Here are the latest rugby evening headlines on Thursday, June 2.
Young Welsh talent eyes Wales cap
Young Welsh lock Dafydd Jenkins, 19, is hoping to follow in the footsteps of Exeter team-mate Christ Tshiunza in turning out for Wales.
The Wales U20s international, who at 19 years old has been described as a "born leader" by Exeter University director of rugby Keith Fleming, joined the Chiefs last summer to make his Premiership Rugby Cup debut last November before coming off the bench in the Champions Cup.
The 6ft 7ins teenager, who also counts Ollie Burrows and Dan John as fellow Wales U20s players as team-mates, is hoping to impress Wayne Pivac so he can challenge for a spot in the Wales senior team, like Tshiunza - who won two caps for Wales this season after turning out for Exeter and then the university alongside Jenkins.
Read more: Wales U20s star turns down new regional contract and moves to England
"Since I've been young it's something I've really hoped to do, but I'm just going to keep my head down, keep trying to play well and that'll take care of itself hopefully," Jenkins told BBC Sport.
"I just want to win trophies with Chiefs at the moment and if the opportunity comes I would love to take it, but you've got to play well first. Christ did that and he got the opportunity, I've just got to do that first."
The Exeter second-row is also hoping to step up and add to his 10 Exeter appearances amid the exit of Lions lock Jonny Hill, Scotland's Sam Skinner and Dragons-bound Sean Lonsdale, who are leaving the Premiership club this summer.
"It's a good opportunity, but it'll only be good if I take it," he added. "It's just all down to me whether I can play well in the games coming up and the games I get picked for next season. If I don't take the opportunity, there's no point in them going at the end of the day. There are some big boots to fill, but I'm looking forward to the challenge."
Moriarty has more surgery
Wales and Dragons back-rower Ross Moriarty has undergone his fourth operation in two years.
The 28-year-old powerhouse shared a photo on social media showing himself in a hospital bed with his left knee bandaged up.
He said: "Op four in two seasons, I know my luck will change, every sportsperson has a spell of bad luck, but I will be ready for next season".
It comes after he suffered nerve damage playing for the Dragons in South Africa in April. Cries of pain were picked up by pitchside microphones as he was caught in an awkward position during a collision playing against the Sharks in Durban.
Wales prop 'needed a change'
Wales prop Rob Evans has admitted he "needed a bit of a change" after being at the Scarlets for so long. His release from the Welsh region shocked rugby in recent weeks after he had spent nine years and made more than 150 appearances for the Llanelli-based outfit.
Just days later, it was announced that the 30-year-old front-rower was signing for the Dragons.
"I was at Scarlets for a long time and I think I needed a bit of a change with the signings and stuff, and what Dean wants to build here next year, I think it'll be brilliant," Evans told Dragons TV. "Really looking forward to it.
"The things he spoke about and where he wants the Dragons to get to, it really inspires me to want to be here and kick on - for my personal career but more importantly get the club back where it should be.
"I think they've recruited really well this year - build some real depth and be competitive at the top level. It looks really good, great facilities, hopefully something to build on for next year and kick on."
Steff gets new deal
Scarlets and Wales wing Steff Evans has signed a new contract to remain with the Welsh region.
The 13-cap 27-year-old back-three man, who recently hit 150 Scarlets appearances against the Dragons, made his debut in 2014 and has gone on to become one of the leading try-scorers in the United Rugby Championship, tied for seventh in the all-time records. He has 60 Scarlets tries to his name as well as three conversions.
He said: “I supported the Scarlets when I was young, came through the academy and have played all my senior rugby here, I am delighted to be extending my contract. It has been a mixed season for us, but we feel as a squad we are building something here. We are looking to play an exciting brand of rugby, as shown by the amount of tries we have scored, and the boys are excited about getting stuck into training over the summer and hitting the ground running next season.”
Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel said: “He is a consistent try-scorer year after year and has finished off some great scores this season. He works hard on his game and is an example to the young back-three players who we have at the club."
Tuilagi injured again
Manu Tuilagi has been ruled out of England's tour to Australia after undergoing a knee operation.
Tuilagi's club Sale described it as "a routine procedure", but it is another blow for the player during an injury-hit career. The 31-year-old centre would undoubtedly have been a key part of England head coach Eddie Jones' plans for three Tests against the Wallabies in July.
In a statement, Sale said: "Sale Sharks can confirm that Manu Tuilagi has undergone a routine procedure on his knee which will rule the 31-year-old out of this summer's England tour to Australia.
"The club, in close consultation with England Rugby, have decided that a summer of rest and a full pre-season is the best course of action to ensure Manu is fit and available for Sale Sharks and England during a crucial year for both club and country.
"Everyone at the club wishes Manu all the best for his recovery and looks forward to seeing him at Carrington for the start of pre-season."
England face Australia in Perth on July 2, then meet them in Brisbane seven days later and Sydney on July 16.
Tuilagi had been due to make a first England appearance since the autumn in February's Six Nations clash against Wales. Jones selected him to start the game, but he was withdrawn just hours later because of a hamstring injury. He has only played played twice for his country since March 2020.
