Today’s rugby news as ‘fantastic’ Tandy backed for two World Cup cycles and star confirms Wales eligibility
The latest rugby news from Wales and around the world
These are your rugby headlines on Wednesday, April 23.
Hibbard: ‘Fantastic’ Tandy should get long-term deal
Former Wales hooker Richard Hibbard has given his backing to Steve Tandy for the role of Wales’ new national men’s head coach, advocating for a long-term deal that extends over two World Cup cycles.
The WRU is eyeing Scotland defence coach Tandy as the full-time replacement for Warren Gatland, who departed during the Six Nations.
With the national team currently enduring a record 17-Test losing streak and having tumbled to 12th in the world rankings, Hibbard believes Tandy should be secured with a contract lasting until 2031, to encompass not just the next World Cup in Australia in 2027 but also the one hosted by the United States in 2031. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.
“I would love Steve to come in and it would be a fantastic appointment,” Hibbard told the BBC. “This is not going to be a quick fix. This is almost a two World Cup cycle and that is what you have to give him.
“You can’t expect results to improve overnight. He has to build, not just the current squad but also the conveyor belt behind it. Until we get that right, it is an impossible task for anybody.”
Cardiff wing eligible for Wales
Cardiff’s English-born winger Gabriel Hamer-Webb has confirmed that he is eligible for Wales.
The Bath-born 24-year-old, who joined Cardiff in 2023, had previously represented England at under-20s level. Asked whether he qualifies for Wales, he said: “My mother was born here in Cardiff. No one’s asked yet. I’m available. I’ve got no holidays planned. I’ll have to wait. I can’t say anything on that yet.”
Hamer-Webb crossed for a Judgement Day hat-trick at the weekend during the win over the Ospreys. He hopes it will act as a springboard for him to really kick on now for the Arms Park outfit.
“It’s my first one. In my six years of being professional, it’s my first one,” he said of the hat-trick. “Jockey [Matt Sherratt] says it’s the best stadium in the world and I can’t argue with that.
“Before I came here, I had a point to prove. I did my due diligence, waited for my opportunity and I think it’s paying off now. I’m enjoying being around this group and I think we can definitely take it places.”
Former South Africa coach dies
Norman Mbiko, the last captain of the African Springboks and former head coach of South Africa’s sevens team, has died aged 79.
The former scrum-hallf – who made 30 national appearances for the side he captained from 1969 – passed away in the early hours of Tuesday morning, following a long illness..
During his playing career, he faced the British & Irish Lions as well as England, Italy and the All Blacks, while he also led Eastern Province against Wales in Newport.
After he retired from playing, Mbiko became South Africa’s first black senior national coach post-rugby unity when he took charge of the Blitzboks. He later mentored Uganda’s Sevens squad and supported South Africa’s Women’s team at the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Dubai in 2009.
In 2011, he served as team manager of the Emerging SA Sevens squad, a role which saw him help to nurture future Springboks such as Willie le Roux and Cornal Hendricks. Join WalesOnline Rugby’s WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free
Paying tribute to Mbiko, SA Rugby President Mark Alexander said: “To call Norman a trailblazer is an understatement.
“Despite growing up in turbulent times, his passion for rugby shone through. In the townships, where floodlights were absent, Norman and his friends played into the night using car headlights to illuminate the field—such was their dedication to the sport.”
Alexander added: “He played a massive role in shaping South African rugby, and his passing is a huge loss to our sport. A kind, modest man, he will forever be remembered as a pioneer who dedicated his life to rugby.
“We are proud and grateful for his legacy, which remains woven into the fabric of South African rugby. SA Rugby extends its deepest condolences to Mbiko’s family, friends, and former teammates. His contributions will never be forgotten.”
Wade opens up on shock rugby league switch
Christian Wade has attributed his impending cross-code switch from Gloucester to Wigan Warriors to the evolving nature of the Premiership.
The 33-year-old, who previously played for Wasps and Racing 92, will join Wigan later this summer, following the conclusion of the 2024-25 Premiership season with Gloucester.
His move follows a stint playing American football for the Buffalo Bills as part of the NFL’s International Player Pathway from 2019, a route which preceded Louis Rees-Zammit’s shock career change. Wade returned to rugby union three years later, however, without making a regular season appearance.
“There were some opportunities but the lay of the land in the Premiership has changed quite a lot, especially since I left in 2018,” he told the BBC.
“I think there are quite a few people in my position with my sort of age and experience where, unless you’ve been at a club your whole career, there are some difficulties around extending contracts and stuff like that.
“Since Covid, the salary cap has been lowered but also [finances] in general. I think that’s why you see people exploring opportunities outside the Premiership.”
Wade, who made his debut in 2011, has had a diverse playing career. He spent eight years with Wasps and also had a spell with French side Racing 92 after his NFL journey ended and before his return to the Premiership.
“I don’t think there’s too much of a difference, which I don’t know is a good or a bad thing. Because being away [from the Premiership] for seven years, you would like to see the game progress on a bit more,” he shared.
“It seems as though there are fewer international stars for one. When I was at Wasps, we had a lot of people from different parts of the world.
“A lot of young guys were coming through and as you can see now, they’re spread around the league. But it’s a good thing as well to see some homegrown talent and rugby being played.
“I would have liked to have seen the game progress a lot more in the span of almost a decade.”
