Today's rugby news as Wales star makes vow for new…

Today's rugby news as Wales star makes vow for new season and stolen passport hands Welsh youngster English Prem chance

These are your rugby headlines on Wednesday, September 14.

Rowlands expects Dragons to be the best

Lock Will Rowlands believes the Dragons should be competing to be the best team in Wales this year.

The Gwent side are coming off their worst season after recording just two victories and failing to win at home, leading to a big turnaround in personnel. A host of new signings have come in, with several players also departing.

There's also a new head coach, with former Scarlets attack Dai Flanagan coming on board to work with director of rugby Dean Ryan. As a result, Wales second-row Rowlands is quietly confident things will get better.

“I don’t see why we shouldn’t be competing to be the best team in Wales at a minimum,” Rowlands told RugbyPass+.

“A lot of the changes that have happened have been positive and are only going to improve on last year which is an absolute must. We’ve got some more depth in key positions across the pitch especially in the front-five and at centre which will help us become more consistent.

“Hopefully, it will stand us in good stead to compete throughout the season. We are definitely expecting an improvement from last season. There were quite a few games where we lost the game in the last 10-15 minutes.

“I think that’s something with the new signings we’ve made, and guys coming in with some new experience from other leagues hopefully we develop a bit more of a disciplined edge to us to close out these games."

Vermeulen passport fiasco

Exeter Chiefs' Jacques Vermeulen is currently trapped in his native South Africa after his passport, along with his car, was stolen.

Our colleagues at DevonLive report Vermeulen missed last weekend's stunning win over Leicester Tigers, with the Chiefs now hoping to secure an emergency visa for the 27-year-old so he can play this weekend against Worcester.

In his absence against the Tigers, director of rugby Rob Baxter played young Welshman Christ Tshiunza in an unfamiliar position but his display impressed those watching on.

And it could be that Tshiunza gets another chance again this weekend.

The report from our colleagues states: "Exeter play Worcester Warriors on Sunday in Round Two of the 2022/23 Gallagher Premiership. It is currently unknown whether Vermeulen's situation will be resolved in time to be involved for the trip to Sixways, at this time it looks unlikely."

Crisis club Worcester agree deal with mystery buyer

Worcester co-owners Colin Goldring and Jason Whittingham have agreed terms with an undisclosed buyer for the financially stricken club. The terms of the agreement are still being scrutinised by the respective legal teams and as of Tuesday afternoon it had yet to be signed, the Warriors have confirmed.

Worcester have debts of more than £25million, including £6million in unpaid tax, and face administration if they are unable to find a new buyer. A 45-14 defeat at London Irish on Saturday opened their season on the pitch but a troubled build-up plunged the club into a desperate battle for survival.

Players and staff have still not been fully paid for August amid grave concerns over September's payroll, but the news that an agreement is now in the hands of lawyers indicates an end to the crisis is in sight.

Efforts are being made to ensure Worcester's first home match of the season goes ahead as scheduled with the new buyer providing financial support.

"We have been working closely with the interested party on the immediate deposit of significant funds which will allow Sunday's Premiership match against Exeter at Sixways and Saturday's Allianz Cup tie between University of Worcester Warriors and Harlequins to go ahead as scheduled," a statement read.

"We will provide a further update both on the sale of the club and this weekend's matches on Wednesday."

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