**Welsh Rugby Roundup: Scarlets Target Dane Blacker as Saints Book Ticket to Cardiff Showpiece**
A wave of rugby news swept across Wales and the wider rugby world this Sunday, with multiple headline-grabbing developments from player moves to thrilling European semi-finals. Rugby enthusiasts have plenty to digest, as clubs shuffle their squads, new stars emerge, and legendary figures make surprise comebacks.
**Scarlets Eye Scrum-Half Reinforcement**
One of the day’s major talking points is the Scarlets’ pursuit of Dane Blacker. The west Wales side, led by head coach Dwayne Peel, are looking to bolster their options at scrum-half following the collapse of a proposed deal for Italian international Stephen Varney. With Gareth Davies offering a wealth of experience and youngster Archie Hughes showing promise, Blacker’s signature would offer crucial depth and competition.
Blacker, 26, made his name at the Scarlets before departing for the Dragons in 2023. However, his time in Newport has seen him largely play understudy to established Wales star Rhodri Williams. This shift in his standing—plus the emergence of former Wales U20s talent Che Hope—appears to be nudging Blacker back towards his former club. Once considered a future regular for Wales, Blacker was included in Wayne Pivac’s squad for the 2022 Autumn internationals but did not see game time during the notorious defeat to Georgia.
The potential move reflects ongoing challenges for Welsh regions to retain and attract talent in a competitive landscape, especially with a focus on nurturing homegrown players amid financial constraints impacting squad depth.
**Northampton Saints Reach Champions Cup Final**
In addition to transfer news, the rugby world was left buzzing last night by Northampton Saints’ remarkable Investec Champions Cup semi-final victory over Leinster in Dublin. Seen as underdogs, Saints overturned expectations to secure a 37-34 win—booking a place in the Cardiff Principality Stadium final on 24 May.
Young flanker Henry Pollock, one of the standout performers who dotted down for a try, praised his team’s fearless approach. “As a boy, I grew up watching this competition and to reach the final is so special,” said Pollock, who is now firmly in the spotlight for British and Irish Lions selection for the upcoming tour to Australia. The Saints will face either Bordeaux-Begles or Toulouse in what promises to be a thrilling contest.
Saints’ performance was underpinned by a hat-trick from England international Tommy Freeman and further tries from full-back James Ramm, with Fin Smith slotting crucial kicks. Their passionate display saw them withstand Leinster’s resurgence and hold out despite late yellow cards that reduced them to 13 men in the final moments. Rugby director Phil Dowson highlighted Freeman’s determination and the team’s resolve, noting, “The effort they put in, huge credit, it was a great team performance.”
**Welsh Talent Progresses in European Rugby**
Welsh prop Archie Griffin has also made headlines, playing his part from the bench as Bath stormed into the European Challenge Cup final with a commanding 39-24 win over Edinburgh. Griffin’s energy was noted during a bruising contest, with the squad now preparing to face either Lyon or Racing 92 in the Cardiff final later this month.
Bath’s man of the match Sam Underhill lauded Edinburgh’s defensive tenacity, remarking, “Edinburgh were brilliant on their goalline… It was a proper match,” while also commending his own side’s ability to find a way through tough moments.
**A Referee’s Comeback and Coaching Changes at Exeter**
In a heart-warming subplot, celebrated Welsh referee Nigel Owens dusted off his whistle to officiate Lampeter RFC’s 150th anniversary match against London Welsh, completing the full 80 minutes after a four-year break from the field. Owens, a revered figure in international refereeing, expressed his joy on social media, commenting on both the quality of the game and his personal achievement.
Elsewhere, change is afoot at Exeter Chiefs following the mutual departure of head coach Rob Hunter just days after the club’s record defeat at Gloucester. Having only assumed the main coaching responsibilities in March, Hunter departs amid a challenging season that has left Exeter ninth in the Premiership. Club director Rob Baxter paid tribute to Hunter’s years of service, reflecting a period of transition and fresh thinking for the Devon side as they seek to rebuild.
**Outlook for Welsh Rugby Remains Competitive**
As Welsh clubs compete for vital squad additions and young talent continues to shine at European level, the drama and intrigue remain rich in the rugby sphere. With finals fast approaching and the international summer beckoning, supporters can expect more twists in what is already proving a captivating season for the game in Wales and beyond.