These are your Boxing Day rugby headlines.

WRU create new role

PA Staff

The Welsh Rugby Union is set to make a new lead appointment for the women’s game in 2025 alongside a raft of other changes as a result of recommendations from a strategic review, the governing body has announced.

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Last week it was confirmed Nigel Walker had resigned from his position as WRU executive director of rugby in response to Wales’ decline, with the men’s team’s losing run extended to a record 12 matches which has seen Warren Gatland’s side occupy their lowest ever world-ranking position of 11th.

In November, Ioan Cunningham had left his position as Wales women’s head coach by mutual agreement.

Cunningham’s departure after three years at the helm followed a recent turbulent spell in the Welsh women’s game which saw the WRU’s handling of now completed contract negotiations fiercely criticised.

On Christmas Eve, the WRU confirmed the appointment of a new head coach was set for January, ahead of the Guinness Six Nations which starts on March 22 when Wales will travel to Scotland.

The WRU’s strategic review was conducted by board members Alison Thorne and Claire Donovan.

Key recommendations of the review include creating a new Women’s game lead who will be responsible for all aspects of the women’s game. The senior position will set and implement strategy and also directly manage the Wales women head coach.

The WRU said this would provide “new and clear lines of responsibilities to be established throughout the management team and high-performance structure” at the governing body.

As part of the previous negotiations, it is understood that Wales players received a three-hour ultimatum to agree fresh terms – and there was a threat of the national squad being withdrawn from the recent WXV2 tournament in South Africa and next year’s England-hosted World Cup.

The WRU said there would now be changes to the way future negotiations are constructed, so “maximising transparency and enabling all parties to be properly represented.”

A central premise is to be established where contracted players are treated as primary employees of the WRU, even where other club or employment contracts are also present.

Professional working practices will also be “reset” to help support the mental and physical wellbeing of all WRU colleagues.

WRU chief executive Abi Tierney said: “This review has been hugely informative and its recommendations will significantly advance the women’s and girls’ game in Wales.

“It is important and right to note that apologies have been made on behalf of the WRU for our role in protracted negotiations.

“By bringing matters to our attention in August, our players have been instrumental in helping us establish a new way of working together and they have brought about changes which will pay dividends to those that follow them long into the future.”

Tierney added: “The job is not complete but we are confident that we are now in a good place and, with a new head coach due to be appointed in January, the Wales women’s national squad can look forward to the new year with enthusiasm and optimism about what it may bring.

“We have been humbled by this process, but we are not jaded by it.

“We are confident that a positive outcome has been achieved and are grateful to all those who have participated for their honesty and constructive input.”

Gatland stars do battle

Aaron Wainwright and Taulupe Faletau will go head to head this evening in a Welsh derby between Dragons and Cardiff.

Just a few weeks before Warren Gatland names his squad for the 2025 Six Nations, the two No.8s face off at Rodney Parade.

Having Faletau back fit and firing will be a huge boost for the New Zealander, who has been shorn of his world-class forward due to successive shoulder and arm injuries.

In his absence, Wainwright has stepped up to the plate, developing into a superb Test player himself, and to be able to call upon both for the upcoming tournament will be massive for the head coach.

Shane Lewis-Hughes also makes his return to the matchday squad tonight - just three weeks after the shock news of having a finger amputated.

"It's always an exciting time of year and there is a good buzz among the players as we approach back-to-back Welsh derbies," said Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt.

"I always enjoy going to Rodney Parade. It feels like a proper old-school derby, packed to the rafters, especially after the warm-up when you walk off.

"You get a pretty hostile reception but that's what it's all about. I'm really looking forward to it and the players are as well.

"We only played the Dragons two games ago so we don't expect much to change tactically in that time.

"But we just have to focus on ourselves, getting our own game right and making sure we put as much of it on the field, for as long as possible."

Dragons head coach Filo Tiatia, who will be missing the match due to a family commitment back in New Zealand, added: "Cardiff Rugby are a good team. Their aspiration will be to come out with a win as well. It's not different to ours.

"Everyone is really looking forward to the game. We've watched Cardiff closely and we're neighbours - they would have done the same.

"It's going to be a sell-out or close to it, and the traditions of the Boxing Day game are special."

In Tiatia's absence, the Men of Gwent will be led by backs coach Matt O'Brien.

Dragons: Huw Anderson; Rio Dyer, Joe Westwood, Aneurin Owen, Jared Rosser; Angus O'Brien (capt), Rhodri Williams; Rodrigo Martinez, Brodie Coghlan, Chris Coleman, Joe Davies, Ryan Woodman, Dan Lydiate, Taine Basham, Aaron Wainwright

Replacements: Elliot Dee, Aki Seiuli, Paula Latu, Nick Thomas, Shane Lewis-Hughes, Che Hope, Will Reed, Cai Evans

Cardiff: Cameron Winnett; Josh Adams, Rey Lee-Lo, Ben Thomas (capt), Gabriel Hamer-Webb; Callum Sheedy, Aled Davies; Corey Domachowski, Dafydd Hughes, Kieron Assiratti, Josh McNally, Teddy Williams, James Botham, Alex Mann, Taulupe Faletau

Replacements: Efan Lloyd, Danny Southworth, Rhys Litterick, Seb Davies, Alun Lawrence, Ellis Bevan, Rory Jennings, Tom Bowen

Referee: Adam Jones (WRU)

Assistant referees: Ben Breakspear & Ben Whitehouse (WRU)

TMO: Keith David (WRU)

Ireland star signs new deal

PA Staff

Ireland international Jacob Stockdale has signed a new contract with Ulster to end speculation about his future.

Stockdale had been linked with a move to France, but the 28-year-old wing will remain with his home province for at least the next two years.

“I’m delighted to sign for the next couple of seasons here,” Stockdale said. “I feel good about where my game is at and where this team is heading.

“There is a lot of excitement around the place with the young players coming up and I am enjoying my role as one of the experienced players in the team.

“There’s no better feeling than scoring in front of our fans at Kingspan Stadium under the lights and I want to keep making special memories as a proud Ulsterman.”

Ulster Rugby’s general manager Bryn Cunningham added: “Securing Jacob’s future is key for us, given his importance in the team.

“It was no surprise to hear about interest in his signature from elsewhere, given his talent and special skillset.”

Stockdale has been capped 38 times by Ireland and was named player of the tournament in the 2018 Six Nations after scoring a record seven tries as Ireland won the Grand Slam.