Today's rugby news as Faletau suffers devastating blow on return and Welsh rugby giant signs on

These are your headlines on the morning of Saturday, April 20.

Faletau's crushing blow

Taulupe Faletau's return to action ended in crushing disappointment, with the No.8 coming off injured with what looked like a serious arm injury against Ulster on Friday night.

The Wales stalwart was making his first appearance of the season for Cardiff, having broken his arm while representing Wales at the Rugby World Cup last autumn.

He has spent the last six months on the sidelines having suffered the injury against Georgia and went down again in the 33rd minute against the Irish province, clutching his left wrist in what appeared to be a painful blow.

The 33-year-old left the field and went straight down the tunnel in a cruel twist of fate. The incident occurred in a collision with Harry Sheridan and Tom Stewart, leaving he back-rower grimacing in discomfort.

"He is being assessed after having a knock on his shoulder and we don't know the extent of the injury yet," said head coach Matt Sherratt post-match.

"It is not the same injury from my understanding. Fingers crossed, it's not too bad because he's put a huge amount of effort in over the last six or seven months to come back.

"I am gutted for Toby. I'm sure the boys will get around him."

He was replaced by Mackenzie Martin. Ulster went on to win the game at the Kingspan Stadium by two points in controversial circumstances.

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Fender signs new Os deal

James Fender has signed fresh terms with the Ospreys.

The 22-year-old has penned an extension with the Swansea-based club after enjoying an impressive season under Toby Booth.

The South Gower product has turned out 15 times for the Ospreys so far this term and is being tipped to earn international honours at senior level in the future. He has already represented Wales at under-18, under-19 and under-20 level.

Standing at 6ft 7in, the Welsh giant says he's delighted to be sticking around longer at the Swansea.com Stadium.

Fender said: “To sign a new deal to stay with my home club is a proud moment for me and my family. I’m really looking forward to continuing my career here at the Ospreys, the place where it all started.

“There have been some hugely successful second rows to have come through the Ospreys pathway over the years. You only have to look at people like Alun Wyn (Jones) and Beardy (Adam Beard), playing alongside them and learning from them has been really beneficial for me and has helped massively with my development.”

Booth also expressed his happiness with the deal and said: “It’s great to have Fender commit his future to the Ospreys, it says a lot about the project we are building here. Securing our best young talent has always been an important objective for us.

“Spending time out on loan at the Cornish Pirates and getting exposed to senior rugby was crucial for his development. Returning to us, everyone has witnessed his progress with his performances this season. What is exciting is that there is more to come from him once he is back available from injury.”

Gladiator ends rugby career

PA Staff

Jodie Ounsley is stepping away from rugby to pursue other opportunities after securing early release from her Exeter contract.

Ounsley has become more widely known as Fury on the successfully revived TV show Gladiators and had the distinction of being the first female deaf player to represent a senior England team.

Apart from playing for England sevens and the Chiefs, the 23-year-old also enjoyed spells at Loughborough Lightning and Sale Sharks.

"Stepping away from the rugby field has been one of the most difficult decisions of my life," Ounsley said.

"This sport has given me opportunities, friendships and memories that I could only have dreamt of, and I will forever be grateful to the wonderful community at Exeter for making this feel like home.

"Whilst I am excited for opportunities around the corner, this is certainly not goodbye and I will continue to be a fervent supporter of women's rugby.

"With the Rugby World Cup on the horizon, I can't wait to see what the future holds for our sport."

Ounsley, a British Brazilian jiu-jitsu champion, suffered a shoulder injury at the start of the current season and was sidelined for seven months before making her comeback for Exeter in the Allianz Cup last Saturday.

Edinburgh shuffle pack for Scarlets

By PA Sport Staff

Edinburgh head coach Sean Everitt has taken the opportunity to freshen up his side when they host Scarlets at Hive Stadium today.

Everitt has made seven changes, five in the pack, for the BKT United Rugby Championship encounter.

Dave Cherry, Boan Venter and Javan Sebastian come into a new-look front row while lock Jamie Hodgson and flanker Luke Crosbie replace Sam Skinner and Hamish Watson.

Scrum-half Ali Price comes in after signing a one-year contract for next season while James Lang comes into the midfield as Matt Currie moves out wide to replace Jake Henry, who has a hamstring injury.

Everitt said: "It's brilliant to be back home at Hive Stadium with so much travel to South Africa in recent weeks. The boys can't wait to run out in front of our supporters - there has definitely been a buzz and energy about the squad this week.

"We've made a number of changes to freshen things up. Luke and Jamie have both impressed from the bench in recent weeks and deserve their starts, while it also gives us the chance to rest a few guys who've carried the load for us in recent games.

"We know Scarlets are a dangerous team having faced them in Europe earlier this season. We've got to be ready from the get-go. There is no easy game in the URC and this team will be ready for a proper 80-minute battle."