Liam Williams made his debut in the Japanese Premier League with his new club Kubota Spears.
Williams had his Spears take a bow with New Zealand legend Dane Coles. Wallaby veteran Bernard Foley also played on Saturday, surviving the fly half.
Unfortunately, Spears lost the match 23–19 to the Shizuoka Blue Rev, captained by South African World Cup winner Kwagga Smith. Former All Black Charles Piutau played in midfield for his side. Spears led 16-19 after 82 minutes of play, but Blue Revs flyer Kenta Iemura somehow broke through a sea of Spears players. Iemura also collected the player of the match award.
Due to commitments in Japan, Williams will not be able to represent Wales or the Six Nations next year.
Dyer is currently 11 games short of reaching the minimum 25 to play outside of Welsh club rugby and being selected for international rugby, meaning he would have to put his international career on hold should he decide to switch.
The Rugby Paper reports that Saracens have held “informal discussions With Gloucester Jonny May and Bath Joe Cokanasig. Sarries will lose Scotland star Sean Maitland, Alex Lewington and Ben Harris next season unless their contracts are extended, so they will be looking to strengthen their back three options.
The Rugby Paper believes Saracens are still looking for a cheaper option and that could come in the form of Dragons man Dyer. He has reportedly spoken to several Premier League clubs.
Gloucester’s badge flies in half between Sheedy’s interests
Gloucester Rugby have signed Leicester Tigers player Charlie Atkinson.
The English club were initially linked with Welshman Callum Sheedy from Bristol Bears, but it seems they have now found their man. Atkinson was previously at Wasps but secured a move to the East Midlands club when the club went to the wall. Tiger Sand#039; the starting slot is World Cup winner Handre Pollard.
The 22-year-old is excited to start work. He said: andquot;It’s a great opportunity for me to join a good group of players and staff and I’m delighted to be able to make my mark.
andquot;I loved my time at Leicester last year, but I’ve always loved playing at Kingsholm because the fans create an incredible atmosphere, so it’s great to have them here now.
andquot;I can’t wait to go out in the cherry white shirt.andquot;
Atkinson will compete for 10th place at Gloucester with Adam Hastings, George Barton and Lloyd Evans.
Shane Williams praises the Dragons duo
Wales legend Shane Williams has praised Dragons duo Aaron Wainwright and Rio Dyer.
The pair have been in fine form for Wales, particularly at the World Cup. However, both have been linked with big moves and Wainwright has been touted as a potential replacement for the departing Leicester Tigers No. 8 Jasper Wiese.
The Dragons recently made it clear that they are fighting to keep their star couple. Head coach Dai Flanagan explained that they will be offered fair and honest offers, to keep them in Newport.