NEWS ROUND-UP

▶ Speaking up Wales hooker Ken Owens has a new role as the first players’ representative on the Scarlets Board. He said: “It is great that the Scarlets have recognised the players should have a voice and also a vote in the decisions that ultimately affect them.”

▶ Awards season In the Guinness Pro14 Awards, Edinburgh wing Duhan van der Merwe was named Players’ Player of the Season and Richard Cockerill was Coach of the Season. Leinster back-rower Caelan Doris (above) was named Next-Gen Star of the Season.

▶ Fresh format The SRU hope competitive rugby in Scotland can return from 31 October, although national and regional competitions are being suspended for one season. Instead, new formats will be introduced where clubs play against their neighbours and smaller clusters of teams.