Warren Gatland has delivered a blunt verdict on Ryan Jones’ omission from the Lions squad, declaring: “There is no favouritism.”

WELSH Rugby Union chairman David Pickering believes Friday night Six Nations rugby is here to stay. The WRU have agreed to continue the experiment in 2010 by staging Wales’ Millennium Stadium clash with France at 8pm on Friday, February 26.

REFEREES for the Lions Test series against South Africa this summer will come from neutral countries, the International Rugby Board confirmed yesterday.

Referees for the British and Irish Lions Test series against South Africa this summer will come from neutral countries, the International Rugby Board confirmed this afternoon.

IRELAND’S George Clancy will make his Six Nations refereeing debut this season when he takes charge of the France-Scotland clash at the Stade de France on February 14.

The Welsh Rugby Union has unveiled plans for a £2m (€2.52m) centre of excellence.

NEW Wales coach Warren Gatland has urged the nation’s demanding supporters “not to expect miracles from day one”.

New Wales coach Warren Gatland has urged the nation’s demanding supporters “not to expect miracles from day one.”

The Welsh Rugby Union have paid tribute to Ray Gravell “as a man who epitomised the passion, flair and dignity of his beloved Welsh nation” after the rugby legend died of a suspected heart attack aged 56.

SCOTT JOHNSON was surprised to learn he had been installed as favourite to replace Gareth Jenkins as Wales head coach.

THE Welsh Rugby Union acted swiftly and decisively to sack head coach Gareth Jenkins less than 24 hours after Wales crashed out of the World Cup after defeat to Fiji.

Gareth Jenkins has been sacked as Wales head coach after his side crashed out of the World Cup.

The Welsh Rugby Union have begun an immediate review process after Wales were sent crashing out of the World Cup.

The International Rugby Board (IRB) is to introduce a new tough but more rational policy to deal with illegal and foul-play offenders.

WELSH rugby was in mourning yesterday following the sudden death of the president of the Welsh Rugby Union, Keith Rowlands.

NEW Wales coach Gareth Jenkins has been hailed as “the right man at the right time” after being appointed to succeed Grand Slam winner Mike Ruddock.

NEW Wales coach Gareth Jenkins has been hailed as “the right man at the right time” after being appointed to succeed Grand Slam winner Mike Ruddock.

The identity of the new Wales coach is likely to be revealed on Friday by the Welsh Rugby Union.

Mike Ruddock officially parted company with the Welsh Rugby Union this evening after reaching an agreement to cut short his gardening leave.

Llanelli director of rugby Gareth Jenkins performed a major u-turn today by confirming he has applied to become the new head coach of Wales.

The Welsh Rugby Union have admitted they are already considering contingency plans to find a replacement for caretaker coach Scott Johnson if the Australian returns Down Under.

WELSH rugby continues to be embroiled in controversy, with former national coach Mike Ruddock requesting an emergency meeting with the Welsh Rugby Union.

Mike Ruddock has left Welsh rugby in turmoil after announcing his shock resignation last night – just 11 months after he inspired the side to their first Grand Slam triumph in 27 years.

THE Welsh Rugby Union was in shock last night with the resignation of its group chief executive, David Moffett.

Officials from Wales’ four regional sides remain hopeful of a resolution to the row which has led to the cancellation of the Celtic League in 2005-2006.

Wales will mark their RBS 6 Nations title and Grand Slam successes by staging a celebration show at the Millennium Stadium on May 2.

Wales will mark their RBS 6 Nations title and Grand Slam successes by staging a celebration show at the Millennium Stadium on May 2.

Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium is set to host the Lions next May in a warm-up game for their tour of New Zealand.

ORGANISERS of the 2007 Rugby World Cup have announced that the Pool B encounter between Wales and Australia will be played in Cardiff.

The Welsh Rugby Union are close to receiving a double boost as they look to ease their debt, which stands at around £70m (€104m).

LLANELLI SCARLETS director of rugby Gareth Jenkins has launched a scathing attack on the Welsh Rugby Union for the way they appointed Mike Ruddock as the national coach.

The IRFU should forget about Croke Park and play their home fixtures at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff while Lansdowne Road is being redeveloped.

Former Wales captains David Pickering and Terry Cobner will be involved in the selection process to appoint a new national coach as successor to Steve Hansen.

THE Welsh Rugby Union have appointed former Cardiff, Wales and British Lions hooker Alan Phillips as the new national team manager.

Wales team manager David Pickering has quit his post in the wake of the 33-23 Lloyds TSB Six Nations win in Rome.

Wales have pledged to prepare normally despite their Six Nations’ championship with Ireland in Cardiff on Saturday being under threat from the foot and mouth crisis.

Wales coach Graham Henry is adamant his side will go into their Six Nations clash with unbeaten Ireland in good heart despite blowing a 19-point lead at Murrayfield.