Welsh rugby needs experience moving forward

The Welsh Rugby Union is still planning a radical restructuring of the professional game and player pathway.

While the WRU has vowed to publish a plan to reduce the number of professional teams to three in June, it is also planning to invest £28m into the pathway over the next five years.

Part of that investment must be directed towards coaching and player development. The WRU already has highly capable figures in place, but building on those foundations will be essential if Welsh rugby is to move forward.

The WRU’s new technical director, Rhys Long, will have a big part to play in this.

Former FA man Long will be responsible for designing and delivering performance strategies across both the men’s and women’s games for the national and regional teams.

While it is important to bring in fresh blood, it is also essential to have people in place with experience and a proven track record of success in both results and player development.

If the WRU are truly looking to do things properly, maybe it is time to call upon those heavily invested in Welsh rugby who, at one time, helped create incredible success for Wales.

These eight figures could still offer something to Welsh rugby, either at one of the regions or within the future national academy system.

Dai Young

The former Wales prop is currently head of performance rugby at Cardiff Met.

Young has a strong track record as both a coach and director of rugby. The 57-year-old won the European Challenge Cup with Cardiff in 2010, leading the Welsh club and Wasps through some very difficult periods.

What is often overlooked with Young is his success in developing players.

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Young fast-tracked the likes of Leigh Halfpenny, Sam Warburton and Jamie Roberts into the senior Cardiff team. While at Wasps, he also played a pivotal role in the development of future England internationals such as Jack Willis, Tom Willis and Elliot Daly.

Many who have worked with Young point to his high standards and no-nonsense approach as qualities which could benefit Welsh rugby.

He still has plenty to offer.

Stephen Jones

The former Wales outside-half has only recently signed a multi-year contract at Newcastle Red Bulls as part of new head coach Dan McFarland’s coaching team.

But Jones should be a primary target for the WRU as part of any new structure, perhaps even as head coach of one of the three remaining teams.

To many Welsh fans, Jones is tainted by his association with former Wales head coach Wayne Pivac.

But Wales played some of their best attacking rugby in years under Jones, with a Six Nations title, Triple Crown and a victory in South Africa on his CV.

In Wales, there is often a tendency to discard coaches after one or two rocky spells, but failure is part of the journey to success — just look at Steve Hansen’s time with Wales. Prior to his stint with Wales, Jones was regarded as one of the most innovative coaches in the game.

The former Wales outside-half was the mastermind behind the Scarlets‘ PRO12 title win in 2017 and their run to the Champions Cup semi-final a year later.

He has also worked alongside All Blacks legend Tana Umaga at Moana Pasifika in Super Rugby Pacific.

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Adam Jones

The Wales scrummaging legend must surely be a major target for the WRU.

Jones was part of Warren Gatland’s backroom team as scrum coach on sabbatical from Harlequins for the 2025 Six Nations and the summer tour of Japan under Matt Sherratt.

Harlequins’ goodwill towards Welsh rugby, however, has now worn thin after head coach Danny Wilson left the club on the eve of the Gallagher Premiership season to join Steve Tandy’s Wales coaching team as forwards coach, having previously held the role during a sabbatical in the summer of 2025.

Wales have used Duncan Jones and Paul James as scrum coaches, but Jones must surely be on Tandy’s shopping list.

Jones has done a tremendous job with Harlequins and has played a pivotal role in developing a number of England internationals, from Kyle Sinckler to Fin Baxter.

Imagine how beneficial it would be for young Welsh tightheads within the pathway, such as Jac Pritchard or Kian Hire, to work regularly with Jones.

Robin McBryde

The former Wales and Lions hooker is currently working at Irish province Leinster but should be a long-term target for the WRU.

McBryde worked under both Gareth Jenkins and Warren Gatland, winning four Six Nations titles and reaching two World Cup semi-finals.

The 55-year-old also took charge of the Lions’ forwards for the 2021 tour of South Africa during Covid.

He is highly respected within professional rugby circles and has a strong track record in developing young forwards.

In the future, Wales should benefit from McBryde’s quality and experience.

Rob Howley

The former Wales attack coach has his critics, but his record stands up to scrutiny. Working alongside Warren Gatland, Howley helped deliver three Grand Slams, a Six Nations title and played a role on three British & Irish Lions tours.

The former scrum-half has also worked extensively within the pathway system and boasts a strong track record in developing Welsh talent.

At a time when the game in Wales is searching for direction, there is a strong case for drawing on that experience.

Aled Walters, Trystan Bevan and Mark Bennett

These three know what success looks like and how to achieve it.

Walters, from Llangadog, is widely regarded as one of the best strength and conditioning coaches in world rugby, if not the best.

Having started his career at the Scarlets, Walters spent time with Taranaki in New Zealand before becoming an athletic performance coach at the Brumbies in Super Rugby.

From 2012, he spent six years as head of athletic performance at Munster under Rassie Erasmus, who later took him to South Africa. Walters helped the Springboks win the Rugby World Cup in 2019, with many South African players identifying the Welshman as a key component of their success.

He later spent time with England and is currently head of athletic performance with Ireland. Walters is not just very good — he is world class — and it is quite frankly embarrassing on the WRU’s part to see a Welshman help many of its rivals achieve success.

Getting Walters back to Wales should be a major target for the WRU, especially after Gatland identified fitness as an issue in the wake of a dour autumn campaign.

Bevan has been involved in elite sport for years and has built a strong reputation within the game, having been head of physical performance at both Cardiff and Wasps under Dai Young.

He was also a key part of the WRU’s national academy, helping to develop Welsh rugby’s golden generation, including Sam Warburton, Leigh Halfpenny and Jamie Roberts.

Bevan is currently general manager of performance at women’s football club Gwalia United but would be a strong appointment for one of Wales’ professional clubs or within the WRU’s pathway.

Mark Bennett was head of strength and conditioning at the WRU between 2005 and 2014, while he has also worked in professional tennis. He is currently head of athletic performance at the Auckland Blues.

Shanice Brookes, 30, was fatally shot outside a bar in Sheffield city centre in the early hours of Monday 25 May 2026 — her family have now paid tribute to the much-loved mother-of-one

A woman fatally shot outside a Sheffield bar on Monday has been identified as Shanice Brookes, a 30-year-old mother, South Yorkshire Police have confirmed.

The family of Shanice have today paid tribute to the much-loved mum-of-one.

Shortly before 2.45am on Monday (May 25), Shanice was outside One Four One bar on West Street when she was senselessly shot during an incident to which she was simply an innocent bystander.

Officers attended the scene, where Shanice was treated by police and paramedics before being taken to hospital, where she died.

Following formal identification, her family paid tribute to her. Shanice lived in Sheffield, where she worked for a local charity and was in the process of completing a university degree.

Her family said: “Shanice had the biggest heart and the kind of energy you could never forget. She was a deeply loved daughter, granddaughter, niece, cousin, friend and godmother, as well as being an amazing mum to her son, who meant the world to her.

“To her cousins, she was more like a sister – someone they could always turn to for love, laughter and support. Shanice was also due to graduate from university, a reflection of her determination, ambition and the bright future ahead of her.

“She could light up every room she walked in to with her infectious laugh, beautiful soul and magical aura. Shanice made people feel loved, safe and valued simply by being herself.

“She was truly one of a kind and she will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know and love her.”, reports the Daily Star.

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On Tuesday, police released an image depicting the location of the incident and a vehicle they believe to be connected.

Officers continue to appeal for anyone who witnessed what occurred in the early hours of Monday morning to come forward.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Knowles said: “Today, we have formally identified Shanice as the victim fatally injured in this incident, and our thoughts are with her family and the many people who knew and loved her.

“Shanice was a young woman who was in the prime of her life and was simply enjoying a night out in the city centre over the bank holiday weekend.

“People often say innocent victims were in the wrong place at the wrong time, but Shanice was not in the wrong place at the wrong time – we should all be able to go on nights out and know that we will come home safely.

“This incident lays bare the devastation gun crimes causes within families and communities and I want to send a clear message to those who witnessed the incident or have information on those involved.

“If you saw what happened on Monday morning, or have information about who was involved, please do not stay silent. Shanice’s family, including her young son, are now facing the heartbreaking reality that they will never see her again.

“The reckless actions of others have taken her life away from her and the sad reality is that any of us, or our loved ones, could have been the victim of this senseless incident.

“We are carrying out a complex and comprehensive investigation to secure justice for Shanice, but we need the public to come forward and tell us what they saw and what they know, so we can ensure no other family goes through the devastation Shanice’s family are experiencing right now.”

Information can be submitted directly to police via the Major Incident Public Portal or by calling 101, quoting incident number 135 of 25 May 2026. Report online here.

Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on freephone 0800 555 111 or through their website. No personal details are gathered through their confidential reporting service, ensuring complete anonymity.

Further information about the support available for witnesses can also be found on the force’s website.

A court injunction has been granted, meaning no further works can be carried out at the site

Work on a suspected Travellers’ site in Cambridgeshire over the bank holiday weekend has been done without a planning application, according to a councillor. Illegal work on the site near Moor Drove, close to the Cambridgeshire villages of Cottenham and Histon began on Saturday (May 23).

Hardstanding ground has been laid alongside at least 16 caravans in the green belt protected area. It remains unclear who owns the land.

South Cambridgeshire District Council secured a High Court injunction late on Sunday evening (May 24). Mr Justice Mansfield acknowledged there was no planning application for the works.

In court documents, Cllr Dr Martin Cahn said he visited the site on Sunday, May 24, and witnessed “plant and machinery [moving] newly imported materials”.

He added: “The materials had been brought to the site via large HGV tipper trucks. I sought to engage with the gentleman in the white shirt […] to determine what works were being carried out. He advised me that he did not know anything about the project.”

The Judge granted the injunction which means no further works can be carried out on the grounds it was reasonable to suspect further units would be bought onto the land. The injunction was made under s187B of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

Mr Justice Mansfield added: “The practicalities of not being able to serve individuals who are carrying out the works as their identities cannot be ascertained at a time when there is an already urgent problem. I have no doubt there is a serious issue to be tried.”

The site at Moor Drove is just five miles away from Smithy Fen where Travellers bought land around the village of Cottenham and fought to stay there in 2003. They appealed their eviction under the Human Rights Act and won – despite lengthy legal battles and headline news.

Lead Cabinet Member for Planning at South Cambridgeshire District Council, Cllr Henry Batchelor, said the council had acted swiftly to secure the injunction. He said: “This required significant work by the Council over the bank holiday weekend, and we are grateful to the Judge for making themselves available out of hours to hear our case.

“It is important that everyone abides by planning rules, which are in place to protect our communities. Council officers have visited the site and will continue to monitor the situation closely. The council expects to return to the High Court for a further hearing on this matter shortly.”

All traffic is being temporarily held and there are huge queues due to accident on M25 clockwise at Junction 2.

Kent Police and Kent Fire & Rescue Services have rushed to the scene. A diversion has been put in place and there are delays of 90 minutes.

National Highways said: “There are severe delays, congestion is back to between the M25 J29 and J30 (clockwise).

“If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time. Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey.”

MIAMI (AP) — A federal judge on Wednesday allowed a teenager charged with sexually assaulting and killing his 18-year-old stepsister on a Carnival Cruise ship to remain free for now as the judge considers arguments following a hearing in Miami.

Timothy Hudson was initially arrested and charged as a juvenile, and U.S. Magistrate Judge Edwin Torres ruled in February that the 16-year-old could live with an uncle and be electronically monitored. But after the case was transferred to adult court, prosecutors wanted Hudson in custody.

Minors are rarely prosecuted in federal court, and this case landed there because Kepner apparently died in international waters, outside any state’s jurisdiction.

The judge ended Wednesday morning’s hearing without making a final decision, saying he wanted to speak with the U.S. Marshals Service about the logistics of detaining Hudson in central Florida, closer to his family, rather than South Florida, where the trial is taking place.

It’s unknown when Torres will announce his decision. In the meantime, Hudson walked out of the courthouse after the hearing, rather than being immediately taken into custody.

Hudson has pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse. His federal public defenders have declined to comment on the charges.

Hudson’s stepsister, Anna Kepner, had been traveling on the Carnival Horizon ship in November with her family, including Hudson. Before the ship was scheduled to return to Florida, her body was found concealed under a bed in a room she was sharing with Hudson and another teen, a criminal complaint said.

The cause of Kepner’s Nov. 6 death was determined to be mechanical asphyxia, which is when an object or physical force stops someone from breathing.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Alejandra Lopez argued Wednesday that the crimes Hudson is accused of are so serious that the court shouldn’t risk another violet attack. An autopsy determined that Kepner had been pinned down and violently raped, the prosecutors said. She also noted that it likely took 3-5 minutes for Hudson to strangle Kepner until she was dead.

“I believe there is clear and convincing evidence that this defendant is a danger to the community,” Lopez said.

The prosecutor also argued that Hudson was a much greater flight risk because he now faces a possible life sentence if convicted of the adult charges. As a juvenile, he would have been released at age 21, regardless of what counts he was found delinquent on.

Evan Kuhl, with the Federal Public Defender’s office, told the judge that Hudson has abided by the conditions of his release for months without issue.

The judge acknowledged that an adult facing these charges would almost certainly be detained until trial, but he still needed to consider the reality of Hudson’s age, despite the adult charges. While the judge said he agreed with the defense that Hudson was a low flight risk, he still hadn’t decided whether the teen posed a threat to the community if certain pre-trial restrictions remained in place.

Kepner’s father, Christopher Kepner, previously released a statement, saying the family was placing “trust in the justice system to pursue the truth with care and integrity.”

“The situation is deeply painful and complex for the entire family,” Kepner said.

Anna Kepner was a high school cheerleader at Temple Christian School in Titusville, Florida, about 40 miles (65 kilometers) east of Orlando. At her memorial service in November, family members encouraged people to wear bright colors instead of the traditional black “in honor of Anna’s bright and beautiful soul.”

Afterwards, Korpatsch rebuked the suggestion by 32nd seed Wang that she was “not a fair player”.

Korpatsch said there had been two ball marks, one old and one new, but both were out – a claim supported by the chair umpire and Hawk-Eye.

“The chair umpire came down and showed the mark, and it was out. Also on the TV, they showed the Hawk-Eye and it was like 8mm out. She came on my side because she didn’t believe it,” Korpatsch said.

“At the end, we didn’t have a handshake because she told me she’s not OK with the ball marks.

“I can’t say I’ll gift her the point. I’m a bit surprised because we have a good relationship, we’re not enemies.

“I didn’t offer her my hand because that’s not fair for me. She was unfair to come on my side, and I’m not an unfair player.”

CAIRO (AP) — Iranians began to regain internet access on Wednesday after authorities ended a monthslong shutdown. But users said service was slow and spotty in some areas, with apps like YouTube and Instagram heavily restricted, as they were before the cutoff began during nationwide protests in January.

Authorities justified the outage as a military imperative after the United States and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28. Their decision to lift some restrictions this week came as negotiators appeared to be closing in on a more permanent truce. But many Iranians feared access could be cut off again at a moment’s notice.

Internet tracking company Netblocks said Iran’s connectivity, which measures the ability of devices to connect to the internet, is at around 86% of capacity from before the cutoff. Internet analysis firm Kentik said internet traffic, which measures the amount of data transferred and is a good illustration of usage, was at around 40%.

Amir Rashidi, an Iranian cybersecurity analyst, said there were still widespread disruptions. “It’s too early to say the shutdown is over,” he wrote on X.

An unprecedented shutdown

Iran’s roughly 90 million people have been cut off from the internet for most of 2026, one of the world’s longest and strictest national shutdowns. Young people with online careers saw their incomes evaporate. Job losses and the closure of online businesses added to the war’s steep economic costs.

The cutoff made it difficult for Iranian families to communicate through months of unrest and war. At some points, phone lines were also cut off, though they were later restored.

A woman living in Tehran said that for months she was barely able to speak to her sons living abroad. She couldn’t believe authorities had restored access, saying she had assumed they would find some justification to prolong the outage.

A taxi driver said service was restored but weak. He expressed hope it would improve so he could use messaging apps with family and friends. Both spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons.

Prices spiked during the shutdown, with residents in Tehran at times paying around $7.50 per gigabyte. Prices are back down to around $2.25 for 30 gigabytes, roughly where they were before the protests.

Even then, Iran tightly controlled access to popular social media sites, leading many to rely on virtual private networks, or VPNs. The cost of those workarounds soared during the shutdown, making them unaffordable for many as the economy was battered.

A slow return to service

Businesses have started reappearing online, announcing their return with posts on sites like Instagram and Telegram.

A gamer and tech influencer in the central city of Isfahan said the shutdown had caused him to lose a lot of his audience on YouTube and Instagram, where he had spent years building up a large following.

“All my views and interactions are way down. I’ve been erased from the algorithm,” he said in a voice note sent by WhatsApp, adding that his internet connection was still slower than before the shutdown.

“The situation is such that many content producers have had their income reduced to zero, have moved on to other jobs, or have been forced to sell their equipment to survive,” he said. He spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal.

Iran claimed the shutdown was a wartime necessity

Iranian authorities first shut down the internet in January during mass anti-government protests that were eventually stamped out in a violent crackdown. Thousands of people were killed and tens of thousands detained.

That cutoff was just starting to ease when the government imposed a complete internet blackout after the start of the war, when U.S. and Israeli strikes killed Iran’s supreme leader and other top officials.

The government faced criticism for the prolonged shutdown, which caused even more harm to an economy devastated by inflation, strikes on key industries and a U.S. blockade on Iranian ports.

The internet cutoff cost an estimated $30-40 million daily, with indirect losses likely twice that much, a member of Iran’s Chamber of Commerce, Afshin Kolahi, told a local newspaper last month. About 10 million people have jobs that depend on internet connectivity, according to Communications Minister Sattar Hashemi.

Iranians still had access to a national net, but that has a far narrower reach, and users complained of poor service and heavy censorship. Senior government officials are given SIM cards granting them access to the global internet. Under pressure, the government expanded access to the SIM cards to some professions during the shutdown.