Holah staying for 2010-11 season
Date: Wednesday 24th February 2010
Issued on behalf of Ospreys
The Ospreys are delighted to confirm that Marty Holah has signed a new one-year contract.
With his existing contract set to expire at the end of the current season, the 33-year New Zealander has handed the region a boost by agreeing to extend his stay in south Wales for another twelve months.
Holah has made a huge impact since first arriving at the region in November 2007, proving to be an influential figure on and off the pitch and clocking up 59 appearances in an Ospreys shirt to date, scoring one try. His regional debut came in a 51-16 win over London Irish at the Liberty Stadium just four days after touching down in the UK. This season has seen the 36 times capped All Black rolling back the years with a series of eye catching performances, making 14 appearances so far during the current campaign.
Speaking after signing his new deal, Holah said:
"It's great that I've been able to tie up a new contract, allowing me to focus on what looks like it's going to be a pretty exciting few months between now and the end of the season. I've been pretty happy with the way things have gone this year, after the hard work of the last couple of seasons I get the feeling that there's something special building here and I thought that I'd like to stick around and be a part of it. Obviously I've spent some time considering my options, and there was a pull to head home. Priorities change a little bit when you have a baby on the way and I did contemplate going back to be closer to the family, but there's a really strong community here at the Ospreys and I feel really comfortable being part of it, so that was a big factor in deciding to stay on, probably the biggest if I'm honest.
"I'm really enjoying my rugby so it's not hard to find the motivation to keep going. As long as I get that feeling, as long as I'm enjoying myself, I'll keep going on I think. I'm not looking too far ahead at this stage, when you get a bit older you can't really do that, it's about the here and now. I'll see how the body's feeling next year and whether the Ospreys still want me, before any decisions are made. There's a good group of young players coming through here, some really talented opensides in Tips and Ben Lewis that I've been working with, and the way they are developing, there may not be a place for me come then anyway, no matter what I think! That's rugby for you, they are good players who are improving week by week, and there's also Steve Tandy who keeps snapping at my heels, so there is real strength in depth here at seven which is good for everybody as it keeps driving you forward, and is essential if the Ospreys are going to achieve what we want to between now and the end of next season."
Ospreys Head Coach, Sean Holley, added:
"Marty agreeing to re-sign for another year is great news for the region. He is such a quality player, and for him to want to stay at the Ospreys says a lot for what he thinks about the team and the set-up in place here. He has been a great asset to us in the time he has spent here already, not only for the outstanding and consistent displays that he puts in week in, week out, but also, for the undoubted influence he has elsewhere in the Ospreys environment. You only have to look at his performances in the Heineken Cup this season to understand his true ability and his worth to the team.
"Also, we have some outstanding youngsters coming through in his position, such as Ben Lewis and Justin Tipuric, who benefit enormously from the work that he does with them. He is superb around the squad, a real team player who happily gives up his own time for the benefit of his team-mates and is undoubtedly up there as one of the best overseas signings we've made at the Ospreys. He is a great example of what we say about signing quality overseas players who bring something special to the environment, not just on the field of play. We're all delighted that he will be staying with us for another season."
ENDS
Peter Owen
Ospreys Media Manager
07958 042 557
peter.owen@ospreysrugby.com
http://www.ospreysrugby.com
25.2.10
24.02.10 SWALEC CUP (Ties to be played weekend of 27 March, 2010)
SWALEC CUP (Ties to be played weekend of 27 March, 2010)
Tonmawr, the last remaining Division One side in the SWALEC Cup, have been well rewarded for their thrilling one point victory over Llandovery in Round Three last weekend.
They will host Llanelli, the most successful club in the competition and last season's beaten finalists, on the weekend of 27 March in a quarter-final tie at their Memorial Ground - giving former Scarlets Jason Hyatt and Tal Selley a chance to put one over on their former club.
Tonmawr coach Hyatt played with the then Stradey Park outfit in the late nineties, while Welsh international and Rugby World Cup Sevens winning star Selley was a more recent incumbent in the Scarlet colours.
Tonmawr, who are top of their league and in the quarter-finals of the Silver Ball, hung on for a 27-26 success over the Drovers after surviving a fierce second half comeback from their opponents who were 24-6 down at the interval and they will be looking forward to playing host to the Cup Kings.
The remaining ties are all-Premier clashes with Aberavon's visit to Sardis Road to take on Pontypridd likely to be fiercely fought. The Wizards have already beaten Ponty 10-3 at home in the league but they have yet to win the Cup with only two losing appearances in 1974 and 1975 to show for their efforts.
Pontypridd have been far more successful by winning the trophy in 1996, 2002, and 2006 and will look to take full advantage of playing at the "House of Pain".
Seven-times winners Cardiff face a trip to Bedwas after defeating Newport 22-20 in Round Three. The Blue and Blacks have already beaten Bedwas this season, gaining a 29-22 success at the Arms Park last October, but it is sure to be another tight match when they meet at the Bridge Field.
The final quarter-final tie sees Carmarthen Quins travelling to the Memorial Ground to meet Glamorgan Wanderers. The Quins had an epic struggle before seeing off One East side Blackwood 23-22 while Wanderers had to work hard during the second half to hold off another One East side, Rumney before going through 23-16.
Quarter-Final draw
Bedwas v Cardiff
Glamorgan Wanderers v Carmarthen Quins
Pontypridd v Aberavon
Tonmawr v Llanelli
SWALEC PLATE (Ties to be played weekend of 27 March, 2010)
Division Three South West club Kenfig Hill are the only non-Division Two outfit in the last eight of the SWALEC Plate but after defeating Two East leaders Gilfach Goch 24-3 in the last round they will be full of confidence for the visit of Brynmawr in the quarter-final.
The other ties all pit clubs from the same divisions with Two West 's Aberystwyth hosting Loughor. The West Walians beat Aberystwyth 43-7 when they met earlier in the season and they will be looking for more of the same to repeat that form against a side with only two away league victories to date.
Two West leaders Maesteg take on Waunarlwydd of the same division at Llynfi Road but although the "Old Parish" are top of the table, Waunarlwydd drew at Maesteg and then beat them in the return at Roseland Road so they will be confident of causing an upset.
The final tie is between clubs from Two East with Llantwit Fardre entertaining Rhydyfelin.
Fardre won away 27-26 when the sides met in the league and this tie is sure to be just as closely fought.
Quarter-Finals
Aberystwyth v Loughor
Kenfig Hill v Brynmawr
Llantwit Fardre v Rhydyfelin
Waunarlwydd v Maesteg
SWALEC BOWL (Ties to be played weekend of 27 March, 2010)
Bethesda have had a superb season in Division Two North and they have taken that form into the SWALEC Bowl where they have beaten Bettws, Machynlleth, Beaufort, Bangor Univ, and Aberaeron to reach the quarter final.
They will host Trebanos of Five South West and though their visitors are doing well in their division, the North Walians will be keen to reach the next stage.
Risca of Four East play host to Pontardawe of Four South West while another Four East outfit in Abercarn, travel to Bridgend Sports of Five South Central.
The final tie sees Senghenydd of Five South East welcome Birchgrove of Five South West
Quarter-Finals
Bethesda v Trebanos
Bridgend Sports v Abercarn
Risca v Pontardawe
Senghenydd v Birchgrove
Ends
Tonmawr, the last remaining Division One side in the SWALEC Cup, have been well rewarded for their thrilling one point victory over Llandovery in Round Three last weekend.
They will host Llanelli, the most successful club in the competition and last season's beaten finalists, on the weekend of 27 March in a quarter-final tie at their Memorial Ground - giving former Scarlets Jason Hyatt and Tal Selley a chance to put one over on their former club.
Tonmawr coach Hyatt played with the then Stradey Park outfit in the late nineties, while Welsh international and Rugby World Cup Sevens winning star Selley was a more recent incumbent in the Scarlet colours.
Tonmawr, who are top of their league and in the quarter-finals of the Silver Ball, hung on for a 27-26 success over the Drovers after surviving a fierce second half comeback from their opponents who were 24-6 down at the interval and they will be looking forward to playing host to the Cup Kings.
The remaining ties are all-Premier clashes with Aberavon's visit to Sardis Road to take on Pontypridd likely to be fiercely fought. The Wizards have already beaten Ponty 10-3 at home in the league but they have yet to win the Cup with only two losing appearances in 1974 and 1975 to show for their efforts.
Pontypridd have been far more successful by winning the trophy in 1996, 2002, and 2006 and will look to take full advantage of playing at the "House of Pain".
Seven-times winners Cardiff face a trip to Bedwas after defeating Newport 22-20 in Round Three. The Blue and Blacks have already beaten Bedwas this season, gaining a 29-22 success at the Arms Park last October, but it is sure to be another tight match when they meet at the Bridge Field.
The final quarter-final tie sees Carmarthen Quins travelling to the Memorial Ground to meet Glamorgan Wanderers. The Quins had an epic struggle before seeing off One East side Blackwood 23-22 while Wanderers had to work hard during the second half to hold off another One East side, Rumney before going through 23-16.
Quarter-Final draw
Bedwas v Cardiff
Glamorgan Wanderers v Carmarthen Quins
Pontypridd v Aberavon
Tonmawr v Llanelli
SWALEC PLATE (Ties to be played weekend of 27 March, 2010)
Division Three South West club Kenfig Hill are the only non-Division Two outfit in the last eight of the SWALEC Plate but after defeating Two East leaders Gilfach Goch 24-3 in the last round they will be full of confidence for the visit of Brynmawr in the quarter-final.
The other ties all pit clubs from the same divisions with Two West 's Aberystwyth hosting Loughor. The West Walians beat Aberystwyth 43-7 when they met earlier in the season and they will be looking for more of the same to repeat that form against a side with only two away league victories to date.
Two West leaders Maesteg take on Waunarlwydd of the same division at Llynfi Road but although the "Old Parish" are top of the table, Waunarlwydd drew at Maesteg and then beat them in the return at Roseland Road so they will be confident of causing an upset.
The final tie is between clubs from Two East with Llantwit Fardre entertaining Rhydyfelin.
Fardre won away 27-26 when the sides met in the league and this tie is sure to be just as closely fought.
Quarter-Finals
Aberystwyth v Loughor
Kenfig Hill v Brynmawr
Llantwit Fardre v Rhydyfelin
Waunarlwydd v Maesteg
SWALEC BOWL (Ties to be played weekend of 27 March, 2010)
Bethesda have had a superb season in Division Two North and they have taken that form into the SWALEC Bowl where they have beaten Bettws, Machynlleth, Beaufort, Bangor Univ, and Aberaeron to reach the quarter final.
They will host Trebanos of Five South West and though their visitors are doing well in their division, the North Walians will be keen to reach the next stage.
Risca of Four East play host to Pontardawe of Four South West while another Four East outfit in Abercarn, travel to Bridgend Sports of Five South Central.
The final tie sees Senghenydd of Five South East welcome Birchgrove of Five South West
Quarter-Finals
Bethesda v Trebanos
Bridgend Sports v Abercarn
Risca v Pontardawe
Senghenydd v Birchgrove
Ends
24.02.10 Wales Women boosted for France
WRU PRESS RELEASE
Issued: 22 February 2010
Wales Women boosted for France
Wales Women have been boosted by the news that centres Naomi Thomas and Clare Flowers have recovered from injury in time to face France at the Brewery Field on Sunday (2pm).
Thomas has missed the start of the Women's Six Nations due to a long-term knee injury and will be a major boost, while Flowers suffered a shoulder injury against England and missed the victory over Scotland a fortnight ago.
The returns will allow captain Mellissa Berry to move back to her more usual position of no 8 after filling in nicely in the centre, and for Rachel Taylor to return to lock after performing well at no 8.
Laura Prosser retains her place at scrum half, while Rhian Bowden, who came off the bench to make her return after injury against Scotland, starts at hooker for the first time in this campaign.
Wales Women head coach Jason Lewis said, "Naomi Thomas is one of the most naturally gifted footballers in the women's game and it's great to have her back along with Clare Flowers. Ceri Redman did excellently in our first two games after making her international debut against England which is great for our strength in depth in that area.
"This is a crucial game for us, there's no doubt about it. If we beat France we have a really good chance of finishing within the top two for the third consecutive season which would be a real achievement.
"Losing in France last season is something that still hurts. We had beaten them earlier in the season at the European Championships and we were guilty of underestimating them in the Six Nations. We certainly won't make the same mistake again and we'll have to be on the button both in attack and defence if we are to answer the questions France will ask of us. They will be a much tougher proposition than Scotland, although they lost to the Scots on the opening weekend."
Wales Women v France
The Brewery Field, Bridgend
Sunday 28 February, 2pm
Tickets for the match are £2.50 for Under 16s and £5 for adults
Non Evans (Cardiff Quins); Caryl James (Cardiff Quins), Naomi Thomas (Cardiff Quins), Clare Flowers (Bristol Ladies), Aimee Young (UWIC) ; Awen Thomas (Unattached), Laura Prosser (Cardiff Quins); 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: Becky Newton (Cardiff Quins), Hannah Roberts (UWIC), Claire Horgan (Saracens), Louise Horgan (Saracens), Amy Day (Bristol Ladies), Ceri Redman (UWIC), Mared Evans (UWIC)
For further information on Wales Under 20 and media accreditation for Friday's match, contact WRU communications manager Liz Jones tel 07736 056669 / lizjones@wru.co.uk
Issued: 22 February 2010
Wales Women boosted for France
Wales Women have been boosted by the news that centres Naomi Thomas and Clare Flowers have recovered from injury in time to face France at the Brewery Field on Sunday (2pm).
Thomas has missed the start of the Women's Six Nations due to a long-term knee injury and will be a major boost, while Flowers suffered a shoulder injury against England and missed the victory over Scotland a fortnight ago.
The returns will allow captain Mellissa Berry to move back to her more usual position of no 8 after filling in nicely in the centre, and for Rachel Taylor to return to lock after performing well at no 8.
Laura Prosser retains her place at scrum half, while Rhian Bowden, who came off the bench to make her return after injury against Scotland, starts at hooker for the first time in this campaign.
Wales Women head coach Jason Lewis said, "Naomi Thomas is one of the most naturally gifted footballers in the women's game and it's great to have her back along with Clare Flowers. Ceri Redman did excellently in our first two games after making her international debut against England which is great for our strength in depth in that area.
"This is a crucial game for us, there's no doubt about it. If we beat France we have a really good chance of finishing within the top two for the third consecutive season which would be a real achievement.
"Losing in France last season is something that still hurts. We had beaten them earlier in the season at the European Championships and we were guilty of underestimating them in the Six Nations. We certainly won't make the same mistake again and we'll have to be on the button both in attack and defence if we are to answer the questions France will ask of us. They will be a much tougher proposition than Scotland, although they lost to the Scots on the opening weekend."
Wales Women v France
The Brewery Field, Bridgend
Sunday 28 February, 2pm
Tickets for the match are £2.50 for Under 16s and £5 for adults
Non Evans (Cardiff Quins); Caryl James (Cardiff Quins), Naomi Thomas (Cardiff Quins), Clare Flowers (Bristol Ladies), Aimee Young (UWIC) ; Awen Thomas (Unattached), Laura Prosser (Cardiff Quins); 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: Becky Newton (Cardiff Quins), Hannah Roberts (UWIC), Claire Horgan (Saracens), Louise Horgan (Saracens), Amy Day (Bristol Ladies), Ceri Redman (UWIC), Mared Evans (UWIC)
For further information on Wales Under 20 and media accreditation for Friday's match, contact WRU communications manager Liz Jones tel 07736 056669 / lizjones@wru.co.uk
24.02.10 British and Irish Cup Update
British & Irish Cup Update
Wednesday February 24, 2010
Issued by the British & Irish Cup
Updated British & Irish Cup Pool C Table following the rearranged game between Aberavon and Moseley.
Tuesday 23 February 2010 at Talbot Athletic Grd
Aberavon (5) 10: Justin Tipuric(T) Marc Breeze(T)
Moseley (0) 0:
Attendance: 362
Pool C
Team P W D L F A TB LB Pts
London Welsh 3 3 0 0 100 47 3 0 15
Ulster Ravens 3 2 1 0 82 45 2 0 12
Aberavon 3 2 0 1 36 52 0 0 8
Bedford Blues 3 1 0 2 52 79 1 0 5
Llanelli 3 0 1 2 61 76 0 1 3
Moseley 3 0 0 3 48 80 1 0 1
Correction to match official - Michael Black, who will take charge of the Doncaster Knights v Birmingham & Solihull Bees Pool D game is an IRFU appointment, not WRU as stated.
Dave Barton
National Media Manager
Rugby Football Union
+44 (0)1453 845333
+44 (0)7736 517610
davebarton@rfu.com
Wednesday February 24, 2010
Issued by the British & Irish Cup
Updated British & Irish Cup Pool C Table following the rearranged game between Aberavon and Moseley.
Tuesday 23 February 2010 at Talbot Athletic Grd
Aberavon (5) 10: Justin Tipuric(T) Marc Breeze(T)
Moseley (0) 0:
Attendance: 362
Pool C
Team P W D L F A TB LB Pts
London Welsh 3 3 0 0 100 47 3 0 15
Ulster Ravens 3 2 1 0 82 45 2 0 12
Aberavon 3 2 0 1 36 52 0 0 8
Bedford Blues 3 1 0 2 52 79 1 0 5
Llanelli 3 0 1 2 61 76 0 1 3
Moseley 3 0 0 3 48 80 1 0 1
Correction to match official - Michael Black, who will take charge of the Doncaster Knights v Birmingham & Solihull Bees Pool D game is an IRFU appointment, not WRU as stated.
Dave Barton
National Media Manager
Rugby Football Union
+44 (0)1453 845333
+44 (0)7736 517610
davebarton@rfu.com
21.2.10
21.2.10 Marshall signs up for a 'Cracking Encounter'
MARSHALL SIGNS UP FOR A "CRACKING ENCOUNTER"
Issued: Sunday, 21 February, 2010
The Welsh Rugby Union will welcome All Blacks legend Justin Marshall as the Official Hospitality guest speaker at Wales' next home game of the RBS 6 Nations Championship on Friday, 26 February (kick-off 8.00pm).
The news is a great incentive for WRU hospitality box holders and fans looking to get their hands on tickets to what the former New Zealand star believes will be a "cracking encounter" when current championship high-flyers France face Warren Gatland's Wales at the Millennium Stadium.
"This is going to be the game of the round and an absolutely cracking encounter at the Millennium Stadium," said the Saracens half back who will entertain fans in possession of the hottest tickets in town available from £439 (plus vat) at Cardiff's iconic city centre venue.
"Wales will have learnt the lessons from the games played so far against England and Scotland and realise that they don't have to wait until they are behind on the scoreboard to perform and can be confident from the word go.
"Wales must take some encouragement from the way they played in the second half against Scotland. If they play their natural game I think that the campaign can be very positive for Wales."
The 88-times capped former All Black will be supporting the Welsh outfit from a VIP hospitality suite on level five of the Millennium Stadium, also used by the international coaching teams to install state-of-the art technical links that capture the live action and replays of every phase of play.
Marshall, the second most capped player in All Blacks history behind Sean Fitzpatrick, swapped South Wales for the South of France when he signed with Montpellier from the Ospreys for the 2008/09 season.
"France are playing very well and, as the big game between the two currently undefeated teams France and England is still to come, they will be at their very best," said Marshall.
"They will have elements of flamboyancy in their ranks but France now play a lot more structured rugby and this does not differ very much from the way other Northern Hemisphere teams play.
"Wales can take the courage shown against Scotland last week and have the confidence to perform from the outset against France."
Marshall played 49 games for the Welsh region that brought him to the hallowed turf of the Millennium Stadium three times, following his first outing to Cardiff with New Zealand when the gates opened for the illustrious 1999 IRB Rugby World Cup and again in 2001 for Wales' Autumn Internationals.
"The Millennium Stadium is probably the best stadium I've played in anywhere in the world," he said. "And with the superb facilities at the all-weather venue, I am looking forward to the first championship Friday night fixture at the Millennium Stadium."
The former Ospreys scrum half has been impressed with the performances of former team-mates Adam Jones, Shane Williams and Lee Byrne on returning from injury for the 2010 championship.
"The contributions of Adam Jones, Shane Williams and Lee Byrne have been superb, as were each of their performances on the British & Irish Lions tour," he said.
He also pays tribute to Blues scrum half Richie Rees: "He has done very well for the Blues and from what I have seen he slots right into the way that Wales have been playing. He does not look out of his depth with the Wales squad and the personnel around him will only help him grow as an international player. "
Welsh fans can get Justin Marshall's exclusive rugby insight and a VIP ticket to the RBS 6 Nations clash between Wales and France from £439 (per person, plus vat) at www.millenniumstadium.com.
WRU Official Hospitality lounge tickets are seated in a VIP area and include an official event programme and a limited edition gift, a fully-stocked bar, a three-course meal and guest speaker and All Black legend Justin Marshall.
For further information please contact Millennium Stadium communications manager Gemma James via email or mobile: gjames@wru.co.uk / 07725828498.
ENDS
Issued: Sunday, 21 February, 2010
The Welsh Rugby Union will welcome All Blacks legend Justin Marshall as the Official Hospitality guest speaker at Wales' next home game of the RBS 6 Nations Championship on Friday, 26 February (kick-off 8.00pm).
The news is a great incentive for WRU hospitality box holders and fans looking to get their hands on tickets to what the former New Zealand star believes will be a "cracking encounter" when current championship high-flyers France face Warren Gatland's Wales at the Millennium Stadium.
"This is going to be the game of the round and an absolutely cracking encounter at the Millennium Stadium," said the Saracens half back who will entertain fans in possession of the hottest tickets in town available from £439 (plus vat) at Cardiff's iconic city centre venue.
"Wales will have learnt the lessons from the games played so far against England and Scotland and realise that they don't have to wait until they are behind on the scoreboard to perform and can be confident from the word go.
"Wales must take some encouragement from the way they played in the second half against Scotland. If they play their natural game I think that the campaign can be very positive for Wales."
The 88-times capped former All Black will be supporting the Welsh outfit from a VIP hospitality suite on level five of the Millennium Stadium, also used by the international coaching teams to install state-of-the art technical links that capture the live action and replays of every phase of play.
Marshall, the second most capped player in All Blacks history behind Sean Fitzpatrick, swapped South Wales for the South of France when he signed with Montpellier from the Ospreys for the 2008/09 season.
"France are playing very well and, as the big game between the two currently undefeated teams France and England is still to come, they will be at their very best," said Marshall.
"They will have elements of flamboyancy in their ranks but France now play a lot more structured rugby and this does not differ very much from the way other Northern Hemisphere teams play.
"Wales can take the courage shown against Scotland last week and have the confidence to perform from the outset against France."
Marshall played 49 games for the Welsh region that brought him to the hallowed turf of the Millennium Stadium three times, following his first outing to Cardiff with New Zealand when the gates opened for the illustrious 1999 IRB Rugby World Cup and again in 2001 for Wales' Autumn Internationals.
"The Millennium Stadium is probably the best stadium I've played in anywhere in the world," he said. "And with the superb facilities at the all-weather venue, I am looking forward to the first championship Friday night fixture at the Millennium Stadium."
The former Ospreys scrum half has been impressed with the performances of former team-mates Adam Jones, Shane Williams and Lee Byrne on returning from injury for the 2010 championship.
"The contributions of Adam Jones, Shane Williams and Lee Byrne have been superb, as were each of their performances on the British & Irish Lions tour," he said.
He also pays tribute to Blues scrum half Richie Rees: "He has done very well for the Blues and from what I have seen he slots right into the way that Wales have been playing. He does not look out of his depth with the Wales squad and the personnel around him will only help him grow as an international player. "
Welsh fans can get Justin Marshall's exclusive rugby insight and a VIP ticket to the RBS 6 Nations clash between Wales and France from £439 (per person, plus vat) at www.millenniumstadium.com.
WRU Official Hospitality lounge tickets are seated in a VIP area and include an official event programme and a limited edition gift, a fully-stocked bar, a three-course meal and guest speaker and All Black legend Justin Marshall.
For further information please contact Millennium Stadium communications manager Gemma James via email or mobile: gjames@wru.co.uk / 07725828498.
ENDS
21.2.10 Peel called up to Wales squad
PEEL CALLED UP FOR WALES
Issued: 21 February, 2010
Dwayne Peel has been called into Wales' RBS 6 Nations squad preparing for Friday night's clash with France at the Millennium Stadium (kick-off 8.00 pm).
The Sale Sharks scrum half proved his fitness after coming through 80-minutes of rugby during Sales 19-10 defeat to Leeds Carnegie last Friday and replaces Scarlet Martin Roberts, who is released back to his region.
Peel, the 72-times capped former British & Irish Lion, has recovered from a groin problem to provide a welcome boost to the 34-man Wales squad and will now be in the selection mix ahead of tomorrow night's (Monday) team announcement (5.00 pm).
"It was important for us to see Dwayne come through 80 minutes of rugby," said Wales coach Warren Gatland.
"But once he proved his fitness it's obvious that a player of his experience and talents would provide a welcome boost to any squad."
Dwayne Peel
DoB: 31.08.81
Birthplace: Carmarthen
Position: Scrum Half
Height: 5'9" / 1.76m
Weight: 87kg /13st 9lbs
Honours: Wales (72 caps)
Debut: 17. 06.01 v Japan
ENDS
Issued: 21 February, 2010
Dwayne Peel has been called into Wales' RBS 6 Nations squad preparing for Friday night's clash with France at the Millennium Stadium (kick-off 8.00 pm).
The Sale Sharks scrum half proved his fitness after coming through 80-minutes of rugby during Sales 19-10 defeat to Leeds Carnegie last Friday and replaces Scarlet Martin Roberts, who is released back to his region.
Peel, the 72-times capped former British & Irish Lion, has recovered from a groin problem to provide a welcome boost to the 34-man Wales squad and will now be in the selection mix ahead of tomorrow night's (Monday) team announcement (5.00 pm).
"It was important for us to see Dwayne come through 80 minutes of rugby," said Wales coach Warren Gatland.
"But once he proved his fitness it's obvious that a player of his experience and talents would provide a welcome boost to any squad."
Dwayne Peel
DoB: 31.08.81
Birthplace: Carmarthen
Position: Scrum Half
Height: 5'9" / 1.76m
Weight: 87kg /13st 9lbs
Honours: Wales (72 caps)
Debut: 17. 06.01 v Japan
ENDS
20.2.10
20.02.10. James King out for up to 12 weeeks
King lay-off confirmed
Date: Friday 19th February 2010
Issued on behalf of Ospreys
Teenager James King will target a return to action in time to represent Wales at the IRB Junior World Championships in Argentina this summer after being ruled out through injury for a period of up to 12 weeks.
The 19-year old second row, who has made four senior appearances for the Ospreys this season, suffered a knee injury playing for Wales U20's in their recent Six Nations defeat to England, and now faces a race against time to be fit in time for the tournament which gets underway on 5th June. Wales begin their campaign against Samoa, before facing Fiji and then New Zealand in their final pool match.
Ospreys Physio, Daloni Lucas, confirmed the extent of King's injury, saying:
"James sustained a dislocated left patella, as well as rupturing associated soft tissue. Fortunately, he does not require surgery, so initially he faces a period of non-weight bearing on the injured leg to allow the ruptured tissue to heal, after which he faces a period of rehabilitation to regain leg strength, In total, he is looking at a 10-12 week lay-off, which should hopefully see him returning to fitness in time to make the Junior World Championships. Ospreys medical updates are sponsored by Vale Healthcare
ENDS
Date: Friday 19th February 2010
Issued on behalf of Ospreys
Teenager James King will target a return to action in time to represent Wales at the IRB Junior World Championships in Argentina this summer after being ruled out through injury for a period of up to 12 weeks.
The 19-year old second row, who has made four senior appearances for the Ospreys this season, suffered a knee injury playing for Wales U20's in their recent Six Nations defeat to England, and now faces a race against time to be fit in time for the tournament which gets underway on 5th June. Wales begin their campaign against Samoa, before facing Fiji and then New Zealand in their final pool match.
Ospreys Physio, Daloni Lucas, confirmed the extent of King's injury, saying:
"James sustained a dislocated left patella, as well as rupturing associated soft tissue. Fortunately, he does not require surgery, so initially he faces a period of non-weight bearing on the injured leg to allow the ruptured tissue to heal, after which he faces a period of rehabilitation to regain leg strength, In total, he is looking at a 10-12 week lay-off, which should hopefully see him returning to fitness in time to make the Junior World Championships. Ospreys medical updates are sponsored by Vale Healthcare
ENDS
19.2.10
19.02.10. WRU Statement- Bradley Davies sad loss
WRU STATEMENT
The Welsh Rugby Union has offered its sympathy to national squad member, Bradley Davies, over the sad and sudden loss of his mother who passed away overnight.
Wales coach Warren Gatland has spoken to the player and offered him the sympathy and support of the entire squad and management.
He has told the player to focus entirely on personal issues and his absence from any training or planning sessions will not count against his consideration for any of the forthcoming international fixtures.
Warren Gatland said:"Our thoughts and sympathies are with Bradley and his family and friends at this difficult time for them all.
"I have told Bradley that we fully understand that his focus is on this sad loss and his absence from any of our sessions will not count against his continued inclusion in the RBS 6 Nations squad.
"I will announce the team to play France on Monday and I have informed Bradley that he will be selected in the starting XV.
"His initial view is that his mother would be extremely proud of that and he wants to play any part he is selected for.
"Of course I will fully understand if he and his family come to any other decision and it is important now they spend time together to come to terms with their loss.
"We are extremely close as a squad and Bradley knows if he wants to be with the boys we'll welcome him and equally, we will understand if he needs to be away from the training park right now."
His mother Sheryl died suddenly after a short illness.
The Welsh Rugby Union has offered its sympathy to national squad member, Bradley Davies, over the sad and sudden loss of his mother who passed away overnight.
Wales coach Warren Gatland has spoken to the player and offered him the sympathy and support of the entire squad and management.
He has told the player to focus entirely on personal issues and his absence from any training or planning sessions will not count against his consideration for any of the forthcoming international fixtures.
Warren Gatland said:"Our thoughts and sympathies are with Bradley and his family and friends at this difficult time for them all.
"I have told Bradley that we fully understand that his focus is on this sad loss and his absence from any of our sessions will not count against his continued inclusion in the RBS 6 Nations squad.
"I will announce the team to play France on Monday and I have informed Bradley that he will be selected in the starting XV.
"His initial view is that his mother would be extremely proud of that and he wants to play any part he is selected for.
"Of course I will fully understand if he and his family come to any other decision and it is important now they spend time together to come to terms with their loss.
"We are extremely close as a squad and Bradley knows if he wants to be with the boys we'll welcome him and equally, we will understand if he needs to be away from the training park right now."
His mother Sheryl died suddenly after a short illness.
19.02.10. Blues Coach Millard returns to Australia
Millard gets ready for fresh challenge
For Immediate release: Friday 19th February 2010
Issued on behalf of Cardiff Blues
Having completed two very successful seasons with Cardiff Blues, Blues Backs Coach, Bill Millard will be leaving the region at the end of the season to pursue a new challenge.
Bill joined the Blues in 2008 having left his post with the Australian Rugby Union where he was coach of Australian Sevens. During his period with the Blues, the region reached the quarter final and semi finals stages of the Heineken Cup and picked up their first piece of silverware lifting the EDF Energy Cup last season.
Speaking of his decision to return home Bill Millard said,
"My two years with the Blues have been exactly what I wanted it to be - although I didn't think I would miss home so much."
"I have learnt a lot, met some friends for life and enjoyed the challenge of coaching in the northern hemisphere."
"Being involved in the quarter finals and semi finals of the Heineken Cup and winning the EDF Energy Cup at Twickenham are obviously great memories I take with me."
"I would like to thank everyone at Cardiff Blues for making me feel so welcome and for giving me the opportunity."
"There is a fair bit of rugby to go this season and obviously I want to continue to contribute as much as I can to the team over the forthcoming months."
David Young, Cardiff Blues Director of Rugby added,
"Bill has done a great job of not only developing the young players we have at the Blues but also has been a big part of our coaching team."
"Part of his brief when he arrived was to help develop two young Welsh coaches, Justin Burnell and Gareth Baber, who had both been previously coaching at the Blues Academy."
"It was always our intention for him to work for two seasons with the Blues, before passing on the reigns to our home grown talent."
"I would like to thank Bill for all his work since he arrived from Australia and wish him the best of luck with his future career."
For Immediate release: Friday 19th February 2010
Issued on behalf of Cardiff Blues
Having completed two very successful seasons with Cardiff Blues, Blues Backs Coach, Bill Millard will be leaving the region at the end of the season to pursue a new challenge.
Bill joined the Blues in 2008 having left his post with the Australian Rugby Union where he was coach of Australian Sevens. During his period with the Blues, the region reached the quarter final and semi finals stages of the Heineken Cup and picked up their first piece of silverware lifting the EDF Energy Cup last season.
Speaking of his decision to return home Bill Millard said,
"My two years with the Blues have been exactly what I wanted it to be - although I didn't think I would miss home so much."
"I have learnt a lot, met some friends for life and enjoyed the challenge of coaching in the northern hemisphere."
"Being involved in the quarter finals and semi finals of the Heineken Cup and winning the EDF Energy Cup at Twickenham are obviously great memories I take with me."
"I would like to thank everyone at Cardiff Blues for making me feel so welcome and for giving me the opportunity."
"There is a fair bit of rugby to go this season and obviously I want to continue to contribute as much as I can to the team over the forthcoming months."
David Young, Cardiff Blues Director of Rugby added,
"Bill has done a great job of not only developing the young players we have at the Blues but also has been a big part of our coaching team."
"Part of his brief when he arrived was to help develop two young Welsh coaches, Justin Burnell and Gareth Baber, who had both been previously coaching at the Blues Academy."
"It was always our intention for him to work for two seasons with the Blues, before passing on the reigns to our home grown talent."
"I would like to thank Bill for all his work since he arrived from Australia and wish him the best of luck with his future career."
19.2.10. Ospreys team to face Connacht
Ospreys team to face Connacht
Date: Friday 19th February 2010
Issued on behalf of Ospreys
The Ospreys team to Connacht in the Magners League on Sunday 21st February 2010 at Liberty Stadium, kick off at 5.00pm, will be as follows:-
15 Gareth Owen
14 Jonny Vaughton
13 Sonny Parker
12 Ashley Beck
11 Nikki Walker
10 Dan Biggar
9 Jamie Nutbrown
1 Ryan Bevington
2 Richard Hibbard
3 Craig Mitchell
4 Ian Gough (Capt)
5 Ian Evans
6 Tom Smith
7 Marty Holah
8 Filo Tiatia
Replacements:
16 Ed Shervington
17 Cai Griffiths
18 Andy Lloyd
19 Jerry Collins
20 Mike Phillips
21 Barry Davies
22 Tom Prydie
The following players were unavailable because of international duty:
Huw Bennett, Andrew Bishop,Tommy Bowe, Lee Byrne, James Hook, Paul James, Adam Jones, Ryan Jones, Kristian Phillips, Jonathan Thomas, Shane Williams
The following players were not considered because of injury:
Alun Wyn Jones - elbow
Ross Davies - fractured ankle/ligament damage
Duncan Jones - broken bone in foot
Tom Isaacs - shoulder
Lyndon Bateman - knee
Jonathan Spratt - back
Ospreys Director of Coaching, Scott Johnson, said:
"It's really good to get back into action again after spending the last couple of weeks just working hard in training while the Six Nations took centre stage. We're in a funny position at the moment, with so many kids away with their country, but I've always believed that when we are without the international boys, it's a real good opportunity for some of other boys in the squad to front up.
"It's never an easy time for us to deal with, with so many players unavailable, but we've done a lot of work to plan and prepare for this. Yes, we've got the benefit of boys coming back to us from Wales in Dan Biggar, Ian Gough and Tom Prydie, which will help us, but make no mistake about it, this week is about the core group of players who have been waiting for their chance to show management what they can do, and why they should be in the team. Young players come and ask me why they are not in the team. It's my turn to sit in my office and say: 'Give me a reason not to pick you'. It's their chance in the sun.
"The LV= Cup has been very good for us over the last month, in that it's given us the chance to play these kids together, to try out some combinations and for us to generally shake off the rustiness that some of the players were inevitably suffering because they haven't played much together over the last few months. It's allowed us to work together over a period of time, for them to get used to each other, and there's been improvements week on week. They know that this is their chance so I'm expecting them to improve again this weekend.
"It's not going to be a walk in the park for us, we know that we have to roll up our sleeves and battle on Sunday. There isn't a person in rugby who can say they don't know the kind of team Connacht is. They are brave, will not go away and they'll be competitive at all levels. They are vastly underrated because they don't have the big names, but there's much to admire about them and they will push us all the way, of that I'm sure. We know what to expect, and we know that we have to prepare for this in the right way or we will find out for ourselves exactly how capable Connacht are of giving anyone a bloody nose."
Forthcoming Fixtures
Sun 7th Mar - Edinburgh V Ospreys - Magners League - Murrayfield - 2.00pm
Sat 27th Mar - Newport Gwent Dragons V Ospreys - Magners League - Rodney Parade - 6.30pm
Date: Friday 19th February 2010
Issued on behalf of Ospreys
The Ospreys team to Connacht in the Magners League on Sunday 21st February 2010 at Liberty Stadium, kick off at 5.00pm, will be as follows:-
15 Gareth Owen
14 Jonny Vaughton
13 Sonny Parker
12 Ashley Beck
11 Nikki Walker
10 Dan Biggar
9 Jamie Nutbrown
1 Ryan Bevington
2 Richard Hibbard
3 Craig Mitchell
4 Ian Gough (Capt)
5 Ian Evans
6 Tom Smith
7 Marty Holah
8 Filo Tiatia
Replacements:
16 Ed Shervington
17 Cai Griffiths
18 Andy Lloyd
19 Jerry Collins
20 Mike Phillips
21 Barry Davies
22 Tom Prydie
The following players were unavailable because of international duty:
Huw Bennett, Andrew Bishop,Tommy Bowe, Lee Byrne, James Hook, Paul James, Adam Jones, Ryan Jones, Kristian Phillips, Jonathan Thomas, Shane Williams
The following players were not considered because of injury:
Alun Wyn Jones - elbow
Ross Davies - fractured ankle/ligament damage
Duncan Jones - broken bone in foot
Tom Isaacs - shoulder
Lyndon Bateman - knee
Jonathan Spratt - back
Ospreys Director of Coaching, Scott Johnson, said:
"It's really good to get back into action again after spending the last couple of weeks just working hard in training while the Six Nations took centre stage. We're in a funny position at the moment, with so many kids away with their country, but I've always believed that when we are without the international boys, it's a real good opportunity for some of other boys in the squad to front up.
"It's never an easy time for us to deal with, with so many players unavailable, but we've done a lot of work to plan and prepare for this. Yes, we've got the benefit of boys coming back to us from Wales in Dan Biggar, Ian Gough and Tom Prydie, which will help us, but make no mistake about it, this week is about the core group of players who have been waiting for their chance to show management what they can do, and why they should be in the team. Young players come and ask me why they are not in the team. It's my turn to sit in my office and say: 'Give me a reason not to pick you'. It's their chance in the sun.
"The LV= Cup has been very good for us over the last month, in that it's given us the chance to play these kids together, to try out some combinations and for us to generally shake off the rustiness that some of the players were inevitably suffering because they haven't played much together over the last few months. It's allowed us to work together over a period of time, for them to get used to each other, and there's been improvements week on week. They know that this is their chance so I'm expecting them to improve again this weekend.
"It's not going to be a walk in the park for us, we know that we have to roll up our sleeves and battle on Sunday. There isn't a person in rugby who can say they don't know the kind of team Connacht is. They are brave, will not go away and they'll be competitive at all levels. They are vastly underrated because they don't have the big names, but there's much to admire about them and they will push us all the way, of that I'm sure. We know what to expect, and we know that we have to prepare for this in the right way or we will find out for ourselves exactly how capable Connacht are of giving anyone a bloody nose."
Forthcoming Fixtures
Sun 7th Mar - Edinburgh V Ospreys - Magners League - Murrayfield - 2.00pm
Sat 27th Mar - Newport Gwent Dragons V Ospreys - Magners League - Rodney Parade - 6.30pm
19.2.10.London Welsh Brown joins Blues
Cardiff Blues are delighted to confirm the signing of young back-row forward Tom Brown.
The former Wales U21 international played for the Wales under 21 side in the Six Nations and was followed by selection for the U21 World Cup in 2004 playing against South Africa, England, France and Russia.
That same year Tom represented Wales in rugby league, at the European Nations Cup, having previously played rugby league for conference side Gloucester Warriors before getting involved with England Lionhearts.
The former Sports Conditioning and Coaching student at Hartpury College, Gloucester, qualifies for both Wales and England through his parents.
Danny Wilson, former Skills Coach at the Blues Academy who is now the London Welsh Head Coach said,
"It will be difficult to replace a player of Tom's calibre but we are pleased that he is going on to bigger and better things."
"He has worked hard here at London Welsh for the past two years and fully deserves his chance with Cardiff Blues."
"He's going to my former club which will be a great place for him to learn and take the next step up in his playing career."
Speaking of the signing Cardiff Blues Director of Rugby, David Young added,
"Tom is a young back row forward with bags of potential and we are delighted that he is joining the Blues from London Welsh."
"We are keen to have more youngsters in the squad who bring that energy, hunger and desire that all squads need and Tom certainly fits that bill."
"He's a strong ball carrier and will provide a platform for us going forward."
Tom Brown said, "It's great to have signed for the Blues and I'm really looking forward to getting my opportunity to both train with them and, hopefully, play for them."
"Playing for the Blues will be a massive challenge, but one that I'm really looking forward to. It will be a step up in intensity and physicality but that is one of the reasons why I joined."
"It will be great to train and play alongside international players, and I'm also looking forward to playing against international players in the Magners League and Cup competitions."
"I've been following the team for some time and recently they have had a great month with their performances in the cup competitions."
"I've been down to see the Stadium and Training Facilities and they are brilliant. I've been really impressed with everything I've seen."
"Having been raised in Hong Kong and attending University in Gloucestershire, I'm looking forward to living in Wales and I can't wait to move down to Cardiff."
"I know Andries Pretorius through University friends so it will be good to catch up with him again."
Tom Brown
Position: Back-row Forward
DOB: 20/5/1983
Height: 6ft 2
Weight: 17st 4lbs - 110Kg
Previous Clubs: Coventry, Worcester Warriors, Newbury Blues, London Welsh
Rep Honours: Wales (RL), Wales U21
The former Wales U21 international played for the Wales under 21 side in the Six Nations and was followed by selection for the U21 World Cup in 2004 playing against South Africa, England, France and Russia.
That same year Tom represented Wales in rugby league, at the European Nations Cup, having previously played rugby league for conference side Gloucester Warriors before getting involved with England Lionhearts.
The former Sports Conditioning and Coaching student at Hartpury College, Gloucester, qualifies for both Wales and England through his parents.
Danny Wilson, former Skills Coach at the Blues Academy who is now the London Welsh Head Coach said,
"It will be difficult to replace a player of Tom's calibre but we are pleased that he is going on to bigger and better things."
"He has worked hard here at London Welsh for the past two years and fully deserves his chance with Cardiff Blues."
"He's going to my former club which will be a great place for him to learn and take the next step up in his playing career."
Speaking of the signing Cardiff Blues Director of Rugby, David Young added,
"Tom is a young back row forward with bags of potential and we are delighted that he is joining the Blues from London Welsh."
"We are keen to have more youngsters in the squad who bring that energy, hunger and desire that all squads need and Tom certainly fits that bill."
"He's a strong ball carrier and will provide a platform for us going forward."
Tom Brown said, "It's great to have signed for the Blues and I'm really looking forward to getting my opportunity to both train with them and, hopefully, play for them."
"Playing for the Blues will be a massive challenge, but one that I'm really looking forward to. It will be a step up in intensity and physicality but that is one of the reasons why I joined."
"It will be great to train and play alongside international players, and I'm also looking forward to playing against international players in the Magners League and Cup competitions."
"I've been following the team for some time and recently they have had a great month with their performances in the cup competitions."
"I've been down to see the Stadium and Training Facilities and they are brilliant. I've been really impressed with everything I've seen."
"Having been raised in Hong Kong and attending University in Gloucestershire, I'm looking forward to living in Wales and I can't wait to move down to Cardiff."
"I know Andries Pretorius through University friends so it will be good to catch up with him again."
Tom Brown
Position: Back-row Forward
DOB: 20/5/1983
Height: 6ft 2
Weight: 17st 4lbs - 110Kg
Previous Clubs: Coventry, Worcester Warriors, Newbury Blues, London Welsh
Rep Honours: Wales (RL), Wales U21
18.2.10
18.2.10.Wales trio back to strengthen SCARLETS trip to Leinster
WALES TRIO BACK TO STRENGTHEN SCARLETS FOR TRIP TO LEINSTER
Dyddiad/Date: Thursday 18th February 2010
Cyhoeddwyd ar ran y Scarlets/Issued on behalf of Scarlets
The Scarlets are reunited with Wales trio Martin Roberts, Jonathan Davies and recently called-up Ken Owens for their key Magners League match away at Leinster this Saturday (20th February) at the RDS.
After Leinster did the double on the Scarlets in the Heineken Cup in December, Nigel Davies' side will be looking to put the record straight. The Scarlets beat the European Champions 18 v 16 in the opening Magners League game of the season back in early September at Parc y Scarlets.
Scrum half Martin Roberts starts with the exciting centre partnership of Jonathan Davies and Regan King reunited for the first time in a year. King starts in his second game for the region after returning from a long-term hamstring injury.
And Scarlets Head Coach Nigel Davies has given impressive young Llanelli full-back Dan Newton his first opportunity to start for the region. Dan Newton, 20, has been showing success with the boot in recent games in the Premiership with Llanelli RFC. Daniel Evans moves from full-back to the wing.
David Lyons captains the side for the away fixture against the Irish giants on Saturday evening with Magners League points vital to the Scarlets in their bid to climb the table and secure their place in Europe next season.
Head Coach Nigel Davies said: "Leinster are a strong squad and have depth, even without a number of their internationals and that's what you need to be successful as a team. It will be a big challenge for us but we'll look forward to a good game out there, we've been going pretty well in the past month.
"If you look at our season so far considering where we have come from, we can been reasonably happy with what we achieved, as runners-up in our group in the Heineken Cup and joint top of the LV=Cup pool. We need to concentrate on results in the Magners League now, we've come close a number of times in our Magners games, shown by the number of losing bonus points we've secured. We now have to turn those performances into results.
On selection, Davies said the Scarlets travelling away support could look forward to the centre partnership between Jon Davies and Regan King back on the field.
"That's something to be excited about, it should be quite intriguing to see.
"In the backs, Dan Evans is comfortable on the wing, he has all the skills and pace needed and will slot in there nicely. Dan Newton has been playing well in the Premiership and deserves a chance. He came on in Connacht earlier in the season and made an impact and got us a bonus point in that game.
"He hasn't had many opportunities but we think he will link in well and do a good job for us.
"It's a big game for Ken Owens as well, he's being playing very well all year and if he maintains his consistency and puts in another strong performance at the weekend, he will be pushing hard for selection for Wales against France next week, no doubt."
The Scarlets squad is without wingers Morgan Stoddart who has a groin injury and will be out for six weeks as well as Lee Williams who has a fractured eye socket and will be out for four weeks. Other Scarlets on the long-term injury list include senior internationals Simon Easterby, Dafydd Jones (expected to return in March) and captain Mark Jones.
Scarlets selection v Leinster; Magners League 20th February 2010 (KO 1830) at Royal Dublin Society.
15 Dan Newton, 14 Daniel Evans, 13 Regan King, 12 Jon Davies 11 Andy Fenby, 10 Rhys Priestland, 9 Martin Roberts, 1 Iestyn Thomas, 2 Ken Owens, 3 Deacon Manu, 4 Dominic Day, 5 Damian Welch, 6 Rob McCusker, 7 Johnathan Edwards 8 David Lyons (capt).
Replacements: 16 Phil John, 17 Emyr Phillips, 18 Rhys Thomas, 19 Vernon Cooper, 20 Josh Turnbull , 21 Tavis Knoyle, 22 Gareth Maule.
For further information please contact Antonia Lamont on 07974 421665 or email antonia@scarlets.co.uk / antonia@lamont-pr.co.uk.
Dyddiad/Date: Thursday 18th February 2010
Cyhoeddwyd ar ran y Scarlets/Issued on behalf of Scarlets
The Scarlets are reunited with Wales trio Martin Roberts, Jonathan Davies and recently called-up Ken Owens for their key Magners League match away at Leinster this Saturday (20th February) at the RDS.
After Leinster did the double on the Scarlets in the Heineken Cup in December, Nigel Davies' side will be looking to put the record straight. The Scarlets beat the European Champions 18 v 16 in the opening Magners League game of the season back in early September at Parc y Scarlets.
Scrum half Martin Roberts starts with the exciting centre partnership of Jonathan Davies and Regan King reunited for the first time in a year. King starts in his second game for the region after returning from a long-term hamstring injury.
And Scarlets Head Coach Nigel Davies has given impressive young Llanelli full-back Dan Newton his first opportunity to start for the region. Dan Newton, 20, has been showing success with the boot in recent games in the Premiership with Llanelli RFC. Daniel Evans moves from full-back to the wing.
David Lyons captains the side for the away fixture against the Irish giants on Saturday evening with Magners League points vital to the Scarlets in their bid to climb the table and secure their place in Europe next season.
Head Coach Nigel Davies said: "Leinster are a strong squad and have depth, even without a number of their internationals and that's what you need to be successful as a team. It will be a big challenge for us but we'll look forward to a good game out there, we've been going pretty well in the past month.
"If you look at our season so far considering where we have come from, we can been reasonably happy with what we achieved, as runners-up in our group in the Heineken Cup and joint top of the LV=Cup pool. We need to concentrate on results in the Magners League now, we've come close a number of times in our Magners games, shown by the number of losing bonus points we've secured. We now have to turn those performances into results.
On selection, Davies said the Scarlets travelling away support could look forward to the centre partnership between Jon Davies and Regan King back on the field.
"That's something to be excited about, it should be quite intriguing to see.
"In the backs, Dan Evans is comfortable on the wing, he has all the skills and pace needed and will slot in there nicely. Dan Newton has been playing well in the Premiership and deserves a chance. He came on in Connacht earlier in the season and made an impact and got us a bonus point in that game.
"He hasn't had many opportunities but we think he will link in well and do a good job for us.
"It's a big game for Ken Owens as well, he's being playing very well all year and if he maintains his consistency and puts in another strong performance at the weekend, he will be pushing hard for selection for Wales against France next week, no doubt."
The Scarlets squad is without wingers Morgan Stoddart who has a groin injury and will be out for six weeks as well as Lee Williams who has a fractured eye socket and will be out for four weeks. Other Scarlets on the long-term injury list include senior internationals Simon Easterby, Dafydd Jones (expected to return in March) and captain Mark Jones.
Scarlets selection v Leinster; Magners League 20th February 2010 (KO 1830) at Royal Dublin Society.
15 Dan Newton, 14 Daniel Evans, 13 Regan King, 12 Jon Davies 11 Andy Fenby, 10 Rhys Priestland, 9 Martin Roberts, 1 Iestyn Thomas, 2 Ken Owens, 3 Deacon Manu, 4 Dominic Day, 5 Damian Welch, 6 Rob McCusker, 7 Johnathan Edwards 8 David Lyons (capt).
Replacements: 16 Phil John, 17 Emyr Phillips, 18 Rhys Thomas, 19 Vernon Cooper, 20 Josh Turnbull , 21 Tavis Knoyle, 22 Gareth Maule.
For further information please contact Antonia Lamont on 07974 421665 or email antonia@scarlets.co.uk / antonia@lamont-pr.co.uk.
18.2.10 Tovey retains No 10 shirt for Dragons visit to Ulster
Wales Under 20 star Jason Tovey is set to start at outside half following the strong performances in the LV= Cup last month, with Martyn Thomas retaining the number 15 shirt as they take on Ulster at Ravenhill on Friday night (19:05).
Welsh lock Luke Charteris will return to captain the Dragons with Welsh teammate Danny Lydiate is also set to start in the back row.
Following his strong performances against both the Ospreys and Saracens, Will Harries returns from the Las Vegas of the Sevens circuit with Wales to start on the wing.
It’s all change on the centres as Tom Riley comes in for Matthew Watkins and Rhodri Gomer Davies replaces Ashley Smith at 12.
Dragons team for Ulster
Martyn Thomas, Will Harries, Tom Riley, Rhodri Gomer Davies, Aled Brew; Jason Tovey; Wayne Evans; Hugh Gustafson, Steve Jones, Pat Palmer, Rob Sidoli, Luke Charteris, Danny Lydiate, Gavin Thomas, Grant Webb.
Replacements
Tom Willis, Ben Castle, Adam Jones, James Harris, Matthew Watkins, James Arlidge, James Leadbeater
Welsh lock Luke Charteris will return to captain the Dragons with Welsh teammate Danny Lydiate is also set to start in the back row.
Following his strong performances against both the Ospreys and Saracens, Will Harries returns from the Las Vegas of the Sevens circuit with Wales to start on the wing.
It’s all change on the centres as Tom Riley comes in for Matthew Watkins and Rhodri Gomer Davies replaces Ashley Smith at 12.
Dragons team for Ulster
Martyn Thomas, Will Harries, Tom Riley, Rhodri Gomer Davies, Aled Brew; Jason Tovey; Wayne Evans; Hugh Gustafson, Steve Jones, Pat Palmer, Rob Sidoli, Luke Charteris, Danny Lydiate, Gavin Thomas, Grant Webb.
Replacements
Tom Willis, Ben Castle, Adam Jones, James Harris, Matthew Watkins, James Arlidge, James Leadbeater
18.2.10 Jenkins, Williams and Rees miss French clash
WALES TRIO TO MISS FRANCE GAME
Issued: Thursday, 18 February, 2010
Wales physio Mark Davies today confirmed Matthew Rees, Gethin Jenkins and Gareth Williams will not be available for selection for the RBS 6 Nations clash with France at the Millennium Stadium a week tomorrow (kick-off 8.00pm)
Scarlets hooker Rees has failed to recover from a groin problem, Blues prop Gethin Jenkins has a calf injury and fellow Blues player, hooker Gareth Williams, has damaged knee ligaments.
"Matthew (Rees) is progressing well and will continue his rehab in camp with Wales," said Davies.
"He will undergo exhaustive testing over the next few days which will give us a clearer idea of when he may be available, but we can confirm that the France game will come too soon for him.
"Gethin (Jenkins) has been scanned since leaving the field against Scotland and, as we thought, he has aggravated the calf injury which kept him out against England. At this stage we are not putting a time limit on his recovery, but again we know he will not take the field against France.
"Gareth (Williams) sustained medial ligament damage to his knee during the win over Scotland last weekend. He will undertake a rest and rehab programme and his progress will be re-assessed next week, but the injury rules him out of contention for the Friday night Test."
Issued: Thursday, 18 February, 2010
Wales physio Mark Davies today confirmed Matthew Rees, Gethin Jenkins and Gareth Williams will not be available for selection for the RBS 6 Nations clash with France at the Millennium Stadium a week tomorrow (kick-off 8.00pm)
Scarlets hooker Rees has failed to recover from a groin problem, Blues prop Gethin Jenkins has a calf injury and fellow Blues player, hooker Gareth Williams, has damaged knee ligaments.
"Matthew (Rees) is progressing well and will continue his rehab in camp with Wales," said Davies.
"He will undergo exhaustive testing over the next few days which will give us a clearer idea of when he may be available, but we can confirm that the France game will come too soon for him.
"Gethin (Jenkins) has been scanned since leaving the field against Scotland and, as we thought, he has aggravated the calf injury which kept him out against England. At this stage we are not putting a time limit on his recovery, but again we know he will not take the field against France.
"Gareth (Williams) sustained medial ligament damage to his knee during the win over Scotland last weekend. He will undertake a rest and rehab programme and his progress will be re-assessed next week, but the injury rules him out of contention for the Friday night Test."
18.2.10. Blues side at Glasgow
17 February 2010, 2:48 pm
Young selects side to face Glasgow
Cardiff Blues travel to Glasgow this Friday to face table toppers Glasgow Warriors, who are unbeaten in their last six encounters in the Magners League since September.
Cardiff Blues have won their last four matches in all competitions but have slipped to back to back defeats in the Magners League and face a Glasgow side who have won their last four games at Firhill in all competitions.
The Blues have been boosted by the return of Tom Shanklin, Gareth Cooper, Deiniol jones and Tom James from the Wales squad while Andy Powell does not feature, as the Blues never intended to use him for this match.
Cardiff Blues have also been hampered by injuries to Gavin Evans (shoulder), Richard Mustoe (groin) Gareth Thomas (illness) and Robin Sowden Taylor (Achilles), and face a Glasgow team that have won three of their last four clashes with Cardiff Blues, whilst the Blues only previous victory on Glasgow home soil was 28-23 at Hughenden in September 2005.
Speaking ahead of the match Cardiff Blues Director of Rugby, David Young said,
"We haven't got a very good record up there and we always find it a very difficult place to win."
"I wouldn't have thought our arch enemy, and hopefully new found hero next season, Dan Parks will be playing."
"He's really caused us problems every time we've played up there but they've got a strong squad, and it's never an easy place to play as our record suggests," added Young.
"It's a key game for us and we've got to look at picking up points in every game now. There are only seven games left so every match is massively important."
"We've lost a number of players, and at the minute we've lost 45% of our squad to international duty."
"If you look at our squad we're only carrying 38-40 players, so when you lose 13 of them and then another 3 on Under 20's duty we're without about 45% of our squad."
"It is frustrating, but at the end of the day that's something you've got to plan for and we're lucky that we haven't got many more injuries than we've got, because we'd really be struggling to put a team together for such an important game."
Blues starting XV:
15 Ben Blair 14 Tom James 13 Casey Laulala 12 Tom Shanklin 11 Chris Czekaj 10 Ceri Sweeney 9 Gareth Cooper
8 Xavier Rush 7 Ben White 6 Maama Molitika 5 Paul Tito (c) 4 Deiniol jones 3 Gary Powell 2 T Rhys Thomas 1 Taufa'ao Filise
Replacements:
16 Huw Dowden 17 Scott Andrews 18 Scott Morgan 19 Andries Pretorius 20 Darren Allinson 21 Sam Norton-Knight 22 Dafydd Hewitt
Cardiff Blues March fixtures
Sun 7 Mar 16:00 ML Cardiff Blues v Leinster Cardiff City Stadium
Sun 14 Mar 12:15 LVC-SF Cardiff Blues v Gloucester Rugby Cardiff City Stadium
Fri 26 Mar 19:05 ML Cardiff Blues v Ulster Rugby Cardiff City Stadium
Author: cardiffblues.com
Young selects side to face Glasgow
Cardiff Blues travel to Glasgow this Friday to face table toppers Glasgow Warriors, who are unbeaten in their last six encounters in the Magners League since September.
Cardiff Blues have won their last four matches in all competitions but have slipped to back to back defeats in the Magners League and face a Glasgow side who have won their last four games at Firhill in all competitions.
The Blues have been boosted by the return of Tom Shanklin, Gareth Cooper, Deiniol jones and Tom James from the Wales squad while Andy Powell does not feature, as the Blues never intended to use him for this match.
Cardiff Blues have also been hampered by injuries to Gavin Evans (shoulder), Richard Mustoe (groin) Gareth Thomas (illness) and Robin Sowden Taylor (Achilles), and face a Glasgow team that have won three of their last four clashes with Cardiff Blues, whilst the Blues only previous victory on Glasgow home soil was 28-23 at Hughenden in September 2005.
Speaking ahead of the match Cardiff Blues Director of Rugby, David Young said,
"We haven't got a very good record up there and we always find it a very difficult place to win."
"I wouldn't have thought our arch enemy, and hopefully new found hero next season, Dan Parks will be playing."
"He's really caused us problems every time we've played up there but they've got a strong squad, and it's never an easy place to play as our record suggests," added Young.
"It's a key game for us and we've got to look at picking up points in every game now. There are only seven games left so every match is massively important."
"We've lost a number of players, and at the minute we've lost 45% of our squad to international duty."
"If you look at our squad we're only carrying 38-40 players, so when you lose 13 of them and then another 3 on Under 20's duty we're without about 45% of our squad."
"It is frustrating, but at the end of the day that's something you've got to plan for and we're lucky that we haven't got many more injuries than we've got, because we'd really be struggling to put a team together for such an important game."
Blues starting XV:
15 Ben Blair 14 Tom James 13 Casey Laulala 12 Tom Shanklin 11 Chris Czekaj 10 Ceri Sweeney 9 Gareth Cooper
8 Xavier Rush 7 Ben White 6 Maama Molitika 5 Paul Tito (c) 4 Deiniol jones 3 Gary Powell 2 T Rhys Thomas 1 Taufa'ao Filise
Replacements:
16 Huw Dowden 17 Scott Andrews 18 Scott Morgan 19 Andries Pretorius 20 Darren Allinson 21 Sam Norton-Knight 22 Dafydd Hewitt
Cardiff Blues March fixtures
Sun 7 Mar 16:00 ML Cardiff Blues v Leinster Cardiff City Stadium
Sun 14 Mar 12:15 LVC-SF Cardiff Blues v Gloucester Rugby Cardiff City Stadium
Fri 26 Mar 19:05 ML Cardiff Blues v Ulster Rugby Cardiff City Stadium
Author: cardiffblues.com
17.2.10
17.2.10. Dale Ford wins Principality Player of the month award
FORD STEAMS IN FOR FIRST PRINCIPALITY PREMIERSHIP PLAYER OF THE MONTH OF 2010
Llanelli full back and wing Dale Ford has won the Principality Premiership Player of the Month award for January.
Eighteen year old Ford has turned heads this season with nine tries in all competitions, including six in the last four games, and thirteen points with the boot.
Principality Premiership head coaches, WRU and Regional academy staff, and selected journalists select the winner who receives £100 from the Principality Building Society, title sponsors of the competition.
He said, "We have started to pull things together as a team at Llanelli. Where we were losing games by a few points before Christmas, we have recently been winning them by the same short margin and that has given me confidence to go out and express myself a bit more. We've been able to get the ball into the right areas of the park and luckily for me, I've been getting on the end of some tries.
"My aim now is to keep playing well. I'm involved in the wider Wales Under 20 squad and I'd love to try my luck at that level, and obviously long-term, the objective is to play regional rugby. I trained and played for the Scarlets in pre-season and it was great to train and rub shoulders with the senior players, I learned so much just from being around them."
Llanelli Head of Rugby Anthony Buchanan said, "Dale is a talented young player who has come through our academy system and taken to senior rugby extremely well. Dale fully deserves this award and I have no doubt his talent will take him onto bigger things and more honours of this kind.
"This season has been a challenging one for Llanelli RFC but we will keep accepting those challenges, and hopefully continue to improve as the season goes on. Dale has been a huge contributor in our improved fifth position in the league."
Lucy Richards at Principality's Llanelli branch welcomed the opportunity to present Dale with his award and commented: "We are delighted that this month's award has gone to a talented local player and it was a pleasure to meet Dale in the branch and give him his award. Competition in the Principality Premiership gets harder every year. We wish the team every success as the season progresses."
Ford started his junior rugby at Trimsaran RFC and moved onto Burry Port where he played youth rugby. He has been at the Scarlets academy for two seasons and is currently studying sport and exercise at Coleg Sir Gar.
Dale Ford factfile:
DoB: 16.12.91, Swansea
Club: Llanelli / Scarlets academy
Position: Full back / wing
Nickname: Snail
Player most admired: Regan King
Biggest impact on career - my father Paul and Rob Appleyard, Scarlets academy skills coach
Career outside rugby: Coleg Sir Gar student
Other sports: Squash, snooker
For further information contact Liz Jones, WRU Communications Manager, tel 07736 056669 / email lizjones@wru.co.uk
Ends
Llanelli full back and wing Dale Ford has won the Principality Premiership Player of the Month award for January.
Eighteen year old Ford has turned heads this season with nine tries in all competitions, including six in the last four games, and thirteen points with the boot.
Principality Premiership head coaches, WRU and Regional academy staff, and selected journalists select the winner who receives £100 from the Principality Building Society, title sponsors of the competition.
He said, "We have started to pull things together as a team at Llanelli. Where we were losing games by a few points before Christmas, we have recently been winning them by the same short margin and that has given me confidence to go out and express myself a bit more. We've been able to get the ball into the right areas of the park and luckily for me, I've been getting on the end of some tries.
"My aim now is to keep playing well. I'm involved in the wider Wales Under 20 squad and I'd love to try my luck at that level, and obviously long-term, the objective is to play regional rugby. I trained and played for the Scarlets in pre-season and it was great to train and rub shoulders with the senior players, I learned so much just from being around them."
Llanelli Head of Rugby Anthony Buchanan said, "Dale is a talented young player who has come through our academy system and taken to senior rugby extremely well. Dale fully deserves this award and I have no doubt his talent will take him onto bigger things and more honours of this kind.
"This season has been a challenging one for Llanelli RFC but we will keep accepting those challenges, and hopefully continue to improve as the season goes on. Dale has been a huge contributor in our improved fifth position in the league."
Lucy Richards at Principality's Llanelli branch welcomed the opportunity to present Dale with his award and commented: "We are delighted that this month's award has gone to a talented local player and it was a pleasure to meet Dale in the branch and give him his award. Competition in the Principality Premiership gets harder every year. We wish the team every success as the season progresses."
Ford started his junior rugby at Trimsaran RFC and moved onto Burry Port where he played youth rugby. He has been at the Scarlets academy for two seasons and is currently studying sport and exercise at Coleg Sir Gar.
Dale Ford factfile:
DoB: 16.12.91, Swansea
Club: Llanelli / Scarlets academy
Position: Full back / wing
Nickname: Snail
Player most admired: Regan King
Biggest impact on career - my father Paul and Rob Appleyard, Scarlets academy skills coach
Career outside rugby: Coleg Sir Gar student
Other sports: Squash, snooker
For further information contact Liz Jones, WRU Communications Manager, tel 07736 056669 / email lizjones@wru.co.uk
Ends
17.2.10. Alun Wyn out for 6-12 weeks
PRESS RELEASE FROM WELSH RUGBY UNION:
Wales lock Alun Wyn Jones will undergo surgery tomorrow (Wed) on his elbow which will see him in recovery for six to 12 weeks, ruling him out of the rest of the 2010 RBS 6 Nations championship.
Jones picked up the injury to his arm around the 36th minute mark of Wales' dramatic victory over Scotland at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday, but after being assessed and treated at half-time was able to continue and make a full contribution for the remainder of the game.
However, further investigation to the elbow has revealed a chipped bone and ligament damage which means surgical intervention is the best course of action.
"Alun Wyn experienced some swelling to the joint the day after the game and was sent for a scan, after receiving those results and after further consultation with surgeons today, it has been concluded that the chipped bone needs to be removed and the ligament to be repaired in order to ensure a stable joint," said Wales physio Mark Davies.
"The necessary period of recovery will be six to 12 weeks ruling him out of the rest of the current 6 Nations and allowing him to target an end of season return for the Ospreys."
Jones will not be replaced in the Wales squad meaning head coach Warren Gatland and his team of coaches will now train with a squad of 34 players as they prepare to face France at the Millennium Stadium a week Friday night (26th February, kick-off 8.00pm).
For further information please contact:
Simon Rimmer
Wales National Squad Communications Manager
Email (inc blackberry): srimmer@wru.co.uk
M: 07825 981 128
Ends.
Wales lock Alun Wyn Jones will undergo surgery tomorrow (Wed) on his elbow which will see him in recovery for six to 12 weeks, ruling him out of the rest of the 2010 RBS 6 Nations championship.
Jones picked up the injury to his arm around the 36th minute mark of Wales' dramatic victory over Scotland at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday, but after being assessed and treated at half-time was able to continue and make a full contribution for the remainder of the game.
However, further investigation to the elbow has revealed a chipped bone and ligament damage which means surgical intervention is the best course of action.
"Alun Wyn experienced some swelling to the joint the day after the game and was sent for a scan, after receiving those results and after further consultation with surgeons today, it has been concluded that the chipped bone needs to be removed and the ligament to be repaired in order to ensure a stable joint," said Wales physio Mark Davies.
"The necessary period of recovery will be six to 12 weeks ruling him out of the rest of the current 6 Nations and allowing him to target an end of season return for the Ospreys."
Jones will not be replaced in the Wales squad meaning head coach Warren Gatland and his team of coaches will now train with a squad of 34 players as they prepare to face France at the Millennium Stadium a week Friday night (26th February, kick-off 8.00pm).
For further information please contact:
Simon Rimmer
Wales National Squad Communications Manager
Email (inc blackberry): srimmer@wru.co.uk
M: 07825 981 128
Ends.
16.2.10
16.2.10 Charteris and Lydiate back in Dragons squad for Ulster
Wales players Luke Charteris and Danny Lydiate will be lining up for the Dragons this weekend as Paul Turner reveals his squad to take on Ulster at Ravenhill on Friday.
Will Harries has rejoined the squad after his stint in Las Vegas with the Welsh Sevens side in a squad that remains largely unchanged from the side that beat the Ospreys and Saracens in the LV= Cup.
"The game against Saracens was great," said Lydiate. "It was one of those matches where everything just seems to click into place it was the same when we played the Ospreys the week before. Everyone was really enjoying themselves. Usually by the final 10 minutes, you’re all totally exhausted and counting down the clock, but everyone was full of energy and looking to get involved everywhere they could.
"We know that this is going to be a tough game, but we’re looking for automatic Heineken qualification and the playoffs are attainable so we have to pick up points wherever we can."
DRAGONS SQUAD FOR ULSTER
Backs
Martyn Thomas, Will Harries, Aled Brew, Matthew Watkins, Ashley Smith, Tom Riley, Rhodri Gomer Davies, Jason Tovey, James Arlidge, James Leadbeater, Wayne Evans
Forwards
Hugh Gustafson, Ben Castle, Tom Willis, Steve Jones, Pat Palmer, Adam Jones, Rob Sidoli, Luke Charteris, Danny Lydiate, Lewis Evans, Grant Webb, James Harris, Gavin Thomas
Will Harries has rejoined the squad after his stint in Las Vegas with the Welsh Sevens side in a squad that remains largely unchanged from the side that beat the Ospreys and Saracens in the LV= Cup.
"The game against Saracens was great," said Lydiate. "It was one of those matches where everything just seems to click into place it was the same when we played the Ospreys the week before. Everyone was really enjoying themselves. Usually by the final 10 minutes, you’re all totally exhausted and counting down the clock, but everyone was full of energy and looking to get involved everywhere they could.
"We know that this is going to be a tough game, but we’re looking for automatic Heineken qualification and the playoffs are attainable so we have to pick up points wherever we can."
DRAGONS SQUAD FOR ULSTER
Backs
Martyn Thomas, Will Harries, Aled Brew, Matthew Watkins, Ashley Smith, Tom Riley, Rhodri Gomer Davies, Jason Tovey, James Arlidge, James Leadbeater, Wayne Evans
Forwards
Hugh Gustafson, Ben Castle, Tom Willis, Steve Jones, Pat Palmer, Adam Jones, Rob Sidoli, Luke Charteris, Danny Lydiate, Lewis Evans, Grant Webb, James Harris, Gavin Thomas
16.2.10. Gustafson signs 2 year deal at Dragons
Newport Gwent Dragons are delighted to announce that prop Hugh Gustafson has signed a new two-year deal with the region.
Gustafson joined the region in 2007 from the Scarlets after captaining the Wales Under 20’s in the 2007 Six Nations and with over 50 appearances for the Men of Gwent, he is a valued member of the Dragons squad.
"I’m really pleased to have re-signed with the Dragons," said Hugh. The Dragons have given me the opportunity to get a lot of pitch time which has been great. The team ethos is very strong and I am really enjoying my rugby.
"We have an excellent coaching team here – to be able to learn from a British and Irish Lion in Colin Charvis is a great opportunity and I feel I have developed a great deal as a player since I arrived here. Darren Edwards has also helped me a lot with developing my individual skills and I think there are good things to come both for the region and for me as a player."
In addition to his success on the pitch, Hugh has also shown great coaching promise as part of the coaching team for the regional Under 16 side alongside rising stars Jason Tovey, Lewis Evans and Danny Lydiate
"I am delighted to have secured the signature of Loose Head Prop Hugh Gustafson on a 2 year extension to his current contract," said Dragons Rugby Manager Robert Beale.
"Hugh has qualities that I personally admire in a young man and have no doubt that Hugh will figure in the plans at Rodney Parade for many years to come."
The loosehead joins fellow players Aled Brew, Wayne Evans, Martyn Thomas and Tom Riley who have all recently agreed two-year deals which will see them remain at Rodney Parade until the end of the 2012 season.
Gustafson joined the region in 2007 from the Scarlets after captaining the Wales Under 20’s in the 2007 Six Nations and with over 50 appearances for the Men of Gwent, he is a valued member of the Dragons squad.
"I’m really pleased to have re-signed with the Dragons," said Hugh. The Dragons have given me the opportunity to get a lot of pitch time which has been great. The team ethos is very strong and I am really enjoying my rugby.
"We have an excellent coaching team here – to be able to learn from a British and Irish Lion in Colin Charvis is a great opportunity and I feel I have developed a great deal as a player since I arrived here. Darren Edwards has also helped me a lot with developing my individual skills and I think there are good things to come both for the region and for me as a player."
In addition to his success on the pitch, Hugh has also shown great coaching promise as part of the coaching team for the regional Under 16 side alongside rising stars Jason Tovey, Lewis Evans and Danny Lydiate
"I am delighted to have secured the signature of Loose Head Prop Hugh Gustafson on a 2 year extension to his current contract," said Dragons Rugby Manager Robert Beale.
"Hugh has qualities that I personally admire in a young man and have no doubt that Hugh will figure in the plans at Rodney Parade for many years to come."
The loosehead joins fellow players Aled Brew, Wayne Evans, Martyn Thomas and Tom Riley who have all recently agreed two-year deals which will see them remain at Rodney Parade until the end of the 2012 season.
15.2.10
15.2.10.Blues Robert Norster quotes on Andy Powell removal fro Wales squad
Andy Powell removed from Welsh squad - Robert Norster quotes
For Immediate release: Monday 15th February 2010
Issued on behalf of Cardiff Blues
The Wales national squad management team today confirmed back row Andy Powell will be removed from the Welsh 35-man RBS 6 Nations squad with immediate effect.
Powell was arrested by South Wales Police yesterday (Sunday) morning and has since been charged with drink driving and, after discussions with the player himself, it has been decided by management that he should be suspended from the squad for behaviour contrary to the squad's code of conduct.
"We take matters of player conduct extremely seriously and have been happy with the professionalism and discipline of this squad in general terms," said Wales team manager Alan Phillips.
"Andy knows he has misbehaved and is apologetic, but he also knows that he must take responsibility for his own actions and accept the repercussions.
"This kind of behaviour cannot be tolerated in a professional, elite sporting environment and we have acted quickly and incisively in order to leave no ambiguity over the dim view we take of this situation.
"The player has made his private apologies to the Welsh management team as well as apologising in a public statement and we have also asked him to apologise to the Vale Resort Hotel, before asking him to leave the squad.
"We will now leave the South Wales Police service to conclude the matter and we will be making no further public statements at this time."
Cardiff Blues CEO, Robert Norster added;
"Following on from the surreal finish to the weekend's encounter with Scotland, the news of what appears to be a bizarre but serious lack of judgement by one of our players whilst on national duty is of real concern."
"It seems, albeit from a distance, to have been a prank that has somehow gone dreadfully wrong with potentially very serious implications."
"Consequently, we fully accept and respect the WRU's understandable and prompt action to address the issue. Naturally, as this is an ongoing police matter, we will also not be commenting further at this time".
A specific replacement for Powell will not be added to the Wales squad, although the inclusion of Scarlets hooker Ken Owens as cover for his injured regional colleague Matthew Rees (groin) and Blues hooker Gareth Williams (knee) means the squad retains 35 members.
For Immediate release: Monday 15th February 2010
Issued on behalf of Cardiff Blues
The Wales national squad management team today confirmed back row Andy Powell will be removed from the Welsh 35-man RBS 6 Nations squad with immediate effect.
Powell was arrested by South Wales Police yesterday (Sunday) morning and has since been charged with drink driving and, after discussions with the player himself, it has been decided by management that he should be suspended from the squad for behaviour contrary to the squad's code of conduct.
"We take matters of player conduct extremely seriously and have been happy with the professionalism and discipline of this squad in general terms," said Wales team manager Alan Phillips.
"Andy knows he has misbehaved and is apologetic, but he also knows that he must take responsibility for his own actions and accept the repercussions.
"This kind of behaviour cannot be tolerated in a professional, elite sporting environment and we have acted quickly and incisively in order to leave no ambiguity over the dim view we take of this situation.
"The player has made his private apologies to the Welsh management team as well as apologising in a public statement and we have also asked him to apologise to the Vale Resort Hotel, before asking him to leave the squad.
"We will now leave the South Wales Police service to conclude the matter and we will be making no further public statements at this time."
Cardiff Blues CEO, Robert Norster added;
"Following on from the surreal finish to the weekend's encounter with Scotland, the news of what appears to be a bizarre but serious lack of judgement by one of our players whilst on national duty is of real concern."
"It seems, albeit from a distance, to have been a prank that has somehow gone dreadfully wrong with potentially very serious implications."
"Consequently, we fully accept and respect the WRU's understandable and prompt action to address the issue. Naturally, as this is an ongoing police matter, we will also not be commenting further at this time".
A specific replacement for Powell will not be added to the Wales squad, although the inclusion of Scarlets hooker Ken Owens as cover for his injured regional colleague Matthew Rees (groin) and Blues hooker Gareth Williams (knee) means the squad retains 35 members.
15.2.10. Millenium Ryder Cup Celebration Concert
MILLENNIUM STADIUM SCOOPS RYDER CUP CELEBRATION CONCERT
The Millennium Stadium is delighted to confirm that 'Welcome to Wales', a unique multi-artist concert to celebrate the world famous Ryder Cup, will be staged at Cardiff's iconic venue on Wednesday, 29 September, 2010.
'Welcome to Wales,' organised by the world's largest producer of live concerts Live Nation, will be the signature event that will galvanize the 2010 Ryder Cup celebrations in spectacular style.
Featuring musical performances by international superstars including popular Welsh artists along with appearances by celebrity guests, 'Welcome to Wales' will incorporate the introduction of Ryder Cup teams from across Europe and the United States.
Millennium Stadium Manager Gerry Toms is thrilled that the first-ever Ryder Cup in Wales will be celebrated at the spiritual home of Welsh sport. Mr Toms said: "I am delighted that the promoters have selected the Millennium Stadium to play a major role in the celebrations of the Ryder Cup, which comes to Wales for the first time this year.
"We have a proud history of bringing major sporting and live music events to Cardiff and this is a great fusion of the two to kick off what will be a spectacular event for Wales."
Ryder Cup Wales, The Welsh Assembly Government and Ryder Cup Europe LLP will make history as they deliver The 2010 Ryder Cup, the biggest sporting event ever to be held in Wales, with a massive, global TV audience.
The Ryder Cup is one of the world's most watched sporting events and is staged every two years, alternating between venues in Europe and the United States. This is the first time The Ryder Cup is being held in Wales and will take place at The Celtic Manor Resort in the City of Newport between 28 September and 3 October 2010.
Carwyn Jones, First Minister of Wales, said: "The Ryder Cup will be a huge event for Wales and we are keen to ensure a warm Welsh welcome to visitors, this is an ideal way to kick-start proceedings and show the world what Wales has to offer."
Richard Hills, the European Ryder Cup Director, said: "Welcome to Wales is a unique addition to Ryder Cup week which we welcome. The eyes of the world will be focused on Wales that week, and we are delighted that this concert will reinforce the country's superb commitment in hosting the contest and providing entertainment of the highest calibre."
The stellar line up of artists performing at 'Welcome to Wales' on 29 September will be released at a later date together with ticketing information and hospitality packages.
Graham Pullen, Live Nation, said: "There's few things in life that unite and excite people more than sport and music and Welcome To Wales is a celebration of both. The Ryder Cup is one of the world's most prestigious sporting events and it's a honour to be staging the opening event."
For more information about Welcome to Wales, please visit www.welcome2wales.co.uk.
For all general press enquires, please contact Lisa Faichney at LD Communications
lisa@ldcommunications.co.uk / 0207 439 722
For local Welsh media enquiries, please contact Katie.brandon@freshwater-uk.com / 0292 054 5387
For Millennium Stadium enquiries, please contact gjames@wru.co.uk/ 0292 088 2368
The Millennium Stadium is delighted to confirm that 'Welcome to Wales', a unique multi-artist concert to celebrate the world famous Ryder Cup, will be staged at Cardiff's iconic venue on Wednesday, 29 September, 2010.
'Welcome to Wales,' organised by the world's largest producer of live concerts Live Nation, will be the signature event that will galvanize the 2010 Ryder Cup celebrations in spectacular style.
Featuring musical performances by international superstars including popular Welsh artists along with appearances by celebrity guests, 'Welcome to Wales' will incorporate the introduction of Ryder Cup teams from across Europe and the United States.
Millennium Stadium Manager Gerry Toms is thrilled that the first-ever Ryder Cup in Wales will be celebrated at the spiritual home of Welsh sport. Mr Toms said: "I am delighted that the promoters have selected the Millennium Stadium to play a major role in the celebrations of the Ryder Cup, which comes to Wales for the first time this year.
"We have a proud history of bringing major sporting and live music events to Cardiff and this is a great fusion of the two to kick off what will be a spectacular event for Wales."
Ryder Cup Wales, The Welsh Assembly Government and Ryder Cup Europe LLP will make history as they deliver The 2010 Ryder Cup, the biggest sporting event ever to be held in Wales, with a massive, global TV audience.
The Ryder Cup is one of the world's most watched sporting events and is staged every two years, alternating between venues in Europe and the United States. This is the first time The Ryder Cup is being held in Wales and will take place at The Celtic Manor Resort in the City of Newport between 28 September and 3 October 2010.
Carwyn Jones, First Minister of Wales, said: "The Ryder Cup will be a huge event for Wales and we are keen to ensure a warm Welsh welcome to visitors, this is an ideal way to kick-start proceedings and show the world what Wales has to offer."
Richard Hills, the European Ryder Cup Director, said: "Welcome to Wales is a unique addition to Ryder Cup week which we welcome. The eyes of the world will be focused on Wales that week, and we are delighted that this concert will reinforce the country's superb commitment in hosting the contest and providing entertainment of the highest calibre."
The stellar line up of artists performing at 'Welcome to Wales' on 29 September will be released at a later date together with ticketing information and hospitality packages.
Graham Pullen, Live Nation, said: "There's few things in life that unite and excite people more than sport and music and Welcome To Wales is a celebration of both. The Ryder Cup is one of the world's most prestigious sporting events and it's a honour to be staging the opening event."
For more information about Welcome to Wales, please visit www.welcome2wales.co.uk.
For all general press enquires, please contact Lisa Faichney at LD Communications
lisa@ldcommunications.co.uk / 0207 439 722
For local Welsh media enquiries, please contact Katie.brandon@freshwater-uk.com / 0292 054 5387
For Millennium Stadium enquiries, please contact gjames@wru.co.uk/ 0292 088 2368
15.2.10 Powell removed from Welsh Squad
Press release from Welsh Rugby Union:
Issued: 15 February, 2010
The Wales national squad management team today confirmed back row forward Andy Powell will be removed from the Welsh 35-man RBS 6 Nations squad with immediate effect.
Powell was arrested by South Wales Police yesterday (Sunday) morning and has since been charged with drink driving and, after discussions with the player himself, it has been decided by management that he should be suspended from the squad for behaviour contrary to the squad's code of conduct.
"We take matters of player conduct extremely seriously and have been happy with the professionalism and discipline of this squad in general terms," said Wales team manager Alan Phillips.
"Andy knows he has misbehaved and is apologetic, but he also knows that he must take responsibility for his own actions and accept the repercussions.
"This kind of behaviour cannot be tolerated in a professional, elite sporting environment and we have acted quickly and incisively in order to leave no ambiguity over the dim view we take of this situation.
"The player has made his private apologies to the Welsh management team as well as apologising in a public statement and we have also asked him to apologise to the Vale Resort Hotel, before asking him to leave the squad.
"We will now leave the South Wales Police service to conclude the matter and we will be making no further public statements at this time."
A specific replacement for Powell will not be added to the Wales squad, although the inclusion of Scarlets hooker Ken Owens as cover for his injured regional colleague Matthew Rees (groin) and Blues hooker Gareth Williams (knee) means the squad retains 35 members.
Ends
Issued: 15 February, 2010
The Wales national squad management team today confirmed back row forward Andy Powell will be removed from the Welsh 35-man RBS 6 Nations squad with immediate effect.
Powell was arrested by South Wales Police yesterday (Sunday) morning and has since been charged with drink driving and, after discussions with the player himself, it has been decided by management that he should be suspended from the squad for behaviour contrary to the squad's code of conduct.
"We take matters of player conduct extremely seriously and have been happy with the professionalism and discipline of this squad in general terms," said Wales team manager Alan Phillips.
"Andy knows he has misbehaved and is apologetic, but he also knows that he must take responsibility for his own actions and accept the repercussions.
"This kind of behaviour cannot be tolerated in a professional, elite sporting environment and we have acted quickly and incisively in order to leave no ambiguity over the dim view we take of this situation.
"The player has made his private apologies to the Welsh management team as well as apologising in a public statement and we have also asked him to apologise to the Vale Resort Hotel, before asking him to leave the squad.
"We will now leave the South Wales Police service to conclude the matter and we will be making no further public statements at this time."
A specific replacement for Powell will not be added to the Wales squad, although the inclusion of Scarlets hooker Ken Owens as cover for his injured regional colleague Matthew Rees (groin) and Blues hooker Gareth Williams (knee) means the squad retains 35 members.
Ends
16.2.10.Kevin Morgan joins Ospreys conditioning team
Grand Slam winner joins Ospreys conditioning team
Date: Friday 12th February 2010
Issued on behalf of Ospreys
Former Swansea and Wales fullback Kevin Morgan has been handed the opportunity to carve out a post-playing career as a Conditioning Coach after joining the Ospreys elite player development set-up.
Morgan, who has this season been combining playing and the role of Conditioning Coach for Neath in the Premiership, will continue with those roles while spending time assisting Ospreys Academy Conditioning Coach Keith Hollifield, working with the leading teenage players in the region as they look to establish themselves at the Ospreys.
32-year-old Morgan enjoyed a successful playing career, the highlight of which saw him score three tries during the Welsh Grand Slam success in 2005. Capped 48 times, he spent five years as an All-White, and also played for Pontypridd and Celtic Warriors.
The bulk of his time with the Ospreys will see him working closely with the 'C' group of players at the region, the 16-19 year olds who spend two hours at the Llandarcy Academy of Sport each weekday morning prior to attending college for the day. A key part of his role though will see him spending twice weekly sessions with an elite group of under-16 players who are being prepared for potential entry to the 'C' group for next season.
Speaking about his role with the Ospreys, Morgan said that he is enjoying the experience and helping prepare the next generation of Ospreys. He commented:
"I'm extremely grateful to the Ospreys for giving me this opportunity to get some valuable experience of the conditioning side of things at the region, hopefully this will allow me to develop and grow as a coach. I've been involved for a little while now and I'm really enjoying being able to assist Keith Hollifield and helping to prepare these young players for a future in rugby by passing over some of the knowledge I have. I've been a professional rugby player for 12 or 13 years so I understand the ups and downs of rugby, and I can understand when players will come to me saying that they are struggling in certain areas, because that will happen, trust me. As well as managing their conditioning work, it's about managing the person.
"Most of my time is spent with the boys in the Academy, I'm with them most of the week for their fitness sessions and weights sessions, helping out. What I'm really enjoying is the work that I'm doing with the group of under-16's. We train twice a week, on Monday and Thursday and there's a group of sixteen boys that I'm teaching how to weight-lift properly. I'm taking them through all the Olympic lifts, how to perform them properly, in preparation for when some of them will step up into the Ospreys Academy next year.
"Basically, we're investing some time with them now, so that when they come into the set-up next year they'll be a step ahead and we won't have to spend three or four months teaching them how to do a snatch, or a squat, or power cleans, things like that, the basics. Their conditioning will be that much better when they step up because of the work we've done. Also, they will have things like technique, and the knowledge, already ingrained in them, and when Keith starts working with them he can just concentrate on improving the strength and power in the lifts."
Having had a career-long interest in conditioning thanks to the efforts of a former school rugby coach, Morgan says that it is over the last few years that he has made a commitment to a long term future as a conditioning coach, thanks in part to the influence of Andrew Hore, now Elite Performance Director at the Ospreys:
"As a teenager, I got involved with a school rugby teacher, Brian Lease, who actually took the time to teach us about how important conditioning would in the modern day game. He taught us the reasons for training, it wasn't just training for trainings sake, it was specific about how different types of training would improve you in certain ways. At a young age, he got me interested in the physical side, and how he thought it would become ever more important, which it did. Like I said, all the way through my rugby career I always had an interest and wanted to know why we were doing things in training, how was it going to improve us and what would the benefits to me be?
"It's a move I've been thinking about for probably the last five years or so to be honest. Funnily enough, the first thoughts I had about it were after working with Andrew Hore when he was part of the WRU set-up. I had a few conversations with him and he got me thinking about the future and what my plans were. I'd always had a real interest in the conditioning side of things, and with that in mind, I took my Masters in Physiology at University of Glamorgan, which I passed at the beginning of last year. Basically, I needed to get some knowledge of the physiological side of training, and the Masters gave me that.
"I then spent time thinking about how could I move on from there and get some practical experience. After finishing with the Dragons, I still wanted to carry on playing for a bit longer. I had a bad season last year when I snapped my Achilles and I didn't want to end that way, so the opportunity to play for Neath and pick up some experience by combining playing with the conditioning role was a welcome one. I've been really enjoying my time at Neath, working with a squad of players and taking responsibility for putting together their strength and conditioning programme for the season.
"Through speaking to Andrew Hore, it became clear that there was an opening with the Ospreys, which I jumped at. To be honest, I couldn't ask for a better opportunity to start off on the conditioning coach ladder, and with the Neath role ongoing, it will give me a great grounding."
According to Hore himself, Morgan's involvement within the age-grade set-up at the Ospreys is further evidence of the commitment that the region has in developing the best Welsh talent, on and off the field. He said:
"We make no secret of the fact that we are one hundred per cent committed to identifying and developing the best Welsh talent, be that players, coaches or administrators. I've known Kevin for a number for years now, back to my days working with the Wales squad when he was a player, and his interest in and knowledge of conditioning matters was obvious even then. I felt that he definitely had a future going down that avenue, and I'm delighted to see that as he now makes the transition from player to coach, this is the route that he has taken.
"At the Ospreys, our belief is that by developing better coaches we will, in turn, develop better players. Kevin has an awful lot to offer the set-up, and he has a bright future as a conditioning coach ahead of him. We have placed a great deal of importance on getting a first class strength and conditioning team in place at the region, headed up by one of the world's leading sports conditioning experts in Mark Bennett. By adding Kevin to the team, we are both strengthening the existing set-up, and continuing to put our faith in up and coming Welsh talent, which can only be a good thing for the long term future of both the Ospreys and Welsh rugby in general."
ENDS
Date: Friday 12th February 2010
Issued on behalf of Ospreys
Former Swansea and Wales fullback Kevin Morgan has been handed the opportunity to carve out a post-playing career as a Conditioning Coach after joining the Ospreys elite player development set-up.
Morgan, who has this season been combining playing and the role of Conditioning Coach for Neath in the Premiership, will continue with those roles while spending time assisting Ospreys Academy Conditioning Coach Keith Hollifield, working with the leading teenage players in the region as they look to establish themselves at the Ospreys.
32-year-old Morgan enjoyed a successful playing career, the highlight of which saw him score three tries during the Welsh Grand Slam success in 2005. Capped 48 times, he spent five years as an All-White, and also played for Pontypridd and Celtic Warriors.
The bulk of his time with the Ospreys will see him working closely with the 'C' group of players at the region, the 16-19 year olds who spend two hours at the Llandarcy Academy of Sport each weekday morning prior to attending college for the day. A key part of his role though will see him spending twice weekly sessions with an elite group of under-16 players who are being prepared for potential entry to the 'C' group for next season.
Speaking about his role with the Ospreys, Morgan said that he is enjoying the experience and helping prepare the next generation of Ospreys. He commented:
"I'm extremely grateful to the Ospreys for giving me this opportunity to get some valuable experience of the conditioning side of things at the region, hopefully this will allow me to develop and grow as a coach. I've been involved for a little while now and I'm really enjoying being able to assist Keith Hollifield and helping to prepare these young players for a future in rugby by passing over some of the knowledge I have. I've been a professional rugby player for 12 or 13 years so I understand the ups and downs of rugby, and I can understand when players will come to me saying that they are struggling in certain areas, because that will happen, trust me. As well as managing their conditioning work, it's about managing the person.
"Most of my time is spent with the boys in the Academy, I'm with them most of the week for their fitness sessions and weights sessions, helping out. What I'm really enjoying is the work that I'm doing with the group of under-16's. We train twice a week, on Monday and Thursday and there's a group of sixteen boys that I'm teaching how to weight-lift properly. I'm taking them through all the Olympic lifts, how to perform them properly, in preparation for when some of them will step up into the Ospreys Academy next year.
"Basically, we're investing some time with them now, so that when they come into the set-up next year they'll be a step ahead and we won't have to spend three or four months teaching them how to do a snatch, or a squat, or power cleans, things like that, the basics. Their conditioning will be that much better when they step up because of the work we've done. Also, they will have things like technique, and the knowledge, already ingrained in them, and when Keith starts working with them he can just concentrate on improving the strength and power in the lifts."
Having had a career-long interest in conditioning thanks to the efforts of a former school rugby coach, Morgan says that it is over the last few years that he has made a commitment to a long term future as a conditioning coach, thanks in part to the influence of Andrew Hore, now Elite Performance Director at the Ospreys:
"As a teenager, I got involved with a school rugby teacher, Brian Lease, who actually took the time to teach us about how important conditioning would in the modern day game. He taught us the reasons for training, it wasn't just training for trainings sake, it was specific about how different types of training would improve you in certain ways. At a young age, he got me interested in the physical side, and how he thought it would become ever more important, which it did. Like I said, all the way through my rugby career I always had an interest and wanted to know why we were doing things in training, how was it going to improve us and what would the benefits to me be?
"It's a move I've been thinking about for probably the last five years or so to be honest. Funnily enough, the first thoughts I had about it were after working with Andrew Hore when he was part of the WRU set-up. I had a few conversations with him and he got me thinking about the future and what my plans were. I'd always had a real interest in the conditioning side of things, and with that in mind, I took my Masters in Physiology at University of Glamorgan, which I passed at the beginning of last year. Basically, I needed to get some knowledge of the physiological side of training, and the Masters gave me that.
"I then spent time thinking about how could I move on from there and get some practical experience. After finishing with the Dragons, I still wanted to carry on playing for a bit longer. I had a bad season last year when I snapped my Achilles and I didn't want to end that way, so the opportunity to play for Neath and pick up some experience by combining playing with the conditioning role was a welcome one. I've been really enjoying my time at Neath, working with a squad of players and taking responsibility for putting together their strength and conditioning programme for the season.
"Through speaking to Andrew Hore, it became clear that there was an opening with the Ospreys, which I jumped at. To be honest, I couldn't ask for a better opportunity to start off on the conditioning coach ladder, and with the Neath role ongoing, it will give me a great grounding."
According to Hore himself, Morgan's involvement within the age-grade set-up at the Ospreys is further evidence of the commitment that the region has in developing the best Welsh talent, on and off the field. He said:
"We make no secret of the fact that we are one hundred per cent committed to identifying and developing the best Welsh talent, be that players, coaches or administrators. I've known Kevin for a number for years now, back to my days working with the Wales squad when he was a player, and his interest in and knowledge of conditioning matters was obvious even then. I felt that he definitely had a future going down that avenue, and I'm delighted to see that as he now makes the transition from player to coach, this is the route that he has taken.
"At the Ospreys, our belief is that by developing better coaches we will, in turn, develop better players. Kevin has an awful lot to offer the set-up, and he has a bright future as a conditioning coach ahead of him. We have placed a great deal of importance on getting a first class strength and conditioning team in place at the region, headed up by one of the world's leading sports conditioning experts in Mark Bennett. By adding Kevin to the team, we are both strengthening the existing set-up, and continuing to put our faith in up and coming Welsh talent, which can only be a good thing for the long term future of both the Ospreys and Welsh rugby in general."
ENDS
15.2.10. British &Irish Cup Round 3 and Tables
British & Irish Cup Round 3 Results & Tables
Sunday February 14, 2010
Issued by the British & Irish Cup
BRITISH & IRISH CUP RESULTS ROUND 3
Friday 12 February 2010 at Rodney Parade
Newport (20) 27: Richard Dale(2T) Daniel Griffiths(2C/P) Ryan Owen(T) Gareth Wyatt(T)
Gael Force (0) 5: Fraser McKenzie(T)
Attendance: 705
Friday 12 February 2010 at Regional Sports Grd
Munster (12) 18: Declan Cusack(6P)
Nottingham Rugby (3) 3: Dave Marshall(P)
Friday 12 February 2010 at Parc y Scarlets
Llanelli (14) 21: Aaron Shingler(T) Daniel Newton(C/3P) Rhys M. Thomas(T)
Ulster Ravens (6) 21: Timoci Nagusa(T) Ian Humphreys(C/P) Paul Marshall(T) Niall O'Connor(2P)
Attendance: 500
Friday 12 February 2010 at Talbot Athletic Grd
Aberavon P:P Moseley
Saturday 13 February 2010 at Brickfields
Plymouth Albion (9) 9: Kieran Hallett(D/2P)
Cornish Pirates (3) 13: Rob Cook(C/2P) Scott Franklin(T)
Attendance: 2413
Saturday 13 February 2010 at Sandy Park
Exeter Chiefs (10) 10: Sam Blythe(T) Sean Marsden(T)
Leinster (12) 22: Dave Kearney(2T) Shaun Berne(2C/D) Paul O'Donohoe(T)
Attendance: 3505
Saturday 13 February 2010 at Memorial Stadium
Bristol Rugby (12) 40: Sam Giddens(2C) George Watkins(T) Jack Adams(T) Chris Ashwin(3C) James Merriman(2T) Penalty Try(T) Mako Vunipola(T)
Coventry (10) 15: Ben Pons(T) Aaron Carpenter(T) Chris Lewis(T)
Attendance: 2461
Saturday 13 February 2010 at Old Deer Park
London Welsh (19) 26: Tom Brown(T) Errie Claassens(T) Paul Sampson(2T) Aled Thomas(3C)
Bedford Blues (10) 13: Ollie Dodge(T) Owen Farrell(P) Brad Davies(C/P)
Attendance: 810
Saturday 13 February 2010 at Clifton Lane
Rotherham Titans (13) 33: Jonny West(C/3P) Tom Allen(2T) Andrew Henderson(C) Pete Swatkins(T) Craig Voisey(T)
Pontypridd (11) 23: Darren Waters(T) Gary Williams(T) Dean Gunter(C/2P) Matthew Rees(T)
Attendance: 789
Saturday 13 February 2010 at Millbrae
Ayr (37) 49: Gordon Reid(T) Rory McKay(T) Frazier Climo(T/5C/3P) Paul Burke(2T) AJ McFarlane(T)
Birmingham & Solihull Bees (0) 14: Anthony Elliott(T) Tom Foden(T) Rod Petty(2C)
Attendance: 780
Sunday 14 February 2010 at Goldenacre
Heriot's (0) 21: Pete Eccles(T) Graham Wilson(3C) Max Nimmo(T) Finlay Gillies(T)
Neath (38) 38: Craig Price(T) Gareth Gravell(T) Tom James(2T) Haydn Pugh(T) Steve Thomas(T) Gareth McCarthy(4C)
Sunday 14 February 2010 at Castle Park
Doncaster Knights (7) 34: Matt D'Arcy(T) Ali Warnock(4C/2P) Nicky Griffiths(2T) Andy Wright(T)
Cardiff (10) 10: Gareth Davies(C/P) Ryan Howells(T)
Attendance: 1124
BRITISH & IRISH CUP TABLES
Pool A
Team P W D L F A TB LB Pts
Leinster 3 3 0 0 50 33 0 0 12
Newport 3 2 1 0 51 22 1 0 11
Cornish Pirates 3 2 0 1 52 29 1 1 10
Exeter Chiefs 3 1 0 2 39 43 0 1 5
Plymouth Albion 3 0 1 2 25 32 0 2 4
Gael Force 3 0 0 3 13 71 0 0 0
Pool B
Team P W D L F A TB LB Pts
Munster 3 3 0 0 56 22 1 0 13
Bristol Rugby 3 2 0 1 64 44 1 0 9
Nottingham Rugby 3 2 0 1 22 21 0 0 8
Coventry 3 1 0 2 85 72 1 1 6
Neath 3 1 0 2 52 53 1 1 6
Heriot's 3 0 0 3 33 100 0 1 1
Pool C
Team P W D L F A TB LB Pts
London Welsh 3 3 0 0 100 47 3 0 15
Ulster Ravens 3 2 1 0 82 45 2 0 12
Bedford Blues 3 1 0 2 52 79 1 0 5
Aberavon 2 1 0 1 26 52 0 0 4
Llanelli 3 0 1 2 61 76 0 1 3
Moseley 2 0 0 2 48 70 1 0 1
Pool D
Team P W D L F A TB LB Pts
Doncaster Knights 2 2 0 0 66 17 2 0 10
Rotherham Titans 3 2 0 1 98 61 2 0 10
Ayr 3 2 0 1 84 59 1 0 9
Cardiff 3 2 0 1 83 70 1 0 9
Pontypridd 2 0 0 2 39 55 0 1 1
Birmingham & Solihull 3 0 0 3 44 152 0 0 0
TOP TRY SCORERS
Name Team Tries
James Loxton Cardiff 5
Tom Brown London Welsh 4
Paul Sampson London Welsh 4
Gordon Reid Ayr 3
Ryan Howells Cardiff 3
Scott Roberts Coventry 3
Gareth Wyatt Newport 3
TOP POINTS SCORERS
Name Team T C PG DG Pts
Frazier Climo Ayr 1 5 9 0 42
Daniel Newton Llanelli 0 5 7 0 31
Ali Warnock Doncaster Knights 1 7 4 0 31
Shaun Berne Leinster 0 3 7 1 30
Ed Lewis-Pratt London Welsh 1 8 2 0 27
Niall O'Connor Ulster Ravens 0 6 5 0 27
Jonny West Rotherham Titans 0 4 6 0 26
James Loxton Cardiff 5 0 0 0 25
BEST KICKERS
Name Team Good Att Kick%
Ed Lewis-Pratt London Welsh 10 11 90.91
Daniel Newton Llanelli 12 14 85.71
Niall O'Connor Ulster Ravens 11 13 84.62
Frazier Climo Ayr 14 17 82.35
Rob Cook Cornish Pirates 9 11 81.82
Qual: 10 place kicks at goal
Sunday February 14, 2010
Issued by the British & Irish Cup
BRITISH & IRISH CUP RESULTS ROUND 3
Friday 12 February 2010 at Rodney Parade
Newport (20) 27: Richard Dale(2T) Daniel Griffiths(2C/P) Ryan Owen(T) Gareth Wyatt(T)
Gael Force (0) 5: Fraser McKenzie(T)
Attendance: 705
Friday 12 February 2010 at Regional Sports Grd
Munster (12) 18: Declan Cusack(6P)
Nottingham Rugby (3) 3: Dave Marshall(P)
Friday 12 February 2010 at Parc y Scarlets
Llanelli (14) 21: Aaron Shingler(T) Daniel Newton(C/3P) Rhys M. Thomas(T)
Ulster Ravens (6) 21: Timoci Nagusa(T) Ian Humphreys(C/P) Paul Marshall(T) Niall O'Connor(2P)
Attendance: 500
Friday 12 February 2010 at Talbot Athletic Grd
Aberavon P:P Moseley
Saturday 13 February 2010 at Brickfields
Plymouth Albion (9) 9: Kieran Hallett(D/2P)
Cornish Pirates (3) 13: Rob Cook(C/2P) Scott Franklin(T)
Attendance: 2413
Saturday 13 February 2010 at Sandy Park
Exeter Chiefs (10) 10: Sam Blythe(T) Sean Marsden(T)
Leinster (12) 22: Dave Kearney(2T) Shaun Berne(2C/D) Paul O'Donohoe(T)
Attendance: 3505
Saturday 13 February 2010 at Memorial Stadium
Bristol Rugby (12) 40: Sam Giddens(2C) George Watkins(T) Jack Adams(T) Chris Ashwin(3C) James Merriman(2T) Penalty Try(T) Mako Vunipola(T)
Coventry (10) 15: Ben Pons(T) Aaron Carpenter(T) Chris Lewis(T)
Attendance: 2461
Saturday 13 February 2010 at Old Deer Park
London Welsh (19) 26: Tom Brown(T) Errie Claassens(T) Paul Sampson(2T) Aled Thomas(3C)
Bedford Blues (10) 13: Ollie Dodge(T) Owen Farrell(P) Brad Davies(C/P)
Attendance: 810
Saturday 13 February 2010 at Clifton Lane
Rotherham Titans (13) 33: Jonny West(C/3P) Tom Allen(2T) Andrew Henderson(C) Pete Swatkins(T) Craig Voisey(T)
Pontypridd (11) 23: Darren Waters(T) Gary Williams(T) Dean Gunter(C/2P) Matthew Rees(T)
Attendance: 789
Saturday 13 February 2010 at Millbrae
Ayr (37) 49: Gordon Reid(T) Rory McKay(T) Frazier Climo(T/5C/3P) Paul Burke(2T) AJ McFarlane(T)
Birmingham & Solihull Bees (0) 14: Anthony Elliott(T) Tom Foden(T) Rod Petty(2C)
Attendance: 780
Sunday 14 February 2010 at Goldenacre
Heriot's (0) 21: Pete Eccles(T) Graham Wilson(3C) Max Nimmo(T) Finlay Gillies(T)
Neath (38) 38: Craig Price(T) Gareth Gravell(T) Tom James(2T) Haydn Pugh(T) Steve Thomas(T) Gareth McCarthy(4C)
Sunday 14 February 2010 at Castle Park
Doncaster Knights (7) 34: Matt D'Arcy(T) Ali Warnock(4C/2P) Nicky Griffiths(2T) Andy Wright(T)
Cardiff (10) 10: Gareth Davies(C/P) Ryan Howells(T)
Attendance: 1124
BRITISH & IRISH CUP TABLES
Pool A
Team P W D L F A TB LB Pts
Leinster 3 3 0 0 50 33 0 0 12
Newport 3 2 1 0 51 22 1 0 11
Cornish Pirates 3 2 0 1 52 29 1 1 10
Exeter Chiefs 3 1 0 2 39 43 0 1 5
Plymouth Albion 3 0 1 2 25 32 0 2 4
Gael Force 3 0 0 3 13 71 0 0 0
Pool B
Team P W D L F A TB LB Pts
Munster 3 3 0 0 56 22 1 0 13
Bristol Rugby 3 2 0 1 64 44 1 0 9
Nottingham Rugby 3 2 0 1 22 21 0 0 8
Coventry 3 1 0 2 85 72 1 1 6
Neath 3 1 0 2 52 53 1 1 6
Heriot's 3 0 0 3 33 100 0 1 1
Pool C
Team P W D L F A TB LB Pts
London Welsh 3 3 0 0 100 47 3 0 15
Ulster Ravens 3 2 1 0 82 45 2 0 12
Bedford Blues 3 1 0 2 52 79 1 0 5
Aberavon 2 1 0 1 26 52 0 0 4
Llanelli 3 0 1 2 61 76 0 1 3
Moseley 2 0 0 2 48 70 1 0 1
Pool D
Team P W D L F A TB LB Pts
Doncaster Knights 2 2 0 0 66 17 2 0 10
Rotherham Titans 3 2 0 1 98 61 2 0 10
Ayr 3 2 0 1 84 59 1 0 9
Cardiff 3 2 0 1 83 70 1 0 9
Pontypridd 2 0 0 2 39 55 0 1 1
Birmingham & Solihull 3 0 0 3 44 152 0 0 0
TOP TRY SCORERS
Name Team Tries
James Loxton Cardiff 5
Tom Brown London Welsh 4
Paul Sampson London Welsh 4
Gordon Reid Ayr 3
Ryan Howells Cardiff 3
Scott Roberts Coventry 3
Gareth Wyatt Newport 3
TOP POINTS SCORERS
Name Team T C PG DG Pts
Frazier Climo Ayr 1 5 9 0 42
Daniel Newton Llanelli 0 5 7 0 31
Ali Warnock Doncaster Knights 1 7 4 0 31
Shaun Berne Leinster 0 3 7 1 30
Ed Lewis-Pratt London Welsh 1 8 2 0 27
Niall O'Connor Ulster Ravens 0 6 5 0 27
Jonny West Rotherham Titans 0 4 6 0 26
James Loxton Cardiff 5 0 0 0 25
BEST KICKERS
Name Team Good Att Kick%
Ed Lewis-Pratt London Welsh 10 11 90.91
Daniel Newton Llanelli 12 14 85.71
Niall O'Connor Ulster Ravens 11 13 84.62
Frazier Climo Ayr 14 17 82.35
Rob Cook Cornish Pirates 9 11 81.82
Qual: 10 place kicks at goal
14.2.10
14.2.10. WRU statement on Andy Powell
WRU STATEMENT:
Issued: 14 February 2010
The WRU is aware of a Police investigation into an incident involving the player Andy Powell and is monitoring its progress.
The National Squad views matters of player conduct extremely seriously. Members of the National Squad management will formally speak to the player before any futher statement is issued.
The WRU has advised the player on the opportunities he can consider for legal representation at this stage.
For further information, contact John Williams 07824 357083 / Simon Rimmer 07825 981128
Ends
Issued: 14 February 2010
The WRU is aware of a Police investigation into an incident involving the player Andy Powell and is monitoring its progress.
The National Squad views matters of player conduct extremely seriously. Members of the National Squad management will formally speak to the player before any futher statement is issued.
The WRU has advised the player on the opportunities he can consider for legal representation at this stage.
For further information, contact John Williams 07824 357083 / Simon Rimmer 07825 981128
Ends
13.2.10
13.2.10. Ospreys -Surgery rules out props
Surgery rules out props
Date: Friday 12th February 2010
Issued on behalf of Ospreys
Duncan Jones has been ruled out for the rest of the season after it was revealed that he needs surgery to repair a fractured tarsal bone in his right foot.
Loose-head Jones has been out of action since he suffered the injury during the Ospreys Magners League win over Munster in December, and after coming out of plaster it was clear that the injury had not healed as hoped, as Physio Chris Towers explains:
"Duncan has suffered a few complications with his recovery and the damaged bone in his foot failed to unite during the period he was in plaster. We've been investigating this and seeking expert opinion over the last fortnight, as a result of which Duncan will be having surgery over the next week to hopefully fix the problem."At this stage we expect that this will keep him out for around six months."
Meanwhile, tight-head Ross Davies has also been ruled out for the remainder of the campaign following an operation to fix the fractured left fibula and to repair ligament damage in the ankle joint, an injury sustained in the recent training match at St Helen's against Swansea RFC.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Friday 12th February 2010
Issued on behalf of Ospreys
Duncan Jones has been ruled out for the rest of the season after it was revealed that he needs surgery to repair a fractured tarsal bone in his right foot.
Loose-head Jones has been out of action since he suffered the injury during the Ospreys Magners League win over Munster in December, and after coming out of plaster it was clear that the injury had not healed as hoped, as Physio Chris Towers explains:
"Duncan has suffered a few complications with his recovery and the damaged bone in his foot failed to unite during the period he was in plaster. We've been investigating this and seeking expert opinion over the last fortnight, as a result of which Duncan will be having surgery over the next week to hopefully fix the problem."At this stage we expect that this will keep him out for around six months."
Meanwhile, tight-head Ross Davies has also been ruled out for the remainder of the campaign following an operation to fix the fractured left fibula and to repair ligament damage in the ankle joint, an injury sustained in the recent training match at St Helen's against Swansea RFC.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12.2.10
12.2.10.Millenium welcome for fans without tickets
A Millennium welcome for fans without a ticket
Issued: 12 February, 2010
The Welsh Rugby Union is inviting fans to enjoy Wales' home games free of charge when the Official Supporters' Village opens to the public at 12.00 noon tomorrow for Wales' 2010 RBS 6 Nations Championship clash with Scotland (kick-off 2.00pm).
The Supporters' Village, set within a giant marquee between gates three and four of the Millennium Stadium, is the closest place to watch Warren Gatland's Wales without a ticket and the ideal location for the hundreds of supporters looking to avoid the queues without missing out on the atmosphere.
Three giant bars, various hot food outlets and multiple large screens are just a few of the crowd attractions at the home of Welsh rugby and they will also welcome the arrival of both team buses for the first of the three Championship home games.
Wales captain Ryan Jones said: "Arriving at the Millennium Stadium on matchday is a moment that all the players will always remember. Looking out to see hundreds of Welsh fans cheering for the boys is always a inspiring.
"With the first home game up this weekend we will be boosted by the support in and around the packed out home of the Wales rugby team."
The unique undercover area will close at 8.00pm tomorrow and reopen on Friday 26 February (2.00-10.00pm) when Wales face France and when Wales play Italy on the final weekend of the Championship on Saturday 20 March (12 noon-10.00pm).
With or without a ticket the Millennium Stadium remains the place to be on international match day and rugby fans looking to follow every moment of the Championship can catch all 12 remaining fixtures at the Cardiff Arms Cafe Bar on No 8 Westgate Street, Cardiff.
With its ever-changing array of Stadium memorabilia, the Cafe Bar proved a hit with rugby supporters from around the world throughout the autumn international period when it was officially opened by Wales coach Warren Gatland and crowds are expected to flock to the official WRU bar in the action packed weekends ahead.
The city-centre Cardiff Arms Cafe Bar opens to the public from 10.00am Monday to Saturday and at 11.00am on Sunday where the Six Nations' matchday breakfast is set to be the flavour of the month priced at only £5 for bacon, sausage, scrambled egg, baked beans, mushrooms, hash browns, roll and butter and a hot drink.
Originally known as Jackson's racket club in the 1800s, the renovated listed building has become a focal point for the thousands of visitors to the Millennium Stadium each month and the permanent home to the WRU Store as well as the popular Cafe Bar.
For further information on the Cardiff Arms Store and Cafe Bar and the WRU Official Supporters' Village please visit the official website www.wru.co.uk.
Dates for the Diary
The WRU Official Supporters' Village Opening Hours
Saturday 13 February - Wales v Scotland 12.00 noon-8.00pm
Friday 26 February - Wales v France 2.00-10.00pm
Saturday 20 March - Wales v Italy 12.00 noon-10.00pm
The WRU Cardiff Arms Cafe Bar will be open for all of the 2010 RBS 6 Nations fixtures.
Issued: 12 February, 2010
The Welsh Rugby Union is inviting fans to enjoy Wales' home games free of charge when the Official Supporters' Village opens to the public at 12.00 noon tomorrow for Wales' 2010 RBS 6 Nations Championship clash with Scotland (kick-off 2.00pm).
The Supporters' Village, set within a giant marquee between gates three and four of the Millennium Stadium, is the closest place to watch Warren Gatland's Wales without a ticket and the ideal location for the hundreds of supporters looking to avoid the queues without missing out on the atmosphere.
Three giant bars, various hot food outlets and multiple large screens are just a few of the crowd attractions at the home of Welsh rugby and they will also welcome the arrival of both team buses for the first of the three Championship home games.
Wales captain Ryan Jones said: "Arriving at the Millennium Stadium on matchday is a moment that all the players will always remember. Looking out to see hundreds of Welsh fans cheering for the boys is always a inspiring.
"With the first home game up this weekend we will be boosted by the support in and around the packed out home of the Wales rugby team."
The unique undercover area will close at 8.00pm tomorrow and reopen on Friday 26 February (2.00-10.00pm) when Wales face France and when Wales play Italy on the final weekend of the Championship on Saturday 20 March (12 noon-10.00pm).
With or without a ticket the Millennium Stadium remains the place to be on international match day and rugby fans looking to follow every moment of the Championship can catch all 12 remaining fixtures at the Cardiff Arms Cafe Bar on No 8 Westgate Street, Cardiff.
With its ever-changing array of Stadium memorabilia, the Cafe Bar proved a hit with rugby supporters from around the world throughout the autumn international period when it was officially opened by Wales coach Warren Gatland and crowds are expected to flock to the official WRU bar in the action packed weekends ahead.
The city-centre Cardiff Arms Cafe Bar opens to the public from 10.00am Monday to Saturday and at 11.00am on Sunday where the Six Nations' matchday breakfast is set to be the flavour of the month priced at only £5 for bacon, sausage, scrambled egg, baked beans, mushrooms, hash browns, roll and butter and a hot drink.
Originally known as Jackson's racket club in the 1800s, the renovated listed building has become a focal point for the thousands of visitors to the Millennium Stadium each month and the permanent home to the WRU Store as well as the popular Cafe Bar.
For further information on the Cardiff Arms Store and Cafe Bar and the WRU Official Supporters' Village please visit the official website www.wru.co.uk.
Dates for the Diary
The WRU Official Supporters' Village Opening Hours
Saturday 13 February - Wales v Scotland 12.00 noon-8.00pm
Friday 26 February - Wales v France 2.00-10.00pm
Saturday 20 March - Wales v Italy 12.00 noon-10.00pm
The WRU Cardiff Arms Cafe Bar will be open for all of the 2010 RBS 6 Nations fixtures.
12.2.10. Newport in hunt for silverware -British & Irish cup Welsh teams preview
Newport in hunt for silverware
Thursday February 11, 2010
Issued by the British & Irish Cup
Sven Cronk is eyeing up some major silverware for his Newport side this season as they continue to battle on three fronts.
The Black & Ambers are handily placed in third place in the Principality Premiership, all set for a classic cup tie against arch-rivals Cardiff in the last 16 of the SWALEC Cup at the end of the month and hope to stay on course for a semi-final berth in the inaugural British & Irish Cup when they meet the Scottish outfit, Gael Force, at home on Friday night..
This weekend may be all about the RBS 6 Nations in most people's eyes, but Cronk is focussing on maintaining his side's unbeaten record in the fledgling competition.
Having seen his team take Exeter Chief's unbeaten record in their opening game, the former Newport and Pontypridd front row man was disappointed to drop points to Plymouth Albion in a Rodney Parade mud bath wrestling match that ended in a 3-3 draw.
"We're still in the hunt and we've got two massive away games to come against Leinster and Cornish Pirates. The players are really excited by the challenges ahead of us and I'm really looking forward to seeing how they cope with them," said Cronk.
"The B&I Cup has all the makings of an excellent competition and one which will test our players moving forward. Of all the things it does, I think it puts pressure on the mental toughness of the players as much as anything else.
"As a player myself, I really looked forward to going to places like Leinster, Munster and Leicester. I was never fazed by those challenges and that's how I want my players to approach their two trips in the B&I Cup.
"It will be great to play at Donnybrook and the players are very excited by the prospect. I know that many of my squad would be capable of holding their own in the Leinster playing environment, but this will be the acid test.
"We found the physicality and intensity of the Exeter game a step up from what we are used to in the Principality Premiership, but I still feel we are well enough prepared physically to compete against the other sides."
Gael Force have pepped up their side by including three international players and will have 10 Glasgow Warriors and one Edinburgh player in their starting line-up as they seek their first win in the tournament.
Llanelli director of rugby Anthony Buchanan is expecting a huge challenge from Ulster Ravens when they visit Parc y Scarlets on Friday night, while Simon King's Aberavon side are hoping to nick another victory when they host Moseley.
Cardiff are the only unbeaten Welsh team in the tournament and they will be hoping to make it three wins out of three when they travel to Doncaster to face former coach Lynn Howells' side tomorrow. With a debut win over Pontypridd, and then an eight try romp against Birmingham & Solihull, they are well placed to reach the last four.
"We've got two home matches left after the trip to Doncaster so we feel we can go on and reach the semi-finals if we can win up there. We realise we are in a good position and we want to make the most of it," said Cardiff team manager Gafyn Cooper.
"We'll be missing a couple of Under 20 internationals, including James Loxton who scored five tries against Birmingham & Solihull, but then Doncaster will be playing their third game in seven days."
Neath play at Heriot's today hoping to break their duck in the new tournament after frustrating defeats at home to Bristol and away at Nottingham. Not that director of rugby Pat Horgan is too downhearted.
"We could have won both games and there hasn't been much between any of the sides we have played to date. It's going to be another testing afternoon in Scotland, but the players are really looking forward to what is a very refreshing competition," said Horgan.
"We've still got to play Munster at home and, even if qualifying for the semi-finals is probably beyond us, that will be a great marker for the team and the club."
Dave Barton
National Media Manager
Rugby Football Union
+44 (0)1453 845333
+44 (0)7736 517610
davebarton@rfu.com
Thursday February 11, 2010
Issued by the British & Irish Cup
Sven Cronk is eyeing up some major silverware for his Newport side this season as they continue to battle on three fronts.
The Black & Ambers are handily placed in third place in the Principality Premiership, all set for a classic cup tie against arch-rivals Cardiff in the last 16 of the SWALEC Cup at the end of the month and hope to stay on course for a semi-final berth in the inaugural British & Irish Cup when they meet the Scottish outfit, Gael Force, at home on Friday night..
This weekend may be all about the RBS 6 Nations in most people's eyes, but Cronk is focussing on maintaining his side's unbeaten record in the fledgling competition.
Having seen his team take Exeter Chief's unbeaten record in their opening game, the former Newport and Pontypridd front row man was disappointed to drop points to Plymouth Albion in a Rodney Parade mud bath wrestling match that ended in a 3-3 draw.
"We're still in the hunt and we've got two massive away games to come against Leinster and Cornish Pirates. The players are really excited by the challenges ahead of us and I'm really looking forward to seeing how they cope with them," said Cronk.
"The B&I Cup has all the makings of an excellent competition and one which will test our players moving forward. Of all the things it does, I think it puts pressure on the mental toughness of the players as much as anything else.
"As a player myself, I really looked forward to going to places like Leinster, Munster and Leicester. I was never fazed by those challenges and that's how I want my players to approach their two trips in the B&I Cup.
"It will be great to play at Donnybrook and the players are very excited by the prospect. I know that many of my squad would be capable of holding their own in the Leinster playing environment, but this will be the acid test.
"We found the physicality and intensity of the Exeter game a step up from what we are used to in the Principality Premiership, but I still feel we are well enough prepared physically to compete against the other sides."
Gael Force have pepped up their side by including three international players and will have 10 Glasgow Warriors and one Edinburgh player in their starting line-up as they seek their first win in the tournament.
Llanelli director of rugby Anthony Buchanan is expecting a huge challenge from Ulster Ravens when they visit Parc y Scarlets on Friday night, while Simon King's Aberavon side are hoping to nick another victory when they host Moseley.
Cardiff are the only unbeaten Welsh team in the tournament and they will be hoping to make it three wins out of three when they travel to Doncaster to face former coach Lynn Howells' side tomorrow. With a debut win over Pontypridd, and then an eight try romp against Birmingham & Solihull, they are well placed to reach the last four.
"We've got two home matches left after the trip to Doncaster so we feel we can go on and reach the semi-finals if we can win up there. We realise we are in a good position and we want to make the most of it," said Cardiff team manager Gafyn Cooper.
"We'll be missing a couple of Under 20 internationals, including James Loxton who scored five tries against Birmingham & Solihull, but then Doncaster will be playing their third game in seven days."
Neath play at Heriot's today hoping to break their duck in the new tournament after frustrating defeats at home to Bristol and away at Nottingham. Not that director of rugby Pat Horgan is too downhearted.
"We could have won both games and there hasn't been much between any of the sides we have played to date. It's going to be another testing afternoon in Scotland, but the players are really looking forward to what is a very refreshing competition," said Horgan.
"We've still got to play Munster at home and, even if qualifying for the semi-finals is probably beyond us, that will be a great marker for the team and the club."
Dave Barton
National Media Manager
Rugby Football Union
+44 (0)1453 845333
+44 (0)7736 517610
davebarton@rfu.com
11.2.10
11.2.10. Wales Women makes 5 changes v Scotland
WRU PRESS RELEASE
Issued: 11 February 2010
Wales Women looking for 'bouncebackability' in first home game
Wales Women head coach Jason Lewis has made five changes, two positional to his side to face Scotland at the Brewery Field, Bridgend following their 31-0 defeat to England last Saturday.
Centre Clare Flowers has been forced out with a shoulder injury and is replaced in the midfield by captain Mellissa Berry, usually a no 8 and at half back, Bridgend born Laura Prosser starts in place of Amy Day at scrum half.
In the pack, Becky Newton will make her first Six Nations start at hooker, with Jenny Davies switched from hooker to tight head prop. Rachel Taylor moves from second row to no 8 to fill the gap left by Mel Berry and Claire Donovan comes in at lock. Ceri Redman, who started at centre against England as a late replacement for Naomi Thomas, retains her place in the starting line-up.
Lewis said, "We were disappointed with the score against England but pleased with elements of our performance. We will be looking to kick start our Six Nations campaign with a good performance and a good result this weekend.
"Scotland will be full of confidence after their 10-8 victory over France last weekend and will be looking for another scalp so we will have to be on our toes to meet the challenge.
"With Clare Flowers out injured we opted to switch Mel Berry to the centre rather than re-jigging the backline. Mel has the skills and ability to play at centre and we are blessed with options at lock and back row. It's a great opportunity for Becky Newton to start at hooker and good to see Rhian Bowden back on the bench after injury. We are still looking at various combinations and we hope that a good home crowd will give us an extra boost on Sunday."
Wales Women v Scotland Women
Sunday 14 February, 2pm
Tickets for the match are £2.50 for Under 16s and £5 for adults
Issued: 11 February 2010
Wales Women looking for 'bouncebackability' in first home game
Wales Women head coach Jason Lewis has made five changes, two positional to his side to face Scotland at the Brewery Field, Bridgend following their 31-0 defeat to England last Saturday.
Centre Clare Flowers has been forced out with a shoulder injury and is replaced in the midfield by captain Mellissa Berry, usually a no 8 and at half back, Bridgend born Laura Prosser starts in place of Amy Day at scrum half.
In the pack, Becky Newton will make her first Six Nations start at hooker, with Jenny Davies switched from hooker to tight head prop. Rachel Taylor moves from second row to no 8 to fill the gap left by Mel Berry and Claire Donovan comes in at lock. Ceri Redman, who started at centre against England as a late replacement for Naomi Thomas, retains her place in the starting line-up.
Lewis said, "We were disappointed with the score against England but pleased with elements of our performance. We will be looking to kick start our Six Nations campaign with a good performance and a good result this weekend.
"Scotland will be full of confidence after their 10-8 victory over France last weekend and will be looking for another scalp so we will have to be on our toes to meet the challenge.
"With Clare Flowers out injured we opted to switch Mel Berry to the centre rather than re-jigging the backline. Mel has the skills and ability to play at centre and we are blessed with options at lock and back row. It's a great opportunity for Becky Newton to start at hooker and good to see Rhian Bowden back on the bench after injury. We are still looking at various combinations and we hope that a good home crowd will give us an extra boost on Sunday."
Wales Women v Scotland Women
Sunday 14 February, 2pm
Tickets for the match are £2.50 for Under 16s and £5 for adults
11.2.10 Ospreys-Phillips' hope of Connacht comeback
Phillips hoping for Connacht comeback
Date: Thursday 11th February 2010
Issued on behalf of Ospreys
Mike Phillips says that he 'can't wait to get the shirt on again' after it was confirmed that he is in line for a long awaited return to action when the Ospreys entertain Connacht at the Liberty Stadium later this month.
The British & Irish Lion has been sidelined since mid-October after he suffered damage to the posterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments during the Heineken Cup win over Clermont Auvergne. He was ruled out for a period of four months after undergoing surgery the same week, but now he is set to pull on an Ospreys shirt again next weekend (Sunday 21st February, KO 5pm), almost four months to the day after he suffered his injuries.
Ospreys Physio, Chris Towers, confirmed:
"Mike is now making the transition back to full training, and the hope is that he is set to be available for some game time during the Connacht fixture, with a view to gradually building on that over the following weeks."
For scrum-half Phillips it has been a frustrating time as he had been in a fine vein of form after returning to the Ospreys following his eye-catching performances for the Lions in South Africa over the summer, but he says that his focus now is simply on getting back up to full fitness over the coming weeks for the all important final phase of the season with the Ospreys still well in contention in both the Heineken Cup and the Magners League. He said:
"I can't wait! It's been a frustrating time as it always is when you're injured. I've just been working hard with the medical team over the last few months so that I can get back onto the field for the Ospreys and I'm near the end now, we're almost at the stage when I can get out there playing again. It's what I love doing more than anything, playing rugby, and I just can't wait to get the shirt on again.
"The boys have done really well while I've been out, they've got to the quarter-final stage of the Heineken Cup and are in the running for the Magners League play-offs so it's a good position to be in and a good time to be playing again. There's been a huge effort from the squad and I'm just glad that I'm going to be a part of that again. I've got two months to go until the Biarritz game to get right up to speed as that's a game that I really want to be involved in and I know that I'll need to be fit and in form to be considered for that one.
"It's great being back around the boys, being on the training field again and sharing in the banter. It's horrible being out, you tend to be away from the main group of boys, working with the long term injured, so taking a part in training again and being part of that atmosphere does give you a big boost. I'll step up my work with them over the next few weeks, with the Connacht game being the main focus for me as it will allow me to take the next step in terms of my come back."
Date: Thursday 11th February 2010
Issued on behalf of Ospreys
Mike Phillips says that he 'can't wait to get the shirt on again' after it was confirmed that he is in line for a long awaited return to action when the Ospreys entertain Connacht at the Liberty Stadium later this month.
The British & Irish Lion has been sidelined since mid-October after he suffered damage to the posterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments during the Heineken Cup win over Clermont Auvergne. He was ruled out for a period of four months after undergoing surgery the same week, but now he is set to pull on an Ospreys shirt again next weekend (Sunday 21st February, KO 5pm), almost four months to the day after he suffered his injuries.
Ospreys Physio, Chris Towers, confirmed:
"Mike is now making the transition back to full training, and the hope is that he is set to be available for some game time during the Connacht fixture, with a view to gradually building on that over the following weeks."
For scrum-half Phillips it has been a frustrating time as he had been in a fine vein of form after returning to the Ospreys following his eye-catching performances for the Lions in South Africa over the summer, but he says that his focus now is simply on getting back up to full fitness over the coming weeks for the all important final phase of the season with the Ospreys still well in contention in both the Heineken Cup and the Magners League. He said:
"I can't wait! It's been a frustrating time as it always is when you're injured. I've just been working hard with the medical team over the last few months so that I can get back onto the field for the Ospreys and I'm near the end now, we're almost at the stage when I can get out there playing again. It's what I love doing more than anything, playing rugby, and I just can't wait to get the shirt on again.
"The boys have done really well while I've been out, they've got to the quarter-final stage of the Heineken Cup and are in the running for the Magners League play-offs so it's a good position to be in and a good time to be playing again. There's been a huge effort from the squad and I'm just glad that I'm going to be a part of that again. I've got two months to go until the Biarritz game to get right up to speed as that's a game that I really want to be involved in and I know that I'll need to be fit and in form to be considered for that one.
"It's great being back around the boys, being on the training field again and sharing in the banter. It's horrible being out, you tend to be away from the main group of boys, working with the long term injured, so taking a part in training again and being part of that atmosphere does give you a big boost. I'll step up my work with them over the next few weeks, with the Connacht game being the main focus for me as it will allow me to take the next step in terms of my come back."
9.2.10
8.2.10 Filise and Hewitt extend Blues contracts, Dafydd James moves on
Cardiff Blues are delighted to confirm that powerful Tongan prop Taufa'ao Filise and Wales Under 21 international Centre Dafydd Hewitt have signed contract extensions with the region.
Filise, who grew up in Tonga and went to Tupou College in Nuku'alofa, is a formidable presence on the rugby field, weighing in a 19st 5lbs and standing a towering 6'4".
The giant front row forward who can play on both side's of the scrum joined the Cardiff Blues from Bath in May 2006.
Filise, who has also represented Tonga 29 times and was a member of their 2007 RWC squad, has played 87 matches for the Blues with his powerful rampaging runs causing havoc in the opposition ranks.
Dafydd Hewitt, a product of the Blues Academy in Trefforest, made his debut for the Cardiff Blues in January 2006 against Edinburgh.
In the summer of that year he captained Wales in the IRB Under-21 World Cup tournament in France before returning home for surgery after fracturing his cheekbone and eye socket against Argentina.
A skilful and creative midfield player, the 24 year old Llantwit Major product is also immensely strong, often breaking the first line of defence and a solid tackler. He has played 25 times for the Blues scoring two tries.
Former Wales and Lions winger Dafydd James has signed a short term contract with Sale Sharks and will join the north of England club with immediate effect.
The 34 year-old winger joined the Blues in the summer of 2009 but has only started in two matches for the region and joins the Sale Sharks to pursue more game time and hopes of gaining a contract for next season.
Speaking of the announcement Cardiff Blues Director of Rugby, David Young said,
"It's great news that both Fau and Dafydd have signed new contract with the region, which follows on from the news this week that Ben Blair has also signed a contract extension."
"Fau has been in fantastic form for us this season, with his ball carrying and powerful runs always posing a threat to the opposition."
"We've been really pleased with the progress he's made since joining us."
"Dafydd Hewitt is a product of the Blues Academy in Trefforest and is one of the most promising young Centres in Wales."
"He is gradually gaining more and more experience and is certainly a player to look out for in the future."
"Both players are an integral part of our plans going forward with the Blues."
"I would like to thank Dafydd James for his contribution to the Blues since joining in the summer, when we had a number of injury worries on the wing with Tom James, Tom Shanklin and Leigh Halfpenny all out injured. We wish him the best of luck playing for the Sale Sharks for the rest of the season."
Filise, who grew up in Tonga and went to Tupou College in Nuku'alofa, is a formidable presence on the rugby field, weighing in a 19st 5lbs and standing a towering 6'4".
The giant front row forward who can play on both side's of the scrum joined the Cardiff Blues from Bath in May 2006.
Filise, who has also represented Tonga 29 times and was a member of their 2007 RWC squad, has played 87 matches for the Blues with his powerful rampaging runs causing havoc in the opposition ranks.
Dafydd Hewitt, a product of the Blues Academy in Trefforest, made his debut for the Cardiff Blues in January 2006 against Edinburgh.
In the summer of that year he captained Wales in the IRB Under-21 World Cup tournament in France before returning home for surgery after fracturing his cheekbone and eye socket against Argentina.
A skilful and creative midfield player, the 24 year old Llantwit Major product is also immensely strong, often breaking the first line of defence and a solid tackler. He has played 25 times for the Blues scoring two tries.
Former Wales and Lions winger Dafydd James has signed a short term contract with Sale Sharks and will join the north of England club with immediate effect.
The 34 year-old winger joined the Blues in the summer of 2009 but has only started in two matches for the region and joins the Sale Sharks to pursue more game time and hopes of gaining a contract for next season.
Speaking of the announcement Cardiff Blues Director of Rugby, David Young said,
"It's great news that both Fau and Dafydd have signed new contract with the region, which follows on from the news this week that Ben Blair has also signed a contract extension."
"Fau has been in fantastic form for us this season, with his ball carrying and powerful runs always posing a threat to the opposition."
"We've been really pleased with the progress he's made since joining us."
"Dafydd Hewitt is a product of the Blues Academy in Trefforest and is one of the most promising young Centres in Wales."
"He is gradually gaining more and more experience and is certainly a player to look out for in the future."
"Both players are an integral part of our plans going forward with the Blues."
"I would like to thank Dafydd James for his contribution to the Blues since joining in the summer, when we had a number of injury worries on the wing with Tom James, Tom Shanklin and Leigh Halfpenny all out injured. We wish him the best of luck playing for the Sale Sharks for the rest of the season."
8.2.10 Thomas and Halfpenny start v Scotland
ISSUED 9 FEBRUARY, 2010
THOMAS AND HALFPENNY CLAIM WALES STARTS
Wales have made two changes from the starting line-up defeated by England at Twickenham in the RBS 6 Nations opener last weekend for the visit of Scotland to the Millennium Stadium on Saturday (kick-off 2.00pm).
In the second row Osprey Jonathan Thomas reforms his regional partnership with Alun-Wyn Jones at the expense of Dragons lock Luke Charteris. In the backs Leigh Halfpenny comes in for his Blues colleague Tom James on the wing.
Gethin Jenkins has recovered from his calf injury to be named on the bench and, in one of three changes there, he joins fellow Blues players Sam Warburton, who covers the back row, and centre or wing Tom Shanklin.
"Jonathan brings over 50 caps of experience to the tight five and offers us some extra mobility around the field," said Wales coach Warren Gatland.
"Leigh is a recognised right wing who offers us an extra kicking option and his return to full fitness after limited training in the run up to the England game allows his selection.
"We think we have a very strong bench with the right mix of players each able to make an impact if called upon and are pleased to be able to name Gethin although he will undergo further fitness assessments later in the week.
"Tom Shanklin returns to provide another 65-caps worth of experience as cover for the backs and Sam Warburton comes in as back row cover with JT (Jonathan Thomas) now having been nominated as a starting second row."
Ryan Jones captains Wales for the 21st time taking him to joint fourth in the all-time list alongside Gareth Thomas and behind Rob Howley and Colin Charvis (22) and Ieuan Evans (28).
And fellow back row forward Martyn Williams reaches two more landmarks, winning his 93rd cap, to put him in third place on the all-time appearance list behind Charvis (94) and Thomas (100), and making his 49th tournament appearance - a Welsh record - putting him in line to become only the eighth player to play 50 championship matches.
"We were all disappointed with the result last weekend but the good news for these players is that they have an opportunity now, just seven days after losing a game we all feel we could have won, to bounce back against Scotland," added Gatland.
"The championship is by no means over and we are back home at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday looking to kick-start our campaign.
"This is a must win game for us and the Millennium Stadium factor will have a big part to play, as will the fans, and we are all very much looking forward to coming home."
WALES: Lee Byrne; Leigh Halfpenny, James Hook, Jamie Roberts, Shane Williams; Stephen Jones, Gareth Cooper; Paul James, Gareth Williams, Adam Jones, Jonathan Thomas, Alun Wyn Jones, Andy Powell, Martyn Williams, Ryan Jones (Captain)
REPLACEMENTS: Huw Bennett, Gethin Jenkins, Bradley Davies, Sam Warburton, Richie Rees, Andrew Bishop, Tom Shanklin
THOMAS AND HALFPENNY CLAIM WALES STARTS
Wales have made two changes from the starting line-up defeated by England at Twickenham in the RBS 6 Nations opener last weekend for the visit of Scotland to the Millennium Stadium on Saturday (kick-off 2.00pm).
In the second row Osprey Jonathan Thomas reforms his regional partnership with Alun-Wyn Jones at the expense of Dragons lock Luke Charteris. In the backs Leigh Halfpenny comes in for his Blues colleague Tom James on the wing.
Gethin Jenkins has recovered from his calf injury to be named on the bench and, in one of three changes there, he joins fellow Blues players Sam Warburton, who covers the back row, and centre or wing Tom Shanklin.
"Jonathan brings over 50 caps of experience to the tight five and offers us some extra mobility around the field," said Wales coach Warren Gatland.
"Leigh is a recognised right wing who offers us an extra kicking option and his return to full fitness after limited training in the run up to the England game allows his selection.
"We think we have a very strong bench with the right mix of players each able to make an impact if called upon and are pleased to be able to name Gethin although he will undergo further fitness assessments later in the week.
"Tom Shanklin returns to provide another 65-caps worth of experience as cover for the backs and Sam Warburton comes in as back row cover with JT (Jonathan Thomas) now having been nominated as a starting second row."
Ryan Jones captains Wales for the 21st time taking him to joint fourth in the all-time list alongside Gareth Thomas and behind Rob Howley and Colin Charvis (22) and Ieuan Evans (28).
And fellow back row forward Martyn Williams reaches two more landmarks, winning his 93rd cap, to put him in third place on the all-time appearance list behind Charvis (94) and Thomas (100), and making his 49th tournament appearance - a Welsh record - putting him in line to become only the eighth player to play 50 championship matches.
"We were all disappointed with the result last weekend but the good news for these players is that they have an opportunity now, just seven days after losing a game we all feel we could have won, to bounce back against Scotland," added Gatland.
"The championship is by no means over and we are back home at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday looking to kick-start our campaign.
"This is a must win game for us and the Millennium Stadium factor will have a big part to play, as will the fans, and we are all very much looking forward to coming home."
WALES: Lee Byrne; Leigh Halfpenny, James Hook, Jamie Roberts, Shane Williams; Stephen Jones, Gareth Cooper; Paul James, Gareth Williams, Adam Jones, Jonathan Thomas, Alun Wyn Jones, Andy Powell, Martyn Williams, Ryan Jones (Captain)
REPLACEMENTS: Huw Bennett, Gethin Jenkins, Bradley Davies, Sam Warburton, Richie Rees, Andrew Bishop, Tom Shanklin
9.2.10 Ospreys confirm Fussell signing
Ospreys confirm Fussell signing
Date: Monday 8th February 2010Issued on behalf of Ospreys
The Ospreys are delighted to confirm that they have completed the signing of winger Richard Fussell, who will arrive at the Liberty Stadium in the summer.
25-year old Fussell has penned a two-year deal that will keep him at the region until the end of the 2011-12 season.
Having developed a reputation as a quality finisher, Fussell joins the Ospreys from Newport Gwent Dragons where he is out of contract at the end of the current season, having made 78 appearances since arriving at Rodney Parade in 2005, scoring 23 tries.
Standing 1.8m tall and weighing in at 87kg, Fussell has been capped by Wales at all the age-grade levels. Prior to joining the Dragons, he played 46 times for Pontypridd, scoring 21 tries.
Sean Holley, Ospreys Head Coach, said:
"Clearly, with Shane Williams, Tommy Bowe, Nikki Walker and now Kristian Phillips and Tom Prydie all getting called up for international rugby at different stages of the season, we felt that we needed to add strength to our wing department to cover for these players. We also see Tom Prydie as someone who in the longer term will emerge as a full-back, so we were in no doubt about the need to bring someone in.
"We were looking for someone who was Welsh, who was a consistent player, and in Richard, we saw somebody who has hit some good form, understands a sound defensive system, has the ability to kick off his left foot and has become a proven finisher. He has all the attributes that we look for in a winger at the Ospreys.
"He was coming out of contract and both parties expressed an interest to come together. As a coaching team, all we can do is review the footage and make the recommendations. In Richard's case, we recommended that he was a player that could be a real asset to the Ospreys, and I'm looking forward to working with him next season."
Elite Performance Director, Andrew Hore, added:
"We have invested heavily in facilities, personnel and coaching structures, and the set-up we have here is proving an attraction to quality players who want to come here and be a part of what we are trying to build at the Ospreys. In Richard's case, we are delighted to welcome him into our environment and are looking forward to seeing him grow as a player over the coming seasons.
"He has genuine aspirations to represent Wales at senior level, and with our proven track record for player development we strongly believe that we can help him to achieve that goal."
ENDS
Date: Monday 8th February 2010Issued on behalf of Ospreys
The Ospreys are delighted to confirm that they have completed the signing of winger Richard Fussell, who will arrive at the Liberty Stadium in the summer.
25-year old Fussell has penned a two-year deal that will keep him at the region until the end of the 2011-12 season.
Having developed a reputation as a quality finisher, Fussell joins the Ospreys from Newport Gwent Dragons where he is out of contract at the end of the current season, having made 78 appearances since arriving at Rodney Parade in 2005, scoring 23 tries.
Standing 1.8m tall and weighing in at 87kg, Fussell has been capped by Wales at all the age-grade levels. Prior to joining the Dragons, he played 46 times for Pontypridd, scoring 21 tries.
Sean Holley, Ospreys Head Coach, said:
"Clearly, with Shane Williams, Tommy Bowe, Nikki Walker and now Kristian Phillips and Tom Prydie all getting called up for international rugby at different stages of the season, we felt that we needed to add strength to our wing department to cover for these players. We also see Tom Prydie as someone who in the longer term will emerge as a full-back, so we were in no doubt about the need to bring someone in.
"We were looking for someone who was Welsh, who was a consistent player, and in Richard, we saw somebody who has hit some good form, understands a sound defensive system, has the ability to kick off his left foot and has become a proven finisher. He has all the attributes that we look for in a winger at the Ospreys.
"He was coming out of contract and both parties expressed an interest to come together. As a coaching team, all we can do is review the footage and make the recommendations. In Richard's case, we recommended that he was a player that could be a real asset to the Ospreys, and I'm looking forward to working with him next season."
Elite Performance Director, Andrew Hore, added:
"We have invested heavily in facilities, personnel and coaching structures, and the set-up we have here is proving an attraction to quality players who want to come here and be a part of what we are trying to build at the Ospreys. In Richard's case, we are delighted to welcome him into our environment and are looking forward to seeing him grow as a player over the coming seasons.
"He has genuine aspirations to represent Wales at senior level, and with our proven track record for player development we strongly believe that we can help him to achieve that goal."
ENDS
8.2.10
8.2.10. Blues-Blair extends as Rush moves at end of season
Blair extends as Rush agrees move at season end
For Immediate release: Monday 8th February 2010
Issued on behalf of Cardiff Blues
Ben Blair has extended his contractual commitment to the Cardiff Blues until 2012, but former captain Xavier Rush has decided to call time on his five year association with the Blues to pursue another challenge in Northern Ireland with Ulster Rugby.
Blair joined the Blues in the summer of 2006 after ending his New Zealand club career on a winning note by helping Canterbury win the Ranfurly Shield at the Jade Stadium.
A prolific goal kicker, Ben made his debut for Cardiff Blues against Leinster in Dublin in September 2006 and kicked all the point for the Blues that evening. He reached the 100 point mark in the Magners League after only nine games and has gone on to notch up 871 points, becoming the region's top points scorer.
All four of his Test caps were earned overseas playing against Scotland & Argentina in 2001, and then England & Wales in 2002. Only Simon Culhane has scored more points on debut for the All Blacks than Blair's 38 against Ireland A at Belfast in 2001.
Since joining the Blues in 2006 Blair has proven his worth, making 91 appearances for the region, starting 90, and was voted the player of the season, for the 2007/08 season, by the supporters' club.
Speaking at the signing of his new contract, Ben Blair commented;
"I am delighted to commit my future to the Blues where I am more than happy having enjoyed my time on and off the field from day one."
"I have a young family that are really settled in our adopted home from home and I look forward to building on the successes of last year with my friends and colleagues in what is a very competitive squad here at the Blues."
Xavier Rush joined the Cardiff Blues from the Auckland Blues in 2005. The Kiwi powerhouse was an instant hit with the fans, with both his aggressive attacking play and leadership qualities being appreciated by all, and saw Rush being named as The Supporters' Club Player of the Season in his first year.
Xavier was made Captain of the Cardiff Blues in the summer of 2006 and led the team with distinction for two years, before handing the reigns over to fellow Kiwi, Paul Tito. Having lived in Cardiff for five years Rush believes the move to pastures new gives him a chance to experience life in a different country and a fresh challenge on the rugby front.
Speaking of his summer move, Xavier Rush explained;
"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time living in Wales, representing and captaining the Cardiff Blues has been a real honour.
Over the years I have developed many friendships that will last a lifetime.
However, my original intention having moved from New Zealand back in 2005, was always to experience life in Europe and after five years in the capital city of Wales, which has been a real privilege, I feel the time is right for a change before I consider the future following my playing career.
I would like to thank everyone at the Cardiff Blues for making me so welcome throughout my time with the team and indeed providing me with a considerable dilemma following the very strongest of offers to remain.
I would also like everyone particularly the supporters of the Region to be under no illusions that my focus will be to give my all for the jersey until our final game of the season."
Speaking of the news surrounding both former All Blacks, Cardiff Blues Chief Executive, Robert Norster said;
"We are naturally delighted to announce the news of Ben's contract extension, but understandably disappointed to inform of Xavier's decision to move on.
Ben has proved himself to be one of the most reliable goal-kickers and creative broken field runners in the game and we very much welcome his extended commitment to the team.
Both Ben and Xavier have been outstanding contributors for our team playing key roles in the successes of last season. Nevertheless, we must all accept the professional age in which we operate and respect the individual's right to pursue other cultures and environments during their relatively short playing careers.
We have undertaken everything in our powers to retain Xavier's services. However, Xavier has decided to make a life change and we respect his desire to do so. Xavier has made a tremendous contribution and been at the core of the evolution of the Region over the last five years and we wish him well in the next chapter of his life and career.
On behalf of everyone associated with the Cardiff Blues, I would like to express our sincere thanks to Xavier for his significant and unstinting contribution throughout his time with the team which I have no doubt will remain to be the case until the final encounter of the season."
Ben Blair Played Tries Conv DG Pen YC RC Pts
91+1 19 144 0 167 0 0 884
Xavier Rush Played Tries Conv DG Pen YC RC Pts
88+9 17 0 0 0 0 0 85
For Immediate release: Monday 8th February 2010
Issued on behalf of Cardiff Blues
Ben Blair has extended his contractual commitment to the Cardiff Blues until 2012, but former captain Xavier Rush has decided to call time on his five year association with the Blues to pursue another challenge in Northern Ireland with Ulster Rugby.
Blair joined the Blues in the summer of 2006 after ending his New Zealand club career on a winning note by helping Canterbury win the Ranfurly Shield at the Jade Stadium.
A prolific goal kicker, Ben made his debut for Cardiff Blues against Leinster in Dublin in September 2006 and kicked all the point for the Blues that evening. He reached the 100 point mark in the Magners League after only nine games and has gone on to notch up 871 points, becoming the region's top points scorer.
All four of his Test caps were earned overseas playing against Scotland & Argentina in 2001, and then England & Wales in 2002. Only Simon Culhane has scored more points on debut for the All Blacks than Blair's 38 against Ireland A at Belfast in 2001.
Since joining the Blues in 2006 Blair has proven his worth, making 91 appearances for the region, starting 90, and was voted the player of the season, for the 2007/08 season, by the supporters' club.
Speaking at the signing of his new contract, Ben Blair commented;
"I am delighted to commit my future to the Blues where I am more than happy having enjoyed my time on and off the field from day one."
"I have a young family that are really settled in our adopted home from home and I look forward to building on the successes of last year with my friends and colleagues in what is a very competitive squad here at the Blues."
Xavier Rush joined the Cardiff Blues from the Auckland Blues in 2005. The Kiwi powerhouse was an instant hit with the fans, with both his aggressive attacking play and leadership qualities being appreciated by all, and saw Rush being named as The Supporters' Club Player of the Season in his first year.
Xavier was made Captain of the Cardiff Blues in the summer of 2006 and led the team with distinction for two years, before handing the reigns over to fellow Kiwi, Paul Tito. Having lived in Cardiff for five years Rush believes the move to pastures new gives him a chance to experience life in a different country and a fresh challenge on the rugby front.
Speaking of his summer move, Xavier Rush explained;
"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time living in Wales, representing and captaining the Cardiff Blues has been a real honour.
Over the years I have developed many friendships that will last a lifetime.
However, my original intention having moved from New Zealand back in 2005, was always to experience life in Europe and after five years in the capital city of Wales, which has been a real privilege, I feel the time is right for a change before I consider the future following my playing career.
I would like to thank everyone at the Cardiff Blues for making me so welcome throughout my time with the team and indeed providing me with a considerable dilemma following the very strongest of offers to remain.
I would also like everyone particularly the supporters of the Region to be under no illusions that my focus will be to give my all for the jersey until our final game of the season."
Speaking of the news surrounding both former All Blacks, Cardiff Blues Chief Executive, Robert Norster said;
"We are naturally delighted to announce the news of Ben's contract extension, but understandably disappointed to inform of Xavier's decision to move on.
Ben has proved himself to be one of the most reliable goal-kickers and creative broken field runners in the game and we very much welcome his extended commitment to the team.
Both Ben and Xavier have been outstanding contributors for our team playing key roles in the successes of last season. Nevertheless, we must all accept the professional age in which we operate and respect the individual's right to pursue other cultures and environments during their relatively short playing careers.
We have undertaken everything in our powers to retain Xavier's services. However, Xavier has decided to make a life change and we respect his desire to do so. Xavier has made a tremendous contribution and been at the core of the evolution of the Region over the last five years and we wish him well in the next chapter of his life and career.
On behalf of everyone associated with the Cardiff Blues, I would like to express our sincere thanks to Xavier for his significant and unstinting contribution throughout his time with the team which I have no doubt will remain to be the case until the final encounter of the season."
Ben Blair Played Tries Conv DG Pen YC RC Pts
91+1 19 144 0 167 0 0 884
Xavier Rush Played Tries Conv DG Pen YC RC Pts
88+9 17 0 0 0 0 0 85
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