TONIGHT'S RUGBY NEWS AS LEIGH HALFPENNY SUFFERS NEW INJURY SETBACK AND OLYMPIAN STEPS IN TO HELP WRU

These are your evening rugby headlines on Wednesday, May 8.

Halfpenny suffers new injury setback

Leigh Halfpenny has suffered a fresh injury setback after making his Super Rugby debut for the Crusaders.

The former Wales full-back finally made his Super Rugby bow at the weekend, having torn his pectoral muscle just minutes into his club debut against Munster in pre-season back in February. There were fears that Halfpenny would be sidelined for four months, causing him to miss his entire first season in New Zealand, but he defied medics to make his return against the Queensland Reds on Saturday.

His big day proved to be a little disappointing, however, as he uncharacteristically shanked an early penalty well wide of the posts and was replaced moments into the second half as his side lost again.

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Unfortunately for the 33-year-old, the bad news seems to have continued as he suffered a calf strain against the Reds, according to New Zealand news site Stuff.co.nz.

That injury means Halfpenny has been left out of the Crusaders' next game against the Highlanders on Saturday, as they look to keep their play-off hopes alive. His former Wales and Scarlets teammate Johnny McNicholl will take his place at full-back.

Olympian steps in to help WRU

Olympic rowing champion Dame Katherine Grainger is to help oversee the Welsh Rugby Union's response to the findings of a damning independent review into the organisation.

A report published in November 2023 laid bare serious issues with the culture within the WRU, aspects of which were found to be sexist, misogynistic, racist and homophobic. It followed a BBC Wales programme which aired earlier in the year and detailed allegations from former employees.

The WRU commissioned Dame Anne Rafferty to lead an independent investigation into the allegations and produce the report, which suggested a number of changes the organisation could make. She was then appointed chair of a new external oversight group that will monitor the progress being made in the union implementing these changes.

Rafferty will be joined in the oversight group by Grainger, who won Olympic gold at London 2012 and is the current chair of UK Sport.

The group will be in place for a three-year period, with those involved giving an outside perspective and consulting on the WRU's progress. Another individual will join the likes of Rafferty and Grainger at a later date.

Ex-Welsh rugby coach joins Italy

Former Cardiff defence coach Richard Hodges has been named as part of Gonzalo Quesada's Italy coaching staff.

The Leeds-born coach spent a decade at Arms Park before leaving last year to join Zebre as assistant coach. He will now replace Marius Goosen as Italy's new defence coach, signing a four-year deal with the Six Nations side.

Hodges, who will take up his new role this summer ahead of Italy's July internationals, had previously worked with Wales Sevens and Wales Under 20s.

“I am both proud and happy about the opportunity to work with the Italian Men’s Rugby Team,” he said as his appointment was confirmed. “There is a group of players who showed what they are capable of during the last Six Nations.

"I had a first moment of discussion with the staff and it is very stimulating to collaborate with people who have always shown great enthusiasm and professionalism in their approach to work. I thank the FIR for their trust and look forward to starting work on the field.”

Care extends Harlequins stay

By PA Sport Staff

Former England scrum-half Danny Care has signed a new Harlequins contract ahead of the 2024-25 season.

Care, 37, has made a record 374 appearances for the Gallagher Premiership club and is the only player to have scored more than 100 tries in Harlequins' colours.

"I'm excited to extend my contract with Quins for my 19th season at the club," Care told the official club website after signing a new one-year deal. This is my home, I love everything about it, the rugby we play, our amazing fans, and the memories we have made together.

"It was an easy decision to sign the contract, we have a great group of lads who I love playing with, and we're building something very special. We have the best fans in the world, and I can't wait to pull on the Quarters for another season and run out in front of a packed Stoop."

Care was part of Harlequins sides that won the Premiership titles in 2012 and 2021, as well as the Challenge Cup in 2011.

He retired from international rugby in March having won 101 England caps across a 15-year Test career. Care was a three-time Six Nations winner and part of Grand Slam success in 2016.

Harlequins director of rugby Billy Millard said: "Danny has been an incredible servant to our club and a true Harlequin, leading from the front with his exceptional professionalism, hard work, and determination to succeed.

"We love having Danny in our squad, he's a great character and his infectious energy, alongside his experience, means he's a hugely popular and important member of our Quins DNA."

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