Chelsea are on the market for a left-back after cashing in on Marc Cucurella, while another exit is on the cards as new manager Xabi Alonso begins to build a squad in his image. Tottenham have agreed a deal to sign Jan Paul van Hecke but could miss out to Manchester City for Sandro Tonali, while Liverpool have hijacked Newcastle’s move for Victor Munoz. Follow the latest transfer news, gossip and rumours live below!

Here are your rugby morning headlines for Thursday, June 18.

Welsh rugby star announces exit for ‘next chapter’

Scarlets back-rower Jarrod Taylor has announced he is leaving the club after his contract came to an end.

The South African-born forward, who became a popular figure in Llanelli during his two-and-a-half-year spell, departs having made 44 appearances for the west Wales region.

Taylor arrived from the DHL Stormers midway through the 2023-24 season and made his debut against Munster in February 2024.

Confirming his departure, the 25-year-old thanked everyone connected with the Scarlets and said he would look back fondly on his time in Wales.

“I’m very grateful for my time at Scarlets and I’ll always look back on my two and a half years at the club with fond memories,” Taylor said.

“Thank you to everyone who made me feel welcome and good luck to the boys for the future.”

Scarlets interim director of rugby Nigel Davies paid tribute to the flanker, describing him as an “outstanding professional” who had made a significant contribution both on and off the field.

“Jarrod has been a pleasure to work with from the day I arrived,” Davies said.

“He is an outstanding professional who prepares well, trains hard and consistently puts the team first.

“Sometimes in professional rugby difficult decisions have to be made around squad balance and how you utilise the resources and overseas positions available to you. Unfortunately, that has been the case here.”

Davies added that Taylor had earned the respect of coaches, team-mates and supporters through his commitment and professionalism during his time at Parc y Scarlets.

“On behalf of everyone at the Scarlets, we’d like to thank Jarrod for everything he has given to the club and wish him and his family every success for the future.”

Taylor’s next destination has yet to be confirmed.

England to hand debut to controversial call-up

England are set to hand a first senior appearance to controversial call-up Benhard Janse van Rensburg when they take on a France XV on Friday.

The South Africa-born Bristol Bears centre is expected to feature off the bench in the uncapped clash in Vannes, despite not officially qualifying for England until July 8.

Because the match is not a Test, Steve Borthwick is free to select the 29-year-old before his five-year residency qualification is completed.

Janse van Rensburg’s inclusion has sparked debate in recent weeks after he was named in England’s summer training squad.

Former England scrum-half Danny Care said the selection “doesn’t sit right” and argued opportunities should instead be given to English-born players such as Max Ojomoh and Ollie Lawrence.

The controversy has been heightened by the fact Janse van Rensburg previously represented South Africa Under-20s and once spoke openly about his dream of playing for the Springboks.

However, the midfielder was cleared to represent England following a successful RFU appeal and has found support from former fly-half Andy Goode, who said criticism of the call-up was hypocritical given England’s history of selecting overseas-born players.

On Friday, Janse van Rensburg is expected to make his first appearance in an England shirt when he comes off the bench against the French invitational side.

Ojomoh and Seb Atkinson have been selected to start in midfield, with George Ford captaining the side and Marcus Smith named at full-back.

England head coach Borthwick said: “We’re looking forward to an exciting challenge against a strong French team in what will be a demanding fixture.

“I’m eager to see this group get out there and show what they’re capable of.”

Janse van Rensburg will not be eligible for England’s opening summer Test against South Africa on July 4, but could come into contention for matches against Fiji and Argentina later in the month once he officially qualifies.

England XV: M Smith (Harlequins); N Caluori (Saracens), M Ojomoh (Bath Rugby), S Atkinson (Gloucester Rugby), C Murley (Harlequins); G Ford (Sale Sharks, capt), H Randall (Bristol Bears); A Opoku-Fordjour (Sale Sharks), T Dan (Saracens), G Kloska (Bristol Bears), C Ewels (Bath Rugby), G Martin (Leicester Tigers), T Hill (Bath Rugby), T Curry (Sale Sharks), A Dombrandt (Harlequins).

Replacements: J Blamire (Leicester Tigers), B Obano (Bath Rugby), V Sela (Bath Rugby), N Isiekwe (Saracens), J Kenningham (Harlequins), R Quirke (Sale Sharks), B Janse van Rensburg (Bristol Bears), A Radwan (Leicester Tigers).

British Lion named academy chief after retirement

Former British and Irish Lion Joe Launchbury has landed a key rugby role just weeks after bringing his playing career to an end.

The 35-year-old has been appointed head of academy at Worcester Warriors as the Championship club continues its rebuild following its return from administration.

Launchbury retired at the end of the Premiership regular season after three years with Harlequins, ending a distinguished career that included 70 England caps and a British and Irish Lions tour.

The second row won three Six Nations titles with England and represented his country at two Rugby World Cups.

Much of his club career was spent with Wasps, where he made more than 150 appearances across two spells before joining Harlequins.

Worcester returned to professional rugby last season after their financial collapse in 2022 and enjoyed immediate success, winning the Championship play-off final to secure the second-tier title.

The establishment of an academy is viewed as a key step in the club’s long-term ambitions, with Premiership Rugby set to expand from the 2029-30 season.

Launchbury said he was “really honoured” to take up the position.

“Worcester is a club with a huge amount of history, especially in the academy area,” he said.

“Working with the next generation, working with these younger players definitely excites me, and the opportunity to come here to Worcester was something I didn’t want to turn down.”

Warriors chief executive Stephen Vaughan believes Launchbury is the perfect fit for the role.

He said the former England international’s playing career, leadership qualities and understanding of player development made him “the ideal person” to lead the academy programme.

Launchbury toured New Zealand with the British and Irish Lions in 2017 and now begins the next chapter of his rugby career away from the pitch.

Matthew Hallam, 32, was found dead on December 6, 2025

A man who was missing for six months took his own life, an inquest has heard. Matthew Hallam, 32, was reported missing from his home in Guilden Morden on July 11, 2025.

He was found dead on December 6, 2025. An inquest into Matthew’s death – heard today (Wednesday, June 17) at Vantage House in Huntingdon – concluded that Matthew died by suicide.

A letter read out to the court by Coroner Simon Milburn, written by Matthew’s father Steven, described the 32-year-old as a “caring” man. Mr Hallam added that “if you were feeling down, he [Matthew] would ask if everything was ok”.

The letter also read that Matthew’s mother had taken her own life in 2016. Steven added that Matthew was “close” with his mother and they “loved each other”.

The court heard how Matthew would go out for regular walks in the afternoon with the family dog, and not return for around two to three hours. On the day of his disappearance, Matthew went out at around 1pm, but without the dog.

He also left personal belongings at home, including his phone, which he normally wouldn’t do. Steven, and Matthew’s brother Ben, who he lived with, became “concerned” when he didn’t return by 3pm. Matthew was reported missing to Cambridgeshire Police at 10pm the same day.

On December 6, 2025, a shooting organiser discovered a body in a secluded woodland. Cambridgeshire Police attended the scene and in a statement read to the court, it was “suspected” this was Matthew as the clothing he was wearing matched a CCTV image from the day he went missing.

Ben Hallam sat in court and thanked those involved in the search for Matthew. He thanked police on the ground for their “initial response” and said he was “deeply grateful” to the grounds keeper who discovered Matthew.

He was also grateful for the local community who “supported in search efforts”. However, Ben criticised Cambridgeshire Police’s “lack of communication” in the months Matthew was missing.

Ben also said he felt “ignored” by the police when trying to enquire about the case. Mr Milburn concluded that Matthew’s death was caused by a “deliberate act”, ruling it as a suicide.

Former President Barack Obama is getting a little help from his friends in celebrating the opening of his presidential museum in Chicago.

The guestlist for Thursday’s dedication ceremony includes Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Christina Aguilera and Bono, along with former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton.

Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama are expected to give remarks. The invite-only celebration will be livestreamed and kicks off a weekend of events centered around the Obama Presidential Center, which opens to the general public on Juneteenth.

President Donald Trump is not among the announced guests. He called the $850 million center a “total disaster” in a social media post in February.

The Thursday celebration “will reflect a spirit of inspiration and joy, with a big boost from the performers who are sharing their talent with us,” said Valerie Jarrett, the Obama Foundation’s chief executive and former Obama top adviser. “We hope to inspire people everywhere to believe in their power to bring change home.”

Other celebrities slated to appear on Thursday include Common, Jennifer Hudson, Eddie Vedder, John Legend, Marc Anthony and The Roots.

General admission tickets for the center are sold out through the end of October. But tens of thousands of people have already been offered a sneak peek of the nearly 20-acre campus on Chicago’s South Side in Jackson Park.

The center, located near where Obama lived and began his political career, is expected to attract more than 1 million visitors annually. It is adjacent to the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry in the lakefront park, and not far from the University of Chicago.

The campus includes a towering museum that covers the political and personal realms of the nation’s first Black president, while public spaces include a branch of the Chicago Public Library, a playground and athletic center, basketball courts and a picnic area with grills.

Durham Police confirmed enquires remain ongoing into a horror crash on Yarm Road in Darlington on February 28, 2024 which claimed the life of 19-year-old Carla Scown.

Carla was riding pillion on the motorbike when it crashed with a HGV near the junction with Barrington Way at about 5.30pm.

Police at the scene on Yarm Road, Darlington on February 28, 2024. (Image: CONTRIBUTOR)

Police launched an investigation after the incident and arrested the 20-year-old driver of the motorcycle. He was later released under investigation.

An inquest was opened into her death later that year at Crook Coroner’s Court and heard she died of injuries to her upper body and head.

Coroner’s officer Alexis Blighe told Senior Coroner Jeremy Chipperfield: “I understand the circumstances to be that Miss Scown was a pillion passenger on a motorcycle which was involved in an RTC on Yarm Road in Darlington.

“On February 29, 2024, Dr Nigel Cooper conducted a post-mortem examination at Darlington Memorial Hospital mortuary and gave the cause of death as head, chest and abdominal injuries.”

Floral tributes remained at the scene in the days and weeks following Carla’s death.

Floral tributes at the scene (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Her heartbroken mum Fiona previously said her daughter’s death had “left a huge hole” in her heart.

She said: “Carla was such a loving daughter, sister, cousin and friend who loved all her family and friends.

“Carla will be very sadly missed every single day; she has left a huge hole in so many hearts of her family and friends.”

“She had the time of day for everyone and made all her friends and family so happy with her loving attitude towards them and life.”

US President Donald Trump has signed a tentative peace deal with Iran, which includes the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

A final deal is still set to be negotiated over 60 days but Trump’s signature puts the initial agreement into immediate effect, which includes a $300bn (£224bn) plan for Iran’s ‘reconstruction’.

The US will also stop ‘all types of sanctions’ on Iran after the president previously warned he would ‘bomb the hell’ out of Iran if no final deal manifests.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed the document on Wednesday, as confirmed by Tehran, while Trump signed in France at the G7 summit.

While in Evian-les-Bains, where the G7 summit took place, Trump said his signing was to stop a ‘worldwide depression’.

‘I didn’t want to see economic catastrophe,’ he said, according to the BBC. ‘If you kept this going, that could have happened.

‘All I know is every time we talked about the possibility of peace, the stock market shot up like a rocket ship. Every time we said something negative, like, guess what, we’re not going to be able to settle, it would go down very big.’

Iran’s parliamentary speaker and negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, told state media that Iran’s ‘finger is on the trigger’ as distrust of the US remains.

‘If the enemy does not understand the language of logic, we will enter again with the language of power,’ he told state broadcaster Fars.

According to initial reports about the deal, an agreement to halt Iran’s nuclear programme for good and determine the fate of its stockpile of highly enriched uranium would be expected to be reached within 60 days.

Iran has agreed to discuss ways to possibly ‘dilute or remove’ it, the officials said.

However, it remains unclear whether Tehran would ultimately agree to its complete removal, with hard-liners opposed to giving it up.

Both US intelligence and the UN’s nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), have said that Iran closed down its nuclear weapons development programme in 2003.

But according to the IAEA, Tehran has in recent years continued enriching uranium, including to near weapons-grade.

All three of the plants where that was happening were hit in the last US strikes on Iran last June.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, check our news page.

MORE: Donald Trump says ‘war is nasty’ after 120 children killed in US strike on Iran school

MORE: The US states where Trump’s support has fallen furthest since returning to power

MORE: Iran will get $300,000,000,000 to end war and ditch nukes

Liverpool have confirmed 12 player exits this summer including Mohamed Salah and Ibrahima Konate

Liverpool will see 12 players leave Anfield this summer, with two more potentially joining the likes of Mohamed Salah and Ibrahima Konate in departing. The Reds have already said goodbye to club legend Andy Robertson, who joined Tottenham on a free transfer before making his World Cup debut with Scotland.

Salah revealed his Anfield exit earlier this year, confirming he would end his contract a year early for a fresh challenge. Meanwhile, Konate has been strongly linked with a free move to Real Madrid after being unable to reach an agreement on fresh terms with the Reds.

Other confirmed departures include academy talents such as Kareem Ahmed, Emmanuel Airoboma, James Balagizi, DJ Bernard, Oakley Cannonier, Josh Davidson, Terence Miles and Jacob Poytress. In their official announcement regarding club exits, Liverpool expressed gratitude to every player for their contribution and “wish each of them the best for the future.”

The above list may not be the only ones departing Anfield this summer. Andoni Iraola has taken charge of Liverpool following Arne Slot’s dismissal, and he could offload two more players as he seeks to impose his vision on the team.

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OPINION

Curtis Jones is one player rumoured to be considering a departure from his boyhood club. Liverpool have already received an approach from Inter Milan for the midfielder, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, but the proposal fell short of the valuation.

Reports suggest that the Serie A outfit are extremely interested in Jones and intend to offload Davide Frattesi to Nottingham Forest in order to finance their move for the 25-year-old. It is believed that Liverpool value Jones at approximately £35m but would consider £25m for his services.

Federico Chiesa is the other Liverpool player who could be departing. The Italy international has already insisted he will leave the Reds if new manager Iraola does not guarantee regular first-team football.

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Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, Chiesa said: “I repeat: I want to play. If I don’t find consistency in the Premier League, I’ll have to look elsewhere. I barely played in my first year at Liverpool, and in the last one, very little. I’ll go on a training camp in the US, then I’ll talk to the club and the new manager, Iraola, and we’ll see.

“I’m open to anything; the important thing is to play. I’m not so presumptuous as to say: I have to be a starter. I’m ready to fight for a place, anywhere.”

There is certainly interest from the winger in staying at Anfield, but speculation regarding a return to his home country persists. Reports in January indicated that Juve had approached the Reds to bring Chiesa back, but these never materialised.

Weighing up a potential return to Serie A, the 28-year-old recently admitted: “I’d love to return to Juventus. It’s also been said that I demanded a lot of money, but the truth is different: I was never offered a renewal. We never even discussed it. [Cristiano] Giuntoli and Thiago Motta told me, ‘Fede, we don’t need you: find a team.’

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“I was lucky; I started again with one of the top five in the world, Liverpool. But Juventus is always in my heart and I’d like to return. I’ve never discussed money with Juve and I never will.”

Chiesa also touched on the prospect of Jones following him to Italy, revealing that the 25-year-old had quizzed him about life in Serie A. He added: “Jones just asked me what life is like in Italy.

“I told him it’s great and the weather is better than Liverpool, which aside from that is a special place. Jones is really strong technically, Inter are right to think about him.”

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Santander’s quarterly “scamtracker”, which charts volumes, values and trends in authorised push payment (APP) scams where people are tricked into sending money to criminals, found that men handed over the equivalent of £100,000 to scammers every day during the first six months of the year, with the biggest hitters by value being investment and purchase scams.

Two customers pulled Douglas MacRae off a member of the security staff in B&M in Foss Islands Road, York, said Kathryn Walters, prosecuting.

While on bail pending trial for that offence, he carried out a series of raids on Waitrose, also on Foss Islands Road, and other shops and when staff tried to stop him assaulted them.

“He accepts he is going to jail today,” said his solicitor Craig Robertson.

York magistrates passed their maximum prison sentence but added that a law passed earlier this year meant they had to suspend the sentence because there were no “exceptional circumstances”.

They gave MacRae a 52-week prison sentence suspended for two years without requirements and warned him that if he commits another offence during the suspension period, he will have to serve a year in jail.

They did not order him to do any work with probation or unpaid work as a requirement of the suspension after hearing he was unable to work with probation officers and did not order him to pay compensation to the shop staff or the shops after hearing he already owes the court more than £5,000 as a result of other cases. 

They did order him to pay £125 prosecution costs and a £187 statutory surcharge.

MacRae, who had been sent to the court in custody following his arrest by police, walked free.

The 42-year-old of Bull Lane, off Hull Road, York, pleaded guilty to 10 offences of shop theft and five of assaulting staff. 

Apart from the assault at B&M on February 16, which he had initially denied, all the offences were committed between May 7 and June 10. He has a long criminal history.

Ms Walters said he had stolen items worth £490.25 in five raids on Waitrose on Foss Islands Road, £300 from Sainsbury’s, £259.79 from B&M in three raids, £35.20 from a Co-op shop on Hull Road, and £50 from The Range.

York magistrates heard he had assaulted two staff at Waitrose on separate days, one at The Range and two including the security staff attacked on February 16 at B&M.

Mr Robertson said of the assaults: “They are all the same thing – staff say stop; he doesn’t, runs and pushes them out of the way.”

Ms Walters said the security staff member spotted MacRae stealing in B&M on February 16 and told him to stop.

MacRae claimed he had done nothing wrong, grabbed hold of him in an aggressive way and the two scuffled through the store until they reached the till area where the security man managed to get MacRae on the floor.

The struggle continued until the two customers intervened and MacRae made good his escape. The security staff member was scratched.

Mr Robertson said none of the other shop staff assaulted by MacRae were injured.