How Wales plan to defeat Japan
Wales’ coaches are sandpapering the grip off their rugby balls and turning up the thermostats to get the squad ready for their Japan tour.
Halfpenny: Battle with Hogg will make me better
Wales and Lions full-back Leigh Halfpenny says the battle for the full-back jersey will see him reach new highs.
Lions 2013: Gatland names 15 Wales players
Warren Gatland has named a 37-man squad to take on Australia in this summer's Lions tour.
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How Wales plan to defeat Japan
Wales’ coaches are sandpapering the grip off their rugby balls and turning up the thermostats to get the squad ready for their Japan tour.
Read the full storyJJ Williams receives MBE from Queen
Welsh rugby legend JJ Williams has collected his MBE for services to rugby and charitable services in Wales.
Now 65, he played on the wing for Llanelli, Wales and the Lions during a stellar career.
He won 30 caps for Wales between 1973 and 1979, with two Grand Slams.
He was part of the Llanelli side which famously beat the All Blacks in 1972, and went on two Lions tours.
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Full Wales squad for tour of Japan
Wales will play Japan in Osaka on 8 June, and then in Tokyo on 15 June.
Tour coach Robin McBryde trimmed his initial training squad down to a touring party of 27:
Forwards: Ryan Bevington, Rhys Gill, Emyr Phillips, Scott Baldwin, Scott Andrews, Craig Mitchell, Rhodri Jones, Bradley Davies, Lou Reed, Andrew Coombs, James King, Aaron Shingler, Dan Baker, Rob McCusker, Andries Pretorius.
Backs: Lloyd Williams, Tavis Knoyle, Dan Biggar, Rhys Patchell, Ashley Beck, Owen Williams, Jonathan Spratt, Dafydd Howells, Liam Williams, Harry Robinson, Tom Prydie, Steven Shingler.
Rhys Patchell among nine uncapped to face Japan
Nine uncapped players have been named in the Wales squad for two tests in Japan next month.
Cardiff Blues lock Bradley Davies, who has won 38 caps, will captain the side.
His teammate, 20-year-old fly-half Rhys Patchell, is arguably the most eye-catching inclusion. There have been calls for him to be selected for Wales sooner, after a series of strong regional performances this season.
Wales are without a series of players - and coaches - on Lions duty.
Tour coach Robin McBryde said: “It’s a chance for these players now to experience the international test environment and put their marker down."
Bradley Davies to be named Wales captain for Japan
Wales tour coach Robin McBryde will name Cardiff Blues second row Bradley Davies as his captain for the upcoming tour of Japan, ITV News understands.
With a host of senior players on tour in Australia with the Lions this summer, and others suffering injuries, McBryde is expected to name a very inexperienced squad for next month's games.
McBryde to name his tour squad
Wales tour coach Robin McBryde will name his final 27-man squad for next month's tour of Japan later.
The team has suffered a string of injury setbacks after of the tour with hooker Ken Owens (neck), fly-half Rhys Priestland (Achilles) and centre Scott Williams (shoulder) all sidelined.
Assistant coach Mark Jones says the two-test tour will be a platform for players to make their mark.
He said: "This summer is a great opportunity for players to make their mark with Wales. It's a chance for us to find out what the players are about, see some on the international stage for the first time and see some step up and lead the team.
"The World Cup is only two years away and players need to start putting their mark down now."
Wales face Japan in Osaka on 8th June and then a week later in Tokyo.
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Ex-Wales international Matthew J Watkins has cancer
Former Wales international rugby player Matthew J Watkins has announced he has cancer.
He says he has a very rare form of cancer of his right pelvis, but "remains well and active" while being treated at Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff.
The 34-year-old from Newport won 19 caps for Wales, and played at centre for clubs including the Scarlets and the Dragons, before retiring in 2011.
“Obviously it’s very disappointing news for me and my family but I’m keen to progress with my treatment and battle the illness with the same commitment as I gave to my rugby career", he said.
“I would like to thank everyone who has offered their support and the fantastic support from the guys at Velindre Cardiff. I am determined to continue my everyday life with my family and friends."
Heineken Cup win for Gethin Jenkins
Gethin Jenkins has become only the ninth Welsh rugby player ever to win the Heineken Cup.
His club side, Toulon, came from behind in the all-French final to the lift the trophy. But it meant disappointment for fellow Welshman Lee Byrne as Clermont were beaten 15-16.
Warburton: "We're going out there to win"
Wales and Lions Captain Sam Warburton says he's hoping Wales' model of success can help the lions to a first series win in 24 years.
There was a distinctly Welsh feel as all but one of the 15 strong Welsh contingent were preparing just outside Cardiff this afternoon.
Warburton believes that, and Warren Gatlands approach, will make all the difference down under.
British and Irish Lions in training
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