Here are the latest rugby headlines on the evening of Friday, September 9.
Tshiunza v Reffell in battle
Two Wales internationals will go head to head in one of the biggest English rugby games of the weekend as Tommy Reffell's Leicester travel to Christ Tshiunza's Exeter Chiefs on Saturday.
Both players wear opposing seven jerseys in a back row battle Wayne Pivac will watch closely ahead of the autumn internationals. Tshiunza missed the summer tour of South Africa as he recovered from injury, instead going on to play for Wales U20s. He is tipped to become a regular in Pivac's squad ahead of the Rugby World Cup.
Reffell was arguably Wales' standout player in the summer and is favourite to keep the jersey this autumn.
Elsewhere, Louis Rees-Zammit will get his World Cup season under way after being named in the Gloucester starting line-up for their opening English Premiership match against Wasps on Sunday.
Callum Sheedy starts at outside-half for Bristol against Bath in the rescheduled Saturday match, with new signing Sam Lewis named on the bench.
Dan Biggar is not in the Northampton squad that now takes on Sale on Sunday.
To get the latest Wales football news sign up to our newsletter here.
Welsh rugby clubs and fans question cancellations
Community Welsh rugby clubs and supporters have expressed disappointment at the WRU's decision to suspend all senior rugby in Wales following the Queen's death.
The announcement was made this afternoon and differs from the approach taken in England, where rugby at all levels, including the professional game, will go ahead from tomorrow onwards. The same decision has been taken by Rugby League bosses, while England's third cricket Test against South Africa will also begin on Saturday.
But senior Welsh rugby has been shut down at all levels. The WRU's decision aligns with that of the Football Association of Wales and the English FA, who have also cancelled all matches this weekend. You can read more about it here.
Llanhileth RFC tweeted: "Disappointing announcement by the WRU considering the official government guidance stated “there can be respectful continuation of sport at all levels this weekend” and the RFU making the decision to allow all rugby to go ahead."
Maesteg Celtic RFC added: "Devastated with the decision to cancel all Senior Rugby. A great training week and 2 strong squads selected. We still wait to begin our league campaign."
Bedwas RFC commented: "We are very mindful of the need for respect and reflection during this period of mourning, but a frustrating decision (with financial implications) with rugby set to go ahead in England this weekend!"
When confirming all English matches will go ahead, the RFU said: The RFU said: "Rugby Union will go ahead this weekend as teams and supporters come together to honour Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to be united in our grief as we express sorrow at her passing.
"Rugby, at its heart, is about community and bringing people together, in good times and in sad."
Match abandoned
A Welsh rugby derby match was abandoned after an injury to the referee.
North Wales rivals Abergele and Rhyl and District were playing out their first match of the Division 2 North season in the Admiral National League.
The teams were locked at 14-14 when the call was made to halt proceedings with Caernarvon official Sion Wynne unable to continue.
“He felt something click in his leg just before half time,” reported Abergele RFC president Neil Jones-Davies.
“During the break our physio tried to help him with it but the injury didn't respond. He felt that by playing on he wasn't going to run it off and with no neutral ref available the match was abandoned.
“No date for the replay has been arranged as yet. The game was close and competitive and the ref was having a very good game.”
A separate source described the injury as a bad hamstring pull.
"Sion's a very good ref and would have wanted to carry on, but sometimes it's just not possible," he added.
Brew set to sign for Neath
Former Wales international Aled Brew is set to step out of retirement and join Neath RFC.
The 36-year-old has verbally agreed a deal with the Welsh All Blacks, who are aiming to challenge for promotion from the Welsh Championship to the Indigo Premiership this term.
“We’re pretty excited about it,” said Neath chief executive Matt Church.
“Aled played in James Hook’s testimonial in June and in Billy Twelvetrees’ game recently and it was obvious he’s still a very good rugby player.
“He’s an athlete who’s quick, strong and knows where the try line is.
“We want to take the club forward on and off the field and Aled can play a significant part in that process.
“Hopefully, we can complete his signing sooner rather than later. He’s someone who’s played at the very highest level and can act as a role model for younger boys at the club.”
READ MORE:
