Here are the latest rugby updates that are set to make waves. Rugby enthusiasts, get ready to dive into the action!

Uncover the Rugby World's Latest Tales

Wallabies Star Petaia's NFL Journey

Australia international Jordan Petaia has made a significant decision by announcing his departure from rugby to chase his NFL aspirations. Securing a spot on the league's International Player Pathway Programme (IPPP), Petaia follows in the footsteps of Louis Rees-Zammit. At just 24 years old, he is set to jet off to the States in January for a 10-week training camp in Florida. This move comes after his shoulder injury kept him out of the Wallabies this year. Petaia has played in various positions during his rugby career and is now preparing at the NFL Academy campus in Brisbane. He expressed his gratitude for his past experiences and is excited about this new chapter. "The decision to step away from rugby hasn't been easy and one that took a great deal of consideration," he said. "I'd like to thank the staff, coaches and players at the Queensland Reds and the Wallabies for the last seven years. I will be forever grateful for the experiences, skills and good mates that these teams have blessed me with."

Petaia, like Rees-Zammit who is now at the Jacksonville Jaguars, aims to emulate Jordan Mailata, the Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman. Since the IPP initiative started in 2017, Mailata is among the few to make it to an active NFL team roster.

Sharing his love for American football, Petaia recalled his childhood memories. "My dad used to let us stay home from school for Super Bowl… that’s why NFL is in my head," he said. "I was a big fan of watching the big collisions… in a big Samoan household we loved watching [former Pittsburgh Steelers safety] Troy Polamalu put on the big hits. I’m a fan of the whole game, really. In union people say there’s a lot of rules but there’s probably triple in the NFL. The playbook’s quite large and Madden can only get you so far. I’m enjoying all the little, different skills."

England International's Liam Williams Theory

England international Alex Goode has suggested a theory that could see Liam Williams sneak onto the Lions tour next year. Williams signed for Saracens after his deal with Japanese side Kubota Spears ended due to the birth of his first child. During a recent episode of The Good, the Bad & the Rugby, Goode was joined by former Dragons boss Bernard Jackman and journalist Charlie Morgan. The trio composed a composite Lions XV for next year's first Test against Australia and didn't include a single Welsh player. Goode believes there might be a chance for Williams if Andy Farrell wants an extra full-back option. "It’s pretty tough," Goode said. "It would take a big turnaround, but someone like Liam Williams (could be an option), because of his versatility, playing full-back and wing, having that third full-back option, because none of those wingers (James Lowe and Tommy Freeman) are really options [at full-back]. It’s tough for a lot of those players. They are playing in Welsh regions and not competing in the top tier of Europe as much, or those big names in knockout stages. It’s tough for them to put their best foot forward. We will see how they turn out in the Six Nations. There is a lot to play for."

Former Dragons boss Jackman also commented on Wales. "They’ll have tourists. I had a look at them today to see if any would nudge into the Test team that we were picking and I just didn’t think any of them would. Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake would do themselves and their country justice if they played, but at the moment it’s just so hard for them in a very poor team to really show how good they are."

American Superstar Maher Joins Welsh Stars

American superstar Ilona Maher has signed a deal with Premiership Women's Rugby side Bristol Bears for the remainder of the season. With a massive following of 4.5 million on Instagram and 3.2 million on TikTok, she is the world's most popular rugby union player on social media. Skilled at both centre and wing, she has inked a three-month contract starting January and has already arrived in Bristol to meet her team-mates before heading back stateside. Several of her new team-mates are Wales internationals, adding to the team's strength. Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam said, "With injuries in the second row to Joe Batley, Josh Caulfield, Steele Barker and George Taylor, we’re pleased to be able to bring in a player of Jamie’s quality and experience. As we head into a very busy period in the Champions Cup and Premiership, we’re going to be tested across our smaller squad, so it was important to bring in some reinforcements in that position. We look forward to welcoming Jamie into the Bears family this week."

Scotland Lock Joins Bristol Bears on Loan

Edinburgh lock Jamie Hodgson has joined Bristol Bears on a short-term loan to get more game time. The 26-year-old with five Scotland caps has had limited starts for his parent club this term and has been allowed to move to the Gallagher Premiership immediately. Edinburgh head coach Sean Everitt said, "We believe this is a great opportunity for Jamie to get further game time and it also gives us the chance to further assess the development of young locks, like Rob Carmichael, who continues to train well and put his hand up for selection. With Sam Skinner back and fully fit, and Glen Young set to return soon, our second-row options continue to strengthen as we enter an important month of rugby. We wish Jamie the very best for this spell at Bristol."