**’Dangerous’ Prospect Chooses Wales Over England as Dupont Ventures to the USA: Friday’s Rugby Round-Up**
The world of rugby has offered up a flourish of fresh developments this Friday, with significant signings and tactical manoeuvring shaping the run-in to the close of the United Rugby Championship season. Amongst the most notable news is the move of a promising Welsh-qualified back who has decided to end his time in England, as well as an intriguing investment by one of the sport’s brightest stars overseas.
Scarlets fans have reason to celebrate after the region confirmed the acquisition of talented full-back Ioan Jones from Gloucester. Jones, still just 20, hails originally from England’s West Country but qualifies for Wales through his father. While the full-back built his rugby foundations along Gloucester’s development pathway and chose to represent England at age-grade, even lifting the World Rugby U20 Championship with them, the call of Wales has ultimately proved irresistible.
During the current campaign, Jones logged nine senior appearances across the Gallagher Premiership and European Challenge Cup, and also featured for Hartpury in the RFU Championship. News broke earlier this week that his Kingsholm chapter was closing, and Scarlets reacted swiftly to secure his signature, aiming to bring his dynamic style to Llanelli.
Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel spoke enthusiastically about the new addition, commenting, “Ioan is a livewire in attack who already boasts vital experience at a high level, both for club and country. We’re delighted to offer him an environment where he can develop alongside a group of exciting young backs.” The academy’s head, Scott Sneddon, echoed those sentiments, highlighting Jones’ aerial ability and his reputation as one of the most dangerous talents to emerge in recent years.
On his part, Jones expressed excitement at the switch, highlighting the proud tradition of the Scarlets and expressing eagerness to make his mark under Peel’s guidance. “This is a club with an outstanding fan base and a rich history. To wear the jersey and work under a coach of Dwayne’s calibre is an exciting step. I want to add to the club’s momentum and play my part in its ongoing success.”
Meanwhile, one of rugby’s global icons has made headlines in North America. Antoine Dupont, the mercurial scrum-half and French national captain, has announced that he and his company, Ouest Coast, have invested in Rugby FC Los Angeles, a team competing in the expanding Major League Rugby competition. Dupont has made no secret of his admiration for the United States’ potential as a rugby market, expressing both pride and optimism at the prospect of nurturing the game stateside. “Rugby is a sport that unites and inspires, and Los Angeles is the perfect setting to inject new energy into the rugby scene,” he stated.
His arrival as a stakeholder has been welcomed by RFCLA chief Pete Sickle, who said, “Antoine brings a vision and passion for rugby that extends far beyond the pitch. His involvement will only boost rugby’s reach and vibrancy in LA and across the US.” The move could signal increasing European engagement with the North American rugby scene, as Major League Rugby continues its trajectory of growth.
Back on Welsh soil, Scarlets have named their starting XV for the crucial URC regular-season finale against the Sharks in Durban. Archie Hughes steps in at scrum-half for the injured Gareth Davies, while Ryan Elias replaces Marnus van der Merwe at hooker. Dwayne Peel’s side, riding high after four consecutive wins, are hoping to confirm their play-off berth regardless of other results, but face a formidable South African outfit punctuated by Springboks such as Eben Etzebeth and Makazole Mapimpi.
Ospreys, in contrast, have taken the opportunity to ring the changes for their concluding fixture against the Emirates Lions, having already been ruled out of play-off contention. Coach Mark Jones has made seven adjustments, resting key personnel and offering younger prospects the opportunity to impress.
Elsewhere, Edinburgh head coach Sean Everitt is banking on both momentum and fervent support from another sell-out Hive Stadium crowd as his team seeks a late charge into the URC quarter-finals. The Scottish capital side sits in 10th but could leapfrog higher-ranked teams with victory over Ulster and a slice of good fortune elsewhere.
With these shifting narratives, Welsh rugby finds itself at a fascinating crossroads, as domestic clubs strengthen for the future and national icons like Dupont look to shape rugby’s global prospects. The close of the season promises to be as dramatic as ever both on and off the pitch.