The latest rugby news stories making headlines in Wales and beyond

Judgement day decision made by Welsh rugby bosses

Judgement Day will not return any time soon, but Welsh Rugby Union chief operating officer Gavin Marshall has left the door open for Wales’ professional clubs to stage their own games at the Principality Stadium.

The annual derby day, which brings Wales’ four professional clubs together at the Principality Stadium, has been on hiatus since the 2024-25 season, when the Professional Rugby Board said it wanted to “re-imagine” the format.

Marshall has now indicated there are no immediate plans to revive the event, which appears dead with plans to cut a team from 2028. He has, though, left the door open for individual clubs to stage matches at the Principality Stadium.

Such a move could offer an alternative, with clubs in the Gallagher Premiership hosting fixtures at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, while Bristol Bears have taken their Big Day Out event to the Principality Stadium.

"There are no plans to bring JD back this year," said Marshall.

"There's an opportunity for any of the four regions to bring a game here if they see fit and they think there's a demand. So, absolutely.

"We're here and we'd be able to do that. I think with Cardiff in the Champions Cup it's a shame that the Bath game was eight o'clock on a Saturday night.

"So it's a tough kick-off whereas that could've been a possibility potentially.

"But I think absolutely we are here and open to the idea as we are to anyone who wants to rent the stadium. If the dates work, if the commercials work then we are. So that's open to all four clubs."

Welsh youngster dealt injury blow

Wales U20s full-back Lewis Edwards is facing surgery after picking up a foot injury in his Ospreys debut last weekend.

The 19-year-old looked assured against Black Lion in the Challenge Cup last Saturday, with Wales head coach Steve Tandy confirming that he was on his radar after naming his autumn squad this week. However, the full-back is now facing a spell on the sidelines.

"He hurt himself during the game," said Ospreys head coach Mark Jones. "It was his foot.

"He's got a nasty little injury that we think is probably going to need some surgical intervention, which is disappointing for Lewis. I haven't had the official feedback on it yet, but I know he was speaking to experts on that and what it might look like for him.

"I don't want to jump the gun, but I know that was something that was a possibility. So he's going to be out of the game for a little while, I think.

"It's disappointing because it was a lovely occasion for him and his family over in Georgia. He's been patient to wait for his opportunity.

"He did well in the time he had on the field. I know he enjoyed the preparation and the whole occasion, so he'll be disappointed.

"But look, it's the first opportunity for Lewis. He'll be back. He's a good lad.

"He's got great training ethic and he's got a lot of potential, as everybody's recognised. I'm sure he'll have many more goes in the Ospreys shirt over the next couple of seasons."

Jones also offered an update on Australia winger Marika Koroibete, who suffered a rib injury early in his Ospreys' debut a couple of weeks ago.

"He took part in training today, so he's looking a lot better," said Jones. "He had an amber bib on today, just around some contact stuff.

"We just want to make sure we don't set him back, but he's improving daily, which is great. He's been sharp today.

"He has been training against the team today, preparing them for the Dragons. So it's good to see Marika out there as well."

Former Wales international lands new role

Cardiff have appointed former Wales full-back Matthew Morgan in a new role to work across their academy and with Cardiff University.

After playing for Ospreys and Bristol, the five-cap Wales international made over 100 appearances for the Blue and Blacks. After retiring, Morgan has moved into coaching, working as an assistant at Bridgend Ravens.

Morgan will combine his role at the Ravens with his new role, having come out on top of a competitive recruitment process.

Cardiff Rugby announced a major dual-career pathway partnership with Cardiff University last month, with this dual position one of the first initiatives to come from it.

Morgan has already begun working with Cardiff’s academy and will link up with Cardiff University’s Rugby Club this week.

“I’m very excited. I’ve had a warm welcome since I came back in and it’s good to see a couple of new faces here," he said. "Now I’m just looking forward to getting stuck into this exciting opportunity.

“I’ve just been trying to get as much experience as I can so while coaching Bridgend, I’ve also been working as a school, which has been brilliant for me and that’s really set me up for a job like this working with academy boys and university students.

“I’ve had the privilege of working with some fantastic coaches throughout my career, and I have taken little bits from all of them but the biggest one was Matt Sherratt.

“I was fortunate to work with Jockey for 10 years and I took so much from that and try to use in my own different way.

“It’s all about building trust and relationships to get the best out of these young players and help them make the most of every opportunity through the pathway.

“Being split across Cardiff’s academy and the university is absolutely perfect for me. There are some outstanding talents here in the academy, many I’ve worked with or watch in the Schools and College league and I’m looking forward to meeting the university boys.

“There’s a fantastic set-up at the university so I’m looking forward to building my exposure and experience there and working with Chirs and his team.”

Morgan will work with the junior academy alongside Saul Nelson and Josh Turnbull, while offering specialist support to specific players following development plans at schools and colleges.

He will also have a role with wider pathway projects, including Cardiff Rugby Under 18’s and 16’s, while his university role has a responsibility for team and backs attack.

Duhan van der Merwe to return from injury as leaders Edinburgh take on Lions

By Anthony Brown, Press Association

Scotland wing Duhan van der Merwe will make his first appearance of the season as league leaders Edinburgh bid to maintain their perfect start in the United Rugby Championship at home to Lions on Friday.

The 31-year-old has missed the start of the campaign with an ankle injury but returns in place of Malelili Satala as one of four changes to the starting XV from the side that lost to Toulon in the Challenge Cup.

Geordie Gwynn, who scored his first Edinburgh try last Friday, comes in on the opposite wing in place of Darcy Graham, who misses out due to calf tightness.

Forwards Grant Gilchrist and Liam McConnell are also added while lock Marshall Sykes will make his 100th appearance for the club.

“We have always had tough games against the Lions. They have a good team with a strong set-piece and are a threat in transitions,” said Edinburgh head coach Sean Everitt.

“We need an accurate performance to get the result.

“It’s a big moment for Marshall to hit 100 appearances for the club. He has shown huge amounts of commitment to the jersey during his time in Edinburgh, and it’s an achievement that everyone at the club is proud of him for.”

There will be a minute’s applause in the fifth minute in memory of Lions lock Hyron Andrews, who died last week.