Today’s rugby news as England star hit by family tragedy and Welsh team’s plan for stadium move revealed

England captain hit by family tragedy

England captain Jamie George took part in England’s open training session at Twickenham on Friday following the death of his mother, Jane.

The 33-year-old is anticipated to be eligible for England’s Calcutta Cup match against Scotland the following weekend, despite the family tragedy, the Times reports. After the open training session, the seasoned hooker shared a picture of his mother hugging him on Instagram along with the caption, “Rest easy, Mum.” You were very unique.”

Despite not playing at their best, England has won all of its Six Nations matches thus far. However, they will face a formidable battle at Murrayfield next weekend.

Ospreys hope to be in new stadium by 2025-26 season

The Ospreys CEO Lance Bradley wants the Ospreys to be playing out of a new stadium by the 2025-26 season.

Bradley insists the 21,000 Swansea.com Stadium is too big for the Welsh club, and believes the Ospreys need to be making non-matchday income. He also wants to move to a site with existing facilities in order to develop them, given the budgetary constraints.

“If we can I would like to be out by the end of next season,” Bradley told the BBC. “The sooner we do that the sooner we can start to raise the revenue and create the atmosphere.

“That means making an announcement hopefully within the next six months. That does not necessarily mean the stadium would be finished by that time. The options we are looking at can all be done in phases.

“We don’t have £10m set aside to build a new stadium. The cost of building one will likely preclude any new sites, hence the likelihood that we will somehow develop an existing stadium is higher.

“I anticipate that we will relocate into a location with the current amenities and work to improve them over time. The stadium’s size is determined by our ability to create a positive mood.

“Beery Field has performed admirably against Cardiff, so that capacity—roughly 6,000–8,000—is probably about appropriate. There are several locations where we could make that happen.

“The other thing that will be important is the ability to raise non-matchday revenue because at just a 6,000 capacity, a professional elite rugby club is not viable.”

Wales legend Edwards admires France superstar Dupont

Sir Gareth Edwards has revealed his admiration for France scrum-half Antoine Dupont.

Though he feels players like Dupont make the game interesting, the former Wales number nine, who is widely regarded as the greatest rugby player of all time, is worried there is too much kicking in the current game.

“A conductor, he is unique,” Edwards stated to The Telegraph. “He gets them to act.

Although I don’t speak French, we appear to be able to communicate when we get together. There is a lot of excellent rugby there, but the kicking is boring.

The way a game is played nowadays is determined by its physicality. We must exercise caution.

“We need to protect these boys, we don’t want them being hurt.”

Georgia and Portugal join U18s Six Nations

Georgia and Portugal have been invited to join the men’s U18s Six Nations leading to speculation the senior championship could be expanded in time.

Both nations will play alongside France, England, Ireland, Scotland, Italy, and Wales in an eight-team junior men’s competition to be held in Italy beginning on March 30. “This is an important vote of confidence in Georgian Rugby and we’re grateful to the Six Nations for the invitation,” Georgia Rugby president Soso Tkemaladze told the Daily Mail.

“We will show we have earned the right to compete at this level and become a permanent fixture in the Six Nations. Across the rugby world everyone is talking about the development of countries from outside the traditional elites.

“Nations like Georgia need competition against the best. For us the next step is for the same recognition to be granted to our Under-20’s as soon as possible.

“Our results against top nations over several years show our Under-20’s are a match for anyone and shouldn’t have to wait any longer for the opportunity they’ve earned.”

Promising back-rower signs new deal

The Ospreys have retained the services of industrious back-rower Harri Deaves who has signed a new contract with the Welsh side.

Deaves has been a consistent performer for the Ospreys over the past couple of seasons with his huge work rate, and his effectiveness at the breakdown standing out. The 22-year-old has made 25 appearances for the Ospreys, and is the second young talent to commit his future to the Swansea based side in the space of two days after outside-half Dan Edwards.

”To sign a new contract with the club that has given me so much means the world to me,” said Deaves. “I’m excited about what we’re building here and looking forward to achieving great things with this team.

“I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank my youth club, Pontyclun RFC, for everything they’ve contributed towards my development, my friends and family for their support, and the Ospreys Supporters Club for sponsoring me this season.” The Ospreys have been Wales’ best side this season, and are right in the mix for a United Rugby Championship play-off spot.