The squad to face The Rhondda on Thursday is as follows:-
1. Sion Hughes (Llangefni)
2. Luke Williams (Mold)
3. Gethin Povey (Pwllheli)
4. Max Davies (Flint)
5. Oli Suter (Mold)
6. Ryan Jones (Mold)
7. Dafydd Jones (Denbigh)
8. Alex Pope (Mold)
9. Gwilym Sion Pari (Pwllheli)
10. Rhys Williams (Mold)
11. David Bowen (Mold)
12. Emyr Gwynedd (Mold)
13. Dafydd Jones (Llangefni)
14. Sam Turner (Llangefni)
15. Osian Jones (Pwllheli)
16. Callum Mitchell (Colwyn Bay)
17. Harry Cartwright (Mold)
18. Gethin Williams (Nant Conwy)
19. George Jones (Wrexham)
20. Tom Davies (Mold)
21. Harri Edwards (Llangefni)
22. Sion Pringle (Nant Conwy)
23. James Strong (Mold)
24. Toby Davies (Rhyl)
25. Thomas Oliver (Nant Conwy)
1.00pm kick off.
Please note there may be positional changes around the squad and numbers are indicative.
29.10.09
28.10.09 WRU OPENS NEW CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE
WRU PRESS RELEASE
Issued: October 28, 2009
A NEW CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE PLACES WELSH RUGBY AT THE FOREFRONT OF PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
A £4 million new WRU National Centre of Excellence which provides training and back-up facilities already being hailed as unrivalled in world rugby has been officially opened today (WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 28) by the First Minister, Rhodri Morgan.
From now on all international rugby players selected to represent Wales at any level will train at the same base with the best available pitches, training facilities, medical equipment, coaches and backroom personnel on hand to help them strive for excellence.
The Sports Council for Wales has invested £1.5million of National Lottery funding and the WRU provided the further £1m required to complete the project.
A high-performance "finishing school" has been created at the Vale Resort near Cardiff where every aspect of international rugby preparation is catered for.
The facility is also home to the newly formed WRU National Academy which will select high-calibre players, coaches and match officials from the men's and women's game for specialist and personal training at the highest level.
The World Cup-winning Wales Rugby Sevens Champions squad is also based at the National Centre of Excellence as a core element of the Welsh international pathway structure.
There are three outdoor full-size pitches along with external skills training zones where players can focus on scrummage and lineout technique and performance.
One of the three pitches has an all weather surface and is fully floodlit to allow day or night time sessions to take place all year round.
Alongside that 3G all-weather pitch is a second full size grass pitch which is also fully floodlit to TV broadcast quality standard.
The third outdoor pitch has an international match quality grass surface and is exactly the same size as the pitch at the Millennium Stadium where the senior Wales team play home test matches.
The main building at the WRU National Centre of Excellence contains two administration and training blocks, changing rooms, team rooms, a fully equipped gymnasium and an indoor artificial 3G pitch of exactly the same quality as the outdoor version.
One administration block in the building houses the senior national squad backroom team of Head Coach Warren Gatland, his assistants, analysts, conditioners, physiotherapists, medical team and squad administration staff.
On the opposite side of the National Centre of Excellence, under WRU Head of Rugby Performance and Development, Joe Lydon, the Wales international pathway structure for players, coaches and match officials plus the National Academy staff are based.
The concept for the design of the building is that newly selected age grade international players enter the system through the international pathway door and aspire to reach the ultimate goal of a place in the National Squad.
It is a highly competitive training environment within which players get the most innovative support for their playing skills, conditioning and off the field development.
The senior team has been based at the Vale Resort for several years but the major new investment has transformed the facilities around their presence into a bespoke and exclusive centre of excellence purely for Welsh international rugby use.
Senior international squad players will continue to stay at the adjoining Vale Resort hotel when they are on Wales duty preparing for RBS Six Nations, Summer tours and Invesco Perpetual Series matches in future.
The £2.5 million spent to secure the National Centre of Excellence as an exclusive base with state-of-the-art facilities completes an overall spend of close to £4m which includes capital and running costs at the base before today.
The WRU is also indebted to Gerald and Stephen Leeke who have enabled the facility to be based at their Vale Resort and Spa.
WRU Group Chief Executive, Roger Lewis, said:
"I am delighted that Wales now has an international training and development facility which will be the envy of the rugby playing world.
"It has taken a tremendous amount of hard work and commitment to achieve this and the end result is a National Centre of Excellence the whole of Wales can be proud of.
"This centre represents a statement to the rest of the world that we are truly committed to the priority of creating a winning Wales team which will be the driving force to sustain our national sport for generations to come.
"This achievement shows we are fully engaged in the demands and challenges of the professional era and we in Wales are determined to compete at the very highest level of the game.
"We now have Warren Gatland heading up one of the finest coaching and back-room teams in rugby, Joe Lydon is our new Head of Rugby Performance and Development champion heading up the international pathway structure and our systems and structures have continued to be refined and reshaped.
"The creation of a National Centre of Excellence shows we understand the need to invest in talent and provide the finest support structures we can possibly offer.
"The WRU also owns and operates the home of Welsh rugby at the Millennium Stadium and in the past two years the union has delivered record financial results and invested more into the game at all levels than ever before.
"We know there are huge challenges ahead but we can face them with confidence that we have prepared properly and professionally to compete with the very best.
"Today we are looking forward to playing the New Zealand All Blacks, Samoa, Argentina and Australia in an Invesco Perpetual Autumn International series which will keep all our fans on the edge of their seats.
"Rugby defines Wales as a nation and as Group Chief Executive hold a huge responsibility to everyone who plays and supports Welsh rugby. The launch of this new National Centre of Excellence is testimony to our commitment.
"I want to thank the Sports Council for Wales and the Welsh Assembly Government for sharing our vision and closing the circle of strength and cooperation, which has made this all happen.
"Also Gerald and Stephen Leeke have been pivotal in sharing our vision and leaving no stone unturned to ensure this became a reality here today."
First Minister, Rhodri Morgan, said:
"The development of this National Centre of Excellence has been a long-held aim for the Welsh Rugby Union. Today, the Union deserves congratulations for bringing it to fruition. The Sports Council has played a vital role in this project and I would like to praise their commitment and support."
"This state-of-the-art facility will give our elite National Squads the best possible opportunity to gain an edge and win those games where an extra two or three percent is the difference between success and defeat."
"The performances of Welsh international teams at all levels over the past few years show a clear upward trend and the excellent facilities that are now in place mean that Welsh rugby fans, like me, can look forward to more of the same, and hopefully even better performances and results, by our national teams in the future as the culture of excellence that is already in place in rugby in Wales, firmly spreads its roots, grows and bears fruit. We are the Rugby World Cup Sevens champions. We want to be winning championship pennants across the board in the world of rugby. This centre could well give us the edge. We were slow off the mark in embracing professionalism in rugby, but we haven't just caught up, we have overtaken other countries."
Sports Council for Wales Chair, Phil Carling, said
"Through National Lottery funding, the Sports Council for Wales has been able to create landmark facilities throughout Wales. To achieve sporting success, coaches, athletes and teams need the right environment in which to train and hone their talents. The new national centre for excellence will join the many other lottery supported national centres such as the Velodrome in Newport, the Wales National Pool in Swansea and the national sailing centre in Plas Menai - sports where Wales and GB have seen unprecedented success. Arguably, the National Centre of Excellence is second to none and will now further Wales as a powerhouse of world rugby."
Heritage Minister, Alun Ffred Jones said:
"This is a world-class training facility for world-class rugby teams, and I would like to congratulate the Welsh Rugby Union and the Sports Council for Wales on their vision and commitment in delivering this project. Given the success that Welsh rugby has enjoyed over the past few years, not only the performances of the senior team in recent years, but some excellent performances and results by the age-grade teams, the senior women's team and the Rugby World Cup Sevens Champion squad, this new Centre of Excellence will surely give further impetus to equalling and surpassing those performances in the future."
WRU Chairman, David Pickering, said:
"The creation of a National Centre of Excellence creates an important new chapter in the history of our national sport.
"Wales has always boasted the playing talent to compete with the best, but we know that in the modern game professional players must work tirelessly to achieve their full potential.
"We are a small nation and the level of expertise now at hand in our systems and structures will make sure that we will identify and nurture the young men and women who have the talent to be full internationals"
The new outdoor and indoor pitches at the new WRU National Centre of Excellence have been laid throughout the summer in a building and renovation project which began twelve months ago.
Today (Wednesday) the First Minister unveiled two plaques at the NCE to officially open the facility.
The first was inside the administration and training building which now becomes the new headquarters of the NCE.
The second plaque was located on a commemorative stone alongside the outdoor artificial pitch and celebrates the Sports Council for Wales' National Lottery grant awarded to the facility.
The NCE will house the training and development home for Welsh rugby coaches and match officials who will train alongside the international playing squads.
The National Academy Manager, Phil Davies, runs his new team and structure from within the heart of the NCE to create a virtual production line of talent for Welsh rugby.
The systems and structures adopted within the new base mean that all international pathway operational and support structures will align with the senior national squad to ensure a cohesive talent development system for Welsh rugby.
Until now Wales international squads, including the senior Welsh team, have trained at a variety of indoor and outdoor locations when preparing for matches and tournaments.
The Managing Director of the Vale Resort, Stephen Leeke, said
"Our ambition at the Vale Resort has been to create a world-class hospitality business that has at its very core some of the best sport and fitness facilities available anywhere in Europe.
"To establish this extensive and innovative world-class facility for the WRU has taken vision and determination. The reality is that thanks to a strong and unique partnership between ourselves, the WRU and Sports Council, Wales has one of the finest rugby training facilities in the world.
"This is something that as an independent family-owned business, we are very proud to have helped achieve. It marks another major chapter in a history of more than 20 years support and investment by Leekes and The Vale into helping develop sport in Wales from grass-roots up to international level."
WRU Head of Rugby Performance and Development, Joe Lydon, said:
"This new facility compares with anything I have seen or worked at in the world game and represents a major step forward for the whole of Welsh rugby.
"We now operate to a philosophy that is player and coach centred, development driven and competition supported which will be expressed across a range of disciplines under one roof at the new centre.
"This is an aspirational environment within which every young player will know they are being given the opportunity to achieve something special with their lives.
"Nothing is now left to chance and the systems, structures and people we have in place will deliver huge benefits for the future of Welsh rugby.
"We all know the demands on skill, power, game understanding and conditioning our best players face these days and we must give them proper, professional and structured help to achieve their full potential.
"Welsh rugby boasts a proud and incredible history which is built into the spiritual fabric of the National Centre of Excellence - through respecting the past we hope to develop the future - and I am certain every player who enters those doors will walk out inspired to give of their best for Wales.
"The WRU have with the help of our performance partners developed a world class training and development facility for selected athletes, coaches and match officials. Facilities like these do not guarantee success but they provide the opportunity form which individual and collective success can be earned."
Wales Head Coach Warren Gatland said:
"We have now created an inspirational working environment where the coaches and players can now focus on development and match preparation.
"One of our core values is that each player holds a responsibility to the Welsh jersey and if we ask them to give their all for that we have a duty to help them as much and as professionally as we can.
"By creating this fantastic facility we are treating all our players with the utmost respect and now we can ask them to deliver their best for Wales.
"We are already enjoying the benefits of working together under one roof and at one base so we all get plenty of opportunity to engage and share ideas.
"We know the raw talent exists at all levels in Wales and the National Centre of Excellence is the right place to nurture and develop that.
"All of us in the national squad are delighted that the Welsh Rugby Union has had the vision and determination to achieve this major improvement in facilities for our international squads."
For further information, contact WRU Communications office:
John Williams tel 07824 357083
Liz Jones tel 07736 056669
Simon Rimmer tel 07825 981128
Gemma James tel 07725 828498
Ends
This press release was produced by Sotic Ltd.
© Copyright Welsh Rugby Union. All rights reserved.
© 2009 Microsoft Privacy Terms of use
Issued: October 28, 2009
A NEW CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE PLACES WELSH RUGBY AT THE FOREFRONT OF PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
A £4 million new WRU National Centre of Excellence which provides training and back-up facilities already being hailed as unrivalled in world rugby has been officially opened today (WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 28) by the First Minister, Rhodri Morgan.
From now on all international rugby players selected to represent Wales at any level will train at the same base with the best available pitches, training facilities, medical equipment, coaches and backroom personnel on hand to help them strive for excellence.
The Sports Council for Wales has invested £1.5million of National Lottery funding and the WRU provided the further £1m required to complete the project.
A high-performance "finishing school" has been created at the Vale Resort near Cardiff where every aspect of international rugby preparation is catered for.
The facility is also home to the newly formed WRU National Academy which will select high-calibre players, coaches and match officials from the men's and women's game for specialist and personal training at the highest level.
The World Cup-winning Wales Rugby Sevens Champions squad is also based at the National Centre of Excellence as a core element of the Welsh international pathway structure.
There are three outdoor full-size pitches along with external skills training zones where players can focus on scrummage and lineout technique and performance.
One of the three pitches has an all weather surface and is fully floodlit to allow day or night time sessions to take place all year round.
Alongside that 3G all-weather pitch is a second full size grass pitch which is also fully floodlit to TV broadcast quality standard.
The third outdoor pitch has an international match quality grass surface and is exactly the same size as the pitch at the Millennium Stadium where the senior Wales team play home test matches.
The main building at the WRU National Centre of Excellence contains two administration and training blocks, changing rooms, team rooms, a fully equipped gymnasium and an indoor artificial 3G pitch of exactly the same quality as the outdoor version.
One administration block in the building houses the senior national squad backroom team of Head Coach Warren Gatland, his assistants, analysts, conditioners, physiotherapists, medical team and squad administration staff.
On the opposite side of the National Centre of Excellence, under WRU Head of Rugby Performance and Development, Joe Lydon, the Wales international pathway structure for players, coaches and match officials plus the National Academy staff are based.
The concept for the design of the building is that newly selected age grade international players enter the system through the international pathway door and aspire to reach the ultimate goal of a place in the National Squad.
It is a highly competitive training environment within which players get the most innovative support for their playing skills, conditioning and off the field development.
The senior team has been based at the Vale Resort for several years but the major new investment has transformed the facilities around their presence into a bespoke and exclusive centre of excellence purely for Welsh international rugby use.
Senior international squad players will continue to stay at the adjoining Vale Resort hotel when they are on Wales duty preparing for RBS Six Nations, Summer tours and Invesco Perpetual Series matches in future.
The £2.5 million spent to secure the National Centre of Excellence as an exclusive base with state-of-the-art facilities completes an overall spend of close to £4m which includes capital and running costs at the base before today.
The WRU is also indebted to Gerald and Stephen Leeke who have enabled the facility to be based at their Vale Resort and Spa.
WRU Group Chief Executive, Roger Lewis, said:
"I am delighted that Wales now has an international training and development facility which will be the envy of the rugby playing world.
"It has taken a tremendous amount of hard work and commitment to achieve this and the end result is a National Centre of Excellence the whole of Wales can be proud of.
"This centre represents a statement to the rest of the world that we are truly committed to the priority of creating a winning Wales team which will be the driving force to sustain our national sport for generations to come.
"This achievement shows we are fully engaged in the demands and challenges of the professional era and we in Wales are determined to compete at the very highest level of the game.
"We now have Warren Gatland heading up one of the finest coaching and back-room teams in rugby, Joe Lydon is our new Head of Rugby Performance and Development champion heading up the international pathway structure and our systems and structures have continued to be refined and reshaped.
"The creation of a National Centre of Excellence shows we understand the need to invest in talent and provide the finest support structures we can possibly offer.
"The WRU also owns and operates the home of Welsh rugby at the Millennium Stadium and in the past two years the union has delivered record financial results and invested more into the game at all levels than ever before.
"We know there are huge challenges ahead but we can face them with confidence that we have prepared properly and professionally to compete with the very best.
"Today we are looking forward to playing the New Zealand All Blacks, Samoa, Argentina and Australia in an Invesco Perpetual Autumn International series which will keep all our fans on the edge of their seats.
"Rugby defines Wales as a nation and as Group Chief Executive hold a huge responsibility to everyone who plays and supports Welsh rugby. The launch of this new National Centre of Excellence is testimony to our commitment.
"I want to thank the Sports Council for Wales and the Welsh Assembly Government for sharing our vision and closing the circle of strength and cooperation, which has made this all happen.
"Also Gerald and Stephen Leeke have been pivotal in sharing our vision and leaving no stone unturned to ensure this became a reality here today."
First Minister, Rhodri Morgan, said:
"The development of this National Centre of Excellence has been a long-held aim for the Welsh Rugby Union. Today, the Union deserves congratulations for bringing it to fruition. The Sports Council has played a vital role in this project and I would like to praise their commitment and support."
"This state-of-the-art facility will give our elite National Squads the best possible opportunity to gain an edge and win those games where an extra two or three percent is the difference between success and defeat."
"The performances of Welsh international teams at all levels over the past few years show a clear upward trend and the excellent facilities that are now in place mean that Welsh rugby fans, like me, can look forward to more of the same, and hopefully even better performances and results, by our national teams in the future as the culture of excellence that is already in place in rugby in Wales, firmly spreads its roots, grows and bears fruit. We are the Rugby World Cup Sevens champions. We want to be winning championship pennants across the board in the world of rugby. This centre could well give us the edge. We were slow off the mark in embracing professionalism in rugby, but we haven't just caught up, we have overtaken other countries."
Sports Council for Wales Chair, Phil Carling, said
"Through National Lottery funding, the Sports Council for Wales has been able to create landmark facilities throughout Wales. To achieve sporting success, coaches, athletes and teams need the right environment in which to train and hone their talents. The new national centre for excellence will join the many other lottery supported national centres such as the Velodrome in Newport, the Wales National Pool in Swansea and the national sailing centre in Plas Menai - sports where Wales and GB have seen unprecedented success. Arguably, the National Centre of Excellence is second to none and will now further Wales as a powerhouse of world rugby."
Heritage Minister, Alun Ffred Jones said:
"This is a world-class training facility for world-class rugby teams, and I would like to congratulate the Welsh Rugby Union and the Sports Council for Wales on their vision and commitment in delivering this project. Given the success that Welsh rugby has enjoyed over the past few years, not only the performances of the senior team in recent years, but some excellent performances and results by the age-grade teams, the senior women's team and the Rugby World Cup Sevens Champion squad, this new Centre of Excellence will surely give further impetus to equalling and surpassing those performances in the future."
WRU Chairman, David Pickering, said:
"The creation of a National Centre of Excellence creates an important new chapter in the history of our national sport.
"Wales has always boasted the playing talent to compete with the best, but we know that in the modern game professional players must work tirelessly to achieve their full potential.
"We are a small nation and the level of expertise now at hand in our systems and structures will make sure that we will identify and nurture the young men and women who have the talent to be full internationals"
The new outdoor and indoor pitches at the new WRU National Centre of Excellence have been laid throughout the summer in a building and renovation project which began twelve months ago.
Today (Wednesday) the First Minister unveiled two plaques at the NCE to officially open the facility.
The first was inside the administration and training building which now becomes the new headquarters of the NCE.
The second plaque was located on a commemorative stone alongside the outdoor artificial pitch and celebrates the Sports Council for Wales' National Lottery grant awarded to the facility.
The NCE will house the training and development home for Welsh rugby coaches and match officials who will train alongside the international playing squads.
The National Academy Manager, Phil Davies, runs his new team and structure from within the heart of the NCE to create a virtual production line of talent for Welsh rugby.
The systems and structures adopted within the new base mean that all international pathway operational and support structures will align with the senior national squad to ensure a cohesive talent development system for Welsh rugby.
Until now Wales international squads, including the senior Welsh team, have trained at a variety of indoor and outdoor locations when preparing for matches and tournaments.
The Managing Director of the Vale Resort, Stephen Leeke, said
"Our ambition at the Vale Resort has been to create a world-class hospitality business that has at its very core some of the best sport and fitness facilities available anywhere in Europe.
"To establish this extensive and innovative world-class facility for the WRU has taken vision and determination. The reality is that thanks to a strong and unique partnership between ourselves, the WRU and Sports Council, Wales has one of the finest rugby training facilities in the world.
"This is something that as an independent family-owned business, we are very proud to have helped achieve. It marks another major chapter in a history of more than 20 years support and investment by Leekes and The Vale into helping develop sport in Wales from grass-roots up to international level."
WRU Head of Rugby Performance and Development, Joe Lydon, said:
"This new facility compares with anything I have seen or worked at in the world game and represents a major step forward for the whole of Welsh rugby.
"We now operate to a philosophy that is player and coach centred, development driven and competition supported which will be expressed across a range of disciplines under one roof at the new centre.
"This is an aspirational environment within which every young player will know they are being given the opportunity to achieve something special with their lives.
"Nothing is now left to chance and the systems, structures and people we have in place will deliver huge benefits for the future of Welsh rugby.
"We all know the demands on skill, power, game understanding and conditioning our best players face these days and we must give them proper, professional and structured help to achieve their full potential.
"Welsh rugby boasts a proud and incredible history which is built into the spiritual fabric of the National Centre of Excellence - through respecting the past we hope to develop the future - and I am certain every player who enters those doors will walk out inspired to give of their best for Wales.
"The WRU have with the help of our performance partners developed a world class training and development facility for selected athletes, coaches and match officials. Facilities like these do not guarantee success but they provide the opportunity form which individual and collective success can be earned."
Wales Head Coach Warren Gatland said:
"We have now created an inspirational working environment where the coaches and players can now focus on development and match preparation.
"One of our core values is that each player holds a responsibility to the Welsh jersey and if we ask them to give their all for that we have a duty to help them as much and as professionally as we can.
"By creating this fantastic facility we are treating all our players with the utmost respect and now we can ask them to deliver their best for Wales.
"We are already enjoying the benefits of working together under one roof and at one base so we all get plenty of opportunity to engage and share ideas.
"We know the raw talent exists at all levels in Wales and the National Centre of Excellence is the right place to nurture and develop that.
"All of us in the national squad are delighted that the Welsh Rugby Union has had the vision and determination to achieve this major improvement in facilities for our international squads."
For further information, contact WRU Communications office:
John Williams tel 07824 357083
Liz Jones tel 07736 056669
Simon Rimmer tel 07825 981128
Gemma James tel 07725 828498
Ends
This press release was produced by Sotic Ltd.
© Copyright Welsh Rugby Union. All rights reserved.
© 2009 Microsoft Privacy Terms of use
28.10.09
28.10.09 Invesco Perpetual Series only 11 days away!
INVESCO PERPETUAL SERIES '09 NEWS UPDATE 2
THE BIG KICK-OFF IN THE INVESCO PERPETUAL SERIES '09 IS ONLY 11 DAYS AWAY. HERE IS THE SECOND UPDATE FROM THE WRU ABOUT WALES' OPPONENTS.
SEE ATTACHED FILE FOR FURTHER STORIES FROM NEWS UPDATES 1 AND 2.
WALES' OPPONENTS BIG IN JAPAN
All eyes in the rugby world will be firmly fixed on the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo this weekend when two of Wales opponents in next month's Invesco Perpetual Series clash in a fourth Bledisloe Cup match of the season.
Last year the extra game was played in Hong Kong. This time New Zealand and Australia meet in the Japanese capital at the same venue where Lynn 'The Leap' Davies won his Olympic gold medal in the long jump way back in 1964.
The Wallabies may not be in Wales for a month, but they want to send a powerful message from Tokyo this weekend to Ryan Jones and his players that they are no soft option.
New vice-captain Berrick Barnes says that this weekend's Bledisloe Cup clash is more than just a chance to end a run of six successive defeats at the hands of arch-rivals New Zealand.
As a pre-cursor to his team's first Grand Slam tour in 25 years, he wants to use the game to hammer out a warning to England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales that the Wallabies are no soft touch.
''It's crucial for us to have a good result in Tokyo.'It will help us to send a message to the teams we are playing in the Grand Slam leg of the tour that we are fair dinkum," said Barnes.
"Right now they are probably looking at us and thinking they can knock us off, that we are the easiest of the three southern hemisphere teams to beat. 'What we have talked about over the last three weeks is winning back some respect, not just in our part of the world, but also up north."
The Wallabies finished bottom of the Tri Nations table this year with only one win, albeit over the eventual winners the Springboks. But they ended on a low note with a 33-6 defeat to the All Blacks in Wellington.
Coach Robbie Deans has made four personnel changes and one positional from the team that went down in Wellington for Saturday's historic meeting.
Wingers Digby Ioane and Peter Hynes, centre Ryan Cross and No 8 Wycliff Palu are the new faces in the starting line-up from last month, with Adam Ashley-Cooper reverting from centre to fullback in the place of James O'Connor.
QUANTAS WALLABIES (v New Zealand, Saturday, 31 October)
Adam Ashley-Cooper (Brumbies); Peter Hynes (Queensland Reds), Ryan Cross(Western Force), Berrick Barnes (Queensland Reds), Digby Ioane (Queensland Reds); Matt Giteau (Western Force), Will Genia (Queensland Reds); Benn Robinson (NSW Waratahs), Tatafu Polota-Nau (NSW Waratahs), Ben Alexander (Brumbies), James Horwill (Queensland Reds), Mark Chisholm (Brumbies), Rocky Elsom (Brumbies, captain), David Pocock (Western Force), Wycliff Palu (NSW Waratahs).
Replacements: Stephen Moore (Brumbies), Matt Dunning (Western Force), Dean Mumm (NSW Waratahs), George Smith (Brumbies), Luke Burgess (NSW Waratahs), Drew Mitchell (Western Force), James O'Connor (Western Force)
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING THE INVESCO PERPETUAL SERIES '09 PLEASE CONTACT:
John Williams (WRU Communications Director)
jwilliams@wru.co.uk
M: 07824 357 083
Simon Rimmer (Wales National Squad Communications Manager)
srimmer@wru.co.uk
M: 07825 981 128
Liz Jones (WRU Communications Manager)
lizjones@wru.co.uk
M: 07736 056 669
Tel (switchboard): 02920 822 000
Ends
This press release was produced by Sotic Ltd.
© Copyright Welsh Rugby Union. All rights reserved.
© 2009 Microsoft Privacy Terms of use Account Feedback
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THE BIG KICK-OFF IN THE INVESCO PERPETUAL SERIES '09 IS ONLY 11 DAYS AWAY. HERE IS THE SECOND UPDATE FROM THE WRU ABOUT WALES' OPPONENTS.
SEE ATTACHED FILE FOR FURTHER STORIES FROM NEWS UPDATES 1 AND 2.
WALES' OPPONENTS BIG IN JAPAN
All eyes in the rugby world will be firmly fixed on the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo this weekend when two of Wales opponents in next month's Invesco Perpetual Series clash in a fourth Bledisloe Cup match of the season.
Last year the extra game was played in Hong Kong. This time New Zealand and Australia meet in the Japanese capital at the same venue where Lynn 'The Leap' Davies won his Olympic gold medal in the long jump way back in 1964.
The Wallabies may not be in Wales for a month, but they want to send a powerful message from Tokyo this weekend to Ryan Jones and his players that they are no soft option.
New vice-captain Berrick Barnes says that this weekend's Bledisloe Cup clash is more than just a chance to end a run of six successive defeats at the hands of arch-rivals New Zealand.
As a pre-cursor to his team's first Grand Slam tour in 25 years, he wants to use the game to hammer out a warning to England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales that the Wallabies are no soft touch.
''It's crucial for us to have a good result in Tokyo.'It will help us to send a message to the teams we are playing in the Grand Slam leg of the tour that we are fair dinkum," said Barnes.
"Right now they are probably looking at us and thinking they can knock us off, that we are the easiest of the three southern hemisphere teams to beat. 'What we have talked about over the last three weeks is winning back some respect, not just in our part of the world, but also up north."
The Wallabies finished bottom of the Tri Nations table this year with only one win, albeit over the eventual winners the Springboks. But they ended on a low note with a 33-6 defeat to the All Blacks in Wellington.
Coach Robbie Deans has made four personnel changes and one positional from the team that went down in Wellington for Saturday's historic meeting.
Wingers Digby Ioane and Peter Hynes, centre Ryan Cross and No 8 Wycliff Palu are the new faces in the starting line-up from last month, with Adam Ashley-Cooper reverting from centre to fullback in the place of James O'Connor.
QUANTAS WALLABIES (v New Zealand, Saturday, 31 October)
Adam Ashley-Cooper (Brumbies); Peter Hynes (Queensland Reds), Ryan Cross(Western Force), Berrick Barnes (Queensland Reds), Digby Ioane (Queensland Reds); Matt Giteau (Western Force), Will Genia (Queensland Reds); Benn Robinson (NSW Waratahs), Tatafu Polota-Nau (NSW Waratahs), Ben Alexander (Brumbies), James Horwill (Queensland Reds), Mark Chisholm (Brumbies), Rocky Elsom (Brumbies, captain), David Pocock (Western Force), Wycliff Palu (NSW Waratahs).
Replacements: Stephen Moore (Brumbies), Matt Dunning (Western Force), Dean Mumm (NSW Waratahs), George Smith (Brumbies), Luke Burgess (NSW Waratahs), Drew Mitchell (Western Force), James O'Connor (Western Force)
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING THE INVESCO PERPETUAL SERIES '09 PLEASE CONTACT:
John Williams (WRU Communications Director)
jwilliams@wru.co.uk
M: 07824 357 083
Simon Rimmer (Wales National Squad Communications Manager)
srimmer@wru.co.uk
M: 07825 981 128
Liz Jones (WRU Communications Manager)
lizjones@wru.co.uk
M: 07736 056 669
Tel (switchboard): 02920 822 000
Ends
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26.10.09
26.10.09 Wales Squad for Autumn Series
GATLAND NAMES 29-MAN SQUAD FOR INVERSCO PERPETUAL SERIES '09
Warren Gatland has named a 29-man squad to represent Wales in the Invesco Perpetual Series next month - a grueling, four-match campaign featuring clashes against New Zealand, Samoa, Argentina and Australia on back-to-back weekends at the Millennium Stadium.
Dragons back row man Dan Lydiate is on course to become Wales' 1071st capped player after being named as the only uncapped selection in a squad which will be led by Ospreys skipper, and 2008 Grand Slam captain, Ryan Jones.
Three of the five players who made their international debuts on Wales' two-Test tour of the USA and Canada this summer are retained - Blues flanker Sam Warburton (1 cap, USA), Scarlets centre Jonathan Davies (2 caps) and Ospreys tight-head Craig Mitchell (2 caps).
The other tour debutants, Scarlets full back Daniel Evans and Ospreys centre Jonathan Spratt, miss out. Another summer tourist, 27-year-old Ospreys prop Paul James, impressed tour coach Robin McBryde enough to keep his place in the squad, giving him the chance to add to his one and only cap to date against Romania in the summer of 2003.
Sale Sharks scrum-half Dwayne Peel is named despite not being available for the Series opener against the All Blacks on 7 November. That is due to the release policy at his club, a fact well known to Gatland, and he is the only player currently plying his trade outside of Wales to be selected.
With 2009 British & Irish Lions scrum half Mike Phillips absent through injury, Peel will contest the scrum-half berth, when available, with Gareth Cooper (Blues) and Martin Roberts (Scarlets).
In the forwards, Gatland has been boosted by the timely return from injury of the Blues' Test Lions, Gethin Jenkins and Martyn Williams, and has retained many of the names who have been regular contributors during his two-year reign.
Ospreys duo Andrew Bishop and Ian Gough are two of the regulars who have been omitted on this occasion as Gatland remains true to his previous policy of selecting players who have shown good Regional form and keeping his squad as small as possible.
"The selection process has been relatively simple for us. Generally we have gone for the incumbents in their positions at Regional level and selection reflects the good form our Welsh sides have shown already this season," said Gatland.
"Dan Lydiate is a good example of someone who has let his form do the talking. He deserves his chance, as does Sam Warburton, who also impressed the coaches on tour this summer.
"Craig Mitchell keeps his place after making his debut in the USA and, as a recognized tight-head, he is definitely someone we are looking to develop. However, both Gethin Jenkins and Paul James are versatile props who can play on both sides of the scrum.
"It's ironic that we will have Dwayne to train with is for three days in Test week, but that he will have to go back to Manchester on match-day. It is a situation we have long been made aware of, accepted a long time ago and have made allowances for."
Gatland has referred to this year's Invesco Perpetual Series, against three teams ranked above them in the IRB World rankings and World Cup rivals Samoa, as "the toughest I have come up against during my coaching career".
Significantly, Gatland and his Welsh team can count on maximum support for both fixtures as the Millennium Stadium is already a 74.500 sell-out for both games apart from a handful of hospitality places
With more than 230,000 tickets for the Series already sold, those remaining for the matches against Samoa and Argentina are available from www.wru.co.uk, Ticketmaster: 08442 777888 and Ticketline: 02920 230130.
Tickets for Wales v Samoa on Friday 13 November are priced at £15 for adults and £10 for children and tickets for Wales v Argentina on Saturday 21 November are available at £35, £45, £50 and £55.
Fans interested in purchasing hospitality for all games, which ranges from £99 to £279 per person and is now sold on an individual basis, should call the hospitality team on: 08443 722722 or visit www.millenniumstadium.com/hospitality.
Wales Squad for Invesco Perpetual Series '09:
Backs (13): Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Gareth Cooper (Blues), Jonathan Davies (Scarlets), Leigh Halfpenny (Blues), James Hook (Ospreys), Tom James (Blues), Mark Jones (Scarlets), Stephen Jones (Scarlets), Dwayne Peel (Sale Sharks), Jamie Roberts (Blues), Martin Roberts (Scarlets), Tom Shanklin (Blues), Shane Williams (Ospreys).
Forwards (16): Huw Bennett (Ospreys), Luke Charteris (Dragons), Bradley Davies (Blues), Paul James (Ospreys), Gethin Jenkins (Blues), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Dafydd Jones (Scarlets), Duncan Jones (Ospreys), Ryan Jones (Ospreys, captain), Dan Lydiate (Dragons), Craig Mitchell (Ospreys), Andy Powell (Blues), Matthew Rees (Scarlets), Jonathan Thomas (Ospreys), Sam Warburton (Blues), Martyn Williams (Blues),
Regional Break Down
OSPREYS: Paul James, Duncan Jones, Craig Mitchell, Huw Bennett, Alun Wyn Jones, Jonathan Thomas, Ryan Jones (Captain), Dan Biggar, James Hook, Shane Williams
BLUES: Gethin Jenkins, Bradley Davies, Andy Powell, Sam Warburton, Martyn Williams, Gareth Cooper, Jamie Roberts, Tom Shanklin, Tom James, Leigh Halfpenney
SCARLETS: Matthew Rees, Dafydd Jones, Martin Roberts, Stephen Jones, Jonathan Davies, Mark Jones
DRAGONS: Luke Charteris, Dan Lydiate
Other
SALE SHARKS: Dwayne Peel
WALES BIOGS:
BACKS (alphabetical)
Dan BIGGAR (OSPREYS - Cap No 1,063)
DoB: 16.10.89. 6'2" / 1.88m. 13st 9lbs / 87kgs
International record: 3 caps (W 3; 35 pts - 7C, 7PG)
Gareth COOPER (CARDIFF BLUES - Cap No 985)
DoB: 07.05.79. 5'7" / 1.71m. 13st 6lbs / 85kgs
International record: 42 caps (W 20, L 22; 45 pts - 9T)
Jonathan DAVIES (SCARLETS - Cap No 1,066)
DoB: 05.04.88. 6'1" / 1.86m. 16st 3lbs / 103kgs
International record: 2 caps (W 2; 10 pts - 2T)
Leigh HALFPENNY (CARDIFF BLUES - Cap No 1,060)
DoB: 22.12.88. 5'10" / 1.77m. 13st 1lb / 83kgs
International record: 6 caps (W 3, L 3; 26 pts - 4T, 2PG)
James HOOK (OSPREYS - Cap No 1,047)
DoB: 27.06.85. 6'0" / 1.83m. 14st 12lbs / 94kgs
International record: 33 caps (W 14, L 18, D 1; 209 pts - 6T,34C,35PG,2DG)
Tom JAMES (CARDIFF BLUES - Cap No 1,055)
DoB: 17.04.87. 6'2" / 1.88m. 15st 1lb / 96kgs
International record: 5 caps (W 2, L 3; 10 pts - 2T)
Mark JONES (SCARLETS - Cap No 984)
DoB: 07.11.79. 6'2" / 1.88m. 15st 0lbs / 95kgs
International record: 47 caps (W 22, L 23, D 2; 65 pts - 13T)
Stephen JONES (SCARLETS - Cap No 966)
DoB: 08.12.77. 6'1" / 1.86m. 14st 12lbs / 94kgs
International record: 80 caps (W36, L41, D2; 693 pts - 6T,117C,138PG,5DG)
Dwayne PEEL (SALE SHARKS - Cap No 994)
DoB: 31.08.81. 5'9" / 1.76m. 13st 8lbs / 86kgs
International record: 69 caps (W 32, L 35, D 2; 25 pts - 5T)
Jamie ROBERTS (CARDIFF BLUES - Cap No 1,057)
DoB: 08.11.86. 6'4" / 1.93m. 16st 10lbs / 107kgs
International record: 12 caps (W 6, L 6; 5 pts - 1T)
Martin ROBERTS (SCARLETS - Cap No 1,062)
DoB: 06.06.86. 5'9" / 1.76m. 12st 1lb / 77kgs
International record: 1 cap (W 1)
Tom SHANKLIN (CARDIFF BLUES - Cap No 993)
DoB: 24.11.79. 6'2" / 1.88m. 15st 9lbs / 99kgs
International record: 63 caps (W 30, L 32, D 1; 100 pts - 20T)
Shane WILLIAMS (OSPREYS - Cap No 976)
DoB: 26.02.77. 5'7" / 1.71m. 12st 13lbs / 82kgs
International record: 65 caps (W 32, L 31, D 2; 230 pts - 46T)
FORWARDS (alphabetical)
Huw BENNETT (OSPREYS - Cap No 1,017)
DoB: 11.06.83. 6'0" / 1.83m. 17st 0lbs / 108kgs
International record: 23 caps (W 14, L 9)
Luke CHARTERIS (NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS - Cap No 1,030)
DoB: 09.03.83. 6'9" / 2.06m. 19st 9lbs / 125kgs
International record: 14 caps (W 8, L 6)
Bradley DAVIES (CARDIFF BLUES - Cap No 1,065)
DoB: 09.01.87. 6'6" / 1.98m. 18st 1lb / 115kgs
International record: 3 caps (W 3)
Paul JAMES (OSPREYS)
DoB: 13.05.82. 6'1". 17st 7lb
International record: 1 cap (W 1)
Gethin JENKINS (CARDIFF BLUES - Cap No 1,006)
DoB: 17.11.80. 6'2" / 1.88m. 18st 13lbs / 120kgs
International record: 68 caps (W 29, L 37, D 2; 15 pts - 3T)
Alun-Wyn JONES (OSPREYS - Cap No 1,046)
DoB: 19.09.85. 6'5" / 1.96m. 19st 1lbs / 121kgs
International record: 31 caps (W 13, L 18; 20 pts - 4T)
Dafydd JONES (SCARLETS - Cap No 1,008)
DoB: 24.06.79. 6'3" / 1.90m. 17st 5lbs / 110kgs
International record: 41 caps (W 19, L 22; 10 pts - 2T)
Duncan JONES (OSPREYS - Cap No 997)
DoB: 18.09.78. 6'0" / 1.83m. 17st 8lbs / 112kgs
International record: 54 caps (W 25, L 27, D 2)
Ryan JONES (OSPREYS, CAPTAIN - Cap No 1,029)
DoB: 13.03.81. 6'5" / 1.96m. 18st 0lbs / 114kgs
International record: 33 caps (W 19, L 13, D 1; 5 pts - 1T)
Dan LYDIATE (NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS)
DoB: 18.12.87. 1.93m / 6'4". 15st 13lbs / 101kgs
International record: Uncapped
Craig MITCHELL (OSPREYS - Cap No 1,068)
DoB: 03.05.86. 6'1" / 1.85m. 17st 2lbs / 109kgs
International record: 2 caps (W 2)
Andy POWELL (CARDIFF BLUES - Cap No 1,061)
DoB: 23.08.81. 6'4" / 1.94m. 17st 6lbs / 111kgs
International record: 8 caps (W 5, L 3)
Matthew REES (SCARLETS - Cap No 1,033)
DoB: 09.12.80. 6'0" / 1.83m. 17st 1lbs / 108kgs
International record: 30 caps (W 14, L 15, D 1; 10 pts - 2T)
Jonathan THOMAS (OSPREYS - Cap No 1,013)
DoB: 27.12.82. 6'5" / 1.96m. 17st 5lbs / 110kgs
International record: 47 caps (W 23, L 22, D 2; 35 pts - 7T)
Sam WARBURTON (CARDIFF BLUES - Cap No 1,070)
DoB: 05.10.88. 1.88m / 6'2". 15st 9lbs / 99kgs
International record: 1 cap (W 1)
Martyn WILLIAMS (CARDIFF BLUES - Cap No 944)
DoB: 01.09.75. 6'0" / 1.83m. 15st 11lbs / 100kgs
International record: 88 caps (W 41, L 44, D 3; 73 pts - 14T, 1DG)
For further information please contact:
Simon Rimmer
Wales National Squad Communications Manager
WRU Group, Millennium Stadium, Westgate Street, Cardiff CF10 1NS
Email (inc blackberry): srimmer@wru.co.uk
M: 07825 981 128
Tel (switchboard): 02920 822000
Ends.
23.10.09
23.10.09 MAJOR BOOST TO WALES SEVENS PLANS
MAJOR BOOST TO WALES SEVENS PLANS
The Welsh Rugby Union today (Thursday) handed core Sevens contracts to eight players which will make them available for all eight IRB Sevens World Series tournaments this season.
Under the new Participation Agreement, signed by the WRU and Welsh Regions, up to 10 players can be contracted per season, with additional Regional and club players to be added for each pair of tournaments from an agreed wider squad.
The core squad is made up of a mix of experienced Sevens players and development players, for whom it is hoped the experience of participating in the IRB Sevens World Series this season will be of great benefit.
Joe Lydon, WRU Head of Rugby Performance and Development, said: "Contracting a core squad of players is geared to increase performance and enhance the development of players through continuity of selection for training and competition phases.
"It is important that we build on the success we achieved at the Rugby World Cup Sevens and this is one step towards regularly fulfilling our potential on the IRB circuit."
Wales Sevens head coach Paul John, who was appointed on a full-time basis as Wales Sevens coach and National Academy skills coach from September, said of the move: "This initiative will radically our preparation for international Sevens tournaments. It will give us a level of consistency of selection that we have never been able to achieve to date.
"We've got a lot of hard work to do, nothing's going to miraculously change overnight, but the core contracts put us on a more even footing with other international Sevens sides whose players are able to concentrate fully on the truncated game.
"We are looking forward to the start of the Sevens season, which begins in early December with the Dubai Sevens. The new agreement means we are able to take part in a training tournament in France in November, playing against France, Scotland and Tunisia which will give the whole squad, and in particular the uncapped players, a chance to get used to Sevens competition before we attempt to tackle a very tough Pool in Dubai which includes current IRB champions South Africa along with Australia, who we failed to beat all last season, and the Arabian Gulf.
"The intensity of the Sevens circuit has stepped up quite considerably in the last year. The breakdown is more vital than ever and as with all aspects of Sevens, one mistake can turn a game on its head. Sevens really hones skill levels both in attack and defence and as one of our key development arms, we hope a number of players will become better XV a side players as a result of this season.
"Winning the Rugby World Cup Sevens gave a number of our squad a chance to take up opportunities within the fifteen a side game, and it also gives us a chance to start afresh in terms of developing a new squad with new leaders and new young players."
Wales core Sevens players 2009/10:
Jevon Groves (Cross Keys), Darren Daniel (Scarlets), Lloyd Williams (Blues Academy), Craig Hill (Newport), Chris Davies (Aberavon), Nicky Thomas (Swansea), Ifan Evans (Llandovery), Chris Morgan (Aberavon).
For further information, contact Liz Jones tel 07736 056669 / lizjones@wru.co.uk
The Welsh Rugby Union today (Thursday) handed core Sevens contracts to eight players which will make them available for all eight IRB Sevens World Series tournaments this season.
Under the new Participation Agreement, signed by the WRU and Welsh Regions, up to 10 players can be contracted per season, with additional Regional and club players to be added for each pair of tournaments from an agreed wider squad.
The core squad is made up of a mix of experienced Sevens players and development players, for whom it is hoped the experience of participating in the IRB Sevens World Series this season will be of great benefit.
Joe Lydon, WRU Head of Rugby Performance and Development, said: "Contracting a core squad of players is geared to increase performance and enhance the development of players through continuity of selection for training and competition phases.
"It is important that we build on the success we achieved at the Rugby World Cup Sevens and this is one step towards regularly fulfilling our potential on the IRB circuit."
Wales Sevens head coach Paul John, who was appointed on a full-time basis as Wales Sevens coach and National Academy skills coach from September, said of the move: "This initiative will radically our preparation for international Sevens tournaments. It will give us a level of consistency of selection that we have never been able to achieve to date.
"We've got a lot of hard work to do, nothing's going to miraculously change overnight, but the core contracts put us on a more even footing with other international Sevens sides whose players are able to concentrate fully on the truncated game.
"We are looking forward to the start of the Sevens season, which begins in early December with the Dubai Sevens. The new agreement means we are able to take part in a training tournament in France in November, playing against France, Scotland and Tunisia which will give the whole squad, and in particular the uncapped players, a chance to get used to Sevens competition before we attempt to tackle a very tough Pool in Dubai which includes current IRB champions South Africa along with Australia, who we failed to beat all last season, and the Arabian Gulf.
"The intensity of the Sevens circuit has stepped up quite considerably in the last year. The breakdown is more vital than ever and as with all aspects of Sevens, one mistake can turn a game on its head. Sevens really hones skill levels both in attack and defence and as one of our key development arms, we hope a number of players will become better XV a side players as a result of this season.
"Winning the Rugby World Cup Sevens gave a number of our squad a chance to take up opportunities within the fifteen a side game, and it also gives us a chance to start afresh in terms of developing a new squad with new leaders and new young players."
Wales core Sevens players 2009/10:
Jevon Groves (Cross Keys), Darren Daniel (Scarlets), Lloyd Williams (Blues Academy), Craig Hill (Newport), Chris Davies (Aberavon), Nicky Thomas (Swansea), Ifan Evans (Llandovery), Chris Morgan (Aberavon).
For further information, contact Liz Jones tel 07736 056669 / lizjones@wru.co.uk
19.10.09
19.10.09 ALL BLACKS NAME SQUAD
WRU PRESS RELEASE
SENT ON BEHALF OF THE ALL BLACKS
Issued: 19 October 2009
All Blacks squad named for Telecom Northern Tour to Japan and Europe
*Four new caps picked while Boric, Ellis and Flynn return to team
All Blacks coach Graham Henry and his assistant coaches Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith have named their squad for the All Blacks Telecom Northern Tour to Japan and Europe, with four new caps and the return of three 2008 All Blacks the key features of the 33-strong squad.
John Afoa Auckland (20 Test caps)
Anthony Boric North Harbour (10)
Dan Carter Canterbury (62)
Jimmy Cowan Southland (28)
Wyatt Crockett Canterbury (1)
Mike Delany Bay of Plenty *
Stephen Donald Waikato (16)
Tom Donnelly Otago (1)
Jason Eaton Taranaki (13)
Andy Ellis Canterbury (11)
Tamati Ellison Wellington*
Corey Flynn Canterbury (5)
Owen Franks Canterbury (6)
Zac Guildford Hawke's Bay *
Andrew Hore Taranaki (43)
Cory Jane Wellington (8)
Jerome Kaino Auckland (22)
Tanerau Latimer Bay of Plenty (3)
Brendon Leonard Waikato (12)
Luke McAlister North Harbour (28)
Richie McCaw Canterbury (76) - captain
Liam Messam Waikato (2)
Mils Muliaina Waikato (77)
Ma'a Nonu Wellington (42)
Kieran Read Canterbury (12)
Sitiveni Sivivatu Waikato (39)
Ben Smith Otago *
Conrad Smith Wellington (29)
Rodney So'oialo Wellington (60)
Adam Thomson Otago (12)
Brad Thorn Canterbury (33)
Neemia Tialata Wellington (37)
Tony Woodcock North Harbour (58)
* denotes new cap
The All Blacks squad features 18 forwards and 15 backs and will again be captained by Richie McCaw.
The new caps in the squad are 27-year-old Bay of Plenty first five-eighth Mike Delany, 20-year-old Hawke's Bay winger Zac Guildford, 23-year-old Otago fullback / wing Ben Smith and 26-year-old Wellington utility back Tamati Ellison, who was assembled with the All Blacks during this year's Investec Tri Nations, but has been officially selected in an All Blacks squad for the first time.
The versatile Ben Smith makes the All Blacks after just his third season of Air New Zealand Cup rugby. He made his debut for the Highlanders this year and also played alongside fellow All Black Owen Franks in the 2007 New Zealand Under 21 side.
The experienced Mike Delany, who also plays fullback, made his provincial debut in 2005 and his Rebel Sport Super 14 debut last year. He has played 52 matches for Bay of Plenty and is the leading points scorer in this year's Air New Zealand Cup.
Young Zac Guildford has had a stellar season this year, playing for the Hurricanes, the world champion New Zealand Under 20 team and Hawke's Bay, and is the leading try scorer in this year's Air New Zealand Cup, with 13 tries.
The skilled Tamati Ellison is well-known to the All Blacks coaches, impressing during his time with the squad this year, and his ability to cover several positions has made him invaluable for his Wellington and Hurricanes teams.
The All Blacks squad also features the return of Canterbury hooker Corey Flynn, who fractured his arm on last year's Grand Slam tour, his Canterbury teammate, halfback Andy Ellis, who suffered a rib injury on the same tour, and North Harbour lock Anthony Boric, who returned to rugby this year after a toe injury.
Players not considered for selection due to injury include: Piri Weepu (ankle), Isaia Toeava (pelvis), Lelia Masaga (shoulder), Keven Mealamu (chest), Bryn Evans (back), Richard Kahui (shoulder) and Ali Williams (Achilles).
"I would like to congratulate all those players picked, especially the new caps," All Blacks coach Graham Henry said. "The selectors were impressed by the high standard of play in the Air New Zealand Cup and that is reflected in the selection of players who have been stand-outs in the competition."
Henry said the All Blacks had two objectives for the tour.
"Firstly, we want to play quality rugby that we are proud of. Secondly, the tour is the opportunity for players to put their hand up when it comes to selection for the All Blacks in the future."
The All Blacks squad will assemble in Auckland for a training camp this week before flying out to Tokyo next Sunday 25 October. A public training and autograph session to raise funds for the Tsunami Relief Fund will be held at Trusts Stadium, Waitakere, on Wednesday at 11.00am.
Meanwhile, the relationship between the All Blacks and major sponsor Telecom has been enhanced further, with the announcement today that Telecom would sponsor the All Blacks tour to Japan and Europe, with the tour to be known as the All Blacks Telecom Northern Tour.
Alan Gourdie, CEO, Telecom Retail, said: "Our best wishes go to the players selected as they embark on the Telecom sponsored Northern Tour. This is a special association for us as it is the first time our new brand will make an appearance with the All Blacks, and coincides with each of the players receiving an XT Mobile so they can stay in touch with home easily in each of the five countries that they visit."
All Blacks Telecom Northern Tour
Saturday 31 October, All Blacks vs Australia, National Olympic Stadium, Tokyo
Saturday 7 November, All Blacks vs Wales, Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
Saturday 14 November, All Blacks vs Italy, San Siro Stadium, Milan
Saturday 21 November, All Blacks vs England, Twickenham, London
Saturday 28 November, All Blacks vs France, Stade Velodrome, Marseille
Saturday 5 December, All Blacks vs Barbarians, Twickenham, London
********
Media note: Headshots of the 2009 All Blacks Telecom Northern Tour squad will be available in the Media Centre on allblacks.com on Tuesday 20 October.
For further information contact:
Joe Locke
All Blacks Media Manager
M: +64 (0) 27 441 8461
E: joe.locke@nzrugby.co.nz
Ends
SENT ON BEHALF OF THE ALL BLACKS
Issued: 19 October 2009
All Blacks squad named for Telecom Northern Tour to Japan and Europe
*Four new caps picked while Boric, Ellis and Flynn return to team
All Blacks coach Graham Henry and his assistant coaches Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith have named their squad for the All Blacks Telecom Northern Tour to Japan and Europe, with four new caps and the return of three 2008 All Blacks the key features of the 33-strong squad.
John Afoa Auckland (20 Test caps)
Anthony Boric North Harbour (10)
Dan Carter Canterbury (62)
Jimmy Cowan Southland (28)
Wyatt Crockett Canterbury (1)
Mike Delany Bay of Plenty *
Stephen Donald Waikato (16)
Tom Donnelly Otago (1)
Jason Eaton Taranaki (13)
Andy Ellis Canterbury (11)
Tamati Ellison Wellington*
Corey Flynn Canterbury (5)
Owen Franks Canterbury (6)
Zac Guildford Hawke's Bay *
Andrew Hore Taranaki (43)
Cory Jane Wellington (8)
Jerome Kaino Auckland (22)
Tanerau Latimer Bay of Plenty (3)
Brendon Leonard Waikato (12)
Luke McAlister North Harbour (28)
Richie McCaw Canterbury (76) - captain
Liam Messam Waikato (2)
Mils Muliaina Waikato (77)
Ma'a Nonu Wellington (42)
Kieran Read Canterbury (12)
Sitiveni Sivivatu Waikato (39)
Ben Smith Otago *
Conrad Smith Wellington (29)
Rodney So'oialo Wellington (60)
Adam Thomson Otago (12)
Brad Thorn Canterbury (33)
Neemia Tialata Wellington (37)
Tony Woodcock North Harbour (58)
* denotes new cap
The All Blacks squad features 18 forwards and 15 backs and will again be captained by Richie McCaw.
The new caps in the squad are 27-year-old Bay of Plenty first five-eighth Mike Delany, 20-year-old Hawke's Bay winger Zac Guildford, 23-year-old Otago fullback / wing Ben Smith and 26-year-old Wellington utility back Tamati Ellison, who was assembled with the All Blacks during this year's Investec Tri Nations, but has been officially selected in an All Blacks squad for the first time.
The versatile Ben Smith makes the All Blacks after just his third season of Air New Zealand Cup rugby. He made his debut for the Highlanders this year and also played alongside fellow All Black Owen Franks in the 2007 New Zealand Under 21 side.
The experienced Mike Delany, who also plays fullback, made his provincial debut in 2005 and his Rebel Sport Super 14 debut last year. He has played 52 matches for Bay of Plenty and is the leading points scorer in this year's Air New Zealand Cup.
Young Zac Guildford has had a stellar season this year, playing for the Hurricanes, the world champion New Zealand Under 20 team and Hawke's Bay, and is the leading try scorer in this year's Air New Zealand Cup, with 13 tries.
The skilled Tamati Ellison is well-known to the All Blacks coaches, impressing during his time with the squad this year, and his ability to cover several positions has made him invaluable for his Wellington and Hurricanes teams.
The All Blacks squad also features the return of Canterbury hooker Corey Flynn, who fractured his arm on last year's Grand Slam tour, his Canterbury teammate, halfback Andy Ellis, who suffered a rib injury on the same tour, and North Harbour lock Anthony Boric, who returned to rugby this year after a toe injury.
Players not considered for selection due to injury include: Piri Weepu (ankle), Isaia Toeava (pelvis), Lelia Masaga (shoulder), Keven Mealamu (chest), Bryn Evans (back), Richard Kahui (shoulder) and Ali Williams (Achilles).
"I would like to congratulate all those players picked, especially the new caps," All Blacks coach Graham Henry said. "The selectors were impressed by the high standard of play in the Air New Zealand Cup and that is reflected in the selection of players who have been stand-outs in the competition."
Henry said the All Blacks had two objectives for the tour.
"Firstly, we want to play quality rugby that we are proud of. Secondly, the tour is the opportunity for players to put their hand up when it comes to selection for the All Blacks in the future."
The All Blacks squad will assemble in Auckland for a training camp this week before flying out to Tokyo next Sunday 25 October. A public training and autograph session to raise funds for the Tsunami Relief Fund will be held at Trusts Stadium, Waitakere, on Wednesday at 11.00am.
Meanwhile, the relationship between the All Blacks and major sponsor Telecom has been enhanced further, with the announcement today that Telecom would sponsor the All Blacks tour to Japan and Europe, with the tour to be known as the All Blacks Telecom Northern Tour.
Alan Gourdie, CEO, Telecom Retail, said: "Our best wishes go to the players selected as they embark on the Telecom sponsored Northern Tour. This is a special association for us as it is the first time our new brand will make an appearance with the All Blacks, and coincides with each of the players receiving an XT Mobile so they can stay in touch with home easily in each of the five countries that they visit."
All Blacks Telecom Northern Tour
Saturday 31 October, All Blacks vs Australia, National Olympic Stadium, Tokyo
Saturday 7 November, All Blacks vs Wales, Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
Saturday 14 November, All Blacks vs Italy, San Siro Stadium, Milan
Saturday 21 November, All Blacks vs England, Twickenham, London
Saturday 28 November, All Blacks vs France, Stade Velodrome, Marseille
Saturday 5 December, All Blacks vs Barbarians, Twickenham, London
********
Media note: Headshots of the 2009 All Blacks Telecom Northern Tour squad will be available in the Media Centre on allblacks.com on Tuesday 20 October.
For further information contact:
Joe Locke
All Blacks Media Manager
M: +64 (0) 27 441 8461
E: joe.locke@nzrugby.co.nz
Ends
16.10.09
16.10.09 SWALEC BOWL DRAW
WRU PRESS RELEASE
Issued: 14 October 2009
HIGH SCORING MONMOUTH HEAD NORTH IN SWALEC BOWL
Monmouth make the long trip north to face Dolgellau in the next round of the SWALEC Bowl as reward for their 104-0 defeat of Forgeside in round one.
With only one league defeat to date, the SWALEC League Division Four East side will be confident of making it to the next stage against the SWALEC Division Two North (Southern) club who have two victories from their four league matches.
Crumlin were also heavy scorers in round one, running in 13 tries in a 96-13 defeat of Aberbargoed at the Kay Field. Their reward, however, is a much tougher task in the next stage after being drawn away to Oakdale.
Crumlin are struggling at the foot of Four East, while their second round hosts are top of Five East after winning all six league games to date.
Six Central side Caerau Ely easily defeated St Albans, of Five South East, 38-0 in an all-Cardiff derby. They now travel down the coast to visit Llantwit Major, of Four South East, hoping to continue their good form.
The draw has thrown up another series of local derbies to look forward to, including Llandybie v Pantyffynnon, Tenby United v Pembroke, Pontarddulais v Tumble, Old Illtydian v Llanrumney, Barry v Clwb Rygbi Cymry Caerdydd, St Josephs (Cardiff) v Rhiwbina, Abertillery BG v Aberbeeg and Oakdale v Crumlin.
The final of SWALEC Bowl will take place at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday 8 May.
SWALEC Bowl Round Two
(Matches to be played 31 October, 2009)
Aberavon Naval v Pontardawe
Abercarn v Cwm
Abertillery BG v Aberbeeg
Amman Utd v Neyland
Bala v Bangor Normal College
Barry v CRC Caerdydd
Bethesda v Bangor University
Beaufort v Llandrindod Wells
Birchgrove v Furnace
Blaenau v Nantgaredig
Bryncethin v Baglan
Brynithel v Blaenavon
Caerleon v Llanhilleth
Cambrian Welfare v Dowlais
Canton v Taffs Well
Cardiff University v Abercwmboi
Cefn Coed v Deri
Cefneithin v Penlan
Chepstow v Trefil
Cilfynydd v Penygraig
Crickhowell v Llanidloes
Crynant v Pontrhydyfen
Cwmtwrch v South Gower
Dolgellau v Monmouth
Fishguard v Tycroes
Glyncorrwg v Tonna
Hendy v Cwmgwrach
Llandybie v Pantyffynnon
Llansawel v Trinity College, Carmarthen
Llantwit Major v Caerau Ely
Machen v Hafodyrynys
Milford v Betws
Nantyglo v Blackwood Stars
Neath Athletic v Taibach
New Dock Stars v Fall Bay
New Tredegar v St Julians HSOB
Newtown v Rhos
Oakdale v Crumlin
Ogmore Vale v Vardre
Old Illtydians v Llanrumney
Old Penarthians v Cwmcarn United
Penygroes v Bynea
Pontarddulais v Tumble
Pontyates v Llangadog
Pontycymmer v Glyncoch
Porth Harlequins v Pontyclun
Porthcawl v Tonyrefail
Pyle v Banwen
Resolven v Maesteg Celtic
Rhigos v Bridgend Sports
Risca v Blaina Utd
Rogerstone v Bettws
RTB Ebbw Vale v Hollybush
Senghenydd v Cardiff HSOB
South Wales Police v Wattstown
St Josephs v Rhiwbina
Talywain v Usk
Tenby United v Pembroke
Trebanos v Gowerton
Tregaron v COBRA
Trinant v Markham
Whiteheads v New Panteg
Ynysddu v Caldicot
Ystradgynlais v Machynlleth
For further information, contact Liz Jones WRU communications manager tel 07736 056669 / lizjones@wru.co.uk
Ends
Issued: 14 October 2009
HIGH SCORING MONMOUTH HEAD NORTH IN SWALEC BOWL
Monmouth make the long trip north to face Dolgellau in the next round of the SWALEC Bowl as reward for their 104-0 defeat of Forgeside in round one.
With only one league defeat to date, the SWALEC League Division Four East side will be confident of making it to the next stage against the SWALEC Division Two North (Southern) club who have two victories from their four league matches.
Crumlin were also heavy scorers in round one, running in 13 tries in a 96-13 defeat of Aberbargoed at the Kay Field. Their reward, however, is a much tougher task in the next stage after being drawn away to Oakdale.
Crumlin are struggling at the foot of Four East, while their second round hosts are top of Five East after winning all six league games to date.
Six Central side Caerau Ely easily defeated St Albans, of Five South East, 38-0 in an all-Cardiff derby. They now travel down the coast to visit Llantwit Major, of Four South East, hoping to continue their good form.
The draw has thrown up another series of local derbies to look forward to, including Llandybie v Pantyffynnon, Tenby United v Pembroke, Pontarddulais v Tumble, Old Illtydian v Llanrumney, Barry v Clwb Rygbi Cymry Caerdydd, St Josephs (Cardiff) v Rhiwbina, Abertillery BG v Aberbeeg and Oakdale v Crumlin.
The final of SWALEC Bowl will take place at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday 8 May.
SWALEC Bowl Round Two
(Matches to be played 31 October, 2009)
Aberavon Naval v Pontardawe
Abercarn v Cwm
Abertillery BG v Aberbeeg
Amman Utd v Neyland
Bala v Bangor Normal College
Barry v CRC Caerdydd
Bethesda v Bangor University
Beaufort v Llandrindod Wells
Birchgrove v Furnace
Blaenau v Nantgaredig
Bryncethin v Baglan
Brynithel v Blaenavon
Caerleon v Llanhilleth
Cambrian Welfare v Dowlais
Canton v Taffs Well
Cardiff University v Abercwmboi
Cefn Coed v Deri
Cefneithin v Penlan
Chepstow v Trefil
Cilfynydd v Penygraig
Crickhowell v Llanidloes
Crynant v Pontrhydyfen
Cwmtwrch v South Gower
Dolgellau v Monmouth
Fishguard v Tycroes
Glyncorrwg v Tonna
Hendy v Cwmgwrach
Llandybie v Pantyffynnon
Llansawel v Trinity College, Carmarthen
Llantwit Major v Caerau Ely
Machen v Hafodyrynys
Milford v Betws
Nantyglo v Blackwood Stars
Neath Athletic v Taibach
New Dock Stars v Fall Bay
New Tredegar v St Julians HSOB
Newtown v Rhos
Oakdale v Crumlin
Ogmore Vale v Vardre
Old Illtydians v Llanrumney
Old Penarthians v Cwmcarn United
Penygroes v Bynea
Pontarddulais v Tumble
Pontyates v Llangadog
Pontycymmer v Glyncoch
Porth Harlequins v Pontyclun
Porthcawl v Tonyrefail
Pyle v Banwen
Resolven v Maesteg Celtic
Rhigos v Bridgend Sports
Risca v Blaina Utd
Rogerstone v Bettws
RTB Ebbw Vale v Hollybush
Senghenydd v Cardiff HSOB
South Wales Police v Wattstown
St Josephs v Rhiwbina
Talywain v Usk
Tenby United v Pembroke
Trebanos v Gowerton
Tregaron v COBRA
Trinant v Markham
Whiteheads v New Panteg
Ynysddu v Caldicot
Ystradgynlais v Machynlleth
For further information, contact Liz Jones WRU communications manager tel 07736 056669 / lizjones@wru.co.uk
Ends
14.10.09
14.10.09 Jones to leave Dagons
Newport Gwent Dragons can confirm that they have agreed to release Forwards Coach Leigh Jones from his contract with the region to take up a post with the Hong Kong Rugby Union.
Leigh will leave the Dragons in the New Year to become Coach Development Manager for Hong Kong Rugby although the timing of his departure is yet to be confirmed.
"Leigh has been offered a great opportunity and we are happy to support him in his decision to leave the region," said Dragons Rugby Manager Robert Beale. "We recognise that releasing Leigh leaves a requirement to recruit a new forwards coach mid-season, but as we did with the departure of David Rees, we will take the time necessary to ensure that we have the right man for the job.
Although Leigh’s exact departure date has not been determined, we will start making preparations for a smooth transition for our players and the rest of the coaching team.
"We remain open-minded as to the options available both short-term and for next season."
Jones has been at the Dragons since the inception of regional rugby, having coached Newport RFC to a premiership title the previous season and was also part of the Welsh coaching team alongside Graham Henry.
"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with both Newport and the Dragons," said Jones "I have been offered an opportunity to further my career and am grateful to the region for their understanding in allowing me to pursue this option.
"I am still very much a Dragon and remain totally focussed on our goals of successful campaigns in both the Magners League and the Heineken Cup this season.
"I would like to thank the players and coaching staff who have been so supportive of me during my time at Rodney Parade and I hope to leave the region in a strong position in all competitions."
Dragons Chief Executive and Head Coach have also paid tribute to the departing Forwards Coach.
"Everyone at the Dragons would like to thank Leigh for the energy and hard work he has put into the region," said Dragons Chief Executive Gethin Jenkins. "He has been a key member of our coaching team, bringing a great deal of experience to the organisation. Although we are sorry to see him leave us, we wish him well with this new opportunity."
Dragons Head Coach Paul Turner added, "Leigh goes with the region’s best wishes. He and I go back a long way in rugby and he has been a close friend both on and off the field. He is a quality coach and I’m sure he will be a major success in his Hong Kong venture. He will certainly be missed around the Dragons environment and I personally wish him well for the future."
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Rodney Parade
Newport, Gwent NP19 0UU
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Leigh will leave the Dragons in the New Year to become Coach Development Manager for Hong Kong Rugby although the timing of his departure is yet to be confirmed.
"Leigh has been offered a great opportunity and we are happy to support him in his decision to leave the region," said Dragons Rugby Manager Robert Beale. "We recognise that releasing Leigh leaves a requirement to recruit a new forwards coach mid-season, but as we did with the departure of David Rees, we will take the time necessary to ensure that we have the right man for the job.
Although Leigh’s exact departure date has not been determined, we will start making preparations for a smooth transition for our players and the rest of the coaching team.
"We remain open-minded as to the options available both short-term and for next season."
Jones has been at the Dragons since the inception of regional rugby, having coached Newport RFC to a premiership title the previous season and was also part of the Welsh coaching team alongside Graham Henry.
"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with both Newport and the Dragons," said Jones "I have been offered an opportunity to further my career and am grateful to the region for their understanding in allowing me to pursue this option.
"I am still very much a Dragon and remain totally focussed on our goals of successful campaigns in both the Magners League and the Heineken Cup this season.
"I would like to thank the players and coaching staff who have been so supportive of me during my time at Rodney Parade and I hope to leave the region in a strong position in all competitions."
Dragons Chief Executive and Head Coach have also paid tribute to the departing Forwards Coach.
"Everyone at the Dragons would like to thank Leigh for the energy and hard work he has put into the region," said Dragons Chief Executive Gethin Jenkins. "He has been a key member of our coaching team, bringing a great deal of experience to the organisation. Although we are sorry to see him leave us, we wish him well with this new opportunity."
Dragons Head Coach Paul Turner added, "Leigh goes with the region’s best wishes. He and I go back a long way in rugby and he has been a close friend both on and off the field. He is a quality coach and I’m sure he will be a major success in his Hong Kong venture. He will certainly be missed around the Dragons environment and I personally wish him well for the future."
You are receiving our E-Zine because you signed up at www.newportgwentdragons.com.
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NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS
Rodney Parade
Newport, Gwent NP19 0UU
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14.10.09 - Under 20s Press Release
WRU PRESS RELEASE
ISSUED: 13 October 2009
Under 20s compete for squad places in East v West encounter
An Under 20 national selection game will take place at Aberavon on Thursday evening (7.15pm) with the East taking on the West in a bid to impress Wales Under 20 head coach Phil Davies and his coaching team.
Players from the Blues and Dragons set-ups will form East Wales, with the Scarlets and Ospreys joining forces to make up the West. The four WRU Regional Performance Managers will coach the sides, with Gethin Watts (Blues) and Kevin George (Scarlets) acting as head coach for East and West respectively, assisted by Will Thomas (Dragons) and Andrew Millward (Ospreys).
Davies hopes this WRU National Academy initiative will provide a valuable platform from which to select the Wales Under 20 squad for the forthcoming Under 20 Six Nations Championship.
He said, "This is a concept we wanted to put into place in order to give the lads a level of keen competition against their peers to use as a selection tool for the Six Nations and Junior World Championship. The Regional Performance Managers and Regional academy staff have been heavily involved in the process to this stage in terms of the selection and coaching of the sides. We have also watched a great deal of Principality Premiership rugby, through the new video system now in place, and by going to a number of games. Other than Tavis Knoyle, Ashley Beck and Rhys Williams who are on Regional Heineken Cup duty this week, our best available Under 20 players will be on display on Thursday. It will be very exciting to see a number of last year's Under 20 squad players such as Kristian Phillips, James King, Matthew Jarvis and Rhys Downes forming combinations with and coming up against talented youngsters from last season's Under 18 group such as Dale Ford, Tom Crandon and Dean Gunter, along with Dan Fish who has made waves for the Wanderers this season. It is an early opportunity to see the potential strength in depth of our squad for the forthcoming season. I want to see the standard of rugby these players are capable of, and look at a few combinations. We hope to be able to use this match, along with Premiership and Regional games to enable early identification of our squad in order to be well prepared for the international season. We will hold training sessions with an enlarged squad over the next couple of months before announcing our Six Nations squad before Christmas."
"The Under 20 programme we are putting into place will add value to the excellent work done within the Regions and provide players capable of shining at the 2011 and 2015 Rugby World Cups."
East v West
Talbot Athletic Ground
Thursday 15 October, 7.15pm
Entry £3, concessions £2, Under 16s free of charge
The team line-ups will be announced will be announced tomorrow (Wednesday).
For media accreditation or for further information, contact Liz Jones lizjones@wru.co.uk tel 07736 056669
Ends
ISSUED: 13 October 2009
Under 20s compete for squad places in East v West encounter
An Under 20 national selection game will take place at Aberavon on Thursday evening (7.15pm) with the East taking on the West in a bid to impress Wales Under 20 head coach Phil Davies and his coaching team.
Players from the Blues and Dragons set-ups will form East Wales, with the Scarlets and Ospreys joining forces to make up the West. The four WRU Regional Performance Managers will coach the sides, with Gethin Watts (Blues) and Kevin George (Scarlets) acting as head coach for East and West respectively, assisted by Will Thomas (Dragons) and Andrew Millward (Ospreys).
Davies hopes this WRU National Academy initiative will provide a valuable platform from which to select the Wales Under 20 squad for the forthcoming Under 20 Six Nations Championship.
He said, "This is a concept we wanted to put into place in order to give the lads a level of keen competition against their peers to use as a selection tool for the Six Nations and Junior World Championship. The Regional Performance Managers and Regional academy staff have been heavily involved in the process to this stage in terms of the selection and coaching of the sides. We have also watched a great deal of Principality Premiership rugby, through the new video system now in place, and by going to a number of games. Other than Tavis Knoyle, Ashley Beck and Rhys Williams who are on Regional Heineken Cup duty this week, our best available Under 20 players will be on display on Thursday. It will be very exciting to see a number of last year's Under 20 squad players such as Kristian Phillips, James King, Matthew Jarvis and Rhys Downes forming combinations with and coming up against talented youngsters from last season's Under 18 group such as Dale Ford, Tom Crandon and Dean Gunter, along with Dan Fish who has made waves for the Wanderers this season. It is an early opportunity to see the potential strength in depth of our squad for the forthcoming season. I want to see the standard of rugby these players are capable of, and look at a few combinations. We hope to be able to use this match, along with Premiership and Regional games to enable early identification of our squad in order to be well prepared for the international season. We will hold training sessions with an enlarged squad over the next couple of months before announcing our Six Nations squad before Christmas."
"The Under 20 programme we are putting into place will add value to the excellent work done within the Regions and provide players capable of shining at the 2011 and 2015 Rugby World Cups."
East v West
Talbot Athletic Ground
Thursday 15 October, 7.15pm
Entry £3, concessions £2, Under 16s free of charge
The team line-ups will be announced will be announced tomorrow (Wednesday).
For media accreditation or for further information, contact Liz Jones lizjones@wru.co.uk tel 07736 056669
Ends
12.10.09
12.10.09 WRU open Cardiff City Centre Venue
WRU PRESS RELEASE
ISSUED: 12 October 2009
WRU TO OPEN NEW CARDIFF CITY CENTRE VENUE
The Welsh Rugby Union has acquired the lease of a three story building situated in a prime location in Cardiff City centre directly adjacent to its Millennium Stadium site.
The building will be officially opened in November, before the first Test of the four-match Invesco Perpetual Series - which will be contested between Wales and New Zealand - and will house the new WRU Store, handling both merchandise and ticket sales, a fully licensed Bar and Cafe/Hospitality area which will target City Centre trade throughout the year, but particularly on match-days, and become the new base for Millennium Stadium tours. Full plans for the development of the building, formerly known as Yates Wine Lodge, are set to be revealed at a grand opening on Thursday 5th November which will be accessed by invitation only.
But the WRU today revealed a new hospitality package hosted in the new building which makes more tickets available for matches against New Zealand, Argentina and Australia.The package will include a premium location match ticket, complimentary bar of beer, wine and soft drinks, limited edition gift and match programme, and, for the All Blacks game, internationally renowned rugby star Jonathan Davies as guest speaker.
This building is alongside the Millennium Stadium and really puts the Welsh Rugby Union right at the hub of the Cardiff City Centre," WRU Group head of finance Steve Phillips. The WRU will have a significant presence within the hustle and bustle of day to day City life with our fully stocked shop offering the entire range of our official merchandise and a bar/cafe which we hope will be a real 'must visit location' for City dwellers and visitors alike. The plans for the building are impressive, it is in a prime location and should become a thriving venue in a busy part of Cardiff by the week and on event days we also have great expectations of the match experience we will be able to offer."
The listed building, which has been leased on a long term basis and has been completely renovated and will also house the main reception for the WRU and become a focal point for the many visitors - up to a thousand a week - that the Millennium Stadium receives. A new name for the building will be revealed on opening night when the first pieces of an ever-changing array of rugby memorabilia will also be on display.
The new 'public face' of the Welsh rugby will be free to enter on non-event days and will boast a brand new hospitality service for the upcoming Invesco Perpetual Series, starting with the visit of the All Blacks.
"The first big match customers for the new building will be those fans who take up hospitality packages for the New Zealand game, which cost as little as £199 (excl. VAT) and guarantee premium tickets complimentary bar and the full Millennium Stadium experience," added Mr Phillips. Only a limited number of places are left for what is the last remaining official outlet for match tickets for the All Blacks fixture and the end of series clash with the Wallabies, with general tickets to both matches sold-out."
Hospitality packages are being sold this year, for the first time, on an individual basis with customers being offered the opportunity to share boxes, and, with extra tickets now available due to the opening of this new venue, fans have a unique opportunity to see history made when Warren Gatland's Wales take on the All Blacks, and receive VIP treatment at the same time.
If you are interested in purchasing hospitality for all games including this new venue, please call the hospitality team on: 08443 722722 or www.millenniumstadium.com/hospitality.
Remaining tickets for the Samoa and Argentina matches in the Series are available from www.wru.co.uk. Tickets for Wales v Samoa on Friday 13 November are priced at £15 for adults and £10 for children and tickets for Wales v Argentina on Saturday 21 November are available at £35, £45, £50 and £55.
For further information please contact National Squad communications manager Simon Rimmer: srimmer@wru.co.uk/ 07825981128.
Ends.
ISSUED: 12 October 2009
WRU TO OPEN NEW CARDIFF CITY CENTRE VENUE
The Welsh Rugby Union has acquired the lease of a three story building situated in a prime location in Cardiff City centre directly adjacent to its Millennium Stadium site.
The building will be officially opened in November, before the first Test of the four-match Invesco Perpetual Series - which will be contested between Wales and New Zealand - and will house the new WRU Store, handling both merchandise and ticket sales, a fully licensed Bar and Cafe/Hospitality area which will target City Centre trade throughout the year, but particularly on match-days, and become the new base for Millennium Stadium tours. Full plans for the development of the building, formerly known as Yates Wine Lodge, are set to be revealed at a grand opening on Thursday 5th November which will be accessed by invitation only.
But the WRU today revealed a new hospitality package hosted in the new building which makes more tickets available for matches against New Zealand, Argentina and Australia.The package will include a premium location match ticket, complimentary bar of beer, wine and soft drinks, limited edition gift and match programme, and, for the All Blacks game, internationally renowned rugby star Jonathan Davies as guest speaker.
This building is alongside the Millennium Stadium and really puts the Welsh Rugby Union right at the hub of the Cardiff City Centre," WRU Group head of finance Steve Phillips. The WRU will have a significant presence within the hustle and bustle of day to day City life with our fully stocked shop offering the entire range of our official merchandise and a bar/cafe which we hope will be a real 'must visit location' for City dwellers and visitors alike. The plans for the building are impressive, it is in a prime location and should become a thriving venue in a busy part of Cardiff by the week and on event days we also have great expectations of the match experience we will be able to offer."
The listed building, which has been leased on a long term basis and has been completely renovated and will also house the main reception for the WRU and become a focal point for the many visitors - up to a thousand a week - that the Millennium Stadium receives. A new name for the building will be revealed on opening night when the first pieces of an ever-changing array of rugby memorabilia will also be on display.
The new 'public face' of the Welsh rugby will be free to enter on non-event days and will boast a brand new hospitality service for the upcoming Invesco Perpetual Series, starting with the visit of the All Blacks.
"The first big match customers for the new building will be those fans who take up hospitality packages for the New Zealand game, which cost as little as £199 (excl. VAT) and guarantee premium tickets complimentary bar and the full Millennium Stadium experience," added Mr Phillips. Only a limited number of places are left for what is the last remaining official outlet for match tickets for the All Blacks fixture and the end of series clash with the Wallabies, with general tickets to both matches sold-out."
Hospitality packages are being sold this year, for the first time, on an individual basis with customers being offered the opportunity to share boxes, and, with extra tickets now available due to the opening of this new venue, fans have a unique opportunity to see history made when Warren Gatland's Wales take on the All Blacks, and receive VIP treatment at the same time.
If you are interested in purchasing hospitality for all games including this new venue, please call the hospitality team on: 08443 722722 or www.millenniumstadium.com/hospitality.
Remaining tickets for the Samoa and Argentina matches in the Series are available from www.wru.co.uk. Tickets for Wales v Samoa on Friday 13 November are priced at £15 for adults and £10 for children and tickets for Wales v Argentina on Saturday 21 November are available at £35, £45, £50 and £55.
For further information please contact National Squad communications manager Simon Rimmer: srimmer@wru.co.uk/ 07825981128.
Ends.
10.10.09
09.10.09 RUGBY SEVENS GOES OLYMPIC
WRU PRESS RELEASE
ISSUED: 09 October 2009
WRU WELCOMES SEVENS INCLUSION IN THE OLYMPIC GAMES
The Welsh Rugby Union has welcomed today's decision to introduce Rugby Sevens into the Olympic Games from 2016 as a major boost for sport in Wales.The International Olympic Committee today met in Copenhagen and voted overwhelmingly in favour of including Sevens at the Rio De Janeiro games.
It means that Wales' top men and women Rugby Sevens players will now be able to compete for places in UK squads which compete to bring the gold medals back to Britain.
The WRU's Head of Rugby Performance and Development, Joe Lydon, said: "This is an important day in Welsh rugby history and certainly delivers a major boost to our Rugby Sevens ambitions.
"We are currently the world champions and this will ensure our players can focus on achieving on that new prize of an Olympic medal.The exposure Rugby Sevens will get from inclusion in the Olympics will draw many new people into the sport and that has clear benefits for the whole of Welsh rugby.We have an excellent international pathway structure in place here in Wales and now there is this new prize to compete for.A lot of people from Wales have striven particularly hard for this day, but I would like to single out the late Colin Hillman who worked tirelessly for Sevens rugby and would have been delighted at the decision taken today."
The WRU Group Chief Executive, Roger Lewis, said: "This is an historic day for world rugby and the game here in Wales.We have already decided to focus hard on the Sevens game because it is such an key component of our elite structures.We are the world champions and within our new Participation Agreement with the four Regions Sevens Rugby is recognised as a priority for our best young players.In Wales we have the talent to compete with the best at Sevens and the lure of involvement in the 2016 Rio games will focus many of our youngsters on achieving the Olympic dream through rugby."
The WRU Chairman, David Pickering, added:"The decision to include Rugby Sevens in the Olympics will help grow our game around the world."As more nations take up the rugby with serious ambition it will clearly benefit nations like Wales where the game is our national sport.Sevens is a fast and exciting sport which newcomers will quickly be able to appreciate and that appeal will draw more support into the fifteen a side game as well."
Wales head coach Warren Gatland, added: "Rugby will remember this day as the moment the development of the sport took a great leap forward on the World stage.Rugby has a proud tradition and many important competitions are contested around the globe in an already thriving sporting calendar, but the Olympic games is the biggest sporting event on the planet and will represent another level for the Sevens game.A new breed of supporters and future players will be able to sample the delights of rugby union and the development of the game will be boosted in the American, African, Asian, Oceanic markets, as well as the more traditional heartlands, ensuring that our sport continues to grow from strength to strength. The rugby world is not just excited by the prospect of competing in the Olympics, but also by the prospect of seeing what kind of impact a Great Britain rugby team intent on Olympic gold can make on the biggest stage of them all."
Paul John, coach of the world champions Wales, now expects a huge impetus to hit the sport.
"The Americas, Chinas and Russias of the world will now see that it is an Olympic sport which will give the sport a huge boost," he said before adding the 2016 Olympics in Rio offers Welsh players the chance of reaching the pinnacle of their careers.This year there has been a huge investment in sevens since winning the World Cup. The Welsh Rugby Union realise the importance of getting a core of players within Wales taking part throughout the season, which means in six years time they could have the possibility of becoming British Lions, which is a huge incentive."
John believes Sevens got the nod ahead of the other sports after the Olympic committee witnessed Wales winning the World Cup in Dubai earlier this year.
"The Olympic committee came over to Dubai and saw both the men's and women's competitions. If you look at the quarter-finals on, you had teams from Great Britain, Fiji, Argentina and so on - teams from virtually all of the continents were there. All sides are capable of beating each other and the sport is tremendously popular overseas. Whether it is in Adelaide, Wellington or Dubai, the support is phenomenal. Kenya have a huge travelling support second to none and the sport is just growing and growing. So the Olympic committee must have been impressed with what they saw on and off the pitch."
Ends
This press release was produced by Sotic Ltd.
© Copyright Welsh Rugby Union. All rights reserved.
ISSUED: 09 October 2009
WRU WELCOMES SEVENS INCLUSION IN THE OLYMPIC GAMES
The Welsh Rugby Union has welcomed today's decision to introduce Rugby Sevens into the Olympic Games from 2016 as a major boost for sport in Wales.The International Olympic Committee today met in Copenhagen and voted overwhelmingly in favour of including Sevens at the Rio De Janeiro games.
It means that Wales' top men and women Rugby Sevens players will now be able to compete for places in UK squads which compete to bring the gold medals back to Britain.
The WRU's Head of Rugby Performance and Development, Joe Lydon, said: "This is an important day in Welsh rugby history and certainly delivers a major boost to our Rugby Sevens ambitions.
"We are currently the world champions and this will ensure our players can focus on achieving on that new prize of an Olympic medal.The exposure Rugby Sevens will get from inclusion in the Olympics will draw many new people into the sport and that has clear benefits for the whole of Welsh rugby.We have an excellent international pathway structure in place here in Wales and now there is this new prize to compete for.A lot of people from Wales have striven particularly hard for this day, but I would like to single out the late Colin Hillman who worked tirelessly for Sevens rugby and would have been delighted at the decision taken today."
The WRU Group Chief Executive, Roger Lewis, said: "This is an historic day for world rugby and the game here in Wales.We have already decided to focus hard on the Sevens game because it is such an key component of our elite structures.We are the world champions and within our new Participation Agreement with the four Regions Sevens Rugby is recognised as a priority for our best young players.In Wales we have the talent to compete with the best at Sevens and the lure of involvement in the 2016 Rio games will focus many of our youngsters on achieving the Olympic dream through rugby."
The WRU Chairman, David Pickering, added:"The decision to include Rugby Sevens in the Olympics will help grow our game around the world."As more nations take up the rugby with serious ambition it will clearly benefit nations like Wales where the game is our national sport.Sevens is a fast and exciting sport which newcomers will quickly be able to appreciate and that appeal will draw more support into the fifteen a side game as well."
Wales head coach Warren Gatland, added: "Rugby will remember this day as the moment the development of the sport took a great leap forward on the World stage.Rugby has a proud tradition and many important competitions are contested around the globe in an already thriving sporting calendar, but the Olympic games is the biggest sporting event on the planet and will represent another level for the Sevens game.A new breed of supporters and future players will be able to sample the delights of rugby union and the development of the game will be boosted in the American, African, Asian, Oceanic markets, as well as the more traditional heartlands, ensuring that our sport continues to grow from strength to strength. The rugby world is not just excited by the prospect of competing in the Olympics, but also by the prospect of seeing what kind of impact a Great Britain rugby team intent on Olympic gold can make on the biggest stage of them all."
Paul John, coach of the world champions Wales, now expects a huge impetus to hit the sport.
"The Americas, Chinas and Russias of the world will now see that it is an Olympic sport which will give the sport a huge boost," he said before adding the 2016 Olympics in Rio offers Welsh players the chance of reaching the pinnacle of their careers.This year there has been a huge investment in sevens since winning the World Cup. The Welsh Rugby Union realise the importance of getting a core of players within Wales taking part throughout the season, which means in six years time they could have the possibility of becoming British Lions, which is a huge incentive."
John believes Sevens got the nod ahead of the other sports after the Olympic committee witnessed Wales winning the World Cup in Dubai earlier this year.
"The Olympic committee came over to Dubai and saw both the men's and women's competitions. If you look at the quarter-finals on, you had teams from Great Britain, Fiji, Argentina and so on - teams from virtually all of the continents were there. All sides are capable of beating each other and the sport is tremendously popular overseas. Whether it is in Adelaide, Wellington or Dubai, the support is phenomenal. Kenya have a huge travelling support second to none and the sport is just growing and growing. So the Olympic committee must have been impressed with what they saw on and off the pitch."
Ends
This press release was produced by Sotic Ltd.
© Copyright Welsh Rugby Union. All rights reserved.
09.10.09 Dolgellau Women Win
Rygbi Merched - Women's Rugby
DOLGELLAU VICTORIOUS!!
Dolgellau 53--19 victory at Cowbridge link to http://www.wru.co.uk/22355.php for match report
DOLGELLAU VICTORIOUS!!
Dolgellau 53--19 victory at Cowbridge link to http://www.wru.co.uk/22355.php for match report
8.10.09
07.10.09 STADIUM CELEBRATES 10TH YEAR ANNIVERSIARY WITH SPECIAL TICKET GIVEAWAY
WRU PRESS RELEASE
Issued: 07 September 2009
STADIUM CELEBRATES 10TH YEAR ANNIVERSIARY WITH SPECIAL TICKET GIVEAWAY
Welsh rugby bosses are offering free family tickets to Wales' Invesco Perpetual Series clash with Samoa this November to all 10-year-olds born on the Millennium Stadium's official opening day in 1999 or the opening day of the Rugby World Cup that same year.
Wales recorded a 29-19 victory over South Africa on the 26th of June 1999 in front of a part capacity crowd at the first Millennium Stadium as construction workers raced to be ready for the RWC.
And just over 10 year ago, October 1st 1999, the 74,500 capacity Millennium Stadium then revealed itself to the world as the finished article it is today when Wales kicked off rugby's flagship tournament with a 23-18 victory over Argentina.
As part of its celebrations for a decade of sport at Cardiff's national ground the WRU is offering a free, four-person, family ticket to the Samoa match on Friday 13 November, to any child born on either of these landmark occasions.
Two Welsh rugby players now competing at a senior level in the game also have a special reason for celebrating a decade of sport at the Millennium Stadium.
Cardiff Blues academy player Scott Andrews and Cardiff RFC's Ashley Sweet to name just two, started their links with top class rugby as flag bearers, alongside many District Under 11 players throughout the competition.
"I remember it well. I was really nervous, waiting in the bottom corner of the ground to walk out onto the pitch with my flag to take part in the opening ceremony," said prop Andrews who has since moved up through the age groups and just finished his second season as an U20s international.
"We had practiced what we had to do in the weeks before but I was very scared walking out in front of 70,000 plus people with cameras flashing and people cheering.
"I know I pinched a piece of grass at the time and took it home for my granddad to grow it for me."
Sweet, currently a second row with Cardiff rugby club, has himself played in two Rugby World Cups at age grade level and remembers the opening ceremony in '99 as a moment of inspiration.
"We were very young but the atmosphere made the biggest impression on me," added Sweet.
"To see the professional players competing on the world stage like that at the World Cup was the best inspiration for me and is something that I have never forgotten.
"I've been to two age grade tournaments myself now and am hoping to make the step up to professional rugby if I'm good enough and obviously the ultimate aim would be to complete the journey and play in a senior world cup, but it all starts with that moment of inspiration."
The young flag bearers at the RWC in 1999 to have successfully progressed through the regional and international player pathways include Jason Tovey, then an Islwyn Under 11 player, now a regular in the professional Dragons side who carried the USA flag at the closing ceremony.
Andrews and Justin Tipuric, Wales Under 20 captains last season, were Pontypridd and Swansea Schools Under 11 players 10 years ago and carried the Tonga and Ireland flags respectively.
Rhys Williams, Pontypridd and Blues academy hooker, and Cardiff lock Sweet who played for Cynon Valley and Pontypool Schools then were flag bearers for South Africa and Fiji.
To claim the free family ticket for Wales v Samoa on Friday 13 November (7.30pm) the relevant child must have been born on either June 26 1999 (the day of the Millennium Stadium's opening game between Wales and South Africa) or October 1 1999, the day of the opening game of Rugby World Cup 99 between Wales and Argentina.
Families should send a photocopy of the relevant child's birth certificate by email on garethd@wru.co.uk or by post to Gareth Davies, WRU Ticketing, Millennium Stadium, Westgate Street, Cardiff CF10 1NS or fax: 02920 822474.
Tickets for Invesco Perpetual Series matches are still available. Call 08442 777888.
To see video footage of Scott Andrews and Ashley Sweet talking about their memories of walking out on the Millennium Stadium pitch, and of the inspiration they got from their RWC 1999 experiences go to wru.co.uk
Issued: 07 September 2009
STADIUM CELEBRATES 10TH YEAR ANNIVERSIARY WITH SPECIAL TICKET GIVEAWAY
Welsh rugby bosses are offering free family tickets to Wales' Invesco Perpetual Series clash with Samoa this November to all 10-year-olds born on the Millennium Stadium's official opening day in 1999 or the opening day of the Rugby World Cup that same year.
Wales recorded a 29-19 victory over South Africa on the 26th of June 1999 in front of a part capacity crowd at the first Millennium Stadium as construction workers raced to be ready for the RWC.
And just over 10 year ago, October 1st 1999, the 74,500 capacity Millennium Stadium then revealed itself to the world as the finished article it is today when Wales kicked off rugby's flagship tournament with a 23-18 victory over Argentina.
As part of its celebrations for a decade of sport at Cardiff's national ground the WRU is offering a free, four-person, family ticket to the Samoa match on Friday 13 November, to any child born on either of these landmark occasions.
Two Welsh rugby players now competing at a senior level in the game also have a special reason for celebrating a decade of sport at the Millennium Stadium.
Cardiff Blues academy player Scott Andrews and Cardiff RFC's Ashley Sweet to name just two, started their links with top class rugby as flag bearers, alongside many District Under 11 players throughout the competition.
"I remember it well. I was really nervous, waiting in the bottom corner of the ground to walk out onto the pitch with my flag to take part in the opening ceremony," said prop Andrews who has since moved up through the age groups and just finished his second season as an U20s international.
"We had practiced what we had to do in the weeks before but I was very scared walking out in front of 70,000 plus people with cameras flashing and people cheering.
"I know I pinched a piece of grass at the time and took it home for my granddad to grow it for me."
Sweet, currently a second row with Cardiff rugby club, has himself played in two Rugby World Cups at age grade level and remembers the opening ceremony in '99 as a moment of inspiration.
"We were very young but the atmosphere made the biggest impression on me," added Sweet.
"To see the professional players competing on the world stage like that at the World Cup was the best inspiration for me and is something that I have never forgotten.
"I've been to two age grade tournaments myself now and am hoping to make the step up to professional rugby if I'm good enough and obviously the ultimate aim would be to complete the journey and play in a senior world cup, but it all starts with that moment of inspiration."
The young flag bearers at the RWC in 1999 to have successfully progressed through the regional and international player pathways include Jason Tovey, then an Islwyn Under 11 player, now a regular in the professional Dragons side who carried the USA flag at the closing ceremony.
Andrews and Justin Tipuric, Wales Under 20 captains last season, were Pontypridd and Swansea Schools Under 11 players 10 years ago and carried the Tonga and Ireland flags respectively.
Rhys Williams, Pontypridd and Blues academy hooker, and Cardiff lock Sweet who played for Cynon Valley and Pontypool Schools then were flag bearers for South Africa and Fiji.
To claim the free family ticket for Wales v Samoa on Friday 13 November (7.30pm) the relevant child must have been born on either June 26 1999 (the day of the Millennium Stadium's opening game between Wales and South Africa) or October 1 1999, the day of the opening game of Rugby World Cup 99 between Wales and Argentina.
Families should send a photocopy of the relevant child's birth certificate by email on garethd@wru.co.uk or by post to Gareth Davies, WRU Ticketing, Millennium Stadium, Westgate Street, Cardiff CF10 1NS or fax: 02920 822474.
Tickets for Invesco Perpetual Series matches are still available. Call 08442 777888.
To see video footage of Scott Andrews and Ashley Sweet talking about their memories of walking out on the Millennium Stadium pitch, and of the inspiration they got from their RWC 1999 experiences go to wru.co.uk
07.10.09 CLUBS SET OFF ON MILLENNIUM STADIUM ROAD
The road to the Millennium Stadium begins this weekend for 169 clubs participating in Round One of the SWALEC Bowl.
Last season saw the introduction of the SWALEC Plate and Bowl for clubs knocked out in the early rounds of the prestigious SWALEC Cup competition.
This season, following a review of the competition format, the knock-out competitions will run separately with clubs in SWALEC League Divisions 4, 5, 6, Division 2 North and University clubs competing for the Bowl title, clubs in Divisions 2, 3 and Division 1 North fighting it out for glory in the Plate competition while the SWALEC Cup will be the exclusive domain of Principality Premiership and Division One clubs. The finals of all three tournaments will take place at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday 8 May.
The Bowl clubs kick off SWALEC knock-out rugby this weekend and a new name will be inscribed onto the trophy with last year's winners Morriston participating in the Plate competition.
This change of format will ensure that all clubs are offered a run of League fixtures in the first half of the season, alleviating difficulties faced by clubs in the final weeks of the season when there may be a build-up of fixtures. It will also provide a more even playing contest with clubs playing against sides from a similar level of the National League, rather than incurring great cost to complete a fixture where a positive result is sometimes almost certainly out of reach.
Already, this weekend's Round One fixtures have thrown up a string of tasty local derbies including Welshpool v Newtown, Penybanc v Amman United, Hendy v Trimsaran, Cefn Cribbwr v Bryncethin, Caerau Ely v St Albans and Old Penarthians v Cardiff Saracens.
WRU Head of Rugby, Performance and Development Joe Lydon said: "We've got a fabulous sponsor in SWALEC who are great supporters of the game and ensure we can provide this opportunity for clubs of all levels to have their day in the sun at the Millennium Stadium, the jewel in the crown of Welsh rugby.
"While last year's inaugural three-tier competition was a great success for those involved, we are always looking to improve standards and some clubs found it difficult to compete because of excessive travel costs and a build-up of matches.
"Holding the three finals at the Millennium Stadium was a great showpiece event for the game and for the national cup competition. We feel that by creating a system whereby clubs will be categorised according to their League Division it will create an even more meaningful competition where every club in Wales will have a real crack of the whip at their respective title by playing against their peers in the League."
Alan Williams, Director of Energy Sales, SWALEC, commented: "We're looking forward to the new cup season, the second in our three-year sponsorship of the Cup, Plate and Bowl competitions. Working in partnership with the WRU, we're continually looking at ways to improve and develop the events we sponsor and we hope the revisions in the competition structure will help to enhance the Cup competition further. Last season, we introduced the Plate and Bowl competitions with the finals being played at the Millennium Stadium and we look forward to another great season of cup rugby, and another great day of top-class entertainment at the Stadium in 2010.
"As a leading energy supply in Wales, we feel it's fitting our sponsorship association with the WRU should encompass community rugby at all levels including the recently-announced expanded SWALEC League competition, the SWALEC Cup, Plate and Bowl, the women's international team and the international age-grade teams at U18 and U20 level."
The draw for Round Two of the SWALEC Bowl (matches to take place on weekend of October 31) will take place at the Millennium Stadium next Tuesday 13 October.
The Plate competition kicks off on October 31, with the Round One of the Cup taking place on December 12.
SWALEC Bowl Round One (to be played weekend of 10 October):
Aberaeron v Bethesda
Welshpool v Newtown
Monmouth v Forgeside
Llandybie v Mynydd y Garreg
Penybanc v Amman United
Lampeter Coll v Pontyates
Glais v Furnace
Hendy v Trimsaran
Swansea Uplands v Tumble
Cefn Cribbwr v Bryncethin
Maesteg Celtic v Cwmgors
Blaengarw v Baglan
Ferndale v Pontyclun
Ynysowen v Dowlais
Oly Illtydians v Cowbridge
Caerau Ely v St Albans
Old Penarthians v Cardiff Saracens
Machen v Abertysswg
Cefn Fforest v Risca
Crumlin v Aberbargoed
Usk v Hartridge
Blaenavon v St Josephs Newport
Pontllanfraith v Llanhilleth
Byes:
Bangor Normal College
Fishguard RFC
Pontarddulais RFC
Taibach RFC
Bridgend Sports RFC
Canton RFC
RTB Ebbw Vale RFC
Bettws (Newport) RFC
Bangor Univ RFC
Milford RFC
Penygroes RFC
Banwen RFC
South Wales Police RFC
Cardiff HSOB RFC
Abertillery BG RFC
New Tredegar RFC
Machynlleth RFC
Neyland RFC
New Dock Stars RFC
Neath Ath RFC
Wattstown RFC
Cardiff University RFC
Markham RFC
Caldicot RFC
Dolgellau RFC
Pembroke RFC
Cefneithin RFC
Pontardawe RFC
Penygraig RFC
Llanrumney RFC
Abercarn RFC
Chepstow RFC
Bala RFC
Tenby RFC
Fall Bay RFC
Crynant RFC
Porthcawl RFC
Clwb Rygbi Cymry Caerdydd
Blackwood Stars
Ynysddu RFC
Llandrindod Wells RFC
Llangadog RFC
South Gower RFC
Resolven RFC
Tonyrefail RFC
Bynea RFC
Trebanos RFC
Cwmtwrch RFC
Cwmgwrach RFC
Gowerton RFC
Penlan RFC
Birchgrove RFC
Tonna RFC
Abaravon Naval
Pontrhydyfen RFC
Ogmore Vale RFC
Pyle RFC
Glyncorrwg RFC
Vardre RFC
Glyncoch RFC
Rhigos RFC
Cefn Coed RFC
Cilfynydd RFC
Cambrian Welfare RFC
Deri RFC
Pontycymmer RFC
Senghenydd RFC
Abertridwr RFC
Rhiwbina RFC
St Josephs RFC
Taffs Well RFC
Abercwmboi RFC
Llantwit Major RFC
Barry RFC
Aberbeeg RFC
Cwm RFC
Blaina Utd RFC
Hafodyrynys RFC
Hollybush RFC
Oakdale RFC
Nantyglo RFC
Trinant RFC
Caerleon RFC
St Julians HSOB RFC
Trefil RFC
New Panteg RFC
Rogerstone RFC
Brynithel RFC
Talywain RFC
Whiteheads RFC
Llanidloes RFC
COBRA RFC
Rhos RFC
Tregaron RFC
Crickhowell RFC
Ystradgynlais RFC
Beaufort RFC
Nantgaredig RFC
Llansawel RFC
Trinity College Carmarthen RFC
Blaenau RFC
Pantyffynnon RFC
Betws (Ammanford) RFC
Tycroes RFC
The road to the Millennium Stadium begins this weekend for 169 clubs participating in Round One of the SWALEC Bowl.
Last season saw the introduction of the SWALEC Plate and Bowl for clubs knocked out in the early rounds of the prestigious SWALEC Cup competition.
This season, following a review of the competition format, the knock-out competitions will run separately with clubs in SWALEC League Divisions 4, 5, 6, Division 2 North and University clubs competing for the Bowl title, clubs in Divisions 2, 3 and Division 1 North fighting it out for glory in the Plate competition while the SWALEC Cup will be the exclusive domain of Principality Premiership and Division One clubs. The finals of all three tournaments will take place at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday 8 May.
The Bowl clubs kick off SWALEC knock-out rugby this weekend and a new name will be inscribed onto the trophy with last year's winners Morriston participating in the Plate competition.
This change of format will ensure that all clubs are offered a run of League fixtures in the first half of the season, alleviating difficulties faced by clubs in the final weeks of the season when there may be a build-up of fixtures. It will also provide a more even playing contest with clubs playing against sides from a similar level of the National League, rather than incurring great cost to complete a fixture where a positive result is sometimes almost certainly out of reach.
Already, this weekend's Round One fixtures have thrown up a string of tasty local derbies including Welshpool v Newtown, Penybanc v Amman United, Hendy v Trimsaran, Cefn Cribbwr v Bryncethin, Caerau Ely v St Albans and Old Penarthians v Cardiff Saracens.
WRU Head of Rugby, Performance and Development Joe Lydon said: "We've got a fabulous sponsor in SWALEC who are great supporters of the game and ensure we can provide this opportunity for clubs of all levels to have their day in the sun at the Millennium Stadium, the jewel in the crown of Welsh rugby.
"While last year's inaugural three-tier competition was a great success for those involved, we are always looking to improve standards and some clubs found it difficult to compete because of excessive travel costs and a build-up of matches.
"Holding the three finals at the Millennium Stadium was a great showpiece event for the game and for the national cup competition. We feel that by creating a system whereby clubs will be categorised according to their League Division it will create an even more meaningful competition where every club in Wales will have a real crack of the whip at their respective title by playing against their peers in the League."
Alan Williams, Director of Energy Sales, SWALEC, commented: "We're looking forward to the new cup season, the second in our three-year sponsorship of the Cup, Plate and Bowl competitions. Working in partnership with the WRU, we're continually looking at ways to improve and develop the events we sponsor and we hope the revisions in the competition structure will help to enhance the Cup competition further. Last season, we introduced the Plate and Bowl competitions with the finals being played at the Millennium Stadium and we look forward to another great season of cup rugby, and another great day of top-class entertainment at the Stadium in 2010.
"As a leading energy supply in Wales, we feel it's fitting our sponsorship association with the WRU should encompass community rugby at all levels including the recently-announced expanded SWALEC League competition, the SWALEC Cup, Plate and Bowl, the women's international team and the international age-grade teams at U18 and U20 level."
The draw for Round Two of the SWALEC Bowl (matches to take place on weekend of October 31) will take place at the Millennium Stadium next Tuesday 13 October.
The Plate competition kicks off on October 31, with the Round One of the Cup taking place on December 12.
SWALEC Bowl Round One (to be played weekend of 10 October):
Aberaeron v Bethesda
Welshpool v Newtown
Monmouth v Forgeside
Llandybie v Mynydd y Garreg
Penybanc v Amman United
Lampeter Coll v Pontyates
Glais v Furnace
Hendy v Trimsaran
Swansea Uplands v Tumble
Cefn Cribbwr v Bryncethin
Maesteg Celtic v Cwmgors
Blaengarw v Baglan
Ferndale v Pontyclun
Ynysowen v Dowlais
Oly Illtydians v Cowbridge
Caerau Ely v St Albans
Old Penarthians v Cardiff Saracens
Machen v Abertysswg
Cefn Fforest v Risca
Crumlin v Aberbargoed
Usk v Hartridge
Blaenavon v St Josephs Newport
Pontllanfraith v Llanhilleth
Byes:
Bangor Normal College
Fishguard RFC
Pontarddulais RFC
Taibach RFC
Bridgend Sports RFC
Canton RFC
RTB Ebbw Vale RFC
Bettws (Newport) RFC
Bangor Univ RFC
Milford RFC
Penygroes RFC
Banwen RFC
South Wales Police RFC
Cardiff HSOB RFC
Abertillery BG RFC
New Tredegar RFC
Machynlleth RFC
Neyland RFC
New Dock Stars RFC
Neath Ath RFC
Wattstown RFC
Cardiff University RFC
Markham RFC
Caldicot RFC
Dolgellau RFC
Pembroke RFC
Cefneithin RFC
Pontardawe RFC
Penygraig RFC
Llanrumney RFC
Abercarn RFC
Chepstow RFC
Bala RFC
Tenby RFC
Fall Bay RFC
Crynant RFC
Porthcawl RFC
Clwb Rygbi Cymry Caerdydd
Blackwood Stars
Ynysddu RFC
Llandrindod Wells RFC
Llangadog RFC
South Gower RFC
Resolven RFC
Tonyrefail RFC
Bynea RFC
Trebanos RFC
Cwmtwrch RFC
Cwmgwrach RFC
Gowerton RFC
Penlan RFC
Birchgrove RFC
Tonna RFC
Abaravon Naval
Pontrhydyfen RFC
Ogmore Vale RFC
Pyle RFC
Glyncorrwg RFC
Vardre RFC
Glyncoch RFC
Rhigos RFC
Cefn Coed RFC
Cilfynydd RFC
Cambrian Welfare RFC
Deri RFC
Pontycymmer RFC
Senghenydd RFC
Abertridwr RFC
Rhiwbina RFC
St Josephs RFC
Taffs Well RFC
Abercwmboi RFC
Llantwit Major RFC
Barry RFC
Aberbeeg RFC
Cwm RFC
Blaina Utd RFC
Hafodyrynys RFC
Hollybush RFC
Oakdale RFC
Nantyglo RFC
Trinant RFC
Caerleon RFC
St Julians HSOB RFC
Trefil RFC
New Panteg RFC
Rogerstone RFC
Brynithel RFC
Talywain RFC
Whiteheads RFC
Llanidloes RFC
COBRA RFC
Rhos RFC
Tregaron RFC
Crickhowell RFC
Ystradgynlais RFC
Beaufort RFC
Nantgaredig RFC
Llansawel RFC
Trinity College Carmarthen RFC
Blaenau RFC
Pantyffynnon RFC
Betws (Ammanford) RFC
Tycroes RFC
07.09.10 WRU CALLS FOR SEVENS TO GET OLYMPIC GO AHEAD
WRU PRESS RELEASE
Issued on: 07 September 2009
WRU CALLS FOR SEVENS TO GET OLYMPIC GO AHEAD
Senior figures from Welsh rugby have issued a rallying call for the International Olympic Committee to vote for the inclusion of the Sevens game from the 2016 games onwards.
The IOC meet in Copenhagen on FRIDAY to decide whether to ratify the recommendation of their executive that rugby sevens and golf should become Olympic sports.
Players, coaches and administrators from the Welsh game have united in identifying the vote as a crucial landmark in the progress of the game at all levels.
They say that Sevens is an ideal all-action Olympic team game which is simple for newcomers to understand and will attract a new wave of support from people around the world and here in Wales.
Wales Head Coach Warren Gatland said: "International Sevens rugby already delivers an extremely competitive international environment within which talent comes to the fore.
"If Sevens becomes an Olympic sport it will get massive exposure which will undoubtedly help develop greater interest here in Wales .
"I believe the time is now right for the IOC to vote for Rugby Sevens to be included in the Olympic Games."
Wales, Lions and Scarlets fly-half Stephen Jones commented: "Any player would love to represent his or her country in the Olympic Games because it is a major pinnacle for any athlete.
"We have all seen from other sports how the chance to compete for a gold medal is a massive incentive for people to devote their lives to achieving excellence."
Wales, Lions and Cardiff Blues centre Jamie Roberts added: "Sevens rugby is exciting to watch and thrilling to play in.
"Sevens tournaments are fantastic arenas for developing playing skills and achieving excellent levels of fitness for the fifteen a side game.
"You only have to look at how well the Sevens circuit around the world is already supported to realise it would be a phenomenal success at the Olympics."
Wales, Lions and Opreys fly-half James Hook said: "Sevens was the first step on the international ladder for me and gave me a huge amount of confidence in my game.
"Playing in front of 50 000 at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne was an incredible experience and to think that participating in the Olympic Games would surpass that experience is impressive."
WRU Head of Rugby Performance and Development, Joe Lydon, added: "The game of Sevens is rugby through the magnifying glass.
"There are less players on the field and less time to play but that means everything else is intensified.
"Skill levels are increased, the game is played at a greater speed and stamina and spacial awareness and game management all become more important which all adds up to a great spectacle for fans.
"Wales are the current Rugby World Cup Sevens champions and inclusion in the Olympc Games will give us the impetus to focus on the game with even greater intensity and commitment in the years ahead.
"We have already proved Wales has the players who are talented enough to beat the best at Sevens rugby and Olympic status would undoubtedly encourage more young people to take up rugby and try to make it to the top of the game.
"You do not necessarily have to be a huge athlete to play Sevens rugby so it opens up the game of rugby to a much wider circle of young people.
"The benefits of participation in Sevens rugby for general fitness are incredible and it will also encourage a new level of support from people who will enjoy the pace and skill levels on show."
WRU Group Chief Executive, Roger Lewis, said: "The time is right for rugby to be included in the Olympic Games and I sincerely hope the IOC will back our call for inclusion.
"The opportunity to compete for a place in a British Olympic Sevens squad will be a pinnacle for many people's sporting careers.
"All of us who follow sport will understand the attraction of participation at Olympic level because the atmosphere created by the Games is electric.
"Sevens rugby will be viewed by a whole new audience and here in Wales we are perfectly place to take full advantage of the opportunities inclusion will deliver.
"The WRU is totally committed to Sevens rugby and the squad has already delivered on the promise we knew was there. We are Rugby World Cup Sevens holders and we are developing Sevens players with the talent and drive to become Olympic medal winners of the future."
WRU Chairman, David Pickering said: "Inclusion in the Olympic Games will undoubtedly be one of the most important steps forward for the game of rugby since we turned professional.
"The massive television exposure the Olympic Games attracts around the world will ensure that a whole new audience will be able to see Sevens rugby for the first time.
"The rules of the game are simple and the pace of the action is a huge attraction for any newcomer seeking to understand the sport.
"It is vitally important for rugby as a sport to flourish in new nations and the inclusion of Sevens as an Olympic sport will help us achieve that goal.
"Ultimately the boost we receive from becoming an Olympic sport will benefit the whole of rugby. Those of us who are part of rugby know how great a game Sevens is and we are all totally confident that anyone who watches the action for the first time will instantly appreciate its attraction."
Ends
Issued on: 07 September 2009
WRU CALLS FOR SEVENS TO GET OLYMPIC GO AHEAD
Senior figures from Welsh rugby have issued a rallying call for the International Olympic Committee to vote for the inclusion of the Sevens game from the 2016 games onwards.
The IOC meet in Copenhagen on FRIDAY to decide whether to ratify the recommendation of their executive that rugby sevens and golf should become Olympic sports.
Players, coaches and administrators from the Welsh game have united in identifying the vote as a crucial landmark in the progress of the game at all levels.
They say that Sevens is an ideal all-action Olympic team game which is simple for newcomers to understand and will attract a new wave of support from people around the world and here in Wales.
Wales Head Coach Warren Gatland said: "International Sevens rugby already delivers an extremely competitive international environment within which talent comes to the fore.
"If Sevens becomes an Olympic sport it will get massive exposure which will undoubtedly help develop greater interest here in Wales .
"I believe the time is now right for the IOC to vote for Rugby Sevens to be included in the Olympic Games."
Wales, Lions and Scarlets fly-half Stephen Jones commented: "Any player would love to represent his or her country in the Olympic Games because it is a major pinnacle for any athlete.
"We have all seen from other sports how the chance to compete for a gold medal is a massive incentive for people to devote their lives to achieving excellence."
Wales, Lions and Cardiff Blues centre Jamie Roberts added: "Sevens rugby is exciting to watch and thrilling to play in.
"Sevens tournaments are fantastic arenas for developing playing skills and achieving excellent levels of fitness for the fifteen a side game.
"You only have to look at how well the Sevens circuit around the world is already supported to realise it would be a phenomenal success at the Olympics."
Wales, Lions and Opreys fly-half James Hook said: "Sevens was the first step on the international ladder for me and gave me a huge amount of confidence in my game.
"Playing in front of 50 000 at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne was an incredible experience and to think that participating in the Olympic Games would surpass that experience is impressive."
WRU Head of Rugby Performance and Development, Joe Lydon, added: "The game of Sevens is rugby through the magnifying glass.
"There are less players on the field and less time to play but that means everything else is intensified.
"Skill levels are increased, the game is played at a greater speed and stamina and spacial awareness and game management all become more important which all adds up to a great spectacle for fans.
"Wales are the current Rugby World Cup Sevens champions and inclusion in the Olympc Games will give us the impetus to focus on the game with even greater intensity and commitment in the years ahead.
"We have already proved Wales has the players who are talented enough to beat the best at Sevens rugby and Olympic status would undoubtedly encourage more young people to take up rugby and try to make it to the top of the game.
"You do not necessarily have to be a huge athlete to play Sevens rugby so it opens up the game of rugby to a much wider circle of young people.
"The benefits of participation in Sevens rugby for general fitness are incredible and it will also encourage a new level of support from people who will enjoy the pace and skill levels on show."
WRU Group Chief Executive, Roger Lewis, said: "The time is right for rugby to be included in the Olympic Games and I sincerely hope the IOC will back our call for inclusion.
"The opportunity to compete for a place in a British Olympic Sevens squad will be a pinnacle for many people's sporting careers.
"All of us who follow sport will understand the attraction of participation at Olympic level because the atmosphere created by the Games is electric.
"Sevens rugby will be viewed by a whole new audience and here in Wales we are perfectly place to take full advantage of the opportunities inclusion will deliver.
"The WRU is totally committed to Sevens rugby and the squad has already delivered on the promise we knew was there. We are Rugby World Cup Sevens holders and we are developing Sevens players with the talent and drive to become Olympic medal winners of the future."
WRU Chairman, David Pickering said: "Inclusion in the Olympic Games will undoubtedly be one of the most important steps forward for the game of rugby since we turned professional.
"The massive television exposure the Olympic Games attracts around the world will ensure that a whole new audience will be able to see Sevens rugby for the first time.
"The rules of the game are simple and the pace of the action is a huge attraction for any newcomer seeking to understand the sport.
"It is vitally important for rugby as a sport to flourish in new nations and the inclusion of Sevens as an Olympic sport will help us achieve that goal.
"Ultimately the boost we receive from becoming an Olympic sport will benefit the whole of rugby. Those of us who are part of rugby know how great a game Sevens is and we are all totally confident that anyone who watches the action for the first time will instantly appreciate its attraction."
Ends
07.10.09 CHARTERIS TO LEAD DRAGONS IN EUROPEAN OPENER
07.10.09 CHARTERIS TO LEAD DRAGONS IN EUROPEAN OPENER
Luke Charteris will captain the Dragons in their first Heineken Cup match against Gloucester on Friday (7:30pm). Tom Willis has not yet returned from a calf injury he incurred in the first Magners League game of the season against Ulster.
Jason Tovey returns to fitness following a thigh strain and new signing Peter Bracken is set to feature.
Adam Jones and Gethin Robinson picked up thigh and shoulder injuries respectively in the Connacht game on Saturday whilst Matthew Watkins is ruled out with a groin strain.
Alex Walker is suffering from a knee injury and back row Grant Webb is unavailable through illness.
Dragons squad for Gloucester
Forwards
Ali McKenzie, Dan Lydiate, Duane Goodfield, Gavin Thomas, Hoani MacDonald, Hugh Gustafson, James Harris, Joe Bearman, Lewis Evans, Luke Charteris (C), Nigel Hall, Peter Bracken, Steve Jones
Backs
Aled Brew, Ashley Smith, Danny Lee, James Arlidge, Jason Tovey, Martyn Thomas, Rhodri Gomer Davies, Richard Fussell, Shaun Connor, Tom Riley, Wayne Evans, Will Harries
Luke Charteris will captain the Dragons in their first Heineken Cup match against Gloucester on Friday (7:30pm). Tom Willis has not yet returned from a calf injury he incurred in the first Magners League game of the season against Ulster.
Jason Tovey returns to fitness following a thigh strain and new signing Peter Bracken is set to feature.
Adam Jones and Gethin Robinson picked up thigh and shoulder injuries respectively in the Connacht game on Saturday whilst Matthew Watkins is ruled out with a groin strain.
Alex Walker is suffering from a knee injury and back row Grant Webb is unavailable through illness.
Dragons squad for Gloucester
Forwards
Ali McKenzie, Dan Lydiate, Duane Goodfield, Gavin Thomas, Hoani MacDonald, Hugh Gustafson, James Harris, Joe Bearman, Lewis Evans, Luke Charteris (C), Nigel Hall, Peter Bracken, Steve Jones
Backs
Aled Brew, Ashley Smith, Danny Lee, James Arlidge, Jason Tovey, Martyn Thomas, Rhodri Gomer Davies, Richard Fussell, Shaun Connor, Tom Riley, Wayne Evans, Will Harries
1.10.09
01.10.09 REFEREE APPOINTMENTS WRU press release
01.10.09 REFEREE APPOINTMENTS WRU press release - click here
01.10.09 North Wales has big part to play in rugby’s future by Rob Griffiths, Daily Post
01.10.09 North Wales has big part to play in rugby’s future by Rob Griffiths, Daily Post - click here
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