Your Wednesday morning rugby headlines include news on Josh Hathaway, Tomos Williams, and Super Rugby side Moana Pasifika.
Hathaway’s Season Cut Short
Gloucester have been dealt a blow as Wales international Josh Hathaway is ruled out for the rest of the season. He suffered a hamstring injury ahead of the Gallagher PREM clash with Bristol Bears. The Welsh flyer’s campaign has been badly disrupted by injuries. This latest setback deprives Gloucester of one of their most dangerous back-three options for the final run-in.
Williams Edging Closer to Return
Tomos Williams is edging closer to a return after a shoulder injury he suffered in last month’s win over Harlequins. Gloucester boss George Skivington revealed the scrum-half is back running and “there or thereabouts” ahead of the trip to Ashton Gate. A late decision will be made on his involvement against Bristol.
Williams, who will join Saracens this summer, has been a hugely influential figure for Gloucester again this term. His recovery will be of particular interest to Steve Tandy and Wales, with the national side’s number-nine depth already a major talking point heading towards next year’s World Cup.
Skivington said the injury itself was not a major one, but suggested the heavy workload Williams has shouldered since the Six Nations has perhaps slowed his recovery. “Tommy [Williams] is running again,” Skivington said.
“Tomos got a bang to his shoulder. It wasn’t horrendous or anything like that. I think he has probably just played a lot of rugby, to be honest, coming off the back of the Six Nations. And, you know, when lads are fatigued, the bangs take a little bit longer.
“But he’s there or thereabouts. We’ll make a call on him for the weekend. He’s not bad. He’s in a good spot.”
Moana Pasifika to Fold
Super Rugby side Moana Pasifika will fold at the end of the current season. They will be axed from the competition. The club said it had no other option due to “financial, operational, and strategic realities”. Super Rugby is set to be reduced to 10 teams next season.
“Despite the tireless dedication of players, staff, and supporters, it is no longer viable to continue the franchise at this level of competition,” the team said in a statement.
Moana Pasifika chair Dr Kiki Maoate added: “We are immensely proud of our players, staff, and the community who have supported our team over the years.
“Our commitment now is to ensure a smooth transition for everyone affected and to celebrate our legacy by finishing the season strong.”
Multiple reports in New Zealand and Australia said 60 players and staff were informed of the news on Tuesday. The Super Rugby club’s owners will fund the remainder of the 2026 campaign, but will not continue beyond that. The Auckland-based franchise, which were formed in 2020, faced annual running costs believed to be in the regio
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