Here are your rugby headlines for Friday, August 2.
Warburton: Gatland call should be made after 2025 Six Nations
Former Wales captain Sam Warburton believes it would be premature to sack Warren Gatland after the national team's miserable losing Test run.
Wales lost all five matches in the 2024 Six Nations and have subsequently been defeated by South Africa and Australia twice, resulting in a nine-match Test losing streak dating back to their World Cup pool victory over Georgia in Nantes last October.
As Wales gear up for the Autumn Nations Series with matches against Fiji, Australia, and South Africa in Cardiff, some have speculated over Gatland's future as Wales boss, yet Warburton has advised patience, suggesting the head coach should remain until after the 2025 Six Nations.
"If I was in charge, I would wait until after next year's Six Nations to make any decision on Warren Gatland's future," he told RugbyPass.
"It would be way too cut-throat to sack him now. You have got to give him time so I would wait and see how results and performances pan out until the end of the Six Nations next year. Given his track record and his progress over the summer, changing the coach wouldn't be in my thinking for the powers that be at Welsh Rugby Union.
"I have not given it any thought on who his replacement could be. His style is a good style for international rugby. I don't know who is out there. Whoever comes in, you want to look at someone that's had previous international experience."
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Wales have lost a plethora of Test superstars in recent months and Gatland has been tasked with ushering through the next generation. And Warburton has highlighted one player who could lead the charge looking ahead.
"I saw Dewi Lake play when I was coaching over in Wales and I spent a bit of time with him. From his physical stature, athleticism and professionalism, I thought that this is the world-class hooker Wales have been crying out for. I thought he would make it without a doubt, injuries permitting," he added.
"He is so aggressive and he is a powerful athlete. He has proven to everyone what every coach in the system has seen over the last four years. He is a textbook, modern-day hooker. If you asked him to fill in at number eight, he could do a job there. Dewi Lake will be a world class hooker for Wales, there is no doubt about that.
"If I was on the selection committee for the Lions, Dan Sheehan and Dewi Lake are the two obvious selections for me at hooker. If Welsh fans are panicking about who is going to go, I'm almost certain that Dewi will be on that tour."
Slade undergoes surgery
England centre Henry Slade has undergone surgery following their drawn series with the All Blacks.
The 31-year-old played at outside centre in England's two defeats to the All Blacks last month and managed to finish the series without any apparent injuries. However, on Wednesday, he took to social media to announce that his operation, which seems to be on his shoulder, was a success. The duration of recovery for the 65-cap England international remains uncertain.
With the Exeter Chiefs already deep into their pre-season training in preparation for the upcoming Gallagher Premiership season starting in September, it looks likely they will have to cope without their key centre for the initial weeks.
"Op done," he wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of him in a hospital bed. "Now to get stuck into some rehab."
Slade, who has remained loyal to the Chiefs despite numerous seasoned players departing, committed to the club by signing a new contract in May.
Harlequins sign Welsh Team GB star
Harlequins have announced the signing of Welsh international Kayleigh Powell for the 2024-25 Premiership Women's Rugby season.
The club confirmed that Powell, who has represented Team GB in rugby sevens at the Paris Olympics and reached the quarter-finals, will be joining their ranks.
With 16 caps for Wales since her 2019 debut and a dual code full-time contract awarded in 2023, the 25 year old brings significant experience to the squad. Previously with Bristol Bears, Powell's move to Harlequins is seen as a major coup for the team.
Quins head coach Ross Chisholm praised the new signing on the club's website: "She's a skilful and exciting player who brings a wealth of international experience and quality to our squad," adding, "She is strong in both attack and defence and is dangerous with ball in hand. We're excited to see what Kayleigh can achieve in Quins colours this season."
It comes after Quins' men's side signed Leigh Halfpenny and Wyn Jones earlier this week, beefing up their Welsh contingent in west London.
All Black quits New Zealand
Rugby World Cup winner TJ Perenara is set to leave Hurricanes, All Blacks and New Zealand Rugby after the 2024 season, to embrace a new challenge in Japan with a multi-year deal.
At 32 years old, Perenara has penned a lucrative three-year contract with Japan Rugby League One, marking his return to Japanese rugby following a season stint with NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes back in 2021.
Leaving behind a stellar legacy in New Zealand, Perenara won the World Cup with the All Blacks in 2015, followed by a pivotal role in the Hurricanes securing their first-ever Super Rugby title against the Lions in 2016.
Starting off as understudy to Cam Roigard through 2024, Perenara was thrust into the lead role after Roigard's injury, subsequently becoming the all-time top try-scorer in Super Rugby. His come-back form saw him reinstated in the New Zealand national team.
Perenara's days donning the black jersey are numbered, though, with this year being his swansong. "I'm grateful for every opportunity in the black jersey and as long as I can I'll keep competing and contributing to the All Blacks," he said in a heartfelt statement.
"It's an exciting time to be involved with a new coaching group and the motivation to represent New Zealand is as strong now as it was when I made my debut more than a decade ago."
