STATEMENT BY FOUR WELSH RUGBY REGIONS

Magners League News

• Paul James fitness explosion
  I needed to get a bit more explosive and a bit faster around the field Paul James has paid tribute to the work of the strength and conditioning team at the Ospreys for the support that enabled him to force his way back into the national set-up earlier this season. The 27-year prop was a fixture in the Wales team during the autumn internationals, starting all four games during November, more than six years after his solitary previous appearance in a red shirt which came at the Racecourse, Wrexham, when Wales played Romania back in 2003. The most capped Osprey of all time with 138 regional outings to his credit, the return to international duty was a welcome reward for a player who had worked closely with the coaching team at the Ospreys to force his way into the international reckoning. This season has seen the ever reliable James hit a rich vein of form, culminating in his two try man-of-the-match showing in the Christmas win over the Scarlets, but he says that his rise to prominence is no coincidence, it is down to the efforts of Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Mark Bennett and his Assistant Alex Lawson, who have worked with him to put together a conditioning programme that has allowed him to flourish. He said: I spoke to the coaches back in the summer about my ambitions for the next few years, one of which was that I wanted to get back into the Welsh squad. The feedback I got was that if I was going to achieve that, then I needed to get a bit more explosive and a bit faster around the field. I've worked hard with Benny and Alex on explosive power, and on my speed and fitness. Basically, it was about working hard in pre-season and in the early part of the season on areas of conditioning that would make a difference to me. I can definitely feel a big difference, I think they've really helped and guided me in the right direction. The difference can be measured, it's not just about how I feel, it's there in black and white in the records that the coaches keep. For example, take counter movement jumps. Last year I would have been jumping 22cm, this year I'm up to 28. I never thought that I'd ever get to that kind of score, but from the training that I've done with the conditioning coaches, that's a guide to how far they've brought me on this season. It isn't something that I can just do and then forget about it and let all the good work go to waste. They keep on pushing me, and it's all part of my regular routine now. You go through different phases, the weights will change as the months go by, but you have to put your faith in the conditioning team. It's been really good for me and the results, the way I am playing better than ever, speak for themselves. Mark Bennett arrived at the Ospreys ahead of the current season after spending five years as WRU National Fitness Coach. Renowned as one of the world's leading sports conditioning experts, he was brought to the Ospreys to ensure that the region has the best physical development programme in world rugby. He immediately set about testing the whole squad, the results of which were then used to put together individual conditioning plans to address the shortcomings of each player. He says that it is this detailed approach that has paid dividends for a number of players, including James: When we did our pre-season fitness testing, the striking thing that I found with the Ospreys squad as a whole was that we had very good endurance levels in the squad, but top end speed and power wasn't where it should have been. For us to get around the field, the players would be able to maintain around 94 or 95 per cent of their maximum velocity, or speed, for about 10 sprints. For a rugby player, that figure should really be down at about 90 per cent, so our endurance is too good for our speed, which was lagging behind somewhere. It was clear that what we needed to do, it was about going away and working on power and speed with the players. For Paul in particular, it was a phased process. We wanted him to lose a bit of body fat, so the first phase was about losing a bit of weight and then trying to regain that in muscle mass, and to improve his maximum strength levels. Once we'd done that, it was about improving his explosive strength, before the final phase, which was to improve his speed.One of the problems that you can get with that approach is that it's not a two or three week process. Each phase needs you to work in blocks of four to six weeks. That means that somebody like Paul needs twelve to sixteen weeks of hard work to be able to really show his improvements. It was the same for a lot of our players who played at the start of the season, they were fatigued a little maybe and had to play through it. It wasn't until probably the first days of Europe this season that we actually reached the stage where we'd got past that and were starting to see some of the gains that players had made. The common perception seems to be that speed is one of those natural assets that sportsmen are either blessed with or they aren't, and that it's not something you can coach a player. That perception is something that Bennett disagrees with, as he explains: To an extent you can. It's not pure, top end speed we're talking about, where people are actually running 100 metres that kind of speed is very difficult to improve. You have to realise that...
• Edinburgh do it easy over The Blues
  Edinburgh 21 Blues 12 Murrayfield Edinburgh returned to form with a simple victory over the Blues in their Magners League encounter at Murrayfield on Saturday. Following an assuring start, the Cardiff outfit could not turn momentum into points and trailed 13-6 at the break, with flanker Ross Rennie scoring the homersquo;s sides only try of the first half. Early into the second half, Edinburgh were soon to extend their lead through full-back Jim Thompson who completed a sublime passing move following immense pressure. Captain Chris Patterson continued his consistent form scoring 11 points, drilling three penalties and a conversion. However, Edinburgh were soon to get pegged back by the nagging boot of Ceri Sweeney, ill-discipline saw them lose Fraser McKenzie and Roddy Grant, but the Welsh side lacked any cutting edge to produce a try in a scrappy affair in freezing conditions uncomfortable for flowing rugby. The victory sees Edinburgh go third in the table following a slump in form, while the Cardiff Bluesrsquo; losing away streak continues and with five lost on the bounce away from home, they remain eighth. Scorers Edinburgh (13) 21 Tries: Rennie, Thomspn Penalties: Patterson 3 Conversion: Patteron Blues (6) 12 Penalties: Sweeney 3, Halfpenny Edinburgh: Chris Paterson (capt), Jim Thompson, Ben Cairns, John Houston, Tim Visser, Rory Hutton, Greig Laidlaw, Allan Jacobsen, Ross Ford, David Young, Jim Hamilton, Scott MacLeod, Alan MacDonald, Ross Rennie, Roddy Grant. Replacements: Andrew Kelly, Kyle Traynor, Craig Hamilton, Scott Newlands, Ross Samson, Nick De Luca, Mark Robertson. Blues: Leigh Halfpenny; Richard Mustoe, Casey Laulala, Jamie Roberts, Tom James; Ceri Sweeney, Gareth Cooper; Sam Hobbs, T Rhys Thomas, Taufa'au Filise, Deiniol Jones, Paul Tito (capt), Andries Pretorius, Andy Powell, Martyn Williams. Replacements: Rhys James, Scott Andrews, Bradley Davies, Ben White, Richie Rees, Dai Flanagan, Gareth Thomas
• Magners League 2009-10 round 11 preview
  Heavensgame.com takes a look at the remaining matches of this weekendrsquo;s Magners League fixtures, with Connachtrsquo;s match against the Dragons and Ulsterrsquo;s game versus the Ospreys already called off. Letrsquo;s look at the games! Leinster v Glasgow - Postponed Two of the form teams of Europe will clash at an RDS Stadium apparently ready and waiting despite the abhorrent conditions that have caused one of the worst winters in living memory. With two of this roundrsquo;s Magners clashes called off due to unsuitable conditions in Belfast and Galway, Leinster will be happy that they get to play a match. They did not suit up last week due to the cancellation of their match against Connacht. The European champions would not want to enter the fifth round of the Heineken Cup with three weeks of no rugby. The third placed Irish side will face the high flying Glasgow Warriors, top of the table after a solid away win against Edinburgh. Should they beat Leinster, they will set a new team record for most number of consecutive wins, currently unbeaten in their last six league matches. Still, this top of the table clash favours the Irish side; they are at home and in good form themselves. They have won four of their last five games in all competitions and have won their last ten Magners games at the RDS. Leinster are taking this match seriously, with Brian Orsquo;Driscoll named in a backline that reeks of class. Jonathan Sexton also starts at flyhalf, his first game since sustaining an injury in Irelandrsquo;s match against South Africa. Forward coach Jono Gibbes is wary, not only of Glasgow but also with the circumstances of matches being cancelled due to poor weather. Glasgow are really confident and have been consistently performing this year, so we get to measure ourselves and take them on and try to challenge them. It would be less than ideal to go into those (Heineken Cup) games without two weekends of rugby, but in saying that these are the cards that you're dealt and it wouldn't be the worst thing either because the few players who had bumps and bruises might benefit from the break.rdquo; Glasgow and Coach Sean Lineen are title contenders for the premier prize fought amongst the Celtic nations, and have made two changes to the team that won the 1872 Cup last weekend. Fergus Thomson takes over from Dougie Hall at hooker, and Johnnie Beattie comes in at number eight, replacing sick loose forward Richie Vernon. Lineen is wary of the massive challenge the reigning Heineken Cup holders present. ldquo;This is a massive challenge. It's a bit like a mini version of Scotland going across to Dublin at the end of March for the last game of the Six Nations. We are going across and playing half the Irish team and we may have half the Scottish team the way the guys are going.rdquo; There is no more difficult place to go and do it, but there are no excuses - it is all to do with making sure Glasgow win.rdquo; Indeed the biggest interest in the match will be how the teams approach the game within the bounds of the respective competitions in Europe. Glasgow is all but out of contention of the Heineken Cup, and will be treating this match as a pseudo final. If they can defeat Leinster at home, something they havenrsquo;t done in 11 previous encounters, then they can be rubber stamped as a potential Magners League champion. However Leinster could treat this match more as a Heineken Cup warm up, playing Brive next weekend. That match may not present a problem, but their final round game against London Irish could well decide the winner of their pool. Leinster: 15 Girvan Dempsey, 14 Isa Nacewa, 13 Brian O'Driscoll, 12 Fergus McFadden, 11 Rob Kearney, 10 Jonathan Sexton, 9 Eoin Reddan, 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 Shane Jennings (captain), 6 Kevin McLaughlin, 5 Nathan Hines, 4 Devin Toner, 3 Stan Wright, 2 John Fogarty, 1 Cian Healy. Replacements: 16 Bernard Jackman, 17 Mike Ross, 18 Malcolm O'Kelly, 19 Stephen Keogh, 20 Paul O'Donohoe, 21 Shaun Berne, 22 Simon Keogh. Glasgow: 15 Bernardo Stortoni, 14 DTH van der Merwe, 13 Max Evans, 12 Graeme Morrison, 11 Thom Evans, 10 Dan Parks, 9 Chris Cusiter, 8 Johnnie Beattie, 7 John Barclay, 6 Kelly Brown, 5 Richie Gray, 4 Alastair Kellock (captain), 3 Moray Low, 2 Dougie Hall, 1 Jon Welsh. Replacements: 16 Fergus Thomson, 17 Kevin Tkachuk, 18 Dan Turner, 19 James Eddie, 20 Colin Gregor, 21 Ruaridh Jackson, 22 Rob Dewey. Date: Friday, January 8 Venue: RDS, Dublin Time: 20.00 Referee: James Jones Edinburgh v Cardiff Blues Last seasonrsquo;s Magners League runners up will be hoping for a strong display after back to back losses to their countrymen Glasgow in recent weeks. Rob Moffat knows his side is good enough to make a playoff finish, but if they cannot prevail against Cardiff their season could be read its last rites. Worse still, the Gunners have lost three of their last four matches, and have not scored a try in any of those games. Moffat knows that the rot is beginning to creep in. I think everyone is down, there would be something wrong if we weren't. I think they're frustrated. But you have to move on. We can't keep looking back. We still have eight league games left and we'll probably need to win six of the eight to get into the top four in the league,rdquo; he said. When you've played like we have over the past couple of weeks you have to get back on track. We need to win this week, but that will come from playing a lot better than we have. If we can do that we can get the ball rolling.rdquo; The main thing is to give a real top performance. Not many players over the past couple of weeks have played really well. Cardiff is in even worse shape. Last yearrsquo;s Heineken Cup semi-finalists have won only...
• Jamie Roberts and John Yapp sign up at The Blues
  Cardiff Blues duo Jamie Roberts and John Yapp have signed contract extensions with the region to keep them with the Blues until 2013. Following the news that Cardiff Blues stalwarts Deiniol Jones and Gareth Williams have signed new contracts with the region, the Blues have received a further boost with the news that Cardiff Blues centre, Jamie Roberts, and prop forward, John Yapp, have also signed new contracts. Jamie, who was educated at Ysgol Gyfun Glantaf, is a product of the Blues Academy in Tefforest and made his debut for the region as a replacement in the pre-season friendly at Pontypridd back in August 2005. He made his competitive debut for the Blues on the wing in the 17-15 point victory over the Ospreys in 2007. The next two matches against the Dragons and Glasgow Warriors, he scored three tries, and was called up to the Wales 2008 Six Nations squad. Jamie made his Wales debut against Scotland as Wales triumphed 30-15 as Wales went on to claim their second Grand Slam of the decade. The twenty-two year old, who has played 47 times for the Blues, was instrumental in the their superb 2008/09 season that saw them reach the semi finals of the Heineken Cup and lift the EDF Energy Cup at Twickenham. A series of fine performances for the region saw him called up to the 2009 Lions tour of South Africa where he formed a formidable partnership with Brian O'Driscoll. Although losing the three test series by two tests to one, Roberts was named Lions Players of the Series. Roberts has signed a new contract that will keep him with the Blues until 2013. Despite success coming early in his rugby career Roberts feels he still has a lot to achieve in the game. Speaking ahead of the this Saturday's match against Edinburgh Jamie said, I'm delighted to have signed a new contract with the Blues. Cardiff is my home city and I'm very passionate about sport in the city and Cardiff in general. It's an exciting time for the Blues moving into the new stadium and also the superb new training facilities have been great. I'm fortunate that I've tasted some success early in my career but I remain as focused as ever to play my part in a successful Cardiff Blues team. Last season's achievements and disappointments have driven myself and the whole squad to work harder and strive for bigger and better things. We are fortunate to have good strength in the centre positions at the Cardiff Blues with some quality players who are very competitive. Dai Young has always stressed that he wants two quality players in each position and there is certainly quality for me to compete with in the midfield at the Blues. The new contract also fits in perfectly with my part time academic studies at the School Of Medicine where I will hopefully graduate in 2013 if all goes to plan John Yapp burst onto the Cardiff club scene at Christmas 2002 and made his first team debut against Ebbw Vale on Boxing Day at the age of 18 years. He immediately captured the imagination of the supporters with his whole-hearted play and particularly his ball-carrying ability in the loose. Despite his young age he had featured in 17 of a possible 19 games by the end of the season. Originally educated at Cowbridge Comprehensive School, John had first team experience with the Llantwit Major and Pontypridd before establishing himself with the Blues. John won his first cap for Wales as a substitute in the victory over England in the RBS 6 Nations in 2005 as Wales went on to claim their first Grand Slam since 1978. In the summer of 2008 John travelled to Australia to play for Tuggeranong Vikings during the Northern hemispheres off season after making the decision to switch from playing loose head to playing tight head prop. He has signed a new two year contract with the Blues. The popular prop forward has gone on to play 121 matches for the Blues but was dealt a blow earlier in the season when tore his bicep during the Blues' victory over the Harlequins in the Heineken. John is currently in rehab and is expected to be back in action for the Blues early in early Spring. Speaking at the Vale of Glamorgan Training Centre, John Yapp said, The rehab is coming along well and I'm aiming to be back by the end of March, hopefully for our matches against Ulster. The timing of the injury wasn't great because it was so early in the season which was very frustrating. It's part and parcel of the games these days, with the players getting bigger and stronger, but I've tried to take the positives out of it, and it's given me plenty of time to put in some good training and work on my fitness. I've have great support from the Blues throughout my injury and it's a real boost to be offered a new contract when I've been out so long. This is my eighth season with Cardiff and I didn't think of looking to play for another team. I hope to make the switch to tight-head permanent that's why the injury was so frustrating, I was playing loose-head as Gethin was injured and just when he came back I got injured. However, I enjoy playing tight-head which is a lot harder as you are more of an anchor at the scrum and being targeted by two players rather than one. Cardiff Blues Director of rugby David Young said, Both John and Jamie are integral to our plans going forward with the Cardiff Blues, so I'm delighted that they have both signed new contracts with the region. They are both local boys who have come through...
• Brian McLaughlin names squad for Ospreys clash
  Head Ulster Coach Brian McLaughlin has named an extended 28 man squad, ahead of Ulster's Magners League home match against Ospreys, on Friday 8th January, kick off 7.05pm. Commenting on the Magners League fixture, Ulster Coach Brian McLaughlin said: We have to make sure we are up for the game, we have to compete and we have to make sure we beat them at Ravenhill. We have to go to town with them up front and we have to show that we are more than capable of dealing with them. Although we gained victory over Ospreys at the start of the season, we all know not to under estimate them. Ospreys are a dangerous side, who can and do compete at the highest level, we need to ensure we give them nothing to play with. At training this week we will work hard in certain areas of the pitch, the focus will be to put down our patterns of play, after that, on the day, it's just a matter of us holding onto the ball and making the best use of any chances we have. We must put them under pressure. It's vital for our Magners League campaign that we win our home games and build a solid platform from them. Only 6 points separate Ulster from Ospreys, on an extremely tight and competitive Magners League table. The starting 22 will be named on Thursday at 12noon. ULSTER SQUAD FORWARDS Declan Fitzpatrick, Bryan Young, BJ Botha, Nigel Brady, Andy Kyriacou, Ed O'Donoghue, Dan Tuohy, Ryan Caldwell, Chris Henry, Tom Court, Stephen Ferris, Willie Faloon, TJ Anderson, Neil McComb, David Pollock ULSTER SQUAD BACKS Jamie Smith, Clinton Schifcofske, Simon Danielli, Darren Cave, Ian Whitten, Timoci Nagusa, Ian Humphreys, Niall O'Connor, Isaac Boss, Paddy Wallace, Andrew Trimble, Cillian Willis, Jonny Shiells

Welsh Rugby News

• The Curious Case of Gavin Henson
  Rumours and reports abound that Welsh rugby enigma Gavin Henson could be on the verge of a comeback. A...
• Lee Byrne and Adam Jones due to make return
  Wales and Coach Warren Gatland are due to receive a boost with British and Irish Lions fullback Lee Byrne and...
• 2009 End of Year Rugby Review: Wales
  In looking at all of the Six Nations teams in the autumn internationals, there is no way of sugar coating...
• That level of performance is not acceptable for Welsh Rugby
  Mark the date down, Saturday 28th November 2009 will long be remembered for one of the most embarrassing performances in...
• Wonderful Wallabies too good for Woeful Wales
  A transformed and revitalised Australia has beaten Wales 33-12 in Cardiff. Everything the Wallabies did turned to gold, whereas it...
• Colin Hillman awarded awarded posthumous Sevens cap
  The Welsh Rugby Union today (Saturday 28 November) paid tribute to former Wales Sevens coach, the late Colin Hillman and...
• 2009 Wales V Australia: Match Preview
  Recent circumstances has ensured that not only will this game be a blockbuster, but will be a very dangerous match...

6 Nations Rugby News

• France name 2010 Six Nations squad
  The Tri Colours and their Coach Marc Lievremont have named their 30 man Six Nations squad for the 2010 campaign, beginning with an away match to Scotland at Murrayfield. The biggest talking point of the selections is the recall of Stade Francais centre Mathieu Bastareaud, who was thought to still be out of favour after the controversy he caused with lying about an assault in Wellington last year during the All Blacks tests. There are numerous high profile recalls and omissions for France. Clermont skipper Aurelien Rougerie and experienced Toulouse half-back Jean-Baptiste Elissalde has been recalled, as well as Bourgoin fly-half Benjamin Boyet. Maxime Medard, Cedric Heymans and Lionel Beauxis have all missed out on selection, with Toulouse three-quarter Clement Poitrenaud likely to take the custodian role. However fellow Toulousainrsquo;s Yann David and Florian Fritz have been omitted from the team. Brive utility back Fabrice Estebanez is called up for the first time to a national test squad, with Lievremont keen to point out the youngsterrsquo;s ability. His versatility will be an asset in the group, said Liegrave;vremont. He has huge potential but we wonrsquo;t be doing him any favours by giving him a debut at ten. France, who last won the Six Nations in 2007, has come third in the last two tournaments. No major title success under Lievremont is something that the always passionate Les Bleus faithful would like to see amended, although France was notable in 2009 for beating the top two teams in the world. Their victories in Dunedin and Toulouse over the All Blacks and Springbok respectively would have had bookmakers giving the Tri Colours Six Nations favouritism for 2010. But a heavy defeat to New Zealand in Marseille had people again questioning the French sidersquo;s consistency. But selection was a difficult process this time round, the Les Bleus boss explained. The selection committee was quite animated, added Liegrave;vremont. After much reflection we decided on sixteen forwards and fourteen backs. It wasn't easy. We didn't all agree on the cohesion and current form. Estebanez is the only new player.rdquo; Bastareaud's return is explained by his strong performances at his club and the fact that he put his back into his community service.rdquo; One should also note the return of the Clermont players (Rougerie and Julien Malzieu), who deserve it. France squad Forwards: Thomas Domingo (Clermont), Luc Ducalcon (Castres), Sylvain Marconnet (Stade Franccedil;ais), Nicolas Mas (Perpignan), William Servat (Stade Toulousain), Dimitri Szarzewski (Stade Franccedil;ais), Seacute;bastien Chabal (Racing Metro), Romain Millo-Chulski (Stade Toulousain), Lionel Nallet (Racing Metro), Pascal Papeacute; (Stade Franccedil;ais), Julien Bonnaire (Clermont), Thierry Dussautoir (Stade Toulousain), Imanol Harinordoquy (Biarritz), Alexandre Lapandry (Clermont), Fulgence Ouedraogo (Montpellier), Louis Picamoles (Stade Toulousain) Backs : Jean-Baptiste Elissalde (Stade Toulousain), Morgan Parra (Clermont), Benjamin Boyet (Bourgoin), Franccedil;ois Trinh-Duc (Montpellier), Mathieu Bastareaud (Stade Franccedil;ais), Fabrice Estebanez (Brive), David Marty (Perpignan), Yannick Jauzion (Stade Toulousain), Vincent Clerc (Stade Toulousain), Benjamin Fall (Bayonne), Julien Malzieu (Clermont), Aurelien Rougerie (Clermont), Alexis Palisson (Brive), Clement Poitrenaud (Stade Toulousain).
• Scotland name 2010 Six Nations squad
  Scotland and Coach Andy Robinson have named their first squad of 2010, for their opening two matches of the Six Nations, hosting France at Murrayfield and then travelling away to Wales at Millennium Stadium. Dan Parks, who was left out of Scotlandrsquo;s test line ups for the autumn international series, has been recalled. His imperious form for Glasgow essentially made it a fait accompli that he would again feature for the Thistles. Parksrsquo; Glasgow team mates, lock Richie Gray and stand-off Ruaridh Jackson, have been named as the two key debutants for Scotland, with both impressing at club and Scotland A level. Gray made his debut for Scotlandrsquo;s second team against Tonga last year, while Jackson played a starring role against ldquo;Les Bleus Ardquo; in the IRB Nations Cup in Romania. Prop Alasdair Dickinson (Gloucester) and lock Jim Hamilton (Edinburgh) are recalled, after missing last years end of season tests through injury. The squad will assemble at St Andrews for a four day camp next Monday. Four other players have been preliminarily invited to that camp - the Edinburgh trio of Mike Blair, Ross Rennie and the uncapped grandson of the late Bill McLaren, Jim Thompson; as well as debutant Warriors prop Jon Welsh. Rory Lamont may join the squad, but Richie Vernon, Allister Hogg and Jason White were omitted due to injury. Ben Cairns, Nikki Walker, Geoff Cross and Scott MacLeod all missed out on selection. Robinson had this to say about the group, who will try to atone for a horrible record at Six Nations level in recent years. In their last 15 matches, Scotland have won only three, the same number as Italy. ldquo;Richie Gray has worked hard to win a place in the squad and has applied himself consistently when playing for Glasgow, and we were also pleased to see Ruaridh back in action there.rdquo; ldquo;Dan has been playing well and itrsquo;s an asset for us to have someone of his ability in the squad.rdquo; Scotland squad Forwards: John Barclay, Johnnie Beattie, Kelly Brown (all Glasgow Warriors), Alasdair Dickinson (Gloucester), Ross Ford (Edinburgh), Richie Gray, Dougie Hall (both Glasgow Warriors), Jim Hamilton (Edinburgh), Nathan Hines (Leinster), Allan Jacobsen (Edinburgh), Alastair Kellock (Glasgow Warriors), Scott Lawson (Gloucester), Moray Low (Glasgow Warriors), Alan MacDonald (Edinburgh), Euan Murray (Northampton Saints), Alasdair Strokosch (Gloucester) Backs: Chris Cusiter (Glasgow Warriors), Simon Danielli (Ulster), Nick De Luca (Edinburgh), Max Evans, Thom Evans (Glasgow Warriors), Phil Godman (Edinburgh), Alex Grove (Worcester), Ruaridh Jackson (Glasgow Warriors), Sean Lamont (Scarlets), Rory Lawson (Gloucester), Graeme Morrison (Glasgow Warriors), Chris Paterson (Edinburgh), Dan Parks (Glasgow Warriors) and Hugo Southwell (Stade Francais).
• Ireland name 2010 Six Nations squad
  Reigning Six Nations and Grand Slam champions Ireland have unveiled their first squad of the year, with Coach Declan Kidney naming a 44 man group which will assemble in Limerick next week. From this squad, a 26 man ldquo;Ireland Ardquo; team will be named on January 26th, for the away fixture against the England Saxons in Bath. Additional players from outside the named group will be added to the second national team. It will be a landmark year for Ireland, who will look to win back to back titlersquo;s for the first time since 1983 (they shared that yearrsquo;s Five Nations title with France). The Irish have never recorded back to back Grand Slams, winning only two in the tournaments history (last year and in 1948). They will look to build on their impressive form in 2009, where only a draw against Australia (20-20) blemished what was otherwise a perfect year with nine test wins from ten starts. They will open their campaign against Italy at Croke Park on February 6th. Kidney made the following remarks about the squadrsquo;s selection. ldquo;When naming the squad, we had three main considerations, with the most important being the opening game against Italy, followed by the A games and further down the line with the Rugby World Cup.rdquo; Building a squad has always been a priority for us and the work done during the first half of the season means there is a little more experience accumulated in the squad then we had a couple of months ago.rdquo; ldquo;While there were new players who gained vital experience during the Guinness Series, the goal is to keep that experience ticking over with all the players who need international level game time. By having the A games early, it allows us to get people on the pitch so they can keep their own performance levels up as we progress through to the later stages of the championship.rdquo; ldquo;The aim is now to continue that while trying to increase the competitiveness that we need for the Italy game. The provinces have all been in good form, making selection even more competitive, but we will need that for the big challenges that are ahead for the group over the next couple of weeks. The focus is very much on our game against Italy in a fortnightrsquo;s time and we are preparing for that first challengerdquo;. The squad contains nine uncapped players. In the forwards, Rory Best and Marcus Horan return to the squad. There is a significant amount of competition for places, notably amongst the loose forwards, scrumhalf and wing three quarters. Shane Jennings, Jamie Heaslip, Sean Orsquo;Brien, Kevin McLaughlin, Chris Henry, David Wallace and Stephen Ferris will all compete in the back row. At number nine Peter Stringer, Isaac Boss, Tomas Orsquo;Leary and Eoin Reddan are all included. The wing positions feature Denis Hurley, Andrew Trimble, Shane Horgan, Tommy Bowe, Johne Murphy, Ian Dowling and Keith Earls. Ireland squad for 2010 Six Nations Rory Best (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster) Isaac Boss (Ballymena/Ulster) Tommy Bowe (Ospreys) Tony Buckley (Shannon/Munster) Tom Court (Malone/Ulster) Sean Cronin (Buccaneers/Connacht) Leo Cullen (Blackrock College/Leinster) Gordon D'Arcy (Lansdowne/Leinster) Ian Dowling (Shannon/Munster) Keith Earls (Young Munster/Munster) Stephen Ferris (Dungannon/Ulster) Declan Fitzpatrick (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)* Jerry Flannery (Shannon/Munster) John Fogarty (De La Salle Palmerston/Leinster)* John Hayes (Bruff/Munster) Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster) Jamie Heaslip (Naas/Leinster) Chris Henry (Ballymena/Ulster)* Marcus Horan (Shannon/Munster) Shane Horgan (Boyne/Leinster) Denis Hurley (Cork Constitution/Munster) Shane Jennings (St.Maryrsquo;s College/Leinster) Robert Kearney (UCD/Leinster) Fergus McFadden (UCD/Leinster)* Kevin McLaughlin (UCD/Leinster)* Johne Murphy (Leicester)* Donncha O'Callaghan (Cork Constitution/Munster) Paul O'Connell (Young Munster/Munster) Mick Orsquo;Driscoll (Cork Constitution/Munster) Brian O'Driscoll (UCD/Leinster) Ronan O'Gara (Cork Constitution/Munster) Tomas O'Leary (Dolphin/Munster) Sean Orsquo;Brien (Clontarf/Leinster) Eoin Reddan (Lansdowne/Leinster) Mike Ross (Clontarf/Leinster) Donnacha Ryan (Shannon/Munster) Jonathan Sexton (St.Mary's College/Leinster) Peter Stringer (Shannon/Munster) Devin Toner (Lansdowne/Leinster)* Andrew Trimble (Ballymena/Ulster) Dan Touhy (Ballymena/Ulster)* David Wallace (Garryowen/Munster) Paddy Wallace (Ballymena/Ulster) Brett Wilkinson (Galwegians/Connacht)* *Denotes uncapped player
• Wales name 2010 Six Nations squad
  Warren Gatland has named four debutants and welcomes the return of four senior players in his Six Nations squad. The first match of their 2010 campaign will be against England in Twickenham. It will be a big year for Gatland and the Red Dragons. Last year was a disappointment, first with conceding their Six Nations title to Ireland (losing to France 16-21 and Ireland 15-17). Two losses in the autumn international series, to the All Blacks 12-19 and the Wallabies 12-30, saw Wales close out their calendar year with seven wins and four losses ndash; although three of those victories were against the United States, Canada and Samoa. Ospreys due Tom Prydie and Kristian Phillips have been called into the squad, with Blues scrumhalf Richie Rees and Saracens prop Rhys Gill the other new faces. Three Ospreys, Ian Gough, Lee Byrne and Adam Jones all return to the group, as well as Scarlets hooker Matthew Rees. The absence of Byrne and Jones was keenly felt during Wales most recent tests, with the Red Dragons scrum vulnerable against all but Argentina over the autumn, and James Hook filling in as custodian in Byrnersquo;s absence. The Ospreys (14) and the Cardiff Blues (13) make up the bulk of the squad. Scarlets provide four players and the Dragons two, and only two players are based outside Wales. We are now at the beginning of our countdown to the World Cup and this slightly larger squad reflects that, said Wales coach Warren Gatland. We have brought in some youngsters to put some pressure on some of our senior players and to help increase the depth we have in certain positions.rdquo; Kristian is a good example of an exciting young player, he has just won the Principality player of the month award and scored five tries in one match for Neath, he is skilfull and very quick.rdquo; Elsewhere we are very happy to welcome back the likes of Adam (Jones) and Lee (Byrne) who were both obviously missed in the Autumn, although at full-back in particular a certain James Hook provided more than ample cover.rdquo; Our first match at Twickenham could set the tone for the Championship for both sides, we will both be desperate to win that first up match.rdquo; We then come to the Millennium Stadium for two home matches and the support we have there will make a huge difference to us. Wales 2010 Six Nations squad Backs: Gareth Cooper, Leigh Halfpenny, Tom James, Richard Rees, Jamie Roberts, Tom Shanklin (all Cardiff Blues) Dan Biggar, Andrew Bishop, Lee Byrne, James Hook, Kristian Phillips, Tom Prydie, Shane Williams (all Ospreys), Jonathan Davies, Stephen Jones, Martin Roberts (all Llanelli Scarlets) Forwards: Bradley Davies, Gethin Jenkins, Deiniol Jones, Andy Powell, Sam Warburton, Gareth Williams, Martyn Williams (all Cardiff Blues), Huw Bennett, Ian Gough, Paul James, Adam Jones, Alun Wyn Jones, Ryan Jones, Jonathan Thomas (all Ospreys), Matthew Rees, (Llanelli Scarlets), Luke Charteris, Dan Lydiate (both Dragons, Eifion Lewis-Roberts (Sale Sharks), Rhys Gill (Saracens)
• Welsh 6 Nations tickets released
  Over 27,000 Welsh rugby fans who have pre-registered for the 2010 RBS 6 Nations matches at the Millennium Stadium will get the opportunity to snap up the hottest tickets of the season from tomorrow (Tuesday, 13 January) at 12.00 noon. Fans from far and wide have registered their support for the national squad since Wales captain Ryan Jones launched the pre-registration process via the Welsh Rugby Union website during last year's Invesco Perpetual Autumn Series . The website link at www.wru.co.uk/tickets (http://www.wru.co.uk/tickets), which closed on Thursday of last week, invited fans to join a priority waiting list for access to any tickets unclaimed by WRU member clubs and debenture holders. Sell-out crowds are expected at the iconic rugby venue when Warren Gatland's Wales face the three teams in blue, Scotland (February 13), France (February 26) and Italy (March 20), as they chase their third championship title in six seasons. The fans are an important part of the team and we will be looking forward to three home games with the Millennium Stadium full to its rafters, said Wales coach Warren Gatland. There is nothing like looking up from the pitch to a sea of red to inspire a player, we have three tough matches in Cardiff this year and the crowd will have an vital part to play. WRU Head of Group Compliance Julie Paterson introduced pre-registration for fans following a review of ticketing systems over the past three seasons. She said: The pre-registration process allows fans who struggle to secure access to match tickets to register their interest in our team and the championship and get the first chance to buy any tickets that are unclaimed by our member clubs. This system does not take your money at the point of registration and allows members the option to pay for any unclaimed tickets prior to the games. Pre-registration also helps to deter fans that may feel tempted to purchase tickets from sources other than a recognized established agent. At the point of registration fans were asked for their name and contact details only and will tomorrow be given a passcode to access and pay for tickets to the games when they are released. Julie added: Record numbers of fans, over 27,000 this season, have pre-registered for the opportunity to see Wales play the 'three Blues' at the Millennium Stadium, compared with the 12,000 people that pre-registered for last year's championship. A limited number of tickets for the RBS 6 Nations at pound;25, pound;46, pound;59, pound;65 and pound;69 will be released tomorrow to the pre-registered list via email instruction. Any remaining tickets will go on public sale at midday on Monday 18 January via www.wru.co.uk (http://www.wru.co.uk). Tickets are also available from the WRU website for Wales Under 20's and Wales Women's home games against Scotland, France and Italy from pound;5. Millennium Stadium hospitality packages for the RBS 6 Nations are available from pound;249 plus vat per person at www.millenniumstadium.com (http://www.millenniumstadium.com). Fixture Schedule (GMT) Week 1 Saturday 6th February 14:30 - Ireland v Italy 17:00 - England v Wales Sunday 7th February 15:00 - Scotland v France Week 2 Saturday 13th February 14:00 - Wales v Scotland 16:30 (17:30 local) - France v Ireland Sunday 14th February 14.30 (15:30 local) - Italy v England Week 3 20/21 February - Rest Weekend Week 4 Friday 26th February 20:00 - Wales v France Saturday 27th February 13:30 (14:30 local) - Italy v Scotland 16:00 - England v Ireland Week 5 6/7 March - Rest Weekend Week 6 Saturday 13th March 14:30 - Ireland v Wales 17:00 - Scotland v England Sunday 14th March 14:30 (15.30 local) - France v Italy Week 7 Saturday 20th March 14:30 - Wales v Italy 17:00 - Ireland v Scotland 19:45 (20:45 local) - France v England

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