These are your rugby headlines for Tuesday, April 11th.

Shane: Hawkins made your bed.

Shane Williams says Joe Hawkins “made his bed” after signing for Exeter Chiefs.

Hawkins left the Ospreys with just five caps for Wales, meaning he is 20 away from the 25 matches needed to play for his country after the 60-match rule was recently relaxed.

In his column for The Rugby Paper, Williams says people shouldn’t “point the finger” at the young center “for cashing in on his undoubted talent”, saying that if he had his time again he would likely sign for Toulon when he had the opportunity. chance. during the Osprey race.

READ MORE: Wales’ nebulous 25 shirt rule, the WRU investigation and how it could derail Gatland’s World Cup plans

Williams raised the issue of Hawkins’ availability for the World Cup, hoping to return to domestic wrestling.

“The key question now is whether he will be eligible for Wales from now on,” he said. “Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter has suggested that he feels so, but how can he be only five caps short, 20 short of the current minimum for inclusion if you play away from Wales?

“I just hope we don’t end up with a rift between the national team, who rightly want to have their best players at their disposal, and the Professional Rugby Board, which governs the Premier League game in Wales. After seeing them reach a six-year contract with the WRU, I would hate to see a return to bad habits and the days of distrust and intrigue.

Hawkins made a bold decision. For most people, his chances of playing in this year’s World Cup and Wales are all bye until he returns home. If someone finds a way to bend the rules, I think it could do even more damage than losing the player himself.

“He made his bed…”

Wales improve – Bern

England’s Sarah Byrne believes Wales are rapidly improving and says she is looking forward to playing in front of a record crowd in Cardiff this weekend.

A total of 8,000 tickets were sold at Arms Park on Saturday, surpassing Wales’ previous record attendance (4,962) for their first ever Six Nations victory over Ireland.

Both teams are unbeaten in the tournament so far, meaning we’re in for a thrilling clash in the Welsh capital that will show how far Wales have come in their progress.

– said Burn: “Personally, I am very excited about this. Having lived in Cardiff for a year I know what a rugby nation is all about.

“This simple noise in the city will be simply amazing. Full house for the game, the energy in the stadium, given the support Wales have had so far and their recent results, it will be very exciting.

“For sure it will be a very exciting fight.”

Wales followed England in awarding professional contracts to their players last year, leading to better results and performances.

Byrne says the improvement in Wales has been remarkable. “I would say they’ve definitely made significant improvements,” added Bern. “They will have a very strong fight.

“I know they worked a lot on a physical level, on their level they have much more structure in the game.

“At the same time, we are also working on our game. I just think it’s going to be a very exciting game to be honest and I hope we win.”

The trio signs new deals.

Dragon trio Josh Reynolds, David Richards and Brodie Coghlan signed new contracts at Rodney Parade,

Reynolds, 24, and centre-back Richards have signed first-team extensions, while Coghlan has agreed new terms with the Senior Academy, which will see him train with the first-team squad.

Head Coach Dai Flanagan said, “It’s always exciting to see local talent emerge in our system and develop with us.

“Josh is a young player in the early stages of his career who needs time to play now. Being surrounded by experienced international players like Rhodri Jones and Aki Seiuli is vital to his development.

“Dai is a talent who showed us his potential with that brace against Zebre before unfortunately getting injured. He’s looking forward to coming back next season and starting over.

“Brody personifies what a Gwent whore should be. He is tough, uncompromising and has made the most of this season to showcase his skills. We are excited to see his continued progress.”

Sexton’s Leinster career is over

Jonny Sexton played his last game for Leinster.

The fly-half was injured during an international match against Ireland during the Six Nations Grand Slam tournament.

He had groin surgery after the England game and announced he will hang up his boots after the World Cup later this year, and looks set to play his last game for the Dublin side.

“It’s a little disappointing to lose Leinster,” Sexton told the Sunday Times. “People say ‘you still have the World Cup’ and it’s true, please.

“I wanted to make it clear that, in some ways, playing for Leinster meant as much as playing for Ireland, or nearly as much.”

  • The Dragons set the game for the Welsh clash, with half of the rival region

  • The Wales international is becoming the ‘number one target’ for the region

  • X-Factor’s No. 10 Welshman proves he’s got the guts to support the heat standouts.

  • The forgotten Wales duo who could suddenly feature in Warren Gatland’s World Cup plans