**Talks Revive Hopes for Anglo-Welsh Cup as Lions Squad Selection Looms**
Rugby union enthusiasts across the UK and beyond are bracing for a dramatic week, as developments on both cross-border competitions and international squad announcements take centre stage. In what could herald the return of a much-missed Anglo-Welsh club contest, fresh dialogue has sprung up between the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), England’s Rugby Football Union (RFU), and representatives of the English Championship clubs about the prospect of reintroducing a cross-border cup. However, fans will need to exercise patience, as any tangible competition seems unlikely to materialise until at least the 2026/27 campaign.
John Alder, WRU’s head of player development and performance pathways, confirmed ongoing discussions during a recent Super Rygbi Cymru podcast appearance. He revealed: “Conversations are still ongoing with the RFU and the Championship clubs; they have picked up again… but obviously we missed a window for this season. What we do want to do next year is make the Cup as interesting and as exciting as possible.”
The context for these renewed talks is shifting sands in English club rugby. Next season, the Championship will expand to 14 teams, welcoming back Worcester Warriors and including Richmond, who recently achieved promotion from National 1. These changes follow the exclusion of the Championship clubs from England’s Premiership Cup, increasing demand for engaging fixtures—and reigniting interest in an Anglo-Welsh cup format to ensure competitive matches for ambitious sides across both leagues.
Whilst cross-border club rugby developments play out, attention in Wales is equally focused on international matters, with the announcement of the British and Irish Lions squad imminent. One name making waves is Scarlets full-back Blair Murray. The 23-year-old New Zealand-born back is viewed by many as an outside bet for inclusion, having burst into prominence during a stellar debut season in northern hemisphere rugby. Despite his own modest assessment of his prospects, Murray’s sparkling Six Nations campaign and consistently strong form at club level have significantly enhanced his profile.
Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel has added his voice to mounting support for Murray, stating: “He couldn’t have done much more… He offers flexibility, having played wing and full-back, and a little at ten. He stood out in the Welsh side and has beaten defenders consistently since returning to us.” The Scarlets, like the other regional Welsh teams, will be on tour in South Africa when Lions head coach Andy Farrell makes his much-anticipated reveal on Thursday.
Across the Irish Sea, winger Mack Hansen faces his own selection uncertainties following an untimely ankle injury. The 27-year-old Connacht star, who was also vying for a Lions place, is set for a five-week spell on the sidelines, effectively curtailing his United Rugby Championship season given Connacht’s low league standing. Nevertheless, with the first Lions tour fixture not until late June, there remains hope that Hansen can regain fitness in time to play a part.
It has been a period of misfortune for some Irish contenders, with Leinster’s Caelan Doris also set for surgery, potentially denting his Lions ambitions. In stark contrast, the English rugby scene saw back-rower Callum Chick make headlines with his decision to move from Newcastle to Northampton Saints in a bid to reignite his own England career. Chick, who has enjoyed over 150 senior appearances and previously led Newcastle as club captain, explained: “I have aspirations to get more England caps, and in order to do that I feel like I have to experience something new. Northampton feels like a perfect move for me.”
Chick’s move highlights both the fierce competition and personal ambition driving England’s top players, particularly as seasoned internationals seek to return to the fold ahead of major series. He added: “Competition for positions brings the best out of everyone, and, for myself, that is something I am looking forward to.”
In summary, the rugby landscape is poised for a week of crucial developments, with club and international matters deeply intertwined. As talks continue on Anglo-Welsh collaboration and fans await the announcement of those selected to wear the iconic red jersey of the Lions, all eyes remain fixed on a sport renowned for both its tradition and its capacity for thrilling change. Players, coaches, and supporters alike will be hoping for positive news—both in terms of new competitions and deserved recognition for in-form stars.