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Wales Online
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Jon Doel

Tonight's rugby headlines as 'game-changer' Wales wing signs and Six Nations star banned from World Cup selection

Here are the latest rugby headlines on Wednesday, June 7.

Wales international signs on at Ospreys

Wales international winger Luke Morgan has signed a new contract with the Ospreys.

The 31-year-old has been with the region for five years after a successful career for Wales Sevens. He has scored 24 tries in 86 appearances and played for Wales against Scotland in 2018.

He said: "I'm really happy to have signed a new deal with the Ospreys.

"This is a club with a proud history, and I'm excited to remain part of a squad that's looking to build something really special."

Head coach Toby Booth added: "We're delighted that Luke has signed a new deal with us. He's a top player and we've been impressed with his performances on the pitch over the past few seasons.

“His speed and competitiveness make him a dangerous attacking player. He has the ability to change a game in an instant.

“We're building a squad of players who are hungry to succeed, and Luke definitely fits that bill.”

France star banned from World Cup selection

France prop Mohamed Haouas has been told he will not be going to the Rugby World Cup.

Haouas was sentenced to one year in jail late last month for attacking his wife after he found her smoking, but he remains free while his appeal is ongoing.

However, France coach Fabien Galthie has confirmed he will not pick him for the tournament that starts in September. You can see shocking video of the incident here.

He said: “Last week, I called him. I listened to him and told him that he would not be selected. He replied that he understood and apologised to the players and the staff.”

Asked if the selection ban would continue after the World Cup, Galthie replied: “The competition we are interested in is the World Cup.

“I didn’t survey my players (about the decision) but we exchanged a lot, yes. What they said, I will keep to myself. But what is happening to Momo Haouas is not good news for him or for us.”

English club file for administration

London Irish have filed for administration following their suspension from all club competitions.

The Rugby Football Union on Tuesday confirmed that neither Irish's owner Mick Crossan nor the American consortium planning to buy the club were able to prove they had the finances to compete in the Gallagher Premiership for the 2023-24 campaign.

And Crossan has revealed that entering administration was the only choice left after the suspension ended any chance of the prospective takeover going through.

Crossan said: "This decision has ultimately ended any hope of an acquisition of the club and has regrettably forced us to file for administration this morning (Wednesday).

"Administration has always been the last resort and something we hoped we could avoid. And we bitterly regret the difficulties it will present to each and every one of you.

"My focus is now on working with the appointed administrator and I hope that the club will come out of administration as quickly as possible.

"As a lifelong fan of London Irish, the club's suspension is bitterly disappointing and I understand the sadness felt by the thousands of our loyal supporters and the frustrations of our incredible coaches, medical staff, back-office team, and players."

London Irish became the third casualty of the financial crisis gripping the Premiership, which will now become a 10-team competition following the collapses of Wasps and Worcester.

RFU chair Tom Ilube hinted at a reduction in funding for the league due to its "failing business models", an assessment Crossan hit out at.

"The comments from the RFU chair, Tom Ilube, (on Tuesday night) completely overlook the precarious situation other clubs are currently in," he added.

"Collectively, owners of clubs are working very hard to transform their models, but real support, at times, is non-existent.

"And it speaks volumes that Ralph Rimmer and Chris Pilling have been appointed by the Government as independent advisers to work on the future stability of rugby union in the UK.

"The professional game in this country needs to be radically transformed. And the current leadership must urgently review its practices from top to bottom if it has a desire to see professional rugby continue in England."

Read more:

Nigel Walker defends decision to ban Wales international from playing at World Cup

The huge Welsh rugby changes which are about to come into force

The Welsh sporting legends whose kids have followed in their footsteps

Wales lock Cory Hill left sweating on club future ahead of Rugby World Cup as he struggles to secure contract

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