In the most recent rugby news on Saturday 15th June, Welsh rugby player James Ratti was honoured with two accolades at the Ospreys’ end of season awards, despite not being selected for the Wales squad. Ratti, who has played a pivotal role in the back row and second row, was instrumental in the Ospreys’ advancement to the URC play-off semi-finals. His exceptional performance since returning to the Ospreys from Cardiff last summer has been widely recognized.
While many expected Ratti to be included in the Wales summer squad, especially in light of several key players being unavailable for various reasons, the Wales team management opted to bring in other players, resulting in Ratti’s exclusion.
In other developments, Championship clubs have expressed their backing for the approval of promotion to the Gallagher Premiership, slated to begin in the 2025-26 season. The introduction of a two-match home and away play-off between the bottom-placed Premiership club and the Championship winner is being heralded as a “new era” for professional rugby in England, marking the potential for movement between the top two divisions for the first time since Saracens’ reinstatement in the top flight in 2021.
The Rugby Football Union’s council also voted to relax the minimum operating standards for promotion, extending the deadline for meeting those standards over four seasons. Additionally, a Tier 2 board is set to be established, providing the Championship with greater control over commercial deals.
The URC team of the season has been announced, with a conspicuous absence of Welsh players. The team, predominantly comprising players from Ireland and South Africa, was determined through a media vote and required players to have made at least nine appearances to be eligible for consideration.
The “Elite XV” includes players from the DHL Stormers, Leinster Rugby, Glasgow Warriors, Munster Rugby, Vodacom Bulls, Ulster Rugby, Hollywoodbets Sharks, and Edinburgh. Notably, Welsh player Cameron Hanekom, who had previously been considered for Wales selection, made the cut, representing the Vodacom Bulls.
This development has sparked discussions within the rugby community, highlighting the challenges faced by Welsh teams in the URC. Nevertheless, the Ospreys’ late surge towards the play-offs has been a source of pride for Welsh rugby.
Overall, these recent updates in the rugby world have brought about significant changes and noteworthy achievements, illustrating the dynamic nature of the sport at both international and club levels.