**Departing Wales Rugby Coach Set for New Start as England Star Sparks Lions Eligibility Debate**
The rugby landscape continues to evolve, with shake-ups on and off the field making headlines this week. Notably, changes within coaching ranks and discussions around player eligibility have dominated the conversation, offering fans plenty to talk about as the summer tours edge closer.
One of the most prominent stories has emerged from Wales, as their soon-departing defence coach, Mike Forshaw, looks set to begin a fresh chapter in his career. Forshaw, whose contract with the Welsh Rugby Union concludes at the end of the month, is reportedly preparing to join English Premiership side Leicester Tigers as their new defence specialist. This move follows an uncertain period for Wales’ assistant coaches, many of whom awaited clarification on their futures after Warren Gatland’s shock exit during the Six Nations.
Forshaw’s omission from Wales’ summer tour to Japan had raised speculation about his next career steps. Interim head coach Matt Sherratt decided to recall Gethin Jenkins—whom Forshaw initially replaced in 2023—leaving the Wigan-born coach out of the setup. Despite comments from the WRU suggesting that the fate of Gatland’s backroom staff would only be settled once a new head coach was installed, Forshaw has clearly opted to make a proactive choice about his future rather than wait in limbo.
The 55-year-old, who has experience both in union and as a former Great Britain rugby league international, is highly regarded for his defensive acumen. RugbyPass has linked him with a role at Leicester Tigers for weeks, particularly after the club’s appointment of Geoff Parling. Moving to Welford Road next season will see Forshaw join a club aiming to re-establish itself at the top of the Gallagher Premiership.
Meanwhile, the debate over eligibility for the British and Irish Lions rages on, fuelled by comments from England scrum-half Danny Care. Care publicly voiced concerns about the increasing number of foreign-born players representing the Lions, as the squad prepares for its upcoming tour of Australia.
Speaking on the BBC Rugby Union Weekly podcast, Care admitted his unease with the situation, noting that many of the selected players—such as Bundee Aki, Jamison Gibson-Park, James Lowe and Duhan van der Merwe—were born overseas and only later qualified for their adopted home nations. While acknowledging that the current rules allow such selections, Care said, “It doesn’t sit that well with me that both starting wingers may have never genuinely dreamed of wearing a Lions jersey in their youth.” His comments reflect a wider unease within sections of the rugby community regarding the spirit of Lions tours versus world rugby’s current eligibility laws.
Back in Welsh rugby, there has been positive news for Ospreys supporters as Welsh lock James Ratti has secured his future at the Liberty Stadium. Ratti, who returned to his boyhood club in 2023 following a stint at Cardiff, has become vital to the Ospreys’ plans, even scooping the players’ player of the season for his hard work on the pitch. With new caps for Wales and a spot on the upcoming Japan tour, Ratti spoke fondly of his decision to come home. “There’s a great bunch of boys here, and signing this new contract was an easy choice for me,” he said, highlighting the pride he feels in donning the Ospreys shirt.
Ospreys head coach Mark Jones was quick to praise Ratti’s contributions, describing him as a “Swiss-army knife” player—versatile both in terms of skillset and positions covered. Jones added, “His work rate in attack and defence brings real dynamism to our squad, and retaining relentless, reliable players like him is essential for our league ambitions.”
Elsewhere in the home nations, Scotland’s Gregor Townsend has addressed speculation around his own future as national head coach. With his contract set to expire next year and other names, such as former Warriors chief Franco Smith, being touted in some quarters, Townsend has been candid about the ongoing discussions with the SRU. Speaking to the BBC Scotland Rugby Podcast, he stressed optimism for Scotland’s direction and placed emphasis on long-term development and closing the gap to the top teams globall
While Townsend ruled out current Scotland assistant Steve Tandy moving to Wales in a head coaching capacity, he acknowledged that longer-term decisions about his own future will need to take place in due course, whether initiated from his own side or the union’s leadership.
As summer approaches, it’s clear that change and debate persist across European rugby—from coaching moves and contract renewals to broader questions around national identity and player pathways. As ever, these dynamics ensure the sport remains as compelling off the pitch as it is during the drama of the 80 minutes.