Welsh rugby coach in contract talks and England star ruled out of World Cup

These are your evening rugby headlines on Monday, September 21.

Tiatia in contract talks

Dragons head coach Filo Tiatia is reportedly in advanced talks with the region over a contract extension, with his current deal set to expire at the end of the season.

Former All Blacks backrower and Ospreys legend Tiatia joined the Dragons in the summer of 2024 as defence coach, but was later promoted to become interim boss following the departure of head coach Dai Flanagan.

His role was made permanent in February last year and, having endured a difficult first season, oversaw significant progress in the last campaign, with the Rodney Parade side ending the URC season with three wins and four draws to their name.

JOIN OUR WALES RUGBY FACEBOOK PAGE Latest news, analysis and much more

Dragons chief executive Rhys Blumberg has made it clear that the region are keen to keep hold of Tiatia beyond the end of the 2026/27 campaign, with talks taking place this month.

“We’d love to lock Filo in and back him for a long-term future at the Dragons,” Blumberg told the BBC. “He has definitely got an appetite to stay and we have an appetite to keep him.

“We will work through that over the next month or so to get something done.”

On the impact the New Zealander has had during his time at Rodney Parade, the CEO said of last season: “We finished 15th but there was progress with 19 more league points and getting to the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup.

“We really improved and Filo deserves real credit for how much belief he instills in people – that is his superpower. He is a mentor for the players and gets them to believe they are good enough to compete with anybody.”

England star out of World Cup

Former England and British & Irish Lions prop Kyle Sinckler has closed the door on a sensational Test rugby comeback at next year’s World Cup after agreeing a contract extension with Toulon.

The 33-year-old has 68 caps for England and represented them at two World Cups, but has been ineligible for international selection ever since joining the French giants in 2024.

Sinckler, who entered the final year of his contract in July, had been strongly linked with a return to English rugby in recent months, with Newcastle Red Bulls, Exeter Chiefs and former club Harlequins among those interested in services.

A move back home would have put him in contention for a shock international comeback, amid suggestions that he could force his way into the frame for next year’s World Cup in Australia.

However, he will remain unavailable for selection by Steve Borthwick until he’s 35 at least, after agreeing a two-year contract extension with the Stade Mayol club.

It comes after the two-time Lions tourist admitted that he had fallen back in love with rugby during his time in France, particularly in regard to the scrum.

“In France, there is more pressure in the connections,” he told Equipe. “I have to adapt to it. The spirit of the scrum is very different here. From the commands ‘flexion’, ‘liez, and ‘jouer’.

“If I switch early, too hard, I risk arriving at the end of the race at impact, devoid of power. I am still in the adjustment phase. In Toulon, the scrum is a story of life and death. It’s exhilarating.

“In England, we are more analytical,” Sinckler added. “Here, the scrum, we put emotions into it. It’s a whole city and a region that vibrates. In Toulon you feel like a gladiator. I love it!”

Gatland heading back to Wales

Former national team head coach Warren Gatland is heading back to Wales – for a Q&A evening with broadcaster Phil Steele.

The New Zealander has been largely out of rugby since stepping down from his position as Wales boss in the middle of last year’s Six Nations 18 months ago, but is eyeing a return to the game ahead of next year’s Rugby World Cup.

On November 15, he will be heading to Abercwmboi RFC for an evening of “fascinating rugby stories, insight and entertainment”, with the floor set to be opened up to fans for a live Q&A.

Supporters will be hoping to hear about the highs and lows of Gatland’s two very different stints with Wales, as well as some insight into the big issues currently facing the Welsh game.

The event starts at 6pm, with individual tickets available for £35.

Follow all of our channels to ensure you stay up to date with the latest Welsh rugby news. Sign up to our free daily newsletter here and our WhatsApp channel here for all the breaking news.