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THE LATEST RUGBY NEWS STORIES FROM WALES AND AROUND THE WORLD 16:40, 03 Jun 2025 Here are your rugby evening headlines for Tuesday, June 3. NATIONS CUP FIXTURES LEAKED Some of the fixtures
for next summer's inaugural Nations Cup appear to have been leaked. England are expected to begin their maiden campaign in 2026 with fixtures against Fiji, South Africa, and Argentina,
as plans take shape for the new global tournament, according to the BBC. Wales' opponents are as yet unknown. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and
insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. Negotiations are ongoing for England’s opening fixture against Fiji to be played at a neutral venue in Europe, although it could well be
played at Twickenham's Allianz Stadium despite it being Fiji's home fixture. The idea is to capitalise on the large number of Fijian players based in the northern hemisphere and
the financial draw of a London crowd. Following the proposed Twickenham opener, England are set to travel to face South Africa and Argentina in July, before hosting New Zealand, Australia
and Japan in the autumn window. A finals weekend in late November will conclude the tournament, with an overall winner crowned. Wales are set to either face summer matches against Fiji,
South Africa and Argentina, or New Zealand, Australia and Japan due to geographical proximities. Article continues below The Nations Cup, confirmed by World Rugby in October 2023, will run
every two years, excluding Rugby World Cup and British and Irish Lions tour years. The competition aims to bring greater structure to the summer and autumn international windows. The top
division of the Nations Cup will comprise the Six Nations teams, the four Rugby Championship nations (South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and Argentina), and Japan and Fiji. Unlike the Six
Nations and Rugby Championship, which will continue in their traditional formats, the Nations Cup will see each team play three matches in July and three in November against teams from the
opposing hemisphere. The results will be combined into a single table, with the top teams advancing to a finals weekend. Promotion and relegation are scheduled to be introduced from 2030.
OSPREYS MAKE STADIUM ANNOUNCEMENT The Ospreys have officially submitted their planning application to Swansea Council for the redevelopment of St Helen’s, marking a major step forward in
their return to the historic venue. The team had previously confirmed plans to leave the Swansea.com Stadium and make St Helen’s their home ground from the 2025-26 season. Describing the
planning submission as a “significant milestone,” the club emphasised its importance amid an ongoing funding dispute between the Ospreys, Scarlets and the WRU. The WRU has announced huge
change is coming to Welsh rugby after the two west Wales clubs refused to sign the new professional rugby agreement, with the prospect of a reduction in the number of teams on the horizon.
The governing body has so far publicly confirmed it will not be proceeding with four equally-funded teams. “This is a vital step toward bringing our long-term vision to life,” said Ospreys
chief executive Lance Bradley. “It reflects our belief not only in the transformation of St Helen’s, but in the strength of our future, rooted in Swansea and powered by our supporters.
"This is about more than new stands or improved facilities. It's a statement of intent about who we are, where we belong, and where we're going.” The proposed redevelopment,
designed to accommodate 8,000 fans, will be delivered in two phases in partnership with Swansea University. The goal is to create a premier venue for both elite and grassroots rugby. Phase
one includes a new 4G playing surface, roofing over the existing terrace, three new stands, and a revamped fan zone. Phase two will add a state-of-the-art training complex featuring a gym
and indoor training barn. Despite the plans, the Ospreys will not kick off the 2025-26 season at St Helen’s. Swansea Cricket Club will continue to use the ground until the end of their
summer 2025 schedule before relocating, delaying the Ospreys’ move. As a result, the Ospreys will play their early home matches of the season at alternative venues, with hopes of running out
at St Helen’s in December later this year. WALES LOCK MAKES ENGLAND MOVE Premiership Women’s Rugby champions Gloucester-Hartpury have added rising Welsh talent Alaw Pyrs to their squad
ahead of the upcoming season. The 19-year-old second row made her international debut for Wales in September and featured in the 2024 Women's Six Nations, underlining her rapid rise in
the game. Pyrs arrives with experience at both club and university level, having represented Gwalia Lightning in the Celtic Challenge and Hartpury University in the British Universities and
Colleges Sport (BUCS) championship. Gloucester-Hartpury head of rugby Dan Murphy praised the teenager’s potential and physicality. “To be an international whilst still a teenager is a
remarkable achievement, and shows the potential that Alaw clearly has,” said Murphy. Article continues below “She’s a physical player and has impressed with Wales, Hartpury, and Gwalia
Lightning, so we’re delighted that she’s put pen to paper here. “She’ll learn so much from the experienced forwards we have in the squad and continue to develop — and that’s what really
excites us.” _Join WalesOnline Rugby's new WhatsApp Channel here._