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Wales defence coach Mike Forshaw knows that the Australians will be a “different animal” to the side they dished out a record beating to at last year’s World Cup in France. The Wallabies have a new coach at the helm in Joe Schmidt and will be looking to make a statement in the former Ireland coach’s first game in charge.

It was probably fitting that the first team drawn out of the hat for the 30th anniversary Investec Champions Cup tournament next season was that of the reigning champions Stade Toulousain – who won the first title in Cardiff in 1996. The French giants will be hot favourites once again to add to their six titles, the first of which was secured at the old National Ground, Cardiff Arms Park when they beat Cardiff after extra-time.

Joe Rodon has completed his permanent move from Tottenham Hotspur to Leeds United for an undisclosed fee, believed to be around £10m. The Wales defender returns to the Championship club following an impressive loan spell at Elland Road last season. He has now committed to a four-year contract, extending through to the summer of 2028.

Football Association of Wales president Steve Williams has been suspended pending an investigation, the governing body has confirmed. No reason for the action has been given but the FAW have acknowledged that a case was ongoing.

Newly crowned Welsh Men’s Seniors Closed champion Neil Roderick added the Welsh Seniors Open at Pennard to his lengthening list of Welsh titles. This was a family affair for Roderick with his 88-year-old father able to make the relatively short journey from Neath to Pennard to follow for a few holes, along with his brother, Ian, caddying.

Wales play their second match at the Under-20 World Championship in South Africa on Thursday when they meet Spain after opening their campaign with a thrilling, but ultimately unsuccessful match against New Zealand, which they lost 41-34. Coach and rugby analyst Tomas Marks considers their start to the tournament.

Former Wales defence and forwards coach Leigh Jones has been appointed as the new rugby performance director for the Scarlets. In this role, Jones will once again collaborate with head coach Dwayne Peel. Their professional relationship dates back to when Jones was part of the Wales coaching team under Graham Henry, who awarded Peel his first cap in 2001.

Osian Roberts has said, “Thanks . . . but no thanks” to Wales but has left the door open to one day becoming manager. The man who enjoyed hugged success as Chris Coleman’s assistant has ruled himself out of the running to become the next national manager..

Australia veteran Kurtley Beale has been ruled out of the Test series against Wales with a ruptured Achilles that needs surgery, in a massive blow to the returning playmaker. The 35-year-old, back in the Wallabies squad for the first time in three years, hobbled off during a low-level domestic fixture at the weekend with scans confirming the serious injury.