These are the rugby headlines on the night of Monday 5th December.

Garcia will leave the Ospreys

The Ospreys are dealt a huge blow when news executive Nick Garcia is about to leave the region.

Garcia has only been in charge since March 2021 and arrives at Ospreys with a strong reputation, having previously worked for Premier League champions Manchester City. During his brief spell at Swansea, Welsh football was in turmoil and the future of Wales’ four professional teams was in doubt.

Garcia represented the Ospreys on the Professional Rugby Board and was a key part of negotiations with the Welsh Rugby Union in a bid to secure a new long-term funding deal for professional play in Wales. WalesOnline understands that Garcia was placed on gardening leave upon accepting a new role in Australia unrelated to Y-11 Sports and Media, the company that owns a majority stake in the Ospreys.

Former chairman Rob Davies has taken a more active role in the business following Garcia’s departure, while Chris Lawlor represents the Ospreys on an interim basis at PRB.

A sad day for Welsh rugby

The news of Garcia’s arrival from Swansea sent Welsh rugby into a frenzy.

It all started with the most important news of all, although it wasn’t an unexpected turn of events. Wayne Pivac was relieved of his duties and Warren Gatland was named his successor in a WRU statement released over lunch.

Chief Executive Steve Phillips said it was “one of the toughest challenges in sport”, but they decided to act quickly in the best interests of the national team.

Pivac also said he was saddened by the decision but took full responsibility and that the dollar should have stopped there; You can read his full words here.

“I’m really looking forward to returning as Wales manager,” said Gatland. “This is an opportunity to achieve something with a talented group of players in a country that is so passionate about rugby. A country where my family and I were very welcoming when we arrived 15 years ago and during all the time we were there.

“Our immediate priority is obviously the Guinness Six Nations in 2023 and the Rugby World Cup next year. There is little time for feelings, professional sport is about preparation, values ​​and results. There will be new challenges, as always with a change of coach, but for me the environment, the players and their families will always come first. We must prepare as best we can in the time available. Let’s value and respect each other, let’s work hard, and if we do well together, the performances and results will come.” You can read the WRU’s full statement here.

Meanwhile, seismic news later that day revealed that the WRU and the four regions had verbally agreed to a new long-term funding agreement.

No deal has yet been signed, but a six-year deal to play professionally for Wales has been agreed in principle, ending months of financial wrangling between the parties involved.

The statement read: “All four professional regional clubs support and sympathize with the concerns expressed in a statement issued by the Welsh Rugby Union at the weekend. We understand the stress that uncertainty is causing players, coaches, staff and their families.

“We regret that discussions have taken so long, but we are pleased to confirm that we have verbally agreed this morning to a new 6-year structure for professional rugby union in Wales. All parties are now required to finalize the details of this agreement in agreement with the players, coaches and staff.

“The entire game in Wales, both professional and grassroots, faces significant and unprecedented challenges that require collaboration, clear strategy and decisive action.

“We are all looking forward to concluding the current PRB discussions as soon as possible to ensure strong professional regional clubs, a successful national team and a thriving community game.” You can read more about it here.

Nkosi was found safe and sound

Bulls club Sbu Nkosi confirmed it has been cleared as insurance

The Pretoria team released a lengthy statement on Saturday saying the 26-year-old was missing.

They reported that the last time they spoke to the World Cup winner was on 11 November, and six days later, they filed a missing person case with the police. You can read about it here.

READ MORE: Springboks rugby star Sbu Nkosi has disappeared after police called out of deep concern

On Monday morning, Sowetan Live quoted sources close to the club as saying Nkosi had been found, although the reasons for his absence remain unknown. The club initially denied it, but luckily the South African star was found.

“The Blue Bulls and the Vodacom Bulls family are delighted to confirm that contract player Sbu Nkosi has been found safe and sound.

“After a long and significant effort by Vodacom Bulls in collaboration with SSG, which went beyond their commercial responsibilities, at 2:02 pm on Monday, December 5, 2022, Nkosi was found.

“Once it was established that Nkosi was safe, unharmed and able to speak, CEO Edgar Rathbone visited Nkosi at his home (with the player’s permission) and spent time alone with him to understand how the company can provide the necessary support. needs and what kind of support.

“As the Vodacom Bull family, we are delighted that Nkosi is safe.

“We would like to thank all members of the public who shared information that helped in our search. We also want to thank the international community who also joined the call and efforts to find Nkosi. 🇧🇷

In October, when the franchise toured Ireland for the Rugby United Championship, he was sent home early from camp after apparently asking permission to visit a friend in Dublin, but returned late, in breach of team protocol.

Nkosi played in 16 Tests and was part of the South African squad that won the 2019 World Cup. However, a rib injury ruled him out of the recent autumn international.

South African Sbu Nkosi ‘found’ after being reported missing

Winners and losers as Gatland returns to chaos, Pivak leaves with dignity and the players break their silence

Wayne Pivac’s last words as Wales manager when he takes over

Warren Gatland’s first words after announcing Wales’ surprise return

The Welsh rugby union players issued a statement of condemnation calling on the WRU and the regions to take immediate action to end the recruitment freeze.