Tonight's rugby news as new English giants announce signing of Welsh-born talent and WRU make new appointment

These are your evening rugby headlines on Tuesday, April 23.

New Welsh-qualified talent joins English giants

Sought-after hooker Kepueli Tuipulotu has joined Bath Rugby's senior academy ahead of next season.

The 18-year-old, who hails from Pontypool, will join the Premiership giants upon finishing his sixth form studies at the prestigious Harrow School. He has captained England at under-18 level and attracted interest as a member of the London Irish academy before the club went bust.

Tuipulotu, who is the son of former Dragons centre Sione and the younger brother of Wales Women international Sisilia, is considered one of the brightest prospects in the English game due to his raw power, relentless work rate and set-piece prowess. While he has represented England at age-grade level because he is studying there, he is not tied to the Red Rose and is still eligible to play for Wales and Tonga, with the WRU reportedly desperate to convince him to switch allegiance from England going forward.

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Tuipolotu is one of five exciting young players to have joined Bath's Senior Academy, with the new intake combining their rugby with courses at the University of Bath. Backrow Connor Treacey, centre Charlie Griffin, fly-half Jack Woods and winger Tyler Offiah - son of rugby league legend Martin - have all put pen to paper on their first professional deals alongisde the hooker.

“I’m still young in terms of my rugby career so whether I am pulling on the shirt of Bath Rugby or that of a representative age-group, I want to be the best that I possibly can," said Tuipolotu after his move was confirmed.

“In the player meeting, Johann [van Graan] talked to us about focusing day-by-day, trying to get better and that’s my passion. My aim is just to consistently train and play as best as I can and if I can do that then it will open new doors for me in the future.”

Welsh referee appointed to top role

Welsh referee Ian Davies has been confirmed as the WRU National Elite Performance Match Official Manager.

Davies, who has refereed over 100 first class matches in the URC and in Europe, will lead match officiating across performance rugby for the WRU and takes over from the retired Paul Adams. With the likes of Amber Stamp-Dunstan, Jenny Davies, Ben Breakspear and Ben Connor all beginning to make their mark at international level, the 46-year-old is keen to develop them and change the global perception of Welsh referees.

“If you look at Welsh refereeing in general you think of the legends like Clive Norling, Derek Bevan and Nigel Owen. We’re now seeing the fruits of the work Paul did with the Ben Breakspears and Ben Connors of the world, so let’s try and get them to where Nigel [Owens] got to.

“If we can actively promote refereeing to a younger generation then hopefully we will see the fruits of our labour in years to come.

WRU performance director, Huw Bevan said: “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Ian Davies as the WRU National Elite Performance Match Official Manager. Following a rigorous process Ian emerged as the outstanding candidate from a high-quality pool of applicants. The panel were particularly impressed with the clarity of his vision for developing elite match officials in Wales, and his intended approach.

“The WRU has a proud history of developing elite referees, with some of the most highly regarded match officials of all time being produced in the principality. The creation of a role with a specific focus on elite match officials demonstrates our commitment to upholding this tradition," he added.

“Ian has extensive relevant experience and I know that he is excited about the opportunity this role presents. He is committed to building on the work that has been done previously and evolve a a pathway that identifies, supports, and develops those with the potential to represent Wales in the elite game and at pinnacle events."

Wallabies dealt blow for Wales clashes

Australia have been dealt a potential major blow ahead of their summer Tests against Wales, with back Jordan Petaia facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The 24-year-old was forced off with a shoulder injury in the first-half of the Queensland Reds' win over the Highlanders last weekend, with his coach revealing that his season is likely over with surgery now on the cards.

“Likely surgery … likely be out for the season,” said Reds boss Les Kiss. “He’s disappointed. It’s a blow, without a doubt. A player of his calibre and the type of game he brings."

The Wallabies star's contract with Rugby Australia is coming to an end and there is speculation over what he will do next, amid interest from Japan and France as well as a potential code switch to NRL. Earlier this year, reports in Australia claim he was approached by the NFL to join their International Player Pathway programme alongside Louis Rees-Zammit.

Scotland star retires

Glasgow Warriors hooker Fraser Brown has announced he is to retire at the end of the season.

The 34-year-old, who won 61 caps for Scotland, has not played since May 2023 after rupturing his ACL while playing for a World XV against the Barbarians. Having made his international debut in 2013, he represented his country at two World Cups and captained Gregor Townsend's side against Georgia in 2020.

Brown, who could also play in the back row, started his career at Edinburgh before moving to Glasgow in 2012, where he made 141 appearances and won the Pro12 title in 2015.

"When you have a serious injury like I did with an ACL at the end of your career, it is always going to be hard to come back from," the forward told Scottish Rugby. "That probably made it a little easier to announce my retirement but it’s still a surreal and strange feeling."

He added: "I’m hugely proud to have played so many times for Scotland. To reach 50 caps was a big moment as I had to deal with a lot of injuries throughout my career and to be part of the growth process of the team which has resulted in where they are now has been cool."

Gray quits Exeter

By PA Sport Staff

Scotland lock Jonny Gray will leave Exeter with immediate effect to "explore other playing opportunities", the club have confirmed.

Gray, who has been linked with a move to French Top 14 outfit Bordeaux-Begles, joined Exeter four years ago and was part of their 2019-20 Premiership and Champions Cup double-winning campaign.

The Chiefs and Gray reached a mutual agreement for his early release from Sandy Park.

The 30-year-old arrived at Exeter from Glasgow, having spent eight years with the Warriors and made more than 100 appearances.

"Jonny has been a big part of our journey in recent seasons," Exeter rugby director Rob Baxter said of the 77 times-capped forward. "He has been a great figure to have among our squad, with his international experience and the physicality he brings to games. His tackle stats speak for themselves.

"He has experienced some injury frustration during the end of his time with us, but I am sure Jonny will do everything he can to come back stronger as he moves on to the next step of his rugby journey."