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Wales Online
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Tom Coleman

Today's rugby headlines as axed Rob Evans breaks silence on shock exit and Pivac names Wales squad

Here's your round-up of all the latest rugby headlines for Wednesday, May 18.

Rob Evans break silence on exit

Rob Evans says he is leaving the Scarlets on good terms after his shock exit was revealed earlier this week.

Thirty-year-old Evans - a Six Nations Grand Slam winner just three years ago - is among nine players who are leaving the region this summer. You can read all about that here.

The Haverfordwest-born forward has been with the club over the past 13 to 14 years, and news of his departure hasn't quite sunk in yet for the player himself.

Read more: Rob Evans' axe comes amid 'perfect storm' as brutal reality worries players

"I don't think it's hit me yet, to be fair," he told BBC's Scrum V podcast. "Obviously I'll miss the boys and stuff and miss the club, but every good thing comes to an end and I'm looking forward to what is to come now.

"I've been chatting to them for a while and obviously money is getting a lot lesser now in Wales, some good looseheads heads now as well. It was an accumulation of a few things really and what's good for me going forward. It was a few things but we haven't fallen out on bad terms or anything. Leaving the club with good feeling really. It's all good.

"I don't mean money in that way [personally], I mean funding to try to build a squad. If we had four or five looseheads, when you might need players for either positions. Unfortunately I was the one who was out of contract this year and they need to re-boost in other positions. That's the way it is, really. As I said, I'm looking forward to other opportunities now and moving forward."

So what next for the 30-year-old? He admits that a move to England or France would appeal.

"Definitely, I'd love to go and try those leagues out," he added. "Maybe that will happen for me in the future. I am working on a few things at the minute, and hopefully you will know something soon. I can't really say too much at the minute but I'm looking forward to a new opportunity that hopefully comes up for me and I think it will be really good."

The Scarlets face Stormers this weekend and Evans says he'll give his all for the club to the end. "I don't want to think about it too much yet," he concluded. "It will be sad to leave the club I've loved and given so much to for that amount of time but as I say, life goes on and things move on. I'll try to close this week out with as much as I can give to this club and move on gracefully."

Wales players await their fates

Wales players will learn this lunchtime their international fates, with head coach Wayne Pivac announcing his squad for the tour of South Africa this summer.

News emerged last night that Alun Wyn Jones is not expected to skipper the side against the world champions, with Dan Biggar set to retain the captaincy after his Six Nations stint. Jones returned from injury in the final game against the Italians, marking his 150th appearance in the process.

George North is expected to be called into Pivac's touring squad after a lengthy injury lay-off, while Leicester Tigers' Tommy Reffell is also being tipped to get his first call-up. You can follow the squad announcement live with us right here.

Jones' message to Arundell

England coach Eddie Jones says London Irish starlet Henry Arundell will earn caps for his country on merit, dismissing suggestions he intends to pick the back to ensure he's "captured".

Arundell has been in eye-catching form for England U20s and the Exiles in recent months, scoring several scintillating tries. After handing him a place at next week's training camp, Jones says Arundell has been on the radar for eight months, and could well win his first cap on the tour of Australia this summer.

The 19-year-old had also qualified for Wales, Scotland, and Cyprus, but Jones said he would be handed a cap when he is ready, not simply to lock him in for the long-term.

“That is not something we do,” said Jones. “I was particularly impressed when I went to see him play against Wasps. The ball was kicked to him and he knocked it on cold, so it wasn't great start. There's all this hooha about him being a fantastic player and he knocks the ball on cold.

“Next ball he gets a long pass, sees back space, chips and scores and that's the sort of mindset you want to see from young players who want to take on the game. So that's impressive with his pace obviously.”

Gloucester to seek England audience

Gloucester head coach George Skivington says he'll be seeking an explanation from Eddie Jones after his players were snubbed in the latest England squad.

A total of 10 clubs were represented in the squad of 36 named for a training camp from next Sunday in London, leaving Gloucester, Exeter and Worcester without involvement. It has left Skivington scratching his head and wanting answers, revealing he will update the England chief on a number of club-specific issues.

“Obviously, I am disappointed no one is in there and I am seeing Eddie later in the week,” said Skivington.

“I will find out who is near and who is not but there are a few young lads in the squad and Eddie will have his plan. What I will say is that things change quickly and quite a few lads are on the edge and there is time to still get on the plane. They won’t lose faith.

“I presume Eddie goes around the clubs every few months and will fill us in on where everyone stands and who he is looking at. I think the guys on the periphery get a call from him like Lewis to say what is what. If there is any issue or some feedback they will always come to me. Eddie knows the people he wants in the camp and I won’t lie, I thought we would have a couple in.

“Perception can play against you as a player and as a team and we have seen a few bits about that as we have gone through this journey and all we can do is roll our sleeves up and change perceptions. Jonny May is back in training. He has done two sessions, is fully fit and you could see him back before the end of the season.

“He has worked very hard and I have never seen anyone attack rehab like him and if England do decide to use him it is all positive. In theory, he is available for selection but it is early doors. Ruan Ackermann is fit and has been phenomenal for us and he could be No8 for England.”

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