Tonight's rugby news as Wales hopeful asks for Gatland feedback ...

These are your rugby headlines on the evening of Saturday, September 21.

Ospreys backrower Harri Deaves has asked Warren Gatland for feedback as he targets a place in the Wales squad.

The 23-year-old has been a consistent performer for the Ospreys with his all-action and industrious style of rugby winning the Pontyclun man many admirers. But as of yet the 6ft 98kgs Deaves has not done enough to convince the Wales management he is worthy of a cap with many people speculating his size may go against him.

“Obviously I would love to play for Wales," he told RugbyPass. “I haven’t had any communication with the Wales camp as yet, but I have asked for some feedback, so I know what I need to do. It’s a dream of mine to one day play for my country.

"I’ve been on the small side my whole career but I’m filling out. I’d like to think I could carry a few more kgs but the Ospreys aren’t keen because they like the amount of ground I cover. I don’t feel like it’s affecting my game and I’ve always punched above my weight.

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"The work ethic I’ve got is from my parents because all they’ve ever done is grafted. On the pitch, I’ve always been the same and when I moved to openside at 16, everything fell into place.”

Deaves will have to compete with Wales captain Jac Morgan and the legendary Justin Tipuric for a place in the Ospreys backrow this season but he is relishing the challenge.

“I’ve played 6 for the Ospreys but my role is just the same, I play left and right," he told RugbyPass. "Jac is a phenomenal player and a cracking bloke.

"He is mental over the ball and when he speaks to the boys, they listen. He’s a natural leader, but I will fight for my position and won’t back down. He understands that but off the pitch there’s mutual respect.”

New Cardiff signing Dan Thomas insists the club is heading in the right direction despite stuttering to a 22-17 victory over Zebre at the Arms Park.

Cardiff were cruising at 22-3 following tries from Cameron Winnett, Iwan Stephens, Josh McNally and Thomas himself. But Zebre hit back with two tries of their own and very nearly clinched victory from the jaws of defeat.

Despite this late scare Thomas says Cardiff can be happy with a bonus-point win to open their United Rugby Championship account. "A win and five points at home is obviously the main target, but it's a good sign we've frustrated," said Thomas.

"We didn't fire any more shots in attack, but it's obviously a good sign that we've frustrated with that. I think the main objective is to win the first game of the season at home and credit to Zebre, they stuck in it for 80 minutes and have have got big boys in their team, but a win at home, five points, that's the main objective.

"Each game, Ealing, Bath and this one, we've been building. As a pack, as a back row, we're working well together. We know our weaknesses and our strengths. I think we're on the right direction.

"As long as we get better every week, that's the main target. We need to learn a bit quicker because it's Scarlets next week and they'll be tough competition again, but we're going in the right direction."

After making his competitive debut against Zebre last night Thomas is relishing the opportunity of facing his old club Scarlets next Saturday. "I played against Scarlets a couple of years ago with Bristol but now I'm looking forward to it," added Thomas.

"I have a lot of family down there, so it'll be a good occasion. I think they'll stay true to me hopefully anyway.

"My family have all followed me in Bristol and they're here tonight in Cardiff and they're enjoying it because at the moment the farming world is not very attractive at the moment. Having a break and coming to the rugby on the weekend is a big plus for them and they enjoy it. Cardiff have been very welcoming to my family, my wife and daughter and my parents, so I owe this club a lot. They gave me an opportunity and I have to repay them for it."

Wales' first opponents this November, Fiji, claimed the Pacific Nations Cup title after they thrashed Japan in Osaka.

Vuate Karawalevu (twice), Ponipate Loganimasi (twice) and Albert Tuisue each crossed the whitewash as the Flying Fijians surged to a 41-17 victory and their first Pacific Nations Cup crown since 2018. Japan centre Dylan Riley scored a tremendous individual try but it wasn't enough for the Brave Blossoms.

Wales have found it tough going against Fiji in recent years and only narrowly overcame the Pacific Islanders in their opening Rugby World Cup clash last year. If Gatland's Wales cannot overcome Fiji at the Principality Stadium this November it will be their 10th straight Test defeat - which would equal their worst ever run under Sir Steve Hansen in 2003.

Wales hooker Rosie Carr has been ruled out of the upcoming WXV2 campaign in South Africa.

Carr, who only made her bow in Friday night's historic win over the Wallaroos, was taken to hospital with a shoulder injury after an incident in the 25th minute at Rodney Parade.

Speaking post-match, Wales head coach Ioan Cunningham said: "Unfortunately she took a nasty knock to her shoulder.

"It's a tough one at the moment, but we will look to see what we need to do and react once we get the full feedback from the hospital."