The openside flanker helped Cardiff reach third place in the Premiership with wins over Aberavon and Ebbw Vale last month.

The recipient for the Principality Premiership monthly award is chosen by Premiership coaches and WRU elite performance staff, and the winner receives £100 from Premiership title sponsors Principality Building Society.

Shellard puts his impressive performances of late down to Phil Davies’ recent influence at the capital club. He said, “Since Phil Davies arrived at the club, he has given us the confidence to go out and play rugby - and the open style of play he advocates also suits me down to the ground.

“Phil has brought a professional edge to the set-up and we are now meeting for training three times a week in addition to our individual work.

“The upturn in our results on the field means we now have real ambitions to win the league. We know that if we can keep winning, we have a side that can achieve that goal for the first time since the Premiership began.”

Shellard was in action for Wales at the Hong Kong Sevens this weekend and now travels to Adelaide for the next leg of the IRB Sevens World Series.

He said, “I’ve no doubt that my performances in the Principality Premiership got me noticed and included in the Wales Sevens squad. There have been a lot of changes in the squad since the World Cup win, but there is a still a really good buzz in the camp.

“I’ve been training with the squad all season and it’s great to get a chance on the circuit again. I’ve played for Wales Sevens at the Hong Kong tournament twice already and it’s a fantastic tournament. As a new squad, we were pleased with a lot of our rugby in Hong Kong and now we’re looking to build on that in Adelaide.”

The Division Four East outfit are one step away from realising their dream having beaten Cardiff University in last weekend’s quarter-finals of the SWALEC Plate.

That victory, 46-28, earned them a place in the semi-final draw, which took place at the Millennium Stadium today (MON). As a result, they will meet fellow Division Four East side Tredegar Ironsides at a neutral venue on the weekend of April 18.

“It will be the biggest day in their careers for our players, and also one of the biggest days in the club’s history, if we can reach the Millennium Stadium,” said Risca secretary John Hayes.

“We are very proud of the fact that current Wales skipper Ryan Jones started his rugby career at Risca, representing our youth side, and our players would love to follow in his footsteps by walking down the tunnel at the Millennium Stadium for a major game.

“But we know there is a lot of work to do before that dream can become a reality. We’ve already played Tredegar Ironsides twice this season and we need to make sure they don’t make it a hat-trick of wins.”

The other semi-final will see two Division Two sides battling it out for the right to play at the home of Welsh rugby - Ammanford representing west Wales and Rhydyfelin, east Wales.

“We are both struggling a little bit near the bottom of our respective divisions at the moment, but maybe a good cup run will kick start a good end to the season,” said Rhydyfelin secretary Chris Fowler.

“To reach the Millennium Stadium would be a very special thing for our club. The oldest player in our team when we beat Mountain Ash last weekend was 25 and all the players had come through our junior ranks.”

In the SWALEC Bowl competition, the draw matched Morriston, of Division Three South West, with Division Five South East’s Pontyclun, while Division Three West’s Lampeter will face Glyncorrwg, of Division Four South West.

The semi-finals in both competitions will be played at neutral venues over the weekend of April 18.

The incentive for Glyncorrwg is to march on the Welsh capital in May for a fourth major final in the club’s 127 year history.

“We’ve been to the old Cardiff Arms Park twice before as a Junior Union side in the Welsh Brewers and Worthington Cup Finals. We lost 18-9 to Llantrisant in 1982, beat Llanishen 16-12 three years later,” said Glyncorrwg president Brian Poulton.

“We also reached the final at the Millennium Stadium in 2003, where we went down 24-20 to Clwb Rygbi. It would be great to get back.”

“Our coaching team of Gareth Thomas, Glan Goodridge, Kirk Bogdun and Kevin Lewis all played for us in one or more of those finals and we’re very much a village club.”

“We’ve been drawn out of the hat away from home in every round of the Bowl, so maybe this is a good omen. We don’t know much about Lampeter, but I’m sure they’ll be as keen as we are to reach the final.”

SWALEC Plate Semi-Finals (Matches to be played on weekend of April 18)
Ammanford v Rhydyfelin
Risca v Tredegar Ironsides

SWALEC Bowl Semi-Finals (Matches to be played on weekend of April 18)
Lampeter v Glyncorrwg
Morriston v Pontyclun

In the other semi-final Llanelli will tackle Aberavon - with both games to be played on the weekend of 18/19th April.

Neath progressed to the semi-finals by beating Cross Keys 32-31 in the quarter-finals while Llanelli had to fight hard to repel Glamorgan Wanderers 27-20 at Parc y Scarlets.

Swansea overpowered Caerphilly 62-3 but Aberavon had to work considerably harder to beat Newport 20-10.

Llanelli head of rugby Anthony Buchanan is expecting a tough challenge from Aberavon. He said:

“It’s going to be quite a challenge and we look forward to that,” he said immediately after the draw. “It should be an interesting contest because we feel at the moment we are very fortunate to be in the next round as we didn’t play well against Glamorgan Wanderers. But we’re in the hat.”

The draw for the SWALEC Plate and Bowl will be take place at 12:00 noon on Monday, 30 Match

He was nominated for the award by Principality Premiership coaches and WRU elite performance staff and presented with a cheque for £100 by Katie Bradbury at the Canton branch of Principality Building Society.

Sneddon last month helped the Wanderers to wins over champions Neath (20-3) and away over Ebbw Vale (13-9) after narrowly losing at Cardiff (21-26). They continued their winning run last weekend with another away victory, this time over Swansea (23-26).

Sneddon said, “I’m shocked but thrilled to receive this award. It’s great that performances in the Premiership are getting noticed in this way.”

Sneddon, who is a house-mate of Wales and Blues utility back Jamie Roberts and Wales Sevens and Newport scrum half Tom Isaacs suffered with injuries in the early part of his senior career but got back in the seat with Cross Keys last season before moving to the Memorial Ground.

“The move to the Wanderers has been beneficial for me. It’s a great club and there is a really good bunch of players and coaches.

“After being out of action more often that not in my career so far, I’m really pleased to be playing regularly at this level. I have ambitions to play Regional rugby but at the moment I’m just concentrating on playing well for the Wanderers and hopefully we can continue to move up the table.

Glamorgan Wanderers head coach Richard Hodges believes Sneddon has had no small part to play in his side’s recent successful run.

“Our key recruitment strategy in the summer had to be based around improving our kicking game and we identified Scott in that role. He has scored an average of around 15 points per game and that consistency with the boot can very often make the difference between sides at any level. Scott’s performances in our recent wins at home to Neath and Swansea and away to Ebbw Vale were pivotal and there is now real competition for our no 10 shirt with Mark Roper.”

Scott Sneddon factfile:

DoB: 15.11.85
Place of Birth: Cardiff
Club: Glamorgan Wanderers
Position: Outside half
Nickname: Sneds
Player most admired: Jonny Wilkinson
Sportsman most admired: Jonny Wilkinson
Biggest impact on career - Family and friends
Occupation - Rugby player and development officer with the Blues

Canada took a 3-0 lead in the early going off a penalty kick from James Pritchard before Wales scored a try to take the lead 5-3 midway through the first half.

With just a few minutes until half Pritchard launched a monster kick in the closed roof stadium - hitting from 49 metres to retake the lead 6-5. Then just before the half - Leigh Halfpenny - on his debut scored a sparkling try - to put Wales into the change room at the interval with a less than certain 10-6 lead over Canada.

Canada was much more impressive and confident on the night compared to the rain soaked disaster in Limerick six days ago. The tackles were numerous and well thought out - defense organized - and rarely did Canada go to panic stations in open play - thwarting wave after wave of attacks with convincing tackles into touch.

In the second half the cracks appeared at times in the Canuck defense, but the real problems were in the scrum- where two penalty tries on the Canadian line showed where Wales was really putting the pressure on. With the score 27-6 Canada was still interested in playing some rugby and on the ensuing kick-off Calgary’s Ryan Smith stepped into a Welsh passing play at mid-field to race fifty metres for the try under the posts.

James Pritchard converted to bring the score to 27-13 - and this in turn invigorated the Canadians - who upped the tempo - creating break downs and consternation in the Welsh camp.

Near full time it was Halfpenny getting his second of the night for the dream debut - and a final score of 34-13 to Wales.

Brawmell, who joined the Steelmen from Neath at the start of last season, was nominated for the award by Principality Premiership coaches and WRU elite performance staff. He was presented with a cheque for £100 by Caitlin Williams at the Ebbw Vale branch of the Principality Building Society.

Bramwell returned from injury a month ago and took over the kicking duties for the club. His performances with the boot and in midfield helped the Steelmen notch away victories during the month at Cardiff (25-26), Llandovery (9-15) and at home over Premiership champions Neath (29-10).

He said, “I was just pleased to be able to put some games together after being out through injury. I picked up a knee strain in the Neath game but I’m hoping to return at the end of November for our home encounter with League leaders Llanelli.

“I’m really grateful for being given an opportunity at Ebbw Vale, and I’m thankful that Patrick Horgan suggested a move from full back to centre, a position I’m really enjoying this season.

“There’s a great bunch of players at Ebbw Vale, and the coaching staff with Matthew McCarthy and Lyn Jones now involved create a really professional environment.

“We had some really good wins in October, especially over Cardiff at the Arms Park and over champions Neath, but we have to keep that momentum going now which is not going to be easy.”

Ebbw Vale coach Matthew McCarthy added, “Aaron is a young player who could still make the step up to the next level and play regional rugby, if he stays injury free. He took over the kicking duties for the Cardiff game and really helped to turn our early season form around. He has a physical presence in midfield and certainly deserves this accolade.”

Aaron Bramwell factfile:

DoB: 1.03.86
Place of Birth - Aberdare
Club - Ebbw Vale
Position - Centre
Nickname - Brams
Player most admired - Percy Montgomery
Sportsman most admired - Mohammed Ali
Biggest impact on career - Family
Occupation - Rugby player and play scheme assistant

Ospreys prop Jones has been carrying a bone injury in his right foot which left him out of contention for selection to face the World Champions South Africa last week, as well as Canada at the Millennium Stadium tomorrow night (Friday), but he has now also been withdrawn for the visits of New Zealand and Australia.

“Duncan has had a long term bone problem in his foot which has recently flared up,” said Davies.

“It is likely that he will now be in plaster for a period time and we are currently taking specialist advice before predicting when he will be able to make a return, but we know he will not be available to us for our matches against the All Blacks and the Wallabies.”

Jones has been replaced in the Wales squad by Cardiff Blues prop John Yapp, who joined up with Gatland and his men last week along with his regional colleague Tom James.

Wing James joined the squad to provide cover in the backs and will now remain after the withdrawal yesterday of Ospreys centre Gavin Henson with an Achilles injury.

The unanimous vote of approval was taken at their monthly meeting in Aberavon where the committee debates the operation and development of Welsh rugby’s semi professional division.

Chris Clarke who is also Secretary of Cross Keys RFC and Byron Mugford, who represents Swansea RFC will now continue to represent the Premiership clubs in all major negotiations and key decision making forums.

The committee which comprises all fourteen of the Principality Premiership clubs noted that the pair had led them through massive change and improvement in recent years.

Representatives said they could now focus on making the division an even stronger part of Welsh rugby’s elite development pathway.

The WRU Group Chief Executive, Roger Lewis, said: “I am delighted that the Premiership representatives have recognised the hard work, dedication and vision of Chris and Byron with this show of support.

“They are men who vigorously lead the Principality Premiership forward at a time when the shape of the semi professional game in Wales is being defined for the future.

“They champion a vital section of our elite development pathway in a way which demands respect from us all. They represent excellent stewardship of the Premiership.”

The international clash against Australia on November the 29th has now been declared a sell out with tickets for the New Zealand game completely sold out several weeks ago.

That means the Canada clash is the last opportunity for supporters to get to a game to cheer on Warren Gatland’s team this Grand Slam year.

There has been a surge in Canada ticket sales following Saturdays sell out international between Wales and South Africa from fans anxious to savour the big game atmosphere live.

The international against Canada kicks off at 7.30pm on Friday with the remaining tickets for sale at £10 for juniors and £15 for adults.

Tickets can be ordered by phone from Ticketmaster on 08705 582582 or supporters can call Ticketline on 02920 230130 or call into their Westgate Street, Cardiff shop in person.

With the Canada match tickets selling at pace the Invesco Perpetual Autumn four match series is already assured of being watched live by more than a quarter of a million Millennium Stadium fans.

The Group Chief Executive of the WRU, Roger Lewis, said:”Ticket sales for all the autumn games have been amazing and the interest in the Canada match is building at pace.

“Welsh rugby fans know that the Canadians can prove formidable international opponents so we know we are in for a great game.

“The Canadians arrived in Wales on Sunday and they are really looking forward to savouring the Millennium Stadium atmosphere and I know our supporters will give them a great welcome.

“We have ensured the ticket prices for the Friday night game are very competitive and it will be a great rugby occasion for all the family.”

With tickets for Australia and New Zealand all sold out any supporter still hoping to buy one should contact their local Welsh rugby club just in case they have the luck to come across one that has become available at the last minute.

Wales coach Warren Gatland has rung the changes for the Canadian challenge, including switching Jones across the back row from number six to No8.

That means Saturday’s Invesco Perpetual man-of-the-match Andy Powell moves to the bench after an impressive debut.

Scarlets scrum-half Martin Roberts is set to make his international debut in place of Dwayne Peel, but the most changes come up front where Scarlets flanker Dafydd Jones joins Blues flyer Robin Sowden-Taylor alongside Jones in the back row.

It’s all change in the front five with 2005 Grand Slam squad member John Yapp called into the squad to win his ninth cap following a two-year absence after Duncan Jones was ruled out with a foot injury.

Richard Hibbard and Rhys Thomas complete the front row while Ian Gough and Luke Charteris will pack down behind them.

There are five new starting faces behind the scrum with Mark Jones recovering from the knee injury that forced him out of contention against the Springboks.

He takes his place on the left wing as Wales’ record try-scorer Shane Williams is given a break, with Leigh Halfpenny winning his second cap on the other wing

James Hook picks up where they left off after replacing Stephen Jones at half-back and forms a new partnership with debutant Roberts.

Andrew Bishop joins Shanklin at centre in place of Jamie Roberts while Scarlet Morgan Stoddart starts at full-back in place of Lee Byrne.

“We have a short turn around before we face Canada and this was always going to be a game in which we tried to utilise our squad,” said Gatland.

“We have a chance to put defeat against South Africa behind us and really try to build some momentum before the All Blacks and the Wallabies come to town so we know what we need to achieve against Canada.

“It’s a real boost to have someone of Mark Jones credentials back available to us and we are also pleased to give Leigh Halfpenny a chance to get another cap under his belt with places still very much up for grabs in those positions.

“Tom Shanklin again gets the opportunity for further game time after coming in at a late stage last week and doing a great job and we are keen to see how that partnership goes with Andrew Bishop. Martin Roberts also has a chance to win his first cap and we are looking forward to seeing what he can offer us.

“Up front Duncan Jones has been carrying a foot injury so that has opened the door for John Yapp to join us and the likes of Luke Charteris and Robin Sowden-Taylor also have the chance to wear the red shirt and show us what they can do.

“There are many of changes from last week but we have maintained consistency by keeping Ryan in there as captain and we have some experience and impact players too on the bench.”

Osprey fly-half Dan Biggar and Sale prop Eifion Roberts all have the chance to win first caps for from the replacements bench and they are joined by experienced heads in Matthew Rees, Alun Wyn-Jones and Jamie Roberts alongside the impressive Powell.

Ospreys centre Gavin Henson was not considered for selection this week as the Wales coaching team await reports from a medical specialist in consultation about his Achilles injury.

WALES: Morgan Stoddart; Leigh Halfpenny, Tom Shanklin, Andrew Bishop, Mark Jones; James Hook, Martin Roberts; John Yapp, Richard Hibbard, Rhys Thomas, Ian Gough, Luke Charteris, Dafydd Jones, Robin Sowden-Taylor, Ryan Jones (Captain),

REPLACEMENTS:

Matthew Rees, Eifion Roberts, Alun-Wyn Jones, Andy Powell, Dwayne Peel, Dan Biggar, Jamie Roberts