Dai Sport

Joe Allen and Craig Bellamy go back a long way - way before the former was calling the current Wales manager, “Boss”. But going from providing the shots to calling them, is something Allen himself may well do when he hangs up his boots.

Four law trials aimed at speeding up the game, reducing time-wasting and "enhancing the fan experience" will be introduced on a global trial across all competitions that start from Jan. 1 2025, World Rugby said on Thursday after its Council approved the changes. The adaptations will apply to competitions such as next year's Six Nations, British and Irish Lions and other summer tours, but not to those such as the English Premiership and French Top 14 that would have already started in 2024.

Ben Thomas insists Wales “have a plan” to deal with Joseph Suaalii - but it had better be a good one. Thomas, 25, has been a centre of attention for Wales this autumn, a player of rich natural talent and creativity who, after a handful of games in a red shirt, looks likely to be a big part of the national team’s future.

Warren Gatland has joked he might soon be laying on a beach and if that’s the case he will have got there by going up Schmidt Creek without a paddle. Joe Schmidt - an old sparring partner of Gatland’s - lies in wait on Sunday, when he brings his resurgent Australia team to the Principality Stadium to play a Wales side all at sea.

In London, it used to be said that you were never more than six feet away from a rat. In some parts of Cardiff last Saturday, there’s a fair chance you were never more than six feet away from a runner.

Warren Gatland says he “takes with a grain of salt” recent criticisms from former players following Wales' record-tying 10th consecutive Test match loss. Gatland also disclosed that stepping down from his role hasn’t crossed his mind, despite the rocky start to his second tenure as Wales' head coach, which began ahead of the 2023 Six Nations.

Wales midfielder Josh Sheehan feels the ‘Swansea Way,’ has signposted a route from the lower reaches of the Football League to the international highway. Sheehan delivered an outstanding performance last month in a match against Montenegro, helping Wales secure a 1-0 home victory and keep their unbeaten run in the Nations League intact.

Under-pressure Wales coach Warren Gatland has made four changes from the side beaten by Fiji to face Australia in Cardiff on Sunday. Wales went down 24-19 to the Fijians last weekend in what was a record-equalling 10th successive Test defeat. A loss to the Wallabies would see Gatland's team set a new record, fellow New Zealander Steve Hansen's side of the 2002-3 season having also lost 10 straight.

Jordan James will be hoping a new manager will provide a fresh start at Rennes after a slow beginning to his career in French football. Wales midfielder James - who is set to feature for Craig Bellamy’s side in Turkey this weekend - has made only three brief substitute appearances for Rennes since moving there from Birmingham City, and not played at all since September 21.

Star centre Semi Radradra will miss Fiji's remaining internationals this month after receiving a two-week ban for a high tackle in last weekend's win over Wales. Radradra, 32, was sent off after 20 minutes of Sunday's 24-19 victory in Cardiff for a dangerous hit on Cardiff full-back Cameron Winnett.