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JR
20.7.10
LEWIS APPOINTED TO TAKE GRASSROOTS GAME TO NEXT LEVEL
LEWIS APPOINTED TO TAKE GRASSROOTS GAME TO NEXT LEVEL
NB: Photos of Jason Lewis with Joe Lydon available from Huw Evans agency tel 02920 764311
A new National Rugby Development Manager whose role will focus on sustaining and growing the national sport of Wales has been appointed by the Welsh Rugby Union.
An experienced coach and development manager, Jason Lewis will take charge of the player pathway from the grassroots level upwards.
Jason Lewis will report directly to the WRU Head of Rugby Performance and Development, Joe Lydon, and will be responsible for developing and delivering player development pathways and skills frameworks in order to increase participation and raise standards. His will be a wide-ranging brief but there will be a key focus on schools and club rugby and on linking the top end of community rugby with the performance end of the game. His role will also cover the continued development of women’s and girls rugby.
Lewis, who is currently the WRU’s Development Manager for the Ospreys Region, will take up his new post at the WRU National Centre of Excellence at the Vale Resort from August 2.
He will continue as Head Coach of Wales Women for the forthcoming Women’s Rugby World Cup later this summer which is being held in England.
Lewis said: “This is a great honour and I am looking forward to the challenge with the aim of making progress across the community game.
“I want to make a difference and the aim is for me to leave a legacy which will secure the long term future of our national sport.
“Having been with the Union now for 13 years as a development officer and then as a development manager, I feel I know the game pretty well and I have lots of ideas about where I feel the game in Wales needs to go.”
Lewis started his career with Cardiff as a development officer before becoming Regional Community Manager of the Cardiff Blues region where he delivered a comprehensive development programme before moving on to the Ospreys.
The WRU Head of Rugby Performance and Development, Joe Lydon, said: “Jason is an accomplished professional who is vastly experienced within the administration of the game in Wales at a high level.
“He has already proved himself as a successful leader so we know he is just the man we want to take our pathway structure onto the next level of its development.
“The sustainability and development of the game at grassroots level is a key priority of the Welsh Rugby Union and we are determined to deliver success as this level.
“Important changes have been carried through in our internal structures over the past year or so and we are now in a strong position to take on the big challenges we know exist.
“The game is thriving at junior level in Wales and the clubs have played a vital role in making that happen with more youngsters from aged seven getting involved in the game.
“That is already feeding through the system as this year we have seen a marked growth in the number of youth teams being registered across Wales.
“Moving forward, we need to build on this participation and enhance the way we identify the most talented players within our schools and clubs and maximise their potential for the future of our game.
“I am totally confident we have the right structures and we are attracting the right calibre of individual to get the best out of the systems in place.
“Jason has an intimate understanding of what we are aiming to achieve and I know he will give us 100 per cent to deliver on his remit.”
Ospreys elite performance director, Andrew Hore commented: “We are extremely sad to see Jason leave but we are delighted for Jason. He did an outstanding job for rugby development within the Ospreys region, restructuring the department and bringing together WRU and Ospreys development staff. Jason has a very strategic mind and is able to develop a plan and put it into place. I think this is a very positive appointment which will benefit all of Welsh rugby and Wales as a nation.”
For further information, contact WRU communications manager Liz Jones tel 07736 056669 / lizjones@wru.co.uk
ends
This press release was produced by Sotic Ltd.
© Copyright Welsh Rugby Union. All rights reserved.
NB: Photos of Jason Lewis with Joe Lydon available from Huw Evans agency tel 02920 764311
A new National Rugby Development Manager whose role will focus on sustaining and growing the national sport of Wales has been appointed by the Welsh Rugby Union.
An experienced coach and development manager, Jason Lewis will take charge of the player pathway from the grassroots level upwards.
Jason Lewis will report directly to the WRU Head of Rugby Performance and Development, Joe Lydon, and will be responsible for developing and delivering player development pathways and skills frameworks in order to increase participation and raise standards. His will be a wide-ranging brief but there will be a key focus on schools and club rugby and on linking the top end of community rugby with the performance end of the game. His role will also cover the continued development of women’s and girls rugby.
Lewis, who is currently the WRU’s Development Manager for the Ospreys Region, will take up his new post at the WRU National Centre of Excellence at the Vale Resort from August 2.
He will continue as Head Coach of Wales Women for the forthcoming Women’s Rugby World Cup later this summer which is being held in England.
Lewis said: “This is a great honour and I am looking forward to the challenge with the aim of making progress across the community game.
“I want to make a difference and the aim is for me to leave a legacy which will secure the long term future of our national sport.
“Having been with the Union now for 13 years as a development officer and then as a development manager, I feel I know the game pretty well and I have lots of ideas about where I feel the game in Wales needs to go.”
Lewis started his career with Cardiff as a development officer before becoming Regional Community Manager of the Cardiff Blues region where he delivered a comprehensive development programme before moving on to the Ospreys.
The WRU Head of Rugby Performance and Development, Joe Lydon, said: “Jason is an accomplished professional who is vastly experienced within the administration of the game in Wales at a high level.
“He has already proved himself as a successful leader so we know he is just the man we want to take our pathway structure onto the next level of its development.
“The sustainability and development of the game at grassroots level is a key priority of the Welsh Rugby Union and we are determined to deliver success as this level.
“Important changes have been carried through in our internal structures over the past year or so and we are now in a strong position to take on the big challenges we know exist.
“The game is thriving at junior level in Wales and the clubs have played a vital role in making that happen with more youngsters from aged seven getting involved in the game.
“That is already feeding through the system as this year we have seen a marked growth in the number of youth teams being registered across Wales.
“Moving forward, we need to build on this participation and enhance the way we identify the most talented players within our schools and clubs and maximise their potential for the future of our game.
“I am totally confident we have the right structures and we are attracting the right calibre of individual to get the best out of the systems in place.
“Jason has an intimate understanding of what we are aiming to achieve and I know he will give us 100 per cent to deliver on his remit.”
Ospreys elite performance director, Andrew Hore commented: “We are extremely sad to see Jason leave but we are delighted for Jason. He did an outstanding job for rugby development within the Ospreys region, restructuring the department and bringing together WRU and Ospreys development staff. Jason has a very strategic mind and is able to develop a plan and put it into place. I think this is a very positive appointment which will benefit all of Welsh rugby and Wales as a nation.”
For further information, contact WRU communications manager Liz Jones tel 07736 056669 / lizjones@wru.co.uk
ends
This press release was produced by Sotic Ltd.
© Copyright Welsh Rugby Union. All rights reserved.
16.5.10
16.5.10 Rob Mckusker in Wales Squad
PRESS RELEASE FROM WELSH RUGBY
(for a Flash file containing a relevant video interview with Warren Gatland please email request by return to ggillespie@wru.co.uk)
WALES SQUAD FOR TRIPLE TEST AGAINST SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE'S BEST
Wales have named three uncapped players in the 27-man squad to face South Africa in the Principality Building Society Summer Test at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday, 5 June (2.30pm) and to tour New Zealand later in the month.
Scarlets trio Tavis Knoyle, Ken Owens and Rob McCusker join a squad of players boasting an average of just over 25 caps each and with five players already in the 50-cap club.
Scarlets playmaker Stephen Jones, Blues prop Gethin Jenkins and Ospreys trio Adam Jones, Jonathan Thomas and Shane Williams all add the considerable weight of their experience to a squad led by Ryan Jones - himself set to make his 24th appearance as captain against the Springboks and move a step closer to the all time record held by Ieuan Evans, who led his country 28 times.
Elsewhere 2005 Grand Slam winner, Blues prop, John Yapp returns to the squad which otherwise largely resembles Warren Gatland's RBS 6 Nations squad of 2010 - save the already noted absences of James Hook, Martyn Williams, Luke Charteris and Dwayne Peel.
That means Wales' youngest player Tom Prydie - who at 18 years and 27 days faced Italy last time out in the 33 - 10 win at Millennium Stadium - could return to the scene of his debut as head coach Warren Gatland tells how he is pleased with the blend of youth and experience he now has available to him.
"I'm a great believer in 'if you are good enough you are old enough' and that applies to the likes of both Tom and Tavis Knoyle," said Gatland.
"We have gone very much for continuity of selection and kept the squad small, but there are also a couple of youngsters in there who we are going to stick by.
"Tom will gain experience from being with us, Shane Williams and even Lee Byrne aren't going to be around forever and he is someone who can cover those positions and who we are excited about.
"We are excited about Tavis as well, he is a big strong lad, someone who has been compared to Mike Phillips on the pitch, he has a good pass and some real speed and he has the frame there as well so he has it all going for him and he has some real potential.
"Rob (McCusker) comes in as well with a real opportunity to move himself up the pecking order. He perhaps wouldn't have had the chance if Martyn had been with us or if Dan Lydiate at the Dragons had been fit, but he has an opportunity now.
"We have been impressed with his form for the Scarlets and he has played some sevens for Wales and there's no doubting he has the pace and ability so he is great potential."
Gatland has also named an eight man standby squad which will train with Wales while they are in the UK and are in line to be called up for the New Zealand tour should injuries occur.
Dragons trio Will Harries, Gavin Thomas and Jason Tovey join Blues pair Chris Czekaj and Thomas Rhys Thomas and Ospreys duo Ian Gough and Craig Mitchell together with the Scarlets' Martyn Roberts on the standby list.
The Welsh Rugby Union has already sold approximately 50,000 tickets for the summer afternoon clash with the World Champion Springboks, but Gatland has called on fans to ensure the game is a sell-out to spur on his side as the World Cup countdown begins.
"There is no better place than the Millennium Stadium when it is full to its rafters and I really hope the fans turn up to give us the send off we are hoping for before we tour New Zealand," added Gatland.
"I've said all along that the best preparation for us in a World Cup year is to play the best teams and they don't come much tougher than the Springboks and the All Blacks.
"We have an opportunity to start off on the right foot on 5 June with a victory and, hopefully, by the time the World Cup comes around we will have a battle hardened squad ready to achieve something special and we will look back and see that it all started here."
Priced at £25 per person or £80 for a family ( 2 adults, 2 children) tickets for the 'Principality Building Society Summer Test' - Wales v South Africa, Millennium Stadium, Saturday 5th June KO 2.30pm - can be purchased from at the WRU's Cardiff Arms Store (No 8 Westgate Street, Cardiff); via Ticketmaster (tel 08442 777888, www.ticketmaster.co.uk), Ticketline (02920 230130, www.ticketlineuk.com) and via the WRU Official Website www.wru.co.uk/tickets.
The remaining WRU hospitality packages can be snapped up from £119 for the 'SA Gold' package and fans should act fast to secure the hottest tickets via the official website www.millenniumstadium.com.
Further hospitality information is available online for all packages including the 'Platinum Suite' at £229 and the recently launched after popular demand. 'Springbox Suite' at £139
WALES SQUAD
PRINCIPALITY BUILDING SOCIETY SUMMER TEST V SOUTH AFRICA/TOUR OF NEW ZEALAND
BLUES
Bradley Davies
Leigh Halfpenny
Gethin Jenkins
Deiniol Jones
Andy Powell
Richie Rees
Jamie Roberts
Sam Warburton
John Yapp
OSPREYS
Huw Bennett
Dan Biggar
Andrew Bishop
Lee Byrne
Paul James
Adam Jones
Alun Wyn Jones
Ryan Jones
Mike Phillips
Tom Prydie
Jonathan Thomas
Shane Williams
SCARLETS
Jonathan Davies
Stephen Jones
Tavis Knoyle
Rob McCusker
Ken Owens
Matthew Rees
STANDBY LIST (To train with the squad in the UK and cover tour squad for injuries)
BLUES
Chris Czekaj
Thomas Rhys Thomas
OSPREYS
Ian Gough
Craig Mitchell
SCARLETS
Martyn Roberts
DRAGONS
Will Harries
Gavin Thomas
Jason Tovey
(for a Flash file containing a relevant video interview with Warren Gatland please email request by return to ggillespie@wru.co.uk)
WALES SQUAD FOR TRIPLE TEST AGAINST SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE'S BEST
Wales have named three uncapped players in the 27-man squad to face South Africa in the Principality Building Society Summer Test at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday, 5 June (2.30pm) and to tour New Zealand later in the month.
Scarlets trio Tavis Knoyle, Ken Owens and Rob McCusker join a squad of players boasting an average of just over 25 caps each and with five players already in the 50-cap club.
Scarlets playmaker Stephen Jones, Blues prop Gethin Jenkins and Ospreys trio Adam Jones, Jonathan Thomas and Shane Williams all add the considerable weight of their experience to a squad led by Ryan Jones - himself set to make his 24th appearance as captain against the Springboks and move a step closer to the all time record held by Ieuan Evans, who led his country 28 times.
Elsewhere 2005 Grand Slam winner, Blues prop, John Yapp returns to the squad which otherwise largely resembles Warren Gatland's RBS 6 Nations squad of 2010 - save the already noted absences of James Hook, Martyn Williams, Luke Charteris and Dwayne Peel.
That means Wales' youngest player Tom Prydie - who at 18 years and 27 days faced Italy last time out in the 33 - 10 win at Millennium Stadium - could return to the scene of his debut as head coach Warren Gatland tells how he is pleased with the blend of youth and experience he now has available to him.
"I'm a great believer in 'if you are good enough you are old enough' and that applies to the likes of both Tom and Tavis Knoyle," said Gatland.
"We have gone very much for continuity of selection and kept the squad small, but there are also a couple of youngsters in there who we are going to stick by.
"Tom will gain experience from being with us, Shane Williams and even Lee Byrne aren't going to be around forever and he is someone who can cover those positions and who we are excited about.
"We are excited about Tavis as well, he is a big strong lad, someone who has been compared to Mike Phillips on the pitch, he has a good pass and some real speed and he has the frame there as well so he has it all going for him and he has some real potential.
"Rob (McCusker) comes in as well with a real opportunity to move himself up the pecking order. He perhaps wouldn't have had the chance if Martyn had been with us or if Dan Lydiate at the Dragons had been fit, but he has an opportunity now.
"We have been impressed with his form for the Scarlets and he has played some sevens for Wales and there's no doubting he has the pace and ability so he is great potential."
Gatland has also named an eight man standby squad which will train with Wales while they are in the UK and are in line to be called up for the New Zealand tour should injuries occur.
Dragons trio Will Harries, Gavin Thomas and Jason Tovey join Blues pair Chris Czekaj and Thomas Rhys Thomas and Ospreys duo Ian Gough and Craig Mitchell together with the Scarlets' Martyn Roberts on the standby list.
The Welsh Rugby Union has already sold approximately 50,000 tickets for the summer afternoon clash with the World Champion Springboks, but Gatland has called on fans to ensure the game is a sell-out to spur on his side as the World Cup countdown begins.
"There is no better place than the Millennium Stadium when it is full to its rafters and I really hope the fans turn up to give us the send off we are hoping for before we tour New Zealand," added Gatland.
"I've said all along that the best preparation for us in a World Cup year is to play the best teams and they don't come much tougher than the Springboks and the All Blacks.
"We have an opportunity to start off on the right foot on 5 June with a victory and, hopefully, by the time the World Cup comes around we will have a battle hardened squad ready to achieve something special and we will look back and see that it all started here."
Priced at £25 per person or £80 for a family ( 2 adults, 2 children) tickets for the 'Principality Building Society Summer Test' - Wales v South Africa, Millennium Stadium, Saturday 5th June KO 2.30pm - can be purchased from at the WRU's Cardiff Arms Store (No 8 Westgate Street, Cardiff); via Ticketmaster (tel 08442 777888, www.ticketmaster.co.uk), Ticketline (02920 230130, www.ticketlineuk.com) and via the WRU Official Website www.wru.co.uk/tickets.
The remaining WRU hospitality packages can be snapped up from £119 for the 'SA Gold' package and fans should act fast to secure the hottest tickets via the official website www.millenniumstadium.com.
Further hospitality information is available online for all packages including the 'Platinum Suite' at £229 and the recently launched after popular demand. 'Springbox Suite' at £139
WALES SQUAD
PRINCIPALITY BUILDING SOCIETY SUMMER TEST V SOUTH AFRICA/TOUR OF NEW ZEALAND
BLUES
Bradley Davies
Leigh Halfpenny
Gethin Jenkins
Deiniol Jones
Andy Powell
Richie Rees
Jamie Roberts
Sam Warburton
John Yapp
OSPREYS
Huw Bennett
Dan Biggar
Andrew Bishop
Lee Byrne
Paul James
Adam Jones
Alun Wyn Jones
Ryan Jones
Mike Phillips
Tom Prydie
Jonathan Thomas
Shane Williams
SCARLETS
Jonathan Davies
Stephen Jones
Tavis Knoyle
Rob McCusker
Ken Owens
Matthew Rees
STANDBY LIST (To train with the squad in the UK and cover tour squad for injuries)
BLUES
Chris Czekaj
Thomas Rhys Thomas
OSPREYS
Ian Gough
Craig Mitchell
SCARLETS
Martyn Roberts
DRAGONS
Will Harries
Gavin Thomas
Jason Tovey
8.4.10
8.4.10. Newport Andrew Coombs Principality Player of Month
MARCH PRINCIPALITY PLAYER OF THE MONTH
Issued: Thursday, 8 April, 2010
Coombs recognised for Premiership performances
NB. Photographs of Andrew at Newport branch of Principality available from Huw Evans picture agency tel 02920 764311
Newport No 8 Andrew Coombs has been named Principality Premiership Player of the Month for March.
The Black-and-Ambers skipper has been recognised for his performances of late, both in winning this award, and by the Dragons coaches who have included him in their squad for their last three Magners League games.
After impressing for Newport in the Principality Premiership and British and Irish Cup, Coombs was given a chance by Dragons boss Paul Turner and made his Dragons debut at Connacht before coming off the bench at home against the Ospreys and making his first Regional start last Sunday against Glasgow Warriors.
Premiership coaches, rugby journalists and WRU and Regional performance development staff select the monthly Principality Premiership winners who receive £100 in prize money from the Principality Building Society, title sponsors of the competition.
Coombs, who began playing rugby at Nelson RFC and moved onto Newport as a youth player, said: "It's great to get this kind of recognition, both in terms of this award and obviously in terms of playing for the Dragons, I have already learnt a lot from gaining some game time with them, and now I want to take that back to Newport.
"We have a massive game against Neath on Saturday, and although Neath are more or less certain for the title, there is still a battle on for the top four places in the league. Both ourselves and Neath have been good defensively this season so I think it will come down to which side takes its chances on the day.
"As a club we have had a stop-start season . After finishing second last year, it would have been great to win the Principality Premiership this season but a few results have let us down, in particular with recent losses to Cardiff and Llanelli.
"Our main aim now is to finish in the top four to gain automatic British and Irish Cup qualification, and once we get into the Premiership play-offs, it would be great to win them and gain some silverware from the season."
Coombs says his side have been buoyed this season by the introduction of the British and Irish Cup.
"We thoroughly enjoyed the experience of playing in the British and Irish Cup and we're desperate for more of the same. We produced a few shock results and enjoyed the high standard of competition and the physicality that came with it," he said.
Newport head coach Sven Cronk added: "Andrew has been a great captain both this season and last, truly leading by example. He does the dogged work when required but is also a great ball carrier. He deserves this award and the recent recognition by the Dragons set-up.
"Although we are disappointed with some of our games this season, losing too many matches by three points or less, we still have something to play for as we aim to finish in the top four and with the new play-off championship to look forward to. There will be no lack of motivation on Saturday for our game against league leaders Neath."
Andrew Coombs fact file:
Born: 27.10.84, Merthyr Tydfil
Club: Newport
Position: No 8
Player most admired: Xavier Rush, for his go-forward game
Sportsman most admired: David Beckham
Biggest impact on career: Father Jon, who has been a huge influence, and coaches at Pontypool and Newport
Occupation outside rugby: Salesperson for a software company
Other sports: Football, snooker
Nickname: Coombsy
For further information contact Liz Jones, WRU Communications Manager, tel 07736 056669 / email lizjones@wru.co.uk
Ends
Issued: Thursday, 8 April, 2010
Coombs recognised for Premiership performances
NB. Photographs of Andrew at Newport branch of Principality available from Huw Evans picture agency tel 02920 764311
Newport No 8 Andrew Coombs has been named Principality Premiership Player of the Month for March.
The Black-and-Ambers skipper has been recognised for his performances of late, both in winning this award, and by the Dragons coaches who have included him in their squad for their last three Magners League games.
After impressing for Newport in the Principality Premiership and British and Irish Cup, Coombs was given a chance by Dragons boss Paul Turner and made his Dragons debut at Connacht before coming off the bench at home against the Ospreys and making his first Regional start last Sunday against Glasgow Warriors.
Premiership coaches, rugby journalists and WRU and Regional performance development staff select the monthly Principality Premiership winners who receive £100 in prize money from the Principality Building Society, title sponsors of the competition.
Coombs, who began playing rugby at Nelson RFC and moved onto Newport as a youth player, said: "It's great to get this kind of recognition, both in terms of this award and obviously in terms of playing for the Dragons, I have already learnt a lot from gaining some game time with them, and now I want to take that back to Newport.
"We have a massive game against Neath on Saturday, and although Neath are more or less certain for the title, there is still a battle on for the top four places in the league. Both ourselves and Neath have been good defensively this season so I think it will come down to which side takes its chances on the day.
"As a club we have had a stop-start season . After finishing second last year, it would have been great to win the Principality Premiership this season but a few results have let us down, in particular with recent losses to Cardiff and Llanelli.
"Our main aim now is to finish in the top four to gain automatic British and Irish Cup qualification, and once we get into the Premiership play-offs, it would be great to win them and gain some silverware from the season."
Coombs says his side have been buoyed this season by the introduction of the British and Irish Cup.
"We thoroughly enjoyed the experience of playing in the British and Irish Cup and we're desperate for more of the same. We produced a few shock results and enjoyed the high standard of competition and the physicality that came with it," he said.
Newport head coach Sven Cronk added: "Andrew has been a great captain both this season and last, truly leading by example. He does the dogged work when required but is also a great ball carrier. He deserves this award and the recent recognition by the Dragons set-up.
"Although we are disappointed with some of our games this season, losing too many matches by three points or less, we still have something to play for as we aim to finish in the top four and with the new play-off championship to look forward to. There will be no lack of motivation on Saturday for our game against league leaders Neath."
Andrew Coombs fact file:
Born: 27.10.84, Merthyr Tydfil
Club: Newport
Position: No 8
Player most admired: Xavier Rush, for his go-forward game
Sportsman most admired: David Beckham
Biggest impact on career: Father Jon, who has been a huge influence, and coaches at Pontypool and Newport
Occupation outside rugby: Salesperson for a software company
Other sports: Football, snooker
Nickname: Coombsy
For further information contact Liz Jones, WRU Communications Manager, tel 07736 056669 / email lizjones@wru.co.uk
Ends
7.4.10
7.4.10..New WRU Company Secretary appointed
LEADING LAWYER IS NEW WRU COMPANY SECRETARY
Issued: Wednesday, 7 April, 2010
One of the leading lawyers in Wales has been appointed as the new Company Secretary of the Welsh Rugby Union Group.
Gareth Williams, the Senior Partner of Hugh James, was unanimously confirmed in the role by the full WRU Board of Directors.
As Company Secretary he will be responsible for ensuring the rules of corporate governance within the WRU are complied with and standards of financial and legal practice are maintained.
He will attend WRU Board meetings and the Group's Annual General Meeting to offer advice and guidance to directors and representatives of all the affiliated organisations.
Mr Williams will continue in his senior role at Hugh James and carry out his Company Secretary duties in an honorary capacity.
Hugh James has a long standing professional relationship with the WRU and has recently offered legal advice to the Union on several important and high profile matters.
Gareth Williams has maintained a close, professional relationship with the WRU Group for almost two decades as lead solicitor to the union and has acquired expert knowledge about the organisation, its operational structure and systems of corporate governance.
He became Senior Partner at Hugh James in 2005 and was previously head of the company's Business Litigation Division. He is regarded as an expert in sports law and substantial commercial litigation.
A Welsh speaker he is also a trustee of the Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust and a Governor of the University of Glamorgan.
The Chairman of the Welsh Rugby Union, David Pickering, said: "We are delighted that Gareth has agreed to take on the role of Company Secretary to the WRU.
"The union will benefit from his expertise, knowledge and mature, intelligent counsel which I am certain will serve us well as an organisation going forward.
"The member clubs and affiliated organisations must be assured that the constitution of the WRU is honoured and protected at all times and Gareth is the ideal candidate to fulfil the role of guardian of that corporate governance."
The Group Chief Executive of the WRU, Roger Lewis, said: "During my time at the WRU Gareth has proved to be a trusted professional colleague and good friend of the organisation.
"He is a highly respected lawyer and his counsel is always based on sound legal knowledge combined with a finely tuned intellect and common sense.
"He is always calm and reasoned in his advice and is very experienced at operating alongside the most senior executives and directors in very high profile organisations."
Gareth Williams said: "I am delighted to have been asked to become the Company Secretary of the Welsh Rugby Union.
"As well as my strong professional ties with the WRU I have a close affinity with rugby so I am looking forward to being able to serve the union in this new role.
"I have an excellent legal and administrative team working with me at Hugh James so I am confident I can free the time to fulfil the WRU role with the energy and focus it deserves."
He replaces the late Mike Jefferies, a close personal friend, who died suddenly last year after joining the WRU as Head of Legal Affairs in 2007 following a successful career with Hugh James.
Gareth Williams takes up the unpaid role of Company Secretary with immediate effect.
Pictures are available from Huw Evans Agency.
For further information please contact Millennium Stadium communications manager Gemma James via email gjames@wru.co.uk or telephone 02920 822 368/ 07725 828 498.
ENDS
Issued: Wednesday, 7 April, 2010
One of the leading lawyers in Wales has been appointed as the new Company Secretary of the Welsh Rugby Union Group.
Gareth Williams, the Senior Partner of Hugh James, was unanimously confirmed in the role by the full WRU Board of Directors.
As Company Secretary he will be responsible for ensuring the rules of corporate governance within the WRU are complied with and standards of financial and legal practice are maintained.
He will attend WRU Board meetings and the Group's Annual General Meeting to offer advice and guidance to directors and representatives of all the affiliated organisations.
Mr Williams will continue in his senior role at Hugh James and carry out his Company Secretary duties in an honorary capacity.
Hugh James has a long standing professional relationship with the WRU and has recently offered legal advice to the Union on several important and high profile matters.
Gareth Williams has maintained a close, professional relationship with the WRU Group for almost two decades as lead solicitor to the union and has acquired expert knowledge about the organisation, its operational structure and systems of corporate governance.
He became Senior Partner at Hugh James in 2005 and was previously head of the company's Business Litigation Division. He is regarded as an expert in sports law and substantial commercial litigation.
A Welsh speaker he is also a trustee of the Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust and a Governor of the University of Glamorgan.
The Chairman of the Welsh Rugby Union, David Pickering, said: "We are delighted that Gareth has agreed to take on the role of Company Secretary to the WRU.
"The union will benefit from his expertise, knowledge and mature, intelligent counsel which I am certain will serve us well as an organisation going forward.
"The member clubs and affiliated organisations must be assured that the constitution of the WRU is honoured and protected at all times and Gareth is the ideal candidate to fulfil the role of guardian of that corporate governance."
The Group Chief Executive of the WRU, Roger Lewis, said: "During my time at the WRU Gareth has proved to be a trusted professional colleague and good friend of the organisation.
"He is a highly respected lawyer and his counsel is always based on sound legal knowledge combined with a finely tuned intellect and common sense.
"He is always calm and reasoned in his advice and is very experienced at operating alongside the most senior executives and directors in very high profile organisations."
Gareth Williams said: "I am delighted to have been asked to become the Company Secretary of the Welsh Rugby Union.
"As well as my strong professional ties with the WRU I have a close affinity with rugby so I am looking forward to being able to serve the union in this new role.
"I have an excellent legal and administrative team working with me at Hugh James so I am confident I can free the time to fulfil the WRU role with the energy and focus it deserves."
He replaces the late Mike Jefferies, a close personal friend, who died suddenly last year after joining the WRU as Head of Legal Affairs in 2007 following a successful career with Hugh James.
Gareth Williams takes up the unpaid role of Company Secretary with immediate effect.
Pictures are available from Huw Evans Agency.
For further information please contact Millennium Stadium communications manager Gemma James via email gjames@wru.co.uk or telephone 02920 822 368/ 07725 828 498.
ENDS
6.4.10
6.4.10.Wales Schools beat Italy
Issued: Tuesday, 6 April, 2010
Welsh Schools Under 16s notch second win
ITALY U17 8 WELSH SCHOOLS U16 14
Welsh Schools Under 16s beat a powerful Italy Under 17 side to go into their final match of the Under 16/17 Four Nations Tournament in Rome unbeaten.
The young side overcame England Under 16s 28-27 in their opening match, scoring three tries and with a nail-biting final five minutes, but the Italians caused problems and Wales made a number of unforced errors, failing to finish try scoring opportunities.
Scarlets academy member Jordan Williams, who had switched from full back to outside half for the game, edged Wales ahead with a penalty within the first quarter and right wing Ryan Evans grabbed a well-worked try five minutes later. Italy put a lot of pressure on Wales' line-out and restarts, and Wales failed to gain any real momentum with the only other points of the half coming from an exchange of penalties between Williams and Italy full back Campagnaro, with Wales going in 11-3 to the good.
There was more of the same in the second half and despite some promising performances, in particular from flanker, Daniel Thomas, Wales, led by Ysgol Y Preseli's Sion Bennett were only able to add a Sam Davies penalty to the scoreboard. Italy, who produced a much improved performance following their 48-8 loss to France on Saturday, finished the match positively with a try for left wing Esposito.
Team manager Roy James said, "It was good to get another win on the board and keep our record in tact, but we have a lot of work to do in the next few days if we are to beat France on Saturday. France put Italy away last weekend, and will be a much tougher challenge than Italy but at least we showed today that we know how to win a match.
"The boys are really relishing the opportunity of playing at the Stadio Flaminio on Saturday. It's a Six Nations venue and it will be a great way to end a very successful and well-organised tournament."
Welsh Schools Under 16s play France Under 17s at 2.30pm on Saturday (Stadio Flaminio, Rome).
Wales scorers:
Try: R Evans
Pens: J Williams (2), S Davies
ENDS
Welsh Schools Under 16s notch second win
ITALY U17 8 WELSH SCHOOLS U16 14
Welsh Schools Under 16s beat a powerful Italy Under 17 side to go into their final match of the Under 16/17 Four Nations Tournament in Rome unbeaten.
The young side overcame England Under 16s 28-27 in their opening match, scoring three tries and with a nail-biting final five minutes, but the Italians caused problems and Wales made a number of unforced errors, failing to finish try scoring opportunities.
Scarlets academy member Jordan Williams, who had switched from full back to outside half for the game, edged Wales ahead with a penalty within the first quarter and right wing Ryan Evans grabbed a well-worked try five minutes later. Italy put a lot of pressure on Wales' line-out and restarts, and Wales failed to gain any real momentum with the only other points of the half coming from an exchange of penalties between Williams and Italy full back Campagnaro, with Wales going in 11-3 to the good.
There was more of the same in the second half and despite some promising performances, in particular from flanker, Daniel Thomas, Wales, led by Ysgol Y Preseli's Sion Bennett were only able to add a Sam Davies penalty to the scoreboard. Italy, who produced a much improved performance following their 48-8 loss to France on Saturday, finished the match positively with a try for left wing Esposito.
Team manager Roy James said, "It was good to get another win on the board and keep our record in tact, but we have a lot of work to do in the next few days if we are to beat France on Saturday. France put Italy away last weekend, and will be a much tougher challenge than Italy but at least we showed today that we know how to win a match.
"The boys are really relishing the opportunity of playing at the Stadio Flaminio on Saturday. It's a Six Nations venue and it will be a great way to end a very successful and well-organised tournament."
Welsh Schools Under 16s play France Under 17s at 2.30pm on Saturday (Stadio Flaminio, Rome).
Wales scorers:
Try: R Evans
Pens: J Williams (2), S Davies
ENDS
4.4.10
04.04.10 WALES U18 24 IRELAND U18 18 (George North Stars)
 | ||
| ||
04.04.10 WALES Ui6 beat England U16 in Rome
| Welsh Schools Under 16 28 England Under 16 27 Welsh Schools Under 16 became the only Welsh side to beat England this season as they got the Under 16/17 Four Nations tournament off to a winning start in Rome. Ospreys outside half Sam Davies scored 18 points including a match winning drop goal three minutes from time. Davies, son of former Wales coach and currentScarlets director of rugby Nigel, scored all the Welsh points in the first half, kicking two penalties early on and scoring a try and conversion just before the break to give his side a 13-10 interval lead. England were strong in the second period but tries from flanker and man-of-the-match Daniel Thomas and left wing Jake Randell kept the young Dragons in the hunt despite a yellow card for replacement Tomos Owen 15 minutes into the half. Wales showed good composure in gaining territory and getting themselves into a good position for Davies to slot the decisive goal. The game wasn't over and England continued to press hard but Simon Davies' side put in a huge defensive effort to see out the clock and continue their 100% record in this tournament, which they have held for the past two seasons. Team manager Roy James said, "We are very proud of the boys. They were under a lot of pressure territorially and England scored some good tries." In the other match, France beat Italy 48-8. James added, "We are looking forward to playing Italy on Tuesday which is no doubt a game the home side will be targeting, then we play France at the Stadio Flaminio next Saturday." Wales' game against Italy has been moved from the Stadio Tre Fontane to the Rugby Capitolino ground, the venue of today's game (kick-off 1.30pm). ends | |
| This press release was produced by Sotic Ltd. |
2.4.10
1.4.10 . Wales Women u 20 squad
WRU PRESS RELEASE
Issued: 01 April 2010
Youngsters given golden opportunity to shine
Several players in the Wales Women's Under 20s squad will be entertaining thoughts of making Jason Lewis's World Cup squad.
Wales Under 20s kick of their season with a clash against arch rivals England next Tuesday at Surrey Sports Park (KO 3pm).
The current squad only have to look at the current Welsh senior outfit to realise they have a chance of making the World Cup squad if they can put some solid performances behind them.
Fly half Elinor Snowsill made the step up from last year's Under 20s squad to senior status this season with last year's age grade skipper joined in this season's Six Nations squad by Ceri Redman and Becky Newton while Carys John, Heledd Stephens and Lisa Newton were promoted into the senior squad.
In particular Sioned Harries and Charlie Murray will be hoping to stake a claim after the duo spent time training with the Welsh senior squad recently.
Second row Jo Clarke, centre Jess Smith and winger Sian Perry all make their debuts against England while Natalie Stone, Chloe Howells, Jess Kavanagh and Kayleigh Balchin are all new caps starting from the bench.
A Wales U18's Talent Development Group will tackle England U18's Talent Development Group in the curtain raiser (KO 1pm).
The Welsh team has been selected from the U18's regional programme which has been running this season. Regions nominated players to attend trials where the 'best of the best' were selected to play in this one off fixture.
It's hoped some of these players will be invited to be involved in a 'potential group' with some of the U20's while some may be invited to also play in the Senior Regional programme.
WRU Women's Performance Manager Sophie Bennett said: "With several players having already progressed from the Under 20s to the full senior squad, it proves to the players that there is a pathway to full international honours.
"Hopefully some players will put their hands up just like some of their predecessors who have made the jump successfully."
Wales Under 20s v England
Surrey Sports Park, Tuesday 6th April, 3pm
15 Kerin Lake Neath Athletic
14 Sian Perry Altrincham Kersal
13 Adi Taviner (CAPT) Neath Athletic
12 Jess Smith Neath Athletic
11 Charlotte Murray Neath Athletic
10 Bethan Preece Neath Athletic
9 Yasmin Leung UWIC
1 Alex Stokes Neath Athletic
2 Amy Lawrence Neath Athletic
3 Lowri Harris UWIC
4 Jo Clarke UWIC
5 Shona Powell-Hughes Neath Athletic
6 Sian Williams RAF
8 Sioned Harris UWIC
7 Kathryn Joseph Neath Athletic
Substitutes
16 Natalie Stone Pontyclun
17 Sophie Mangano Kidwelly
18 Chloe Howells Whitland
19 Vicky Owens UWIC
20 Laura Marsh Woodbridge
21 Rhianydd Morgan Neath Athletic
22 Jess Kavanagh Dolgellau
For further information contact Graeme Gillespie via email at: ggillespie@wru.co.uk or tel: 07740612790
Issued: 01 April 2010
Youngsters given golden opportunity to shine
Several players in the Wales Women's Under 20s squad will be entertaining thoughts of making Jason Lewis's World Cup squad.
Wales Under 20s kick of their season with a clash against arch rivals England next Tuesday at Surrey Sports Park (KO 3pm).
The current squad only have to look at the current Welsh senior outfit to realise they have a chance of making the World Cup squad if they can put some solid performances behind them.
Fly half Elinor Snowsill made the step up from last year's Under 20s squad to senior status this season with last year's age grade skipper joined in this season's Six Nations squad by Ceri Redman and Becky Newton while Carys John, Heledd Stephens and Lisa Newton were promoted into the senior squad.
In particular Sioned Harries and Charlie Murray will be hoping to stake a claim after the duo spent time training with the Welsh senior squad recently.
Second row Jo Clarke, centre Jess Smith and winger Sian Perry all make their debuts against England while Natalie Stone, Chloe Howells, Jess Kavanagh and Kayleigh Balchin are all new caps starting from the bench.
A Wales U18's Talent Development Group will tackle England U18's Talent Development Group in the curtain raiser (KO 1pm).
The Welsh team has been selected from the U18's regional programme which has been running this season. Regions nominated players to attend trials where the 'best of the best' were selected to play in this one off fixture.
It's hoped some of these players will be invited to be involved in a 'potential group' with some of the U20's while some may be invited to also play in the Senior Regional programme.
WRU Women's Performance Manager Sophie Bennett said: "With several players having already progressed from the Under 20s to the full senior squad, it proves to the players that there is a pathway to full international honours.
"Hopefully some players will put their hands up just like some of their predecessors who have made the jump successfully."
Wales Under 20s v England
Surrey Sports Park, Tuesday 6th April, 3pm
15 Kerin Lake Neath Athletic
14 Sian Perry Altrincham Kersal
13 Adi Taviner (CAPT) Neath Athletic
12 Jess Smith Neath Athletic
11 Charlotte Murray Neath Athletic
10 Bethan Preece Neath Athletic
9 Yasmin Leung UWIC
1 Alex Stokes Neath Athletic
2 Amy Lawrence Neath Athletic
3 Lowri Harris UWIC
4 Jo Clarke UWIC
5 Shona Powell-Hughes Neath Athletic
6 Sian Williams RAF
8 Sioned Harris UWIC
7 Kathryn Joseph Neath Athletic
Substitutes
16 Natalie Stone Pontyclun
17 Sophie Mangano Kidwelly
18 Chloe Howells Whitland
19 Vicky Owens UWIC
20 Laura Marsh Woodbridge
21 Rhianydd Morgan Neath Athletic
22 Jess Kavanagh Dolgellau
For further information contact Graeme Gillespie via email at: ggillespie@wru.co.uk or tel: 07740612790
31.3.10
31.3.10. Bridgend investment brings stability
Bridgend Investment Brings Stability
Issued on behalf of Bridgend RFC
The future of Bridgend RFC looks brighter following confirmation that the club has received a significant inward investment through Llandarcy Park Ltd.
The investment will help to secure the future of rugby at the Brewery Field and will, it is hoped, provide a springboard for the Ravens to return to the Welsh Premiership in the coming seasons in addition to ensuring that a vital production line of young rugby talent will continue to produce future Ospreys and Welsh internationals.
The winners of the final WRU Premiership title prior to the arrival of regional rugby in 2003, Bridgend have struggled in recent seasons, and were relegated from the Premiership last season after finishing bottom. After continuing to struggle this campaign, they currently sit in 10th place in the Swalec Welsh Division One West table, two places off the bottom but 13 points clear of Builth Wells, with Cwmllynfell a further three points behind.
Ospreys Elite Performance Director, Andrew Hore, said: "The news of this investment is a huge boost for rugby in the Bridgend area. It is an important part of the region, and over the years, has proven to be a tremendous breeding ground for young talent. The club and the wider Bridgend area in general, have a long tradition of developing excellent rugby players, and were for many years one of the leading lights in Welsh rugby. A quick glance at the current Ospreys squad will give you a clear indication of this, with a substantial number of players coming from the area, including exciting young talent such as Tom Prydie, Gareth Owen and Ryan Bevington.
"Bridgend RFC is a great club with a proud history, and what this investment from Llandarcy Park Ltd will do is safeguard its future and bring some much needed stability. A successful Bridgend RFC is important for the future of the Ospreys, that much is clear. The Bridgend district is central to our long term plans to develop a self sufficient Ospreys region, there is a thriving age-grade set-up with which we work very closely, to increase our playing base, but the local development pathway for players in the district needs a strong Bridgend RFC at the top of it.
"This investment from Llandarcy Park Ltd safeguards the future of the club, and as such, ensures that this valuable production line isn't lost forever, which would be a huge blow for the local community, as well as for the Ospreys and Welsh rugby in general. Here at the Ospreys, we are extremely excited about the future at the Brewery Field. The club has had a difficult time in recent seasons, but there are some tremendous rugby people working hard and doing a great job there. We already have an excellent working relationship with the club, which we look forward to building on to help them strengthen as a club, and hopefully, to regain its place in the Premiership while continuing to develop young talent for the region and for Wales."
David Rees, the Managing Director of Bridgend RFC commented:
"The culmination of this business arrangement with our friends and colleagues at Llandarcay Park has come as a huge release of stress to all of us at Bridgend Ravens. In particular to Derrick King and myself who have strived over the last 5 years in particular to secure the short and long term future of the Ravens.
"This is not just in the interests of the Club but for all the Clubs in the area and for the Borough as a whole. It is no secret that we have been under a great deal of financial stress and without the help of Llandarcy Park Limited we face the very real prospect of being forced into administration.
"Now that the situation has been stabilized it is to be hoped that our band of loyal supporters will be joined by many others in order to ensure that Bridgend returns to the top flight of rugby which is what our area needs.
"The Llandarcy management are anxious that the club retains its unique identity and to that purpose all the current management will remain in post with the added advantage of being supported by Llandarcy business and coaching support."
ENDS
This press release was produced by Sotic Ltd.
Issued on behalf of Bridgend RFC
The future of Bridgend RFC looks brighter following confirmation that the club has received a significant inward investment through Llandarcy Park Ltd.
The investment will help to secure the future of rugby at the Brewery Field and will, it is hoped, provide a springboard for the Ravens to return to the Welsh Premiership in the coming seasons in addition to ensuring that a vital production line of young rugby talent will continue to produce future Ospreys and Welsh internationals.
The winners of the final WRU Premiership title prior to the arrival of regional rugby in 2003, Bridgend have struggled in recent seasons, and were relegated from the Premiership last season after finishing bottom. After continuing to struggle this campaign, they currently sit in 10th place in the Swalec Welsh Division One West table, two places off the bottom but 13 points clear of Builth Wells, with Cwmllynfell a further three points behind.
Ospreys Elite Performance Director, Andrew Hore, said: "The news of this investment is a huge boost for rugby in the Bridgend area. It is an important part of the region, and over the years, has proven to be a tremendous breeding ground for young talent. The club and the wider Bridgend area in general, have a long tradition of developing excellent rugby players, and were for many years one of the leading lights in Welsh rugby. A quick glance at the current Ospreys squad will give you a clear indication of this, with a substantial number of players coming from the area, including exciting young talent such as Tom Prydie, Gareth Owen and Ryan Bevington.
"Bridgend RFC is a great club with a proud history, and what this investment from Llandarcy Park Ltd will do is safeguard its future and bring some much needed stability. A successful Bridgend RFC is important for the future of the Ospreys, that much is clear. The Bridgend district is central to our long term plans to develop a self sufficient Ospreys region, there is a thriving age-grade set-up with which we work very closely, to increase our playing base, but the local development pathway for players in the district needs a strong Bridgend RFC at the top of it.
"This investment from Llandarcy Park Ltd safeguards the future of the club, and as such, ensures that this valuable production line isn't lost forever, which would be a huge blow for the local community, as well as for the Ospreys and Welsh rugby in general. Here at the Ospreys, we are extremely excited about the future at the Brewery Field. The club has had a difficult time in recent seasons, but there are some tremendous rugby people working hard and doing a great job there. We already have an excellent working relationship with the club, which we look forward to building on to help them strengthen as a club, and hopefully, to regain its place in the Premiership while continuing to develop young talent for the region and for Wales."
David Rees, the Managing Director of Bridgend RFC commented:
"The culmination of this business arrangement with our friends and colleagues at Llandarcay Park has come as a huge release of stress to all of us at Bridgend Ravens. In particular to Derrick King and myself who have strived over the last 5 years in particular to secure the short and long term future of the Ravens.
"This is not just in the interests of the Club but for all the Clubs in the area and for the Borough as a whole. It is no secret that we have been under a great deal of financial stress and without the help of Llandarcy Park Limited we face the very real prospect of being forced into administration.
"Now that the situation has been stabilized it is to be hoped that our band of loyal supporters will be joined by many others in order to ensure that Bridgend returns to the top flight of rugby which is what our area needs.
"The Llandarcy management are anxious that the club retains its unique identity and to that purpose all the current management will remain in post with the added advantage of being supported by Llandarcy business and coaching support."
ENDS
This press release was produced by Sotic Ltd.
29.3.10
29.3.10 ERC SEASON 2010/11
www.ercrugby.com Pools Fixtures Statistics
ERC SEASON 2010/11
29-03-2010
Issued by Mark Jones
The 16th season of European club rugby will kick-off on the second weekend of October, and climax with the Heineken Cup and Amlin Challenge Cup finals on the weekend of 20/21/22 May, 2011.
ERC, the tournament organisers, today (29 March, 2010) announced the confirmed weekends with the Pool stages again being played in three blocks of back-to-back weekends in October, December and January.
HEINEKEN CUP and AMLIN CHALLENGE CUP 2010/11
2010
Round 1 - 7/8/9/10 October
Round 2 - 14/15/16/17 October
Round 3 - 9/10/11/12 December
Round 4 - 16/17/18/19 December
2011
Round 5 - 13/14/15/16 January
Round 6 - 20/21/22/23 January
Quarter-finals - 8/9/10 April
Semi-finals - 29/30 April 1 May
Heineken Cup and Amlin Challenge Cup finals - 20/21/22 May
ENDS
ERC SEASON 2010/11
29-03-2010
Issued by Mark Jones
The 16th season of European club rugby will kick-off on the second weekend of October, and climax with the Heineken Cup and Amlin Challenge Cup finals on the weekend of 20/21/22 May, 2011.
ERC, the tournament organisers, today (29 March, 2010) announced the confirmed weekends with the Pool stages again being played in three blocks of back-to-back weekends in October, December and January.
HEINEKEN CUP and AMLIN CHALLENGE CUP 2010/11
2010
Round 1 - 7/8/9/10 October
Round 2 - 14/15/16/17 October
Round 3 - 9/10/11/12 December
Round 4 - 16/17/18/19 December
2011
Round 5 - 13/14/15/16 January
Round 6 - 20/21/22/23 January
Quarter-finals - 8/9/10 April
Semi-finals - 29/30 April 1 May
Heineken Cup and Amlin Challenge Cup finals - 20/21/22 May
ENDS
28.3.10
28.3.10.Wales u18 defeated by England
WRU PRESS RELEASE
Issued: 28 April 2010
Wales under 18s 22 England under 18s 43
Wales failed in their bid to make it two Five Nations wins on the bounce as England delivered a stunning second half performance at St Helens.
However, the young Dragons put in another solid shift with Matthew Morgan kicking 17 points from five penalties and a conversion of centre Luke Williams' first half try.
Sam Twomey's first of two tries gave England an early advantage with Leicester's George Ford, who finished with 23 points, converting for a 7-0 lead.
Wales, who defeated Scotland 30 -3 in their opening game last weekend, struck back almost immediately with a penalty from Morgan and after camping in the England 22 shortly after, Williams crossed for Morgan to convert.
A second penalty from the Ospreys academy pivot put Wales 16-7 to the good, shortly after half time, but from that juncture, it was an altogether different story with England turning the screw at the set piece and showing terrific pace behind the scrum.
Twomey added his second try and 13 minutes in to the half, Billy Vunipola extended his side's advantage with a third team try that Ford once again improved.
Morgan and Ford twice exchanged penalties as the game moved into the final quarter, but with England on top, despite a yellow card for Will Skuse, Ford added three more penalties before converting a late, well-worked try from Elliot Daly.
Wales U18 head coach Simon King said, "After such an encouraging start to our international programme last weekend, we are dissapointed with today's performance. All credit to England, they were extremely strong physically and played most of the rugby, but you learn a lot about players from a defeat and we will review this game now before moving on to preparing to play Ireland at Llandovery on Friday in the opening game of the Under 18 Five Nations festival.
"Ireland will be strong and we will have to be a lot more competitive in order to come away with a win, but I know the boys will bounce back after today and be ready for that challenge.
"We had a good crowd at Swansea and although they didn't get the result they were looking for, hopefully the supporters will get behind us at Llandovery for our next two games."
Scorers
Wales
Try: Williams
Conversion: Morgan
Penalties: Morgan (5)
England
Tries: Twomey (2), Vunipola, Daly
Conversions: Ford (4)
Penalties: Ford (5)
For further information, contact Liz Jones lizjones@wru.co.uk / tel 07736 056669
Ends
This press release was produced by Sotic Ltd.
Issued: 28 April 2010
Wales under 18s 22 England under 18s 43
Wales failed in their bid to make it two Five Nations wins on the bounce as England delivered a stunning second half performance at St Helens.
However, the young Dragons put in another solid shift with Matthew Morgan kicking 17 points from five penalties and a conversion of centre Luke Williams' first half try.
Sam Twomey's first of two tries gave England an early advantage with Leicester's George Ford, who finished with 23 points, converting for a 7-0 lead.
Wales, who defeated Scotland 30 -3 in their opening game last weekend, struck back almost immediately with a penalty from Morgan and after camping in the England 22 shortly after, Williams crossed for Morgan to convert.
A second penalty from the Ospreys academy pivot put Wales 16-7 to the good, shortly after half time, but from that juncture, it was an altogether different story with England turning the screw at the set piece and showing terrific pace behind the scrum.
Twomey added his second try and 13 minutes in to the half, Billy Vunipola extended his side's advantage with a third team try that Ford once again improved.
Morgan and Ford twice exchanged penalties as the game moved into the final quarter, but with England on top, despite a yellow card for Will Skuse, Ford added three more penalties before converting a late, well-worked try from Elliot Daly.
Wales U18 head coach Simon King said, "After such an encouraging start to our international programme last weekend, we are dissapointed with today's performance. All credit to England, they were extremely strong physically and played most of the rugby, but you learn a lot about players from a defeat and we will review this game now before moving on to preparing to play Ireland at Llandovery on Friday in the opening game of the Under 18 Five Nations festival.
"Ireland will be strong and we will have to be a lot more competitive in order to come away with a win, but I know the boys will bounce back after today and be ready for that challenge.
"We had a good crowd at Swansea and although they didn't get the result they were looking for, hopefully the supporters will get behind us at Llandovery for our next two games."
Scorers
Wales
Try: Williams
Conversion: Morgan
Penalties: Morgan (5)
England
Tries: Twomey (2), Vunipola, Daly
Conversions: Ford (4)
Penalties: Ford (5)
For further information, contact Liz Jones lizjones@wru.co.uk / tel 07736 056669
Ends
This press release was produced by Sotic Ltd.
25.3.10
25.3.10.Wales Sevens taking nothing for granted in Hong Kong
WRU PRESS RELEASE
Issued: 25 March 2010
Wales Sevens taking nothing for granted
Wales head coach Paul John is taking nothing for granted in this weekend's Hong Kong leg of the IRB Sevens World Series.
John guided his side to a morale-boosting quarter-final spot last weekend in the Australian leg in Adelaide before the surprise package of the tournament, USA, won a keenly contested match with the last move of the encounter to knock out Wales.
In this weekend's sixth leg of the series, Wales find themselves in the same pool as Japan, Hong Kong and England who are still smarting after being stunned by USA last week in pool play. The shock result saw England fail to make it out of their pool and as a consequence they have slipped further down the pecking order on the points table.
While most pundits would point to the clash against England as the key encounter in Pool E, John is refusing to look that far ahead.
"The game against England will only be the key game if we have won the two. We aren't even thinking about England to be honest with you. We've got Japan on the first day and they are improving all the time in every tournament then we've got a very difficult game against Hong Kong.
"That could be a real potential banana skin as they always perform well in their home tournament so we can't even look at England until we have won the other two games. We were taught a lesson last weekend against America. If you under estimate anyone they come and bite you on the backside. We were taught a lesson last week," he added.
Wales are currently in a top position in the overall standings with 24 points with usual suspects New Zealand and Samoa leading the charge with 96 and 94 points respectively.
"We've 24 points which is how many points we had for the whole of the series last year," said John. "We've won a couple of Bowls and made a couple of quarter-finals. We had eight new boys in the first tournament of the season in Dubai. It's been a learning process but the boys are getting better and better. Unfortunately it's the nature of the game that there are going to be some ups and downs."
Hong Kong Sevens Draw
Fri 26 March
Pool E - Wales v Japan
Sat 27 March
Pool E - Wales v Hong Kong
Pool E - Wales v England
Sun 28 March
Knockout stages
Ends
Issued: 25 March 2010
Wales Sevens taking nothing for granted
Wales head coach Paul John is taking nothing for granted in this weekend's Hong Kong leg of the IRB Sevens World Series.
John guided his side to a morale-boosting quarter-final spot last weekend in the Australian leg in Adelaide before the surprise package of the tournament, USA, won a keenly contested match with the last move of the encounter to knock out Wales.
In this weekend's sixth leg of the series, Wales find themselves in the same pool as Japan, Hong Kong and England who are still smarting after being stunned by USA last week in pool play. The shock result saw England fail to make it out of their pool and as a consequence they have slipped further down the pecking order on the points table.
While most pundits would point to the clash against England as the key encounter in Pool E, John is refusing to look that far ahead.
"The game against England will only be the key game if we have won the two. We aren't even thinking about England to be honest with you. We've got Japan on the first day and they are improving all the time in every tournament then we've got a very difficult game against Hong Kong.
"That could be a real potential banana skin as they always perform well in their home tournament so we can't even look at England until we have won the other two games. We were taught a lesson last weekend against America. If you under estimate anyone they come and bite you on the backside. We were taught a lesson last week," he added.
Wales are currently in a top position in the overall standings with 24 points with usual suspects New Zealand and Samoa leading the charge with 96 and 94 points respectively.
"We've 24 points which is how many points we had for the whole of the series last year," said John. "We've won a couple of Bowls and made a couple of quarter-finals. We had eight new boys in the first tournament of the season in Dubai. It's been a learning process but the boys are getting better and better. Unfortunately it's the nature of the game that there are going to be some ups and downs."
Hong Kong Sevens Draw
Fri 26 March
Pool E - Wales v Japan
Sat 27 March
Pool E - Wales v Hong Kong
Pool E - Wales v England
Sun 28 March
Knockout stages
Ends
22.3.10
22.3.10 Wales Women slump to shock defeat against Italy
WRU PRESS RELEASE
Issued: 21 March 2010
Wales Women slump to shock defeat
Wales Women slumped to a shock 15-19 defeat to Italy in a Six Nations championship encounter at Bridgend's Brewery Field this afternoon to complete a disappointing campaign.
Wales were firmly in control at halftime, leading 12-0 with Naomi Thomas racing 50m to score from an interception while Non Evans danced over from close range to put Mellissa Berry's side in command.
But the Italians hit back in the second spell and stung Wales with three tries as the home side hit the self-destruct button with basic handling errors and poor execution seeing a number of promising attacks come to nothing.
Italy scored in the fourth minute after the break through powerful second row Flavia Severin who forced her way over in the corner.
Wales regrouped briefly but the game was turned on its head in the 56th minute when Severin powered over from close range for her second try. Fly half Michela Tondinelli slotted the conversion to pull Italy level.
Two minutes later things looked even better for the Italians when Wales full back Mared Evans let a high kick from scrum half Valentina Schiavon bounce and speeding winger Maria Diletta Veronese collected the bounce to storm over from 30m.
Wales rallied with prop Catrin Edwards prominent in the loose with several charges while Berry did her best to rally her troops but retaining the ball became a major area of concern and Italy were more than happy to peg Wales back deep into their own territory with raking kicks from Tondinelli.
An Awen Thomas penalty in the 67th minute pegged back three points to bring Wales within one try of Italy but try as they might, they couldn't get the vital breakthrough.
A bitterly disappointed Welsh skipper was at a loss to explain the loss.
"Going in 12 points up and looking quite comfortable, we only have ourselves to blame," said Berry. "Once again we have pushed the self destruct button. Just like against France and Ireland, we went in comfortable at halftime but for some reason error after error has cost us. We've now got three months to resurrect things before the World Cup."
Wales head coach Jason Lewis echoed her sentiments.
"In the first half it was all us. We had all the territory, all the possession and should have been 20 points to the good to be honest," he said.
"But in the second half we've pressed the self destruct button for the third time in a row, we gave them the game, they didn't win it. We went from a scrum in their 22 to a try under our own posts. We seem to be hell bent on giving the game away.
"We need to take a long hard look at ourselves. The bottom line is a few players put their hands up today but a few didn't. We've got to pick ourselves up and dust ourselves down before the World Cup. We played some good rugby today but we have just got to cut out the errors and learn not to implode."
Scorers:
Wales: Tries - Naomi Thomas, Non Evans; Con - Evans; Pen - Awen Thomas
Italy: Tries: Severin (2), Veronese; Cons - Tondinell (2).
Ends
Issued: 21 March 2010
Wales Women slump to shock defeat
Wales Women slumped to a shock 15-19 defeat to Italy in a Six Nations championship encounter at Bridgend's Brewery Field this afternoon to complete a disappointing campaign.
Wales were firmly in control at halftime, leading 12-0 with Naomi Thomas racing 50m to score from an interception while Non Evans danced over from close range to put Mellissa Berry's side in command.
But the Italians hit back in the second spell and stung Wales with three tries as the home side hit the self-destruct button with basic handling errors and poor execution seeing a number of promising attacks come to nothing.
Italy scored in the fourth minute after the break through powerful second row Flavia Severin who forced her way over in the corner.
Wales regrouped briefly but the game was turned on its head in the 56th minute when Severin powered over from close range for her second try. Fly half Michela Tondinelli slotted the conversion to pull Italy level.
Two minutes later things looked even better for the Italians when Wales full back Mared Evans let a high kick from scrum half Valentina Schiavon bounce and speeding winger Maria Diletta Veronese collected the bounce to storm over from 30m.
Wales rallied with prop Catrin Edwards prominent in the loose with several charges while Berry did her best to rally her troops but retaining the ball became a major area of concern and Italy were more than happy to peg Wales back deep into their own territory with raking kicks from Tondinelli.
An Awen Thomas penalty in the 67th minute pegged back three points to bring Wales within one try of Italy but try as they might, they couldn't get the vital breakthrough.
A bitterly disappointed Welsh skipper was at a loss to explain the loss.
"Going in 12 points up and looking quite comfortable, we only have ourselves to blame," said Berry. "Once again we have pushed the self destruct button. Just like against France and Ireland, we went in comfortable at halftime but for some reason error after error has cost us. We've now got three months to resurrect things before the World Cup."
Wales head coach Jason Lewis echoed her sentiments.
"In the first half it was all us. We had all the territory, all the possession and should have been 20 points to the good to be honest," he said.
"But in the second half we've pressed the self destruct button for the third time in a row, we gave them the game, they didn't win it. We went from a scrum in their 22 to a try under our own posts. We seem to be hell bent on giving the game away.
"We need to take a long hard look at ourselves. The bottom line is a few players put their hands up today but a few didn't. We've got to pick ourselves up and dust ourselves down before the World Cup. We played some good rugby today but we have just got to cut out the errors and learn not to implode."
Scorers:
Wales: Tries - Naomi Thomas, Non Evans; Con - Evans; Pen - Awen Thomas
Italy: Tries: Severin (2), Veronese; Cons - Tondinell (2).
Ends
22.3.10.Wales u18 emphatic win over Scotland
WRU PRESS RELEASE
Issued: 21 March 2010
Scotland u18 3 Wales u18 30
Wales opened their under 18 international season with an emphatic win over Scotland at Melrose with a three try performance complemented by excellent goal-kicking from man-of-the-match and outside half Matthew Morgan.
This was an excellent physical display by the young Welsh side to which the Scots had little answer. The result was that Wales had a massive territorial and possession advantage in the first half, reduced after the break when Scotland coach Grant McKelvey made changes.
Wales matched their physical game with some sublime handling that gave wingers Eli Walker and Harry Robinson chances to show their pace.
"It was an excellent first half but we found it more difficult to play in the second half because we did not have the same continuity," said Wales head coach, Simon King.
Wales team manager Mark Taylor said : "It was a very good start to the season. To come up to Scotland and get a 30-3 result is great for the boys. Credit to Scotland, though , for hitting back in the second half" .
Wales magnificent start created a number of scoring opportunities but it was through the boot of Morgan that the visitors kicked their first points through outside half Morgan. Full back Harley Thompson added a further three points with a penalty from half way.
Then, after totally dominating possession and territory, Wales bagged their first try. The ball was fed wide to wing Eli Walker, who raced to the tryline. Morgan, who added the conversion, kicked a penalty before converting Wales' second try by centre Luke Williams from a clever loop move using set-piece possession.
Scotland, looking more competitive in the second half, were rewarded with a penalty goal from outside half Harry Leonard, but Wales finished strongly with a breakaway try from wing Harry Robinson, once again converted by Morgan.
Scorers
Scotland
Penalty: Leonard
Wales u18
Tries: Walker, Williams, Robinson
Conversions: Morgan (3)
Penalties: Morgan (2), Thompson
Scotland u18 Jamie Urquart (Dollar Academy); Andy Hall (Strathallan), Stuart Hogg (Heriot's), Jack Bradford (Worksop College), Mark Bennett (Cumnock); Harry Leonard (Brighton College), Jamie Stevenson (Whitgift); Ryan Hood (Strathallan), George Turner (Stewart's-Melville College), Gavin Robertson (Melrose Wasps), William Kay (Boroughmuir), Andrew Redmayne (Kilmarnock), Mitch Eadie (Filton College), Adam De St Croix (Boroughmuir), Andrew Nagle (Jed Thistle)
Replacements used: Michael Crawley (Stewart's-Melville College), Rory Sutherland (Hawick Wanderers), Murray McConnell (West of Scotland), Alex Allen (Sebergh School), Robin Hislop (Hawick Wanderers), Sam Knudson (Aberdeen Grammar), Ben Johnstone (Stewart's-Melville College)
Wales Under 18 : Harley Thompson (Blues); Harry Robinson (Blues), Luke Williams (Scarlets), Sam Campbell (Blues), Eli Walker (Ospreys); Matthew Morgan (Ospreys), Jonathan Evans (Dragons); Rob Evans (Scarlets), Kirby Myhill (Scarlets), Will Griff John (Blues), Cory Hill (Blues), Luke Hamilton (Scarlets), Ellis Jenkins (Blues), Thomas Young (Capt, Blues), Dan Baker (Ospreys)
Replacements used : Jack Dando (Blues), Darran Harris (Blues), Samson Lee (Scarlets), Matthew Screech (Blues), Callum Thomas (Blues), Tom Habberfield (Ospreys), Joseff Griffin (Blues), Leighton Bellamore (Dragons)
Referee L Cardona (France)
ENDS
Issued: 21 March 2010
Scotland u18 3 Wales u18 30
Wales opened their under 18 international season with an emphatic win over Scotland at Melrose with a three try performance complemented by excellent goal-kicking from man-of-the-match and outside half Matthew Morgan.
This was an excellent physical display by the young Welsh side to which the Scots had little answer. The result was that Wales had a massive territorial and possession advantage in the first half, reduced after the break when Scotland coach Grant McKelvey made changes.
Wales matched their physical game with some sublime handling that gave wingers Eli Walker and Harry Robinson chances to show their pace.
"It was an excellent first half but we found it more difficult to play in the second half because we did not have the same continuity," said Wales head coach, Simon King.
Wales team manager Mark Taylor said : "It was a very good start to the season. To come up to Scotland and get a 30-3 result is great for the boys. Credit to Scotland, though , for hitting back in the second half" .
Wales magnificent start created a number of scoring opportunities but it was through the boot of Morgan that the visitors kicked their first points through outside half Morgan. Full back Harley Thompson added a further three points with a penalty from half way.
Then, after totally dominating possession and territory, Wales bagged their first try. The ball was fed wide to wing Eli Walker, who raced to the tryline. Morgan, who added the conversion, kicked a penalty before converting Wales' second try by centre Luke Williams from a clever loop move using set-piece possession.
Scotland, looking more competitive in the second half, were rewarded with a penalty goal from outside half Harry Leonard, but Wales finished strongly with a breakaway try from wing Harry Robinson, once again converted by Morgan.
Scorers
Scotland
Penalty: Leonard
Wales u18
Tries: Walker, Williams, Robinson
Conversions: Morgan (3)
Penalties: Morgan (2), Thompson
Scotland u18 Jamie Urquart (Dollar Academy); Andy Hall (Strathallan), Stuart Hogg (Heriot's), Jack Bradford (Worksop College), Mark Bennett (Cumnock); Harry Leonard (Brighton College), Jamie Stevenson (Whitgift); Ryan Hood (Strathallan), George Turner (Stewart's-Melville College), Gavin Robertson (Melrose Wasps), William Kay (Boroughmuir), Andrew Redmayne (Kilmarnock), Mitch Eadie (Filton College), Adam De St Croix (Boroughmuir), Andrew Nagle (Jed Thistle)
Replacements used: Michael Crawley (Stewart's-Melville College), Rory Sutherland (Hawick Wanderers), Murray McConnell (West of Scotland), Alex Allen (Sebergh School), Robin Hislop (Hawick Wanderers), Sam Knudson (Aberdeen Grammar), Ben Johnstone (Stewart's-Melville College)
Wales Under 18 : Harley Thompson (Blues); Harry Robinson (Blues), Luke Williams (Scarlets), Sam Campbell (Blues), Eli Walker (Ospreys); Matthew Morgan (Ospreys), Jonathan Evans (Dragons); Rob Evans (Scarlets), Kirby Myhill (Scarlets), Will Griff John (Blues), Cory Hill (Blues), Luke Hamilton (Scarlets), Ellis Jenkins (Blues), Thomas Young (Capt, Blues), Dan Baker (Ospreys)
Replacements used : Jack Dando (Blues), Darran Harris (Blues), Samson Lee (Scarlets), Matthew Screech (Blues), Callum Thomas (Blues), Tom Habberfield (Ospreys), Joseff Griffin (Blues), Leighton Bellamore (Dragons)
Referee L Cardona (France)
ENDS
21.3.10
21.3.10 Admiral in WRU Shirt sponsorship deal
WRU AND ADMIRAL IN MAJOR NEW SHIRT SPONSOR DEAL
Wales will launch its assault on the most powerful teams in World rugby from this autumn with a new multi-million pound sponsorship partnership which emblazons the international insurance services brand Admiral onto the famous Welsh jersey.
The Welsh Rugby Union has contracted to Admiral for the next three years in a deal which links two of the biggest brands now representing the sporting, commercial and culture image of the nation outside Wales.
Admiral's Chief Executive and founder, Henry Engelhardt and the Group Chief Executive of the Welsh Rugby Union, Roger Lewis, have announced the new partnership will run from October the 1st 2010.
It means the famous Admiral name will be linked to Welsh rugby when games are watched or broadcast to millions of fans around the world.
The first Welsh rugby jersey's bearing the Admiral logo will be available in stores from this September.
Supporters will get their first opportunity to see the Wales team wearing the new strip against the top nations from the southern hemisphere at the Millennium Stadium in November.
Admiral is developing the new jersey design with the Welsh Rugby Union .The Admiral logo will also appear on the Wales training shirts, shorts, some leisure wear and a range of specially designed children's rugby kit will be launched.
Admiral was launched in 1993 and has grown into one of the UK's most high profile car insurance specialists, boasting 1.9 million customers accounting for some 7 per cent of the UK market. It also has brands in Europe and the United States. It is the only FTSE100 company based in Wales and has been named Welsh Company of the Year three times.
Admiral employs 3,000 people across South Wales and the company's headquarters are in Cardiff, just a short walk from the Millennium Stadium which is the home of Welsh rugby.
Admiral Chief Executive, Henry Engelhardt, said: "This is an incredibly exciting partnership for Admiral. As someone who has come to live in Wales from another country, I have become aware of the iconic status the Welsh national team has with the people of Wales.
"We are proud to be a successful Welsh company, which has taken what it does best to the rest of the world. And we look forward to a successful partnership with the WRU.
"I know our staff throughout Wales will be proud to see the Admiral name emblazoned on the shirts of the Welsh team and will cheer them on at every game."
The Group Chief Executive of the Welsh Rugby Union, Roger Lewis, said: "We are delighted to be forging a new partnership with a brand which rightly enjoys an international reputation for commercial success twinned with being a great employer.
"The story of Admiral is one of enormous success and the Group is a shining example of the kind of what can be achieved on the world stage from within Wales.
"Wales is one of the top nations in world rugby and it is important that we forge commercial relationships with brands that mirror that status.
"We have enjoyed a fantastic relationship with Brains as our shirt sponsors for the past six years and we are delighted that link will remain through the continuing pourage deal at the Millennium Stadium. Now the time is right for Welsh rugby to move into a new sphere twinned with Admiral which takes Wales to the world on the commercial stage just as we do on the field with our rugby.
"The success we enjoy as a rugby nation has created enormous interest in securing the shirt sponsorship deal from major brands and we are fully confident that Admiral will help us build even greater global recognition in future."
Advance retail orders for all WRU Under Armour kit and leisurewear are currently up by 50 per cent on the same period last year.
The Wales jersey bearing the Admiral logo will be worn by players for up to 13 international matches every year during the period of the contracted partnership.
NB. Relevant photographic material available from Huw Evans picture agency tel. 02920 764311
For further information or logo, contact:
WRU: Head of Communications John Williams tel. 07824 357083 /jwilliams@wru.co.uk
WRU Communications Manager Liz Jones tel. 07736 056669 / lizjones@wru.co.uk
Admiral : Head of Communications Louisa Scadden tel. 029 2043 4394/ 07970136746 mobile : louisa.scadden@admiralgroup.co.uk
Admiral, (a trading name of EUI Ltd) launched in 1993, and is part of Admiral Group plc. It was set up to target those motorists who traditionally pay higher than average premiums, including those under-35, living in cities or driving hot hatches.
Admiral Group plc was admitted to the Official List of the London Stock Exchange on 28 September 2004 following a Global Offer of Ordinary Shares to institutional investors. On 24 December 2007 the Company became a constituent of the FTSE 100 index. The Ordinary Shares trade under the ticker symbol ADM.L.
Admiral writes its motor insurance business to a consortium of insurers, these being:
Admiral Insurance Company Ltd
Admiral Insurance (Gibraltar) Limited
Great Lakes Reinsurance (UK) plc
Admiral's salesline is 0800 600 800 - open from 8am to 10pm on weekdays, from 9 am to 5pm on Saturdays, and on a Sunday between 10am and 4pm. Admiral's web site address is www.admiral.com
The Admiral Group employs over 3,000 people, has over 2 million UK customers.
ENDS
Wales will launch its assault on the most powerful teams in World rugby from this autumn with a new multi-million pound sponsorship partnership which emblazons the international insurance services brand Admiral onto the famous Welsh jersey.
The Welsh Rugby Union has contracted to Admiral for the next three years in a deal which links two of the biggest brands now representing the sporting, commercial and culture image of the nation outside Wales.
Admiral's Chief Executive and founder, Henry Engelhardt and the Group Chief Executive of the Welsh Rugby Union, Roger Lewis, have announced the new partnership will run from October the 1st 2010.
It means the famous Admiral name will be linked to Welsh rugby when games are watched or broadcast to millions of fans around the world.
The first Welsh rugby jersey's bearing the Admiral logo will be available in stores from this September.
Supporters will get their first opportunity to see the Wales team wearing the new strip against the top nations from the southern hemisphere at the Millennium Stadium in November.
Admiral is developing the new jersey design with the Welsh Rugby Union .The Admiral logo will also appear on the Wales training shirts, shorts, some leisure wear and a range of specially designed children's rugby kit will be launched.
Admiral was launched in 1993 and has grown into one of the UK's most high profile car insurance specialists, boasting 1.9 million customers accounting for some 7 per cent of the UK market. It also has brands in Europe and the United States. It is the only FTSE100 company based in Wales and has been named Welsh Company of the Year three times.
Admiral employs 3,000 people across South Wales and the company's headquarters are in Cardiff, just a short walk from the Millennium Stadium which is the home of Welsh rugby.
Admiral Chief Executive, Henry Engelhardt, said: "This is an incredibly exciting partnership for Admiral. As someone who has come to live in Wales from another country, I have become aware of the iconic status the Welsh national team has with the people of Wales.
"We are proud to be a successful Welsh company, which has taken what it does best to the rest of the world. And we look forward to a successful partnership with the WRU.
"I know our staff throughout Wales will be proud to see the Admiral name emblazoned on the shirts of the Welsh team and will cheer them on at every game."
The Group Chief Executive of the Welsh Rugby Union, Roger Lewis, said: "We are delighted to be forging a new partnership with a brand which rightly enjoys an international reputation for commercial success twinned with being a great employer.
"The story of Admiral is one of enormous success and the Group is a shining example of the kind of what can be achieved on the world stage from within Wales.
"Wales is one of the top nations in world rugby and it is important that we forge commercial relationships with brands that mirror that status.
"We have enjoyed a fantastic relationship with Brains as our shirt sponsors for the past six years and we are delighted that link will remain through the continuing pourage deal at the Millennium Stadium. Now the time is right for Welsh rugby to move into a new sphere twinned with Admiral which takes Wales to the world on the commercial stage just as we do on the field with our rugby.
"The success we enjoy as a rugby nation has created enormous interest in securing the shirt sponsorship deal from major brands and we are fully confident that Admiral will help us build even greater global recognition in future."
Advance retail orders for all WRU Under Armour kit and leisurewear are currently up by 50 per cent on the same period last year.
The Wales jersey bearing the Admiral logo will be worn by players for up to 13 international matches every year during the period of the contracted partnership.
NB. Relevant photographic material available from Huw Evans picture agency tel. 02920 764311
For further information or logo, contact:
WRU: Head of Communications John Williams tel. 07824 357083 /jwilliams@wru.co.uk
WRU Communications Manager Liz Jones tel. 07736 056669 / lizjones@wru.co.uk
Admiral : Head of Communications Louisa Scadden tel. 029 2043 4394/ 07970136746 mobile : louisa.scadden@admiralgroup.co.uk
Admiral, (a trading name of EUI Ltd) launched in 1993, and is part of Admiral Group plc. It was set up to target those motorists who traditionally pay higher than average premiums, including those under-35, living in cities or driving hot hatches.
Admiral Group plc was admitted to the Official List of the London Stock Exchange on 28 September 2004 following a Global Offer of Ordinary Shares to institutional investors. On 24 December 2007 the Company became a constituent of the FTSE 100 index. The Ordinary Shares trade under the ticker symbol ADM.L.
Admiral writes its motor insurance business to a consortium of insurers, these being:
Admiral Insurance Company Ltd
Admiral Insurance (Gibraltar) Limited
Great Lakes Reinsurance (UK) plc
Admiral's salesline is 0800 600 800 - open from 8am to 10pm on weekdays, from 9 am to 5pm on Saturdays, and on a Sunday between 10am and 4pm. Admiral's web site address is www.admiral.com
The Admiral Group employs over 3,000 people, has over 2 million UK customers.
ENDS
19.3.10
19.3.10. Wales defeat Fiji in 7's opener
WRU PRESS RELEASE:
Issued: March 19 2010
Fiji stunned by Wales fightback
Wales stunned Fiji 17-12 in their opening Pool C clash of the Australian leg of the IRB Sevens World Series at Adelaide Oval.
The South Sea Islanders looked to be in command at halftime with a 12-5 lead but Paul John's men hit back virtually straight after the break with a try by Chris Morgan.
Wales were then assisted when Fiji lost Osea Kolinisau to the sin bin and within a minute Scarlets winger Darren Daniel punished the Fijian's indiscipline with a well worked try. With Rhys Jones adding his second conversion of the match, Wales secured a deserved victory to get the perfect start to their Australian campaign.
Fiji, who won the Wellington leg of the series, had gotten off to a flying start with Setefano Cakau racing over in the first minute and extended their lead through Nasoni Roko. The second try was converted by Emosi Vucago to give Fiji a 12-0 lead and things were looking ominous for Wales.
But the men in red lifted their game, kept the ball and hit back with a try by Justin Tipuric.
Wales will now face last year's Adelaide Cup runners-up Kenya and Papua New Guinea tomorrow in their remaining pool games and must fancy their chances of making the main knockout stages for the second tournament in a row.
A delighted Wales coach Paul John was keeping his feet firmly planted on the ground after his side's stunning fightback.
"We said all week this is the best time to play them - sometimes they take a bit of time to get into a tournament. The attitude of the boys was outstanding. We made a lot of errors in the first four or five minutes but once we stopped making those errors we started causing them problems.
"These boys are young and just need a bit of belief in the themselves. What we have got to do now is be consistent. We know we can beat sides like this but we need to do it on a regular basis."
Ends
Issued: March 19 2010
Fiji stunned by Wales fightback
Wales stunned Fiji 17-12 in their opening Pool C clash of the Australian leg of the IRB Sevens World Series at Adelaide Oval.
The South Sea Islanders looked to be in command at halftime with a 12-5 lead but Paul John's men hit back virtually straight after the break with a try by Chris Morgan.
Wales were then assisted when Fiji lost Osea Kolinisau to the sin bin and within a minute Scarlets winger Darren Daniel punished the Fijian's indiscipline with a well worked try. With Rhys Jones adding his second conversion of the match, Wales secured a deserved victory to get the perfect start to their Australian campaign.
Fiji, who won the Wellington leg of the series, had gotten off to a flying start with Setefano Cakau racing over in the first minute and extended their lead through Nasoni Roko. The second try was converted by Emosi Vucago to give Fiji a 12-0 lead and things were looking ominous for Wales.
But the men in red lifted their game, kept the ball and hit back with a try by Justin Tipuric.
Wales will now face last year's Adelaide Cup runners-up Kenya and Papua New Guinea tomorrow in their remaining pool games and must fancy their chances of making the main knockout stages for the second tournament in a row.
A delighted Wales coach Paul John was keeping his feet firmly planted on the ground after his side's stunning fightback.
"We said all week this is the best time to play them - sometimes they take a bit of time to get into a tournament. The attitude of the boys was outstanding. We made a lot of errors in the first four or five minutes but once we stopped making those errors we started causing them problems.
"These boys are young and just need a bit of belief in the themselves. What we have got to do now is be consistent. We know we can beat sides like this but we need to do it on a regular basis."
Ends
19.3.10. Italy name side
Issued on behalf of Federazione Italiana Rugby (FIR):
Italy centre Andrea Masi has been ruled out from tomorrow's game in Cardiff against Wales after suffering lower back soreness this morning at his wake-up.
The Racing Metro player will be replaced in the Azzurri starting line-up by Gonzalo Canale, while Matteo Pratichetti will be on the bench.
Italy team is updated as follows:
ITALY
15 Luke MCLEAN (Benetton Treviso, 18 caps)
14 Kaine ROBERTSON (MPS Viadana, 45 caps)
13 Gonzalo CANALE (Clermont Auvergne, 55 caps)
12 Gonzalo GARCIA (Benetton Treviso, 17 caps)
11 Mirco BERGAMASCO (Stade Francais, 70 caps)
10 Craig GOWER (Bayonne, 10 caps)
9 Pablo CANAVOSIO (MPS Viadana, 29 caps)
8 Alessandro ZANNI (Benetton Treviso, 41 caps)
7 Mauro BERGAMASCO (Stade Francais, 83 caps)
6 Josh SOLE (MPS Viadana, 45 caps)
5 Marco BORTOLAMI (Gloucester RFC, 81 caps)
4 Quintin GELDENHUYS (MPS Viadana, 10 caps)
3 Martin CASTROGIOVANNI (Leicester Tigers, 66 caps)
2 Leonardo GHIRALDINI (Benetton Treviso, 28 caps) - captain
1 Salvatore PERUGINI (Bayonne, 70 caps)
Replacements
16 Fabio ONGARO (Saracens, 68 caps)
17 Matias AGUERO (Saracens, 16 caps)
18 Valerio BERNABO' (Futura Park Rugby Roma, 13 caps)
19 Manoa VOSAWAI (Banca Monte Parma, 5 caps)
20 Tito TEBALDI (Plusvalore Gran Parma, 10 caps)
21 Riccardo BOCCHINO (Femi-CZ Rovigo, 2 caps)*
22 Matteo PRATICHETTI (MPS Viadana, 20 caps)
For all media queries, including player or coach interview requests, please contact:
Andrea Cimbrico
Italy Media Manager
mob. +39.320.78.77.687
email: acimbrico@federugby.it
ENDS
Italy centre Andrea Masi has been ruled out from tomorrow's game in Cardiff against Wales after suffering lower back soreness this morning at his wake-up.
The Racing Metro player will be replaced in the Azzurri starting line-up by Gonzalo Canale, while Matteo Pratichetti will be on the bench.
Italy team is updated as follows:
ITALY
15 Luke MCLEAN (Benetton Treviso, 18 caps)
14 Kaine ROBERTSON (MPS Viadana, 45 caps)
13 Gonzalo CANALE (Clermont Auvergne, 55 caps)
12 Gonzalo GARCIA (Benetton Treviso, 17 caps)
11 Mirco BERGAMASCO (Stade Francais, 70 caps)
10 Craig GOWER (Bayonne, 10 caps)
9 Pablo CANAVOSIO (MPS Viadana, 29 caps)
8 Alessandro ZANNI (Benetton Treviso, 41 caps)
7 Mauro BERGAMASCO (Stade Francais, 83 caps)
6 Josh SOLE (MPS Viadana, 45 caps)
5 Marco BORTOLAMI (Gloucester RFC, 81 caps)
4 Quintin GELDENHUYS (MPS Viadana, 10 caps)
3 Martin CASTROGIOVANNI (Leicester Tigers, 66 caps)
2 Leonardo GHIRALDINI (Benetton Treviso, 28 caps) - captain
1 Salvatore PERUGINI (Bayonne, 70 caps)
Replacements
16 Fabio ONGARO (Saracens, 68 caps)
17 Matias AGUERO (Saracens, 16 caps)
18 Valerio BERNABO' (Futura Park Rugby Roma, 13 caps)
19 Manoa VOSAWAI (Banca Monte Parma, 5 caps)
20 Tito TEBALDI (Plusvalore Gran Parma, 10 caps)
21 Riccardo BOCCHINO (Femi-CZ Rovigo, 2 caps)*
22 Matteo PRATICHETTI (MPS Viadana, 20 caps)
For all media queries, including player or coach interview requests, please contact:
Andrea Cimbrico
Italy Media Manager
mob. +39.320.78.77.687
email: acimbrico@federugby.it
ENDS
18.3.10
18.3.10. Wales u18 v Scotland Sunday 3pm Melrose
YOUNG TO LEAD WALES UNDER 18
Issued: Thursday, 18 March, 2010
Thomas Young will lead Wales Under 18 in their first international of the season, against Scotland at Melrose on Sunday (3.00pm). The Blues flanker, who was first capped by Wales Under 18 last season, leads his country for the first time at this level after captaining his Region to the WRU Under 18 Regional title earlier in the year.
Head coach Simon King said: "Thomas is certainly a player who leads by example and had some leadership responsibility in our game against Australian Schools XV in December. We have a number of leaders in our group and the intention is to rotate the captaincy during the forthcoming games which make up the Five Nations festival."
Thomas is the son of Cardiff Blues Director of Rugby Dai Young, the former British & Irish Lions and Wales prop.
Tom Prydie was due to have played for Wales Under 18 this weekend, but has stepped up to win his first full cap for Wales. King believes Prydie's elevation to the senior squad can only help inspire
the rest of the squad.
"Tom's involvement with the seniors has obviously been fantastic for his development, and a massive incentive to the rest of our players," he said.
"All of our squad and management wish him well for his international debut on Saturday and we hope to welcome him back into the Wales Under 18 set-up for our remaining matches."
Following this Sunday's game against the Scots, Wales Under 18 take on England at St Helens, Swansea on Sunday, 28 March (2.00pm), followed by Ireland and Italy at Llandovery RFC on Friday 1 and Saturday 10 April as part of the Under 18 Five Nations festival (both games will kick off at 2.00pm).
Wales Under 18 v Scotland, Sunday 21 March, 3pm, Melrose RFC
Harley Thompson (Blues); Harry Robinson (Blues), Luke Williams (Scarlets), Sam Campbell (Blues), Eli Walker (Ospreys); Matthew Morgan (Ospreys), Jonathan Evans (Dragons); Rob Evans (Scarlets), Kirby Myhill (Scarlets), Will Griff John (Blues), Cory Hill (Blues), Luke Hamilton (Scarlets), Ellis Jenkins (Blues), Thomas Young (Capt, Blues), Dan Baker (Ospreys)
Replacements:
Jack Dando (Blues), Darran Harris (Blues), Samson Lee (Scarlets), Matthew Screech (Blues), Callum Thomas (Blues), Tom Habberfield (Ospreys), Joseff Griffin (Blues), Leighton Bellamore (Dragons)
For further information, contact Liz Jones WRU communications manager tel 07736 056669 / lizjones@wru.co.uk
Ends
Issued: Thursday, 18 March, 2010
Thomas Young will lead Wales Under 18 in their first international of the season, against Scotland at Melrose on Sunday (3.00pm). The Blues flanker, who was first capped by Wales Under 18 last season, leads his country for the first time at this level after captaining his Region to the WRU Under 18 Regional title earlier in the year.
Head coach Simon King said: "Thomas is certainly a player who leads by example and had some leadership responsibility in our game against Australian Schools XV in December. We have a number of leaders in our group and the intention is to rotate the captaincy during the forthcoming games which make up the Five Nations festival."
Thomas is the son of Cardiff Blues Director of Rugby Dai Young, the former British & Irish Lions and Wales prop.
Tom Prydie was due to have played for Wales Under 18 this weekend, but has stepped up to win his first full cap for Wales. King believes Prydie's elevation to the senior squad can only help inspire
the rest of the squad.
"Tom's involvement with the seniors has obviously been fantastic for his development, and a massive incentive to the rest of our players," he said.
"All of our squad and management wish him well for his international debut on Saturday and we hope to welcome him back into the Wales Under 18 set-up for our remaining matches."
Following this Sunday's game against the Scots, Wales Under 18 take on England at St Helens, Swansea on Sunday, 28 March (2.00pm), followed by Ireland and Italy at Llandovery RFC on Friday 1 and Saturday 10 April as part of the Under 18 Five Nations festival (both games will kick off at 2.00pm).
Wales Under 18 v Scotland, Sunday 21 March, 3pm, Melrose RFC
Harley Thompson (Blues); Harry Robinson (Blues), Luke Williams (Scarlets), Sam Campbell (Blues), Eli Walker (Ospreys); Matthew Morgan (Ospreys), Jonathan Evans (Dragons); Rob Evans (Scarlets), Kirby Myhill (Scarlets), Will Griff John (Blues), Cory Hill (Blues), Luke Hamilton (Scarlets), Ellis Jenkins (Blues), Thomas Young (Capt, Blues), Dan Baker (Ospreys)
Replacements:
Jack Dando (Blues), Darran Harris (Blues), Samson Lee (Scarlets), Matthew Screech (Blues), Callum Thomas (Blues), Tom Habberfield (Ospreys), Joseff Griffin (Blues), Leighton Bellamore (Dragons)
For further information, contact Liz Jones WRU communications manager tel 07736 056669 / lizjones@wru.co.uk
Ends
18.3.10.Millenium Stadium Charity Collection
MILLENNIUM STADIUM BOOST FOR WELSH CANCER CHARITY
Issued: Thursday, 18 March, 2010
Tens of thousands of rugby fans are being asked to help a Welsh charity set up by the singer and broadcaster Shan Cothi to raise money for the battle against pancreatic cancer.
A bucket collection will be held around the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday when Wales take on Italy in their final game of the 2010 RBS 6 Nations Championship.
Sixty volunteers will be stationed on walkways around the stadium asking for contributions to the charity called Amser Justin Time.
The collection has been arranged with the support of the Welsh Rugby Union to achieve the dual aims of raising the charity's profile and cash for the cause.
Shan Cothi launched the Amser Justin Time charity in honour of her husband Justin Smith whose life was cut short by pancreatic cancer at the age of 42.
He was well known in Wales as a successful TV director, editor and musician with the Tigertailz glam rock band.
The charity in his name raises money for pancreatic cancer care in Wales and helps fund a specialist nurse who supports patients suffering from pancreatic cancer.
Shan recently attended a Wales squad training session along with the actor Steffan Rhodri who is an active supporter of the charity.
Steffan has appeared in an impressive list of films and television roles and most recently is perhaps best known for playing Dave Coaches in Gavin and Stacey.
At the Millennium Stadium training session they joined squad members and Wales Head Coach Warren Gatland who pulled on Amser Justin Time T shirts to be pictured supporting the charity's work.
Shan Cothi said: "I am very grateful to the WRU and to Warren and his players for the support they have given us.
"It was great to meet up with them at the training session and they were all so determined to show their support for Amser Justin Time.
"The bucket collection is a great opportunity for us both to raise money and the profile of the work we do here in Wales to fight pancreatic cancer.
"We work hard to make Amser Justin Time a success and this support from the national sport of Wales will certainly help us a great deal."
WRU Chairman, David Pickering, said: "Amser Justin Time is an extremely worthwhile cause and we are delighted to be able to help.
"I know how hard Shan works for the charity and I am sure the Welsh and Italian fans who attend the game will give generously.
"The WRU knows the devastating impact pancreatic cancer can have because our Head of Legal Affairs, Mike Jefferies, suffered from the disease and died last year."
Amser Justin Time holds regular events throughout Wales to collect funds for the charity and details of its events and work are featured on its dedicated website.
The WRU delivers its core support to the Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust which raises money to help seriously injured former players in Wales.
For more information please contact WRU Head of Communications John Williams on email: jwilliams@wru.co.uk or mobile: 07824357083.
ENDS
This press release was produced by Sotic Ltd.
Issued: Thursday, 18 March, 2010
Tens of thousands of rugby fans are being asked to help a Welsh charity set up by the singer and broadcaster Shan Cothi to raise money for the battle against pancreatic cancer.
A bucket collection will be held around the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday when Wales take on Italy in their final game of the 2010 RBS 6 Nations Championship.
Sixty volunteers will be stationed on walkways around the stadium asking for contributions to the charity called Amser Justin Time.
The collection has been arranged with the support of the Welsh Rugby Union to achieve the dual aims of raising the charity's profile and cash for the cause.
Shan Cothi launched the Amser Justin Time charity in honour of her husband Justin Smith whose life was cut short by pancreatic cancer at the age of 42.
He was well known in Wales as a successful TV director, editor and musician with the Tigertailz glam rock band.
The charity in his name raises money for pancreatic cancer care in Wales and helps fund a specialist nurse who supports patients suffering from pancreatic cancer.
Shan recently attended a Wales squad training session along with the actor Steffan Rhodri who is an active supporter of the charity.
Steffan has appeared in an impressive list of films and television roles and most recently is perhaps best known for playing Dave Coaches in Gavin and Stacey.
At the Millennium Stadium training session they joined squad members and Wales Head Coach Warren Gatland who pulled on Amser Justin Time T shirts to be pictured supporting the charity's work.
Shan Cothi said: "I am very grateful to the WRU and to Warren and his players for the support they have given us.
"It was great to meet up with them at the training session and they were all so determined to show their support for Amser Justin Time.
"The bucket collection is a great opportunity for us both to raise money and the profile of the work we do here in Wales to fight pancreatic cancer.
"We work hard to make Amser Justin Time a success and this support from the national sport of Wales will certainly help us a great deal."
WRU Chairman, David Pickering, said: "Amser Justin Time is an extremely worthwhile cause and we are delighted to be able to help.
"I know how hard Shan works for the charity and I am sure the Welsh and Italian fans who attend the game will give generously.
"The WRU knows the devastating impact pancreatic cancer can have because our Head of Legal Affairs, Mike Jefferies, suffered from the disease and died last year."
Amser Justin Time holds regular events throughout Wales to collect funds for the charity and details of its events and work are featured on its dedicated website.
The WRU delivers its core support to the Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust which raises money to help seriously injured former players in Wales.
For more information please contact WRU Head of Communications John Williams on email: jwilliams@wru.co.uk or mobile: 07824357083.
ENDS
This press release was produced by Sotic Ltd.
17.3.10
17.03.10 SCARLETS ON THE WAY TO MUNSTER
SCARLETS TRAVEL TO MUNSTER IN CONFIDENT MOOD
Dyddiad/Date: Wednesday 17th March 2010
Cyhoeddwyd ar ran y Scarlets/Issued on behalf of Scarlets
The Scarlets travel to Munster tomorrow evening (Thurs) for their rescheduled Magners League fixture at Musgrave Park feeling confident they can take something from the game after a morale-boosting win against Ulster last time out.
Scarlets Head Coach Nigel Davies has said he has been encouraged by the way his side are building on performances as the Scarlets face another crucial fixture in their mission to climb the Magners League table to reach Heineken Cup qualification next season.
Munster are currently fifth in the table and will look for amwin to help them secure a spot in the play-offs. The Scarlets, on the other hand, need points to help them gain advantage, with a game in hand over the Cardiff Blues, in the battle for automatic qualification for Europe as one of the top three best placed Welsh regions.
And Scarlets have two Wales internationals back with the region as centre Jonathan Davies and hooker Ken Owens both return from Wales' Six Nations training to start for the Scarlets tomorrow evening.
Rewarded for a shining performance against Ulster, young 19-year-old scrum half Tavis Knoyle keeps his starting place in a side that is largely unchanged from its last game on March 5th against Ulster.
And there will be plenty of the Scarlets' up and coming talent on show again with 20-year-old full-back Dan Newton retaining his spot at full-back as well as powerful winger Joe Ajuwa (26, former clubs London Welsh, Richmond), who has been playing for Llandovery RFC - also starting once again for the Scarlets on Thursday night.
Damian Welch comes back in onto the bench following time-out from a planned operation on his ankle.
Scarlets Head Coach, Nigel Davies said: "We have two historically tough matches to face now away in Munster and Edinburgh. We are just focusing on these two games as the first stage in a very important run-in to the end of the season for us. If we can go away and get something out of these next two games, it will put in a relatively strong position moving forward.
"Munster may not have all their internationals but we know they are still very strong and they always capable of putting in those massive performances as they've shown in Europe.
"But we are looking forward to these next two games, we have a certain amount of belief and confidence that we can put in a couple of good performances. The boys know that is what we have to do and I was pleased with the way we went against a strong Ulster side. We believe there is an opportunity for us out there.
"We're a team that is not at full strength because of our international commitments and injuries to some key senior players, but we do have a group of players they have had a lot of game time together and that puts us in a strong position.
"We need to build on our performances and if we continue like our last game we will get results. Our players are developing all the time, they realise there is some real competition for places now which is something the coaches want to create. We need to have two quality players in each position - we probably have that in four or five areas at the moment with the No9 shirt being one of them. Its great for us to have two quality players like Martin and Tavis in such a key position."
Davies said that the region had a high pressure few weeks ahead both in the league and Amlin Cup out in Toulon and hoped Scarlets' supporters would turn out in force to back their team at the next big home fixture against the Cardiff Blues on Saturday 17th April at Parc y Scarlets.
He said: "I think we must realise how important the Magners League is becoming, the innovations put in this season have made a difference and with the introduction of the Italians, you will end up with two very strong Italian sides with big playing budgets, who over time are going to put together very strong squads.
"I think that it will add value. The Magners League is what we are do week-in week-out and it's improving all the time with some quality teams.
"Europe is another crucial part of our season and also very important to us, and we are now in the quarter finals of Amlin Challenge Cup with a great fixture in Toulon, which is equally exciting for our supporters.
"Whichever competitions we end up being in, our supporters want to see a team that is progressing, a team that is playing entertaining rugby and ultimately winning."
The Scarlets squad is without injured wingers Morgan Stoddart and captain Mark Jones as well as centre Rob Higgitt, Simon Easterby and Dafydd Jones.
Scarlets selection v Munster; Magners League 18th March 2010 (KO 1935) at Musgrave Park.
15 Dan Newton, 14 Joe Ajuwa, 13 Regan King, 12 Jonathan Davies 11 Andy Fenby, 10 Rhys Priestland, 9 Tavis Knoyle, 1 Iestyn Thomas, 2 Ken Owens, 3 Deacon Manu, 4 Lou Reed, 5 Dominic Day, 6 Josh Turnbull, 7 Richie Pugh 8 David Lyons (capt).
Replacements: 16 Phil John, 17 Emyr Phillips, 18 Damian Welch 19 Rob McCusker, 20 Martin Roberts, 21 Daniel Evans, 22 Gareth Maule
For further information please contact Antonia Lamont on 07974 421665 or email antonia@scarlets.co.uk / antonia@lamont-pr.co.uk
NERYS HENRY
SWYDDOG CYFATHREBU
COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
PARC Y SCARLETS
Ffôn/Telephone: 01554 783910
Symudol/Mobile: 07786 397001 / 07970 601597
nerys@scarlets.co.uk
Dyddiad/Date: Wednesday 17th March 2010
Cyhoeddwyd ar ran y Scarlets/Issued on behalf of Scarlets
The Scarlets travel to Munster tomorrow evening (Thurs) for their rescheduled Magners League fixture at Musgrave Park feeling confident they can take something from the game after a morale-boosting win against Ulster last time out.
Scarlets Head Coach Nigel Davies has said he has been encouraged by the way his side are building on performances as the Scarlets face another crucial fixture in their mission to climb the Magners League table to reach Heineken Cup qualification next season.
Munster are currently fifth in the table and will look for amwin to help them secure a spot in the play-offs. The Scarlets, on the other hand, need points to help them gain advantage, with a game in hand over the Cardiff Blues, in the battle for automatic qualification for Europe as one of the top three best placed Welsh regions.
And Scarlets have two Wales internationals back with the region as centre Jonathan Davies and hooker Ken Owens both return from Wales' Six Nations training to start for the Scarlets tomorrow evening.
Rewarded for a shining performance against Ulster, young 19-year-old scrum half Tavis Knoyle keeps his starting place in a side that is largely unchanged from its last game on March 5th against Ulster.
And there will be plenty of the Scarlets' up and coming talent on show again with 20-year-old full-back Dan Newton retaining his spot at full-back as well as powerful winger Joe Ajuwa (26, former clubs London Welsh, Richmond), who has been playing for Llandovery RFC - also starting once again for the Scarlets on Thursday night.
Damian Welch comes back in onto the bench following time-out from a planned operation on his ankle.
Scarlets Head Coach, Nigel Davies said: "We have two historically tough matches to face now away in Munster and Edinburgh. We are just focusing on these two games as the first stage in a very important run-in to the end of the season for us. If we can go away and get something out of these next two games, it will put in a relatively strong position moving forward.
"Munster may not have all their internationals but we know they are still very strong and they always capable of putting in those massive performances as they've shown in Europe.
"But we are looking forward to these next two games, we have a certain amount of belief and confidence that we can put in a couple of good performances. The boys know that is what we have to do and I was pleased with the way we went against a strong Ulster side. We believe there is an opportunity for us out there.
"We're a team that is not at full strength because of our international commitments and injuries to some key senior players, but we do have a group of players they have had a lot of game time together and that puts us in a strong position.
"We need to build on our performances and if we continue like our last game we will get results. Our players are developing all the time, they realise there is some real competition for places now which is something the coaches want to create. We need to have two quality players in each position - we probably have that in four or five areas at the moment with the No9 shirt being one of them. Its great for us to have two quality players like Martin and Tavis in such a key position."
Davies said that the region had a high pressure few weeks ahead both in the league and Amlin Cup out in Toulon and hoped Scarlets' supporters would turn out in force to back their team at the next big home fixture against the Cardiff Blues on Saturday 17th April at Parc y Scarlets.
He said: "I think we must realise how important the Magners League is becoming, the innovations put in this season have made a difference and with the introduction of the Italians, you will end up with two very strong Italian sides with big playing budgets, who over time are going to put together very strong squads.
"I think that it will add value. The Magners League is what we are do week-in week-out and it's improving all the time with some quality teams.
"Europe is another crucial part of our season and also very important to us, and we are now in the quarter finals of Amlin Challenge Cup with a great fixture in Toulon, which is equally exciting for our supporters.
"Whichever competitions we end up being in, our supporters want to see a team that is progressing, a team that is playing entertaining rugby and ultimately winning."
The Scarlets squad is without injured wingers Morgan Stoddart and captain Mark Jones as well as centre Rob Higgitt, Simon Easterby and Dafydd Jones.
Scarlets selection v Munster; Magners League 18th March 2010 (KO 1935) at Musgrave Park.
15 Dan Newton, 14 Joe Ajuwa, 13 Regan King, 12 Jonathan Davies 11 Andy Fenby, 10 Rhys Priestland, 9 Tavis Knoyle, 1 Iestyn Thomas, 2 Ken Owens, 3 Deacon Manu, 4 Lou Reed, 5 Dominic Day, 6 Josh Turnbull, 7 Richie Pugh 8 David Lyons (capt).
Replacements: 16 Phil John, 17 Emyr Phillips, 18 Damian Welch 19 Rob McCusker, 20 Martin Roberts, 21 Daniel Evans, 22 Gareth Maule
For further information please contact Antonia Lamont on 07974 421665 or email antonia@scarlets.co.uk / antonia@lamont-pr.co.uk
NERYS HENRY
SWYDDOG CYFATHREBU
COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
PARC Y SCARLETS
Ffôn/Telephone: 01554 783910
Symudol/Mobile: 07786 397001 / 07970 601597
nerys@scarlets.co.uk
16.3.10
16.3.10. Wales team v Italy
PRYDIE THE YOUNGEST
Tom Prydie, at 18 years and 27 days of age, will become Wales' youngest international when he features as one of five changes made to the starting line-up from the defeat to Ireland last weekend for the closing 2010 RBS 6 Nations clash with Italy at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday (2.30pm).
The Ospreys wing is joined by returning British & Irish Lions Ryan Jones, who is re-instated as captain, Gethin Jenkins and Mike Phillips, as well as Blues back row forward Sam Warburton, who wins his sixth cap.
Prydie replaces Blues wing Leigh Halfpenny, who misses out altogether, Jenkins replaces Osprey Paul James, who is on bench duty, allowing Wales to field their all-Lions front row which will be together for the first time since the 2009 Test series against South Africa.
Ospreys No 9 Phillips also makes his first Wales start since featuring for the Lions against the Springboks, taking over from Richie Rees, with Dwayne Peel keeping his place on the bench to provide the scrum half cover. Warburton is selected in place of his regional colleague Martyn Williams in the back row which also sees Jones replace Gloucester's Gareth Delve, who moves to the bench.
"Tom has been with us for the duration of the campaign, he was one of two youngsters - brought in alongside Kristian Phillips - who we wanted to have a look at and we've been impressed with him," said Wales coach Warren Gatland.
"We heard some good things about him from his region and from the coaches at under 18 level and he has lived up to that, as has Kristian as well.
"We are not sure if Leigh Halfpenny is going to be able to tour this summer (he may need an operation) and we also need to look at our options for the future and find someone to push the incumbents for the World Cup. There are one or two players out at the Regions who will also be on the radar but this is a great opportunity for Tom.
"He is the fastest player in the squad, he can play at full back as well as on the wing and he is not afraid to tackle so we'll see how he goes."
Prydie will be Wales' 1,074th cap, and takes over the 'youngest Welsh international' mantle from fellow wing Norman Biggs who was capped as a Cardiff player in 1888 at 18 years and 50 days. The previous youngest player in the 6 Nations before this was Matthew Tait (England) two days before his 19th birthday.
"We have an eye on the future as well with the selection of Sam Warburton in the back row, but both players come into the side alongside players who will also add experience and leadership," continued Gatland.
"Ryan returns to lead us as captain, Gethin joins the front row and re-forms the all Lions front row for the first time since that tour and Mike adds his considerable experience and talents to the backs.
"At scrum half we are conscious that we need three players to all be pushing each other for a starting place and we have been happy with what we have seen from Richie Rees this tournament. Dwayne is being given another chance, we want him to make an impact from the bench and improve on his showing last time out.
"We are under no illusion that Italy will be a tough prospect on Saturday, we found it hard to break them down here two years ago and they have performed well in each game of the tournament so far and with a good win over Scotland under their belts we will be a target for them.
"We are all very disappointed and we need to demonstrate our passion and pride in the Welsh jersey on Saturday and show everyone what it means to us to play for our country."
WALES: Lee Byrne; Tom Prydie, James Hook, Jamie Roberts, Shane Williams; Stephen Jones, Mike Phillips; Gethin Jenkins, Matthew Rees, Adam Jones, Bradley Davies, Luke Charteris, Jonathan Thomas, Sam Warburton, Ryan Jones (captain)
Replacements: Huw Bennett, Paul James, Ian Gough, Gareth Delve, Dwayne Peel, Andrew Bishop, Tom Shanklin
Tom Prydie, at 18 years and 27 days of age, will become Wales' youngest international when he features as one of five changes made to the starting line-up from the defeat to Ireland last weekend for the closing 2010 RBS 6 Nations clash with Italy at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday (2.30pm).
The Ospreys wing is joined by returning British & Irish Lions Ryan Jones, who is re-instated as captain, Gethin Jenkins and Mike Phillips, as well as Blues back row forward Sam Warburton, who wins his sixth cap.
Prydie replaces Blues wing Leigh Halfpenny, who misses out altogether, Jenkins replaces Osprey Paul James, who is on bench duty, allowing Wales to field their all-Lions front row which will be together for the first time since the 2009 Test series against South Africa.
Ospreys No 9 Phillips also makes his first Wales start since featuring for the Lions against the Springboks, taking over from Richie Rees, with Dwayne Peel keeping his place on the bench to provide the scrum half cover. Warburton is selected in place of his regional colleague Martyn Williams in the back row which also sees Jones replace Gloucester's Gareth Delve, who moves to the bench.
"Tom has been with us for the duration of the campaign, he was one of two youngsters - brought in alongside Kristian Phillips - who we wanted to have a look at and we've been impressed with him," said Wales coach Warren Gatland.
"We heard some good things about him from his region and from the coaches at under 18 level and he has lived up to that, as has Kristian as well.
"We are not sure if Leigh Halfpenny is going to be able to tour this summer (he may need an operation) and we also need to look at our options for the future and find someone to push the incumbents for the World Cup. There are one or two players out at the Regions who will also be on the radar but this is a great opportunity for Tom.
"He is the fastest player in the squad, he can play at full back as well as on the wing and he is not afraid to tackle so we'll see how he goes."
Prydie will be Wales' 1,074th cap, and takes over the 'youngest Welsh international' mantle from fellow wing Norman Biggs who was capped as a Cardiff player in 1888 at 18 years and 50 days. The previous youngest player in the 6 Nations before this was Matthew Tait (England) two days before his 19th birthday.
"We have an eye on the future as well with the selection of Sam Warburton in the back row, but both players come into the side alongside players who will also add experience and leadership," continued Gatland.
"Ryan returns to lead us as captain, Gethin joins the front row and re-forms the all Lions front row for the first time since that tour and Mike adds his considerable experience and talents to the backs.
"At scrum half we are conscious that we need three players to all be pushing each other for a starting place and we have been happy with what we have seen from Richie Rees this tournament. Dwayne is being given another chance, we want him to make an impact from the bench and improve on his showing last time out.
"We are under no illusion that Italy will be a tough prospect on Saturday, we found it hard to break them down here two years ago and they have performed well in each game of the tournament so far and with a good win over Scotland under their belts we will be a target for them.
"We are all very disappointed and we need to demonstrate our passion and pride in the Welsh jersey on Saturday and show everyone what it means to us to play for our country."
WALES: Lee Byrne; Tom Prydie, James Hook, Jamie Roberts, Shane Williams; Stephen Jones, Mike Phillips; Gethin Jenkins, Matthew Rees, Adam Jones, Bradley Davies, Luke Charteris, Jonathan Thomas, Sam Warburton, Ryan Jones (captain)
Replacements: Huw Bennett, Paul James, Ian Gough, Gareth Delve, Dwayne Peel, Andrew Bishop, Tom Shanklin
16.3.10. Wales u20 team v Italy
Last chance to impress for Wales Under 20
Wales Under 20 head coach Phil Davies has named an unchanged backline but includes four changes and one positional amongst the forwards ahead of his side's final match of the Under 20 Six Nations, against Italy on Friday evening (8.05pm, Cardiff Arms Park).
Lock Lloyd Peers and prop Simon Gardiner were concussed during Wales' defeat to Ireland last weekend and are replaced by James Thomas and Tonmawr's Joe Rees respectively. Dan Watchurst is returning from a slight rib injury and takes a place on the bench but it replaced in the starting line-up by Scarlets prop Trystan Davies.
Toby Faletau has been released by the Wales Under 20 management to the Dragons ahead of the Region's clash against Connacht tomorrow night, which gives Edward Siggery a chance to start the game on the blindside, while Morgan Allen returns to his preferred position at no 8, and Aberavon and Ospreys back row Ben Thomas is included in the 22 for the first time. Davies will name his captain for the Italian Test tomorrow (Wednesday).
Davies said, "This will be the last opportunity for 15 of the starting 22 to play in an Under 20 Six Nations game which will no doubt add to the desire of everyone involved to end the campaign on a positive note.
"Looking back at the tournament, we played well in the first half at Kingsholm and showed some fantastic all round rugby ability against Scotland and France. Despite going down 17-0 in the opening 20 minutes of last week's game against Ireland, we scored 17 points in the last quarter to give the game a different slant, so despite being disappointed to lose a couple of games, we have shown tremendous character and spirit which sums up this group of players."
Wales Under 20 team v Italy (Friday 19 March, 8.05pm, Cardiff Arms Park)
Dan Fish (Blues); James Loxton (Blues), Ben John (Ospreys), Scott Williams (Scarlets), Kristian Phillips (Ospreys); Matthew Jarvis (Ospreys), Gareth Davies (Scarlets); Trystan Davies (Scarlets) Rhys Williams (Blues), Joe Rees (Tonmawr / Ospreys academy), James Thomas (Dragons), Macauley Cook (Blues), Edward Siggery (Llandovery), Josh Navidi (Blues), Morgan Allen (Pontypool).
Replacements: Ieuan Davies (Glamorgan Wanderers), Dan Watchurst (Dragons),Rhys Jenkins (Dragons), Ben Thomas (Ospreys), Rhys Downes (Blues), Steve Shingler (Scarlets), Dean Gunter (Blues)
Tickets for the final Wales Under 20 home Test match of the season are available at £5 for Under 16s, £10 and £12 for adults.
Tickets are on sale at the Cardiff Arms cafe / store, no 8 Westgate Street, online via www.wru.co.uk /tickets and from Ticketweb on tel 08444 771000.
Tickets are also on sale at Cardiff Arms Park shop 10am - 3pm and on matchday from the ticket office, Cardiff Arms Park Angel entrance.
For further information / interview / accreditation requests contact Liz Jones, WRU communications manager tel 07736 056669 / lizjones@wru.co.uk
ENDS
Wales Under 20 head coach Phil Davies has named an unchanged backline but includes four changes and one positional amongst the forwards ahead of his side's final match of the Under 20 Six Nations, against Italy on Friday evening (8.05pm, Cardiff Arms Park).
Lock Lloyd Peers and prop Simon Gardiner were concussed during Wales' defeat to Ireland last weekend and are replaced by James Thomas and Tonmawr's Joe Rees respectively. Dan Watchurst is returning from a slight rib injury and takes a place on the bench but it replaced in the starting line-up by Scarlets prop Trystan Davies.
Toby Faletau has been released by the Wales Under 20 management to the Dragons ahead of the Region's clash against Connacht tomorrow night, which gives Edward Siggery a chance to start the game on the blindside, while Morgan Allen returns to his preferred position at no 8, and Aberavon and Ospreys back row Ben Thomas is included in the 22 for the first time. Davies will name his captain for the Italian Test tomorrow (Wednesday).
Davies said, "This will be the last opportunity for 15 of the starting 22 to play in an Under 20 Six Nations game which will no doubt add to the desire of everyone involved to end the campaign on a positive note.
"Looking back at the tournament, we played well in the first half at Kingsholm and showed some fantastic all round rugby ability against Scotland and France. Despite going down 17-0 in the opening 20 minutes of last week's game against Ireland, we scored 17 points in the last quarter to give the game a different slant, so despite being disappointed to lose a couple of games, we have shown tremendous character and spirit which sums up this group of players."
Wales Under 20 team v Italy (Friday 19 March, 8.05pm, Cardiff Arms Park)
Dan Fish (Blues); James Loxton (Blues), Ben John (Ospreys), Scott Williams (Scarlets), Kristian Phillips (Ospreys); Matthew Jarvis (Ospreys), Gareth Davies (Scarlets); Trystan Davies (Scarlets) Rhys Williams (Blues), Joe Rees (Tonmawr / Ospreys academy), James Thomas (Dragons), Macauley Cook (Blues), Edward Siggery (Llandovery), Josh Navidi (Blues), Morgan Allen (Pontypool).
Replacements: Ieuan Davies (Glamorgan Wanderers), Dan Watchurst (Dragons),Rhys Jenkins (Dragons), Ben Thomas (Ospreys), Rhys Downes (Blues), Steve Shingler (Scarlets), Dean Gunter (Blues)
Tickets for the final Wales Under 20 home Test match of the season are available at £5 for Under 16s, £10 and £12 for adults.
Tickets are on sale at the Cardiff Arms cafe / store, no 8 Westgate Street, online via www.wru.co.uk /tickets and from Ticketweb on tel 08444 771000.
Tickets are also on sale at Cardiff Arms Park shop 10am - 3pm and on matchday from the ticket office, Cardiff Arms Park Angel entrance.
For further information / interview / accreditation requests contact Liz Jones, WRU communications manager tel 07736 056669 / lizjones@wru.co.uk
ENDS
16.3.10. Wales Women unchanged for Italy clash
Wales Women unchanged for Italy clash
Wales Women's coach Jason Lewis has resisted the temptation to make changes for Sunday's clash at the Brewery Field against Italy after consecutive defeats to France and Ireland in the Six Nations championship.
The current Triple Crown champions have made just one change on the bench with injury forcing out scrum half Laura Prosser. Her place has been taken by the veteran winger Louise Rickard who will be hoping to add to her 110 caps.
Wales began the tournament in confident mood, but have recorded just one victory in their current campaign but are determined to add the scalp of Italy alongside that of Scotland.
"We're obviously looking to finish the championship on a winning note," said Lewis. "We've got to give ourselves some confidence going into the World Cup. But we have to cut out the basic errors and mistakes from our game. You can't give away 20 penalties and expect to win an international game of rugby."
He added his side were frustrated as they have actually shown sporadic glimpses of the form which made them championship contenders last season.
"We have been our own worst enemies at time - our own mistakes cost us against Ireland. In the first half against France and Ireland we played reasonably well but didn't take it to the next level.
"The temptation could be there to change the way we play but we know that when it clicks we are a really good side. There are a lot of spoiling sides out there but we like to play attractive rugby. We just need to play the referees better and learn from our mistakes."
Wales Women v Italy (The Brewery Field, Bridgend, Sunday, KO 2pm)
Mared Evans (UWIC); Aimee Young (UWIC), Ceri Redman (UWIC), Naomi Thomas (Cardiff Quins), Non Evans (Cardiff Quins); Awen Thomas (unattached), Amy Day (Bristol Ladies); Catrin Edwards (Cardiff Quins), Rhian Bowden (UWIC), Jenny Davies (Waterloo), Gemma Hallett (Pontyclun), Rachel Taylor (Cardiff Quins), Catrina Nicholas (Cardiff Quins), Jamie Kift (Bristol Ladies), Mellissa Berry (capt, Blaydon).
Replacements: Claire Horgan (Saracens), Louise Horgan (Saracens), Claire Donavan (Saracens), Lisa Newton (UWIC), Louise Rickard (Woodbridge Amazons), Kay Rees (Harlequins), Caryl James (Cardiff Quins)
Tickets for the match are £5 for adults, £2.50 for Under 16s, and are available at the gate
For further information, contact Graeme Gillespie ggillespie@wru.co.uk tel 07740 612790
ENDS
Wales Women's coach Jason Lewis has resisted the temptation to make changes for Sunday's clash at the Brewery Field against Italy after consecutive defeats to France and Ireland in the Six Nations championship.
The current Triple Crown champions have made just one change on the bench with injury forcing out scrum half Laura Prosser. Her place has been taken by the veteran winger Louise Rickard who will be hoping to add to her 110 caps.
Wales began the tournament in confident mood, but have recorded just one victory in their current campaign but are determined to add the scalp of Italy alongside that of Scotland.
"We're obviously looking to finish the championship on a winning note," said Lewis. "We've got to give ourselves some confidence going into the World Cup. But we have to cut out the basic errors and mistakes from our game. You can't give away 20 penalties and expect to win an international game of rugby."
He added his side were frustrated as they have actually shown sporadic glimpses of the form which made them championship contenders last season.
"We have been our own worst enemies at time - our own mistakes cost us against Ireland. In the first half against France and Ireland we played reasonably well but didn't take it to the next level.
"The temptation could be there to change the way we play but we know that when it clicks we are a really good side. There are a lot of spoiling sides out there but we like to play attractive rugby. We just need to play the referees better and learn from our mistakes."
Wales Women v Italy (The Brewery Field, Bridgend, Sunday, KO 2pm)
Mared Evans (UWIC); Aimee Young (UWIC), Ceri Redman (UWIC), Naomi Thomas (Cardiff Quins), Non Evans (Cardiff Quins); Awen Thomas (unattached), Amy Day (Bristol Ladies); Catrin Edwards (Cardiff Quins), Rhian Bowden (UWIC), Jenny Davies (Waterloo), Gemma Hallett (Pontyclun), Rachel Taylor (Cardiff Quins), Catrina Nicholas (Cardiff Quins), Jamie Kift (Bristol Ladies), Mellissa Berry (capt, Blaydon).
Replacements: Claire Horgan (Saracens), Louise Horgan (Saracens), Claire Donavan (Saracens), Lisa Newton (UWIC), Louise Rickard (Woodbridge Amazons), Kay Rees (Harlequins), Caryl James (Cardiff Quins)
Tickets for the match are £5 for adults, £2.50 for Under 16s, and are available at the gate
For further information, contact Graeme Gillespie ggillespie@wru.co.uk tel 07740 612790
ENDS
15.3.10
15.3.10 Ponty Baller Principality Player of the Month
WRU PRESS RELEASE
Issued: 12 March 2010
NB. Photographs of Kristian at Pontypridd branch of Principality available from Huw Evans picture agency tel 02920 764311
Baller lifts Principality award
Pontypridd back Kristian Baller has won the Principality Premiership Player of the Month award for February.
Baller, usually a full back or wing, played scrum half for his club for most of the month of February in the absence of Rhys Downes who has been on Wales Under 20 duty and produced some impressive performances, which evidently caught the eye of Premiership coaches, rugby journalists and WRU and Regional performance development staff who select the recipient of this award. The player will receive £100 from the Principality Building Society, title sponsors of the competition.
Baller scored Pontypridd's winning try and conversion away to Ayr in the British and Irish Cup, earning the side a 22-21 victory; he produced a man-of-the-match performance against Swansea in the SWALEC Cup, and scored a try, four conversions and two penalties in the Principality Premiership match against Bedwas.
Kristian is a product of Abercynon RFC and the Blues regional age grade system. He was capped at Under 18 level and his recent performances have earned him a call-up to Wales Sevens training sessions.
He said, "I was shocked to hear of the award. Paul John told me I would be playing scrum half while Rhys Downes is away with the Under 20s and I've just thrown myself into that to the best of my ability. We've had a tough season with the bad weather meaning a long lay-off but we're starting to get back into the groove now with some good wins over the past few weeks. We want to challenge for honours in the Principality Premiership and the Cup and despite not qualifying in the British and Irish Cup, it gave us a real taste of what cross-border competition is all about and we're hungry for more.
"There are a great bunch of players at the club and as always everyone is giving 100% at the moment at this crucial time in the season. The forwards in particular have been providing a good platform for us backs. I'm grateful that Paul John has shown faith in me and that's been rewarded by being invited to train with the Sevens squad which I'm pleased about."
Paul John added, "Kristian has shown himself to be a natural scrum-half since stepping in at the start of last month. He has a good service off both hands and is always a threat. There is a lot to aim for at the club as we near the end of the season and the last few games have given us the momentum we needed."
Kristian Baller factfile:
Born: 18.02.87, Aberdare
Club: Pontypridd
Position: Full back / wing / scrum half
Player most admired: Gethin Jenkins
Sportsman most admired: Gareth Edwards
Biggest impact on career: Parents and primary school teacher at Ynysyborth Primary Mr David Pritchard who introduced me to Abercynon Juniors
Occupation: Groundsman for Countrywide Grounds Maintenance, Neath
Other sports: Football (Cardiff City Academy member until Under 13s), cricket
For further information contact Liz Jones, WRU Communications Manager, tel 07736 056669 / email lizjones@wru.co.uk
Issued: 12 March 2010
NB. Photographs of Kristian at Pontypridd branch of Principality available from Huw Evans picture agency tel 02920 764311
Baller lifts Principality award
Pontypridd back Kristian Baller has won the Principality Premiership Player of the Month award for February.
Baller, usually a full back or wing, played scrum half for his club for most of the month of February in the absence of Rhys Downes who has been on Wales Under 20 duty and produced some impressive performances, which evidently caught the eye of Premiership coaches, rugby journalists and WRU and Regional performance development staff who select the recipient of this award. The player will receive £100 from the Principality Building Society, title sponsors of the competition.
Baller scored Pontypridd's winning try and conversion away to Ayr in the British and Irish Cup, earning the side a 22-21 victory; he produced a man-of-the-match performance against Swansea in the SWALEC Cup, and scored a try, four conversions and two penalties in the Principality Premiership match against Bedwas.
Kristian is a product of Abercynon RFC and the Blues regional age grade system. He was capped at Under 18 level and his recent performances have earned him a call-up to Wales Sevens training sessions.
He said, "I was shocked to hear of the award. Paul John told me I would be playing scrum half while Rhys Downes is away with the Under 20s and I've just thrown myself into that to the best of my ability. We've had a tough season with the bad weather meaning a long lay-off but we're starting to get back into the groove now with some good wins over the past few weeks. We want to challenge for honours in the Principality Premiership and the Cup and despite not qualifying in the British and Irish Cup, it gave us a real taste of what cross-border competition is all about and we're hungry for more.
"There are a great bunch of players at the club and as always everyone is giving 100% at the moment at this crucial time in the season. The forwards in particular have been providing a good platform for us backs. I'm grateful that Paul John has shown faith in me and that's been rewarded by being invited to train with the Sevens squad which I'm pleased about."
Paul John added, "Kristian has shown himself to be a natural scrum-half since stepping in at the start of last month. He has a good service off both hands and is always a threat. There is a lot to aim for at the club as we near the end of the season and the last few games have given us the momentum we needed."
Kristian Baller factfile:
Born: 18.02.87, Aberdare
Club: Pontypridd
Position: Full back / wing / scrum half
Player most admired: Gethin Jenkins
Sportsman most admired: Gareth Edwards
Biggest impact on career: Parents and primary school teacher at Ynysyborth Primary Mr David Pritchard who introduced me to Abercynon Juniors
Occupation: Groundsman for Countrywide Grounds Maintenance, Neath
Other sports: Football (Cardiff City Academy member until Under 13s), cricket
For further information contact Liz Jones, WRU Communications Manager, tel 07736 056669 / email lizjones@wru.co.uk
15.3.10 Wales Sevens head Down Under
Wales Sevens head Down Under
Issued: 12 March, 2010
Wales Sevens today (Friday) left for the next round of IRB Sevens World Series tourmaments in Adelaide and Hong Kong with the aim of building on their recent form.
The national Sevens squad reached the quarter-finals of the Cup competition in Las Vegas last time out and are aiming for more of the same over the next fortnight, despite a tough competition schedule.
Head coach Paul John has no uncapped players in the 15-man squad that will compete over the two legs and he hopes that will help to quickly blend the group into a cohesive unit and enhance performances, especially in the Pool games.
John said: "We are looking forward to getting back into competition mode with the aim of building on our performance at the last two tournaments in Wellington and Las Vegas.
"Although a few of our players are still very new to international Sevens, the fact that they all now have experience of the IRB Series will no doubt benefit us as a squad and allow the players to further develop individually and as a group.
"We have two difficult games first up in Australia, with Fiji on the Friday night and Kenya on the Saturday, followed by Papua New Guinea.
But we are focused on improving on our recent Pool stage performances in order to allow us to consistently compete in the knock-out stages of the Cup competition and move up the IRB world rankings.
"Hong Kong provides a different set of challenges with only the top team in each Pool guaranteed a place in the Cup quarter-finals. Our opposition in the Pool stages of Hong Kong are England, Japan and hosts Hong Kong and followers of the Series will appreciate that no opposition can be taken lightly, so we will have to be on top of our game to get through to the last eight.
"Both Adelaide and Hong Kong are great tournaments, with Hong Kong being the most prestigious and well-established Sevens tournament in the world. The stadia will be packed out and the three-day format at both events will be physically demanding and provide players and spectators alike with the opportunity to experience the high intensity competition".
Thirteen players will travel to Adelaide, with Cardiff pivot Gareth Davies and Ospreys scrum half Rhys Webb bolstering the group in Hong Kong.
Wing Alex Cuthbert, who has impressed so far this season, is lilkely to miss the Adelaide leg of the trip with a recovering shoulder injury but will return to action in time for Hong Kong.
Wales Sevens squad for Adelaide (March 19 - 21) and Hong Kong (March 26 - 28)
Lee Rees (Scarlets), Chris Morgan (Aberavon), Gareth Davies (Cardiff, HONG KONG ONLY), Lloyd Williams (Blues), Rhys Jones (Cornish Pirates), Ifan Evans (Llandovery), Craig Hill (Newport), Rhys Shellard (Cardiff), Darren Daniel (Scarlets), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Jevon Groves (Cross Keys), Alex Cuthbert (UWIC), Rhys Webb (Ospreys, HONG KONG ONLY), Aaron Bramwell (Pontypridd)
For further information, contact WRU Communications Manager Liz Jones tel 07736 056669 / lizjones@wru.co.uk
ENDS
Issued: 12 March, 2010
Wales Sevens today (Friday) left for the next round of IRB Sevens World Series tourmaments in Adelaide and Hong Kong with the aim of building on their recent form.
The national Sevens squad reached the quarter-finals of the Cup competition in Las Vegas last time out and are aiming for more of the same over the next fortnight, despite a tough competition schedule.
Head coach Paul John has no uncapped players in the 15-man squad that will compete over the two legs and he hopes that will help to quickly blend the group into a cohesive unit and enhance performances, especially in the Pool games.
John said: "We are looking forward to getting back into competition mode with the aim of building on our performance at the last two tournaments in Wellington and Las Vegas.
"Although a few of our players are still very new to international Sevens, the fact that they all now have experience of the IRB Series will no doubt benefit us as a squad and allow the players to further develop individually and as a group.
"We have two difficult games first up in Australia, with Fiji on the Friday night and Kenya on the Saturday, followed by Papua New Guinea.
But we are focused on improving on our recent Pool stage performances in order to allow us to consistently compete in the knock-out stages of the Cup competition and move up the IRB world rankings.
"Hong Kong provides a different set of challenges with only the top team in each Pool guaranteed a place in the Cup quarter-finals. Our opposition in the Pool stages of Hong Kong are England, Japan and hosts Hong Kong and followers of the Series will appreciate that no opposition can be taken lightly, so we will have to be on top of our game to get through to the last eight.
"Both Adelaide and Hong Kong are great tournaments, with Hong Kong being the most prestigious and well-established Sevens tournament in the world. The stadia will be packed out and the three-day format at both events will be physically demanding and provide players and spectators alike with the opportunity to experience the high intensity competition".
Thirteen players will travel to Adelaide, with Cardiff pivot Gareth Davies and Ospreys scrum half Rhys Webb bolstering the group in Hong Kong.
Wing Alex Cuthbert, who has impressed so far this season, is lilkely to miss the Adelaide leg of the trip with a recovering shoulder injury but will return to action in time for Hong Kong.
Wales Sevens squad for Adelaide (March 19 - 21) and Hong Kong (March 26 - 28)
Lee Rees (Scarlets), Chris Morgan (Aberavon), Gareth Davies (Cardiff, HONG KONG ONLY), Lloyd Williams (Blues), Rhys Jones (Cornish Pirates), Ifan Evans (Llandovery), Craig Hill (Newport), Rhys Shellard (Cardiff), Darren Daniel (Scarlets), Justin Tipuric (Ospreys), Jevon Groves (Cross Keys), Alex Cuthbert (UWIC), Rhys Webb (Ospreys, HONG KONG ONLY), Aaron Bramwell (Pontypridd)
For further information, contact WRU Communications Manager Liz Jones tel 07736 056669 / lizjones@wru.co.uk
ENDS
10.3.10
10 03.10 Wales Women team v Ireland
WRU PRESS RELEASE
Issued: 09 March 2010
Lewis: Everything still to play for
Triple Crown champions Wales may currently find themselves in fifth spot in the Women's Six Nations table, but head coach Jason Lewis is still targeting a top two finish for his side.
A victory over Scotland has been sandwiched between defeats to England and France which means Wales travel to Ashbourne on Friday night (KO 7.30pm) to take on Ireland who are nestled just one place above Wales on the points table.
The pack remains the same as the one which lost to France 3-15 at Bridgend two weeks ago but Lewis has tinkered with the backline. Amy Day comes in at halfback for Laura Prosser while Mared Evans and Ceri Redman start at full back and centre respectively.
Non Evans has moved from the No 15 shirt to wing to accommodate her namesake while Naomi Thomas moves from outside centre to inside centre to allow Redman to take her place in midfield.
Clare Flowers drops out of the backline after undergoing shoulder surgery with wing Caryl James moving down to the bench.
Lewis is fully aware the Irish will be pumped up for Friday's clash as they will be hoping to stop the rot as they have lost their last two encounters against France and England.
"We've set ourselves a really tough challenge," he said. "The bottom line is we have to go to Ireland on a Friday, play under floodlights, on the back of a loss and we have got to get a win.
"But it's going to be tough, very tough. Ireland always target us as a side to knock over as they see us as a side immediately above them in the pecking order.
"The Six Nations is still wide open. If we beat Ireland and Italy we could still finish second. In our minds it's everything to play for. We've got to go to Ireland confident we can start to see some of our potential come through which we began to see against Scotland.
"We had a bad day at the office against France but we've got to move on from that. We can't dwell on it. We've picked the bones out of it, we know what went wrong, we know what we need to do, so it's onwards and upwards."
WALES: Mared Evans, Aimee Young, Ceri Redman, Naomi Thomas, Non Evans, Awen Thomas, Amy Day; Catrin Edwards, Rhian Bowden, Jenny Davies, Gemma Hallett, Rachel Taylor, Catrina Nicholas, Jamie Kift, Mellissa Berry (capt).
Replacements: Claire Horgan, Louise Horgan, Claire Donavan, Lisa Newton, Laura Prosser, Kay Rees, Caryl James.
For further information on Wales Women, contact Graeme Gillespie on ggillespie@wru.co.uk or telephone 07740 612790
Ends
Issued: 09 March 2010
Lewis: Everything still to play for
Triple Crown champions Wales may currently find themselves in fifth spot in the Women's Six Nations table, but head coach Jason Lewis is still targeting a top two finish for his side.
A victory over Scotland has been sandwiched between defeats to England and France which means Wales travel to Ashbourne on Friday night (KO 7.30pm) to take on Ireland who are nestled just one place above Wales on the points table.
The pack remains the same as the one which lost to France 3-15 at Bridgend two weeks ago but Lewis has tinkered with the backline. Amy Day comes in at halfback for Laura Prosser while Mared Evans and Ceri Redman start at full back and centre respectively.
Non Evans has moved from the No 15 shirt to wing to accommodate her namesake while Naomi Thomas moves from outside centre to inside centre to allow Redman to take her place in midfield.
Clare Flowers drops out of the backline after undergoing shoulder surgery with wing Caryl James moving down to the bench.
Lewis is fully aware the Irish will be pumped up for Friday's clash as they will be hoping to stop the rot as they have lost their last two encounters against France and England.
"We've set ourselves a really tough challenge," he said. "The bottom line is we have to go to Ireland on a Friday, play under floodlights, on the back of a loss and we have got to get a win.
"But it's going to be tough, very tough. Ireland always target us as a side to knock over as they see us as a side immediately above them in the pecking order.
"The Six Nations is still wide open. If we beat Ireland and Italy we could still finish second. In our minds it's everything to play for. We've got to go to Ireland confident we can start to see some of our potential come through which we began to see against Scotland.
"We had a bad day at the office against France but we've got to move on from that. We can't dwell on it. We've picked the bones out of it, we know what went wrong, we know what we need to do, so it's onwards and upwards."
WALES: Mared Evans, Aimee Young, Ceri Redman, Naomi Thomas, Non Evans, Awen Thomas, Amy Day; Catrin Edwards, Rhian Bowden, Jenny Davies, Gemma Hallett, Rachel Taylor, Catrina Nicholas, Jamie Kift, Mellissa Berry (capt).
Replacements: Claire Horgan, Louise Horgan, Claire Donavan, Lisa Newton, Laura Prosser, Kay Rees, Caryl James.
For further information on Wales Women, contact Graeme Gillespie on ggillespie@wru.co.uk or telephone 07740 612790
Ends
10 03 10 Wales U20 team v Ireland U20
WRU PRESS RELEASE:
Issued: 09 March 2010
'Biggest challenge yet' - Davies
Wales Under 20 head coach Phil Davies has made two changes to the side that beat France 43-8 a fortnight ago for the crunch clash against Ireland at Athlone on Friday (7.35pm, BBC 2 Wales). Dan Watchurst missed the France game through illness and returns in place of Rhodri Jones who has sustained an injury and Scarlets scrum-half Gareth Davies makes his first full start for Wales Under 20.
Davies said, "We feel it's important to keep consistency of selection at this stage in the tournament. Rhys Downes has played really well so far and also showed good leadership qualities in partnership with Josh Navidi against France. This change will give Gareth Davies an opportunity to start a game and show what he can do at this level.
"Following the pleasing performance against France last time out, the key challenge for us now is to back up the growing expectation from ourselves and others and show the endurance, technical ability and mental toughness to do it again.
"This game against Ireland will be the biggest challenge so far for us. We lost narrowly to them at Parc y Scarlets last season and then beat them to gain fifth position at the IRB Junior World Championship in Japan last June. Both teams are going into this match on the back of impressive wins with Ireland beating England at Gloucester and our win over France so it should be an exciting match. Ireland are a quality side that put their bodies on the line for 80 minutes which is what we've been doing but we need to do it again.
"We feel we have gained momentum through this campaign and that is thanks to the cooperation and support shown by the Regions and clubs in enabling us to work for the benefit of the players and their development."
Wales U20 v Ireland (Dubarry Park, Athlone, Friday 12 March, 7.35pm):
Dan Fish (Blues); James Loxton (Blues), Ben John (Ospreys), Scott Williams (Scarlets), Kristian Phillips (Ospreys); Matthew Jarvis (Ospreys, vice-captain), Gareth Davies (Scarlets); Dan Watchurst (Dragons), Rhys Williams (Blues), Simon Gardiner (Scarlets), Macauley Cook (Blues), Lloyd Peers (Ospreys), Morgan Allen (Pontypool), Josh Navidi (capt, Blues), Toby Faletau (Dragons)
Replacements: Ieuan Davies (Glamorgan Wanderers), Trystan Davies (Scarlets), James Thomas (Dragons), Rhys Jenkins (Dragons), Edward Siggery (Llandovery), Rhys Downes (Blues), Dean Gunter (Blues) Travelling reserve: Joe Rees (Tonmawr / Ospreys academy)
For further information / interview requests contact Liz Jones, WRU communications manager tel 07736 056669
Issued: 09 March 2010
'Biggest challenge yet' - Davies
Wales Under 20 head coach Phil Davies has made two changes to the side that beat France 43-8 a fortnight ago for the crunch clash against Ireland at Athlone on Friday (7.35pm, BBC 2 Wales). Dan Watchurst missed the France game through illness and returns in place of Rhodri Jones who has sustained an injury and Scarlets scrum-half Gareth Davies makes his first full start for Wales Under 20.
Davies said, "We feel it's important to keep consistency of selection at this stage in the tournament. Rhys Downes has played really well so far and also showed good leadership qualities in partnership with Josh Navidi against France. This change will give Gareth Davies an opportunity to start a game and show what he can do at this level.
"Following the pleasing performance against France last time out, the key challenge for us now is to back up the growing expectation from ourselves and others and show the endurance, technical ability and mental toughness to do it again.
"This game against Ireland will be the biggest challenge so far for us. We lost narrowly to them at Parc y Scarlets last season and then beat them to gain fifth position at the IRB Junior World Championship in Japan last June. Both teams are going into this match on the back of impressive wins with Ireland beating England at Gloucester and our win over France so it should be an exciting match. Ireland are a quality side that put their bodies on the line for 80 minutes which is what we've been doing but we need to do it again.
"We feel we have gained momentum through this campaign and that is thanks to the cooperation and support shown by the Regions and clubs in enabling us to work for the benefit of the players and their development."
Wales U20 v Ireland (Dubarry Park, Athlone, Friday 12 March, 7.35pm):
Dan Fish (Blues); James Loxton (Blues), Ben John (Ospreys), Scott Williams (Scarlets), Kristian Phillips (Ospreys); Matthew Jarvis (Ospreys, vice-captain), Gareth Davies (Scarlets); Dan Watchurst (Dragons), Rhys Williams (Blues), Simon Gardiner (Scarlets), Macauley Cook (Blues), Lloyd Peers (Ospreys), Morgan Allen (Pontypool), Josh Navidi (capt, Blues), Toby Faletau (Dragons)
Replacements: Ieuan Davies (Glamorgan Wanderers), Trystan Davies (Scarlets), James Thomas (Dragons), Rhys Jenkins (Dragons), Edward Siggery (Llandovery), Rhys Downes (Blues), Dean Gunter (Blues) Travelling reserve: Joe Rees (Tonmawr / Ospreys academy)
For further information / interview requests contact Liz Jones, WRU communications manager tel 07736 056669
10.03.10 Wales team v Ireland
WRU PRESS RELEASE:
Issued: 09 March 2010
WILLIAMS CAPTAIN - DELVE, REES AND CHARTERIS START
Issued: Tuesday, 9 March, 2010
Martyn Williams will captain Wales in the RBS 6 Nations clash with Ireland at Croke Park on Saturday (2.30pm) as injured squad captain Ryan Jones has withdrawn and is replaced at No 8 by Gloucester Rugby's Gareth Delve in one of three changes to the starting line-up.
Scarlets and British & Irish Lions hooker Matthew Rees also returns to the side with Osprey Huw Bennett, who started the defeat to France at the Millennium Stadium last time out, moving to the bench. Dragons second row Luke Charteris keeps his spot after coming on for the injured Deiniol Jones (Blues) early in the first half of the Friday night fixture.
Elsewhere Wales head coach Warren Gatland has said 'same again' to his back line for the third game in a row and made two changes on the bench with the inclusion of Sale Sharks scrum half Dwayne Peel in place of Osprey Mike Phillips and lock Ian Gough (Ospreys) taking the berth vacated by Charteris.
"We have taken the decision not to include any players who are unable to take a full part in training in the build up to the Ireland game," said Gatland.
"This Ireland side will be meticulous in its planning and for this game in particular we need to get our preparation exactly right and once we had reached that conclusion a couple of selection decisions were really made for us.
"Ryan has been managing his calf, but it has hampered his involvement in training and he needs to get it right for his own sake as well as for his region, who have some big matches of their own coming up, and for the sake of the national cause as we countdown to the World Cup.
"Mike (Phillips) is carrying a knock which he picked up on Ospreys duty at the weekend and so was not in contention.
"But this is an opportunity for Martyn, who is one of our key leaders, to captain Wales again and rise to that challenge after doing a good job against Scotland last year when Ryan was again forced to withdraw."
Williams captains his country for the seventh time and also wins his 95th cap, making him Wales' most capped forward and now just five appearances behind the country's most capped player Gareth Thomas. It will be Delve's first appearance in a Welsh jersey since the 2nd Test v South Africa in Pretoria on 14 June, 2008 and his first start in the RBS 6 Nations.
"This is also a great opportunity for Gareth Delve, who we have been keeping a close eye on and who is also a leader himself. We feel we have a loose forward trio here who can be competitive," Gatland continued.
"Matthew (Rees) comes in for Huw (Bennett) and offers us his experience. We were please with Huw's performance against France, his stats around the field were fantastic, but we are looking for 50 or 60 minutes out of Matthew to maybe give us a little more stability in the set-piece.
"Ireland are an impressive and experienced side with a pack of players who have been around for a long time and who are tough players. We meet them after a good win against England and a loss to France by a scoreline which probably flattered the French.
"We know we need to improve but we do think we have the talent and ability in this squad to match any squad and confident we are good enough to win this match if we can get things right on the day."
WALES: Lee Byrne; Leigh Halfpenny, James Hook, Jamie Roberts, Shane Williams; Stephen Jones, Richie Rees; Paul James, Matthew Rees, Adam Jones, Bradley Davies, Luke Charteris, Jonathan Thomas, Martyn Williams (Captain), Gareth Delve
REPLACEMENTS: Huw Bennett, Rhys Gill, Ian Gough, Sam Warburton, Dwayne Peel, Andrew Bishop, Tom Shanklin
Issued: 09 March 2010
WILLIAMS CAPTAIN - DELVE, REES AND CHARTERIS START
Issued: Tuesday, 9 March, 2010
Martyn Williams will captain Wales in the RBS 6 Nations clash with Ireland at Croke Park on Saturday (2.30pm) as injured squad captain Ryan Jones has withdrawn and is replaced at No 8 by Gloucester Rugby's Gareth Delve in one of three changes to the starting line-up.
Scarlets and British & Irish Lions hooker Matthew Rees also returns to the side with Osprey Huw Bennett, who started the defeat to France at the Millennium Stadium last time out, moving to the bench. Dragons second row Luke Charteris keeps his spot after coming on for the injured Deiniol Jones (Blues) early in the first half of the Friday night fixture.
Elsewhere Wales head coach Warren Gatland has said 'same again' to his back line for the third game in a row and made two changes on the bench with the inclusion of Sale Sharks scrum half Dwayne Peel in place of Osprey Mike Phillips and lock Ian Gough (Ospreys) taking the berth vacated by Charteris.
"We have taken the decision not to include any players who are unable to take a full part in training in the build up to the Ireland game," said Gatland.
"This Ireland side will be meticulous in its planning and for this game in particular we need to get our preparation exactly right and once we had reached that conclusion a couple of selection decisions were really made for us.
"Ryan has been managing his calf, but it has hampered his involvement in training and he needs to get it right for his own sake as well as for his region, who have some big matches of their own coming up, and for the sake of the national cause as we countdown to the World Cup.
"Mike (Phillips) is carrying a knock which he picked up on Ospreys duty at the weekend and so was not in contention.
"But this is an opportunity for Martyn, who is one of our key leaders, to captain Wales again and rise to that challenge after doing a good job against Scotland last year when Ryan was again forced to withdraw."
Williams captains his country for the seventh time and also wins his 95th cap, making him Wales' most capped forward and now just five appearances behind the country's most capped player Gareth Thomas. It will be Delve's first appearance in a Welsh jersey since the 2nd Test v South Africa in Pretoria on 14 June, 2008 and his first start in the RBS 6 Nations.
"This is also a great opportunity for Gareth Delve, who we have been keeping a close eye on and who is also a leader himself. We feel we have a loose forward trio here who can be competitive," Gatland continued.
"Matthew (Rees) comes in for Huw (Bennett) and offers us his experience. We were please with Huw's performance against France, his stats around the field were fantastic, but we are looking for 50 or 60 minutes out of Matthew to maybe give us a little more stability in the set-piece.
"Ireland are an impressive and experienced side with a pack of players who have been around for a long time and who are tough players. We meet them after a good win against England and a loss to France by a scoreline which probably flattered the French.
"We know we need to improve but we do think we have the talent and ability in this squad to match any squad and confident we are good enough to win this match if we can get things right on the day."
WALES: Lee Byrne; Leigh Halfpenny, James Hook, Jamie Roberts, Shane Williams; Stephen Jones, Richie Rees; Paul James, Matthew Rees, Adam Jones, Bradley Davies, Luke Charteris, Jonathan Thomas, Martyn Williams (Captain), Gareth Delve
REPLACEMENTS: Huw Bennett, Rhys Gill, Ian Gough, Sam Warburton, Dwayne Peel, Andrew Bishop, Tom Shanklin
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