Welsh Rugby News

The Springboks held out a second half onslaught from the Welsh team to scrape home 20 - 15 at the Millenium Stadium.

The visitors scored the only two tries of the match a well worked early try and a second half interception, apart from that the match was pretty much all Wales.

How the Welsh team has not won this match will puzzle both spectator and player alike. The simple truth is though that when Wales come up against a top team  and have a real chance of victory composure often lets them down.

The last 10 minutes of the match was proof in the pudding, simple errors at key times killed off the chance of victory.

Western Province full back Conrad Jantjes kept Wales at bay time after time with clearing up and unders, whilst Schalk Burger made Martyn Williams look all of his 30+ years.

Wales will take many positives from the match, both debutants were excellent with Andy Powell getting man of the match deservedly. With the Lions coaches in the Stands Lee Byrne has put notice that the Fullback Jersey is his and it is going to take some removing from him.

Wales

Tries:
Con:
Pen: Halfpenny, Hook 4
DG:

South Africa

Tries: Jacobs, de Villiers
Con: Pienaar 2
Pen: Pienaar 2
DG:

Wales: Lee Byrne (Ospreys); Leigh Halfpenny (Cardiff Blues), Tom Shanklin (Cardiff Blues), Jamie Roberts (Cardiff Blues), Shane Williams (Ospreys); Stephen Jones (Scarlets), Gareth Cooper (Gloucester); Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Matthew Rees (Scarlets), Adam Jones (Ospreys), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Ian Evans (Ospreys), Ryan Jones (Ospreys, capt), Martyn Williams (Cardiff Blues), Andy Powell (Cardiff Blues).
Replacements: Richard Hibbard (Ospreys), Duncan Jones (Ospreys), Ian Gough (Ospreys), Dafydd Jones (Scarlets), Dwayne Peel (Sale Sharks), James Hook (Ospreys), Andrew Bishop (Ospreys).

South Africa: Conrad Jantjes (Western Province); JP Pietersen (Sharks), Adrian Jacobs (Sharks), Jean de Villiers (Western Province), Bryan Habana (Blue Bulls); Ruan Pienaar (Sharks), Fourie du Preez (Blue Bulls); Tendai Mtawarira (Sharks), Bismarck du Plessis (Sharks), John Smit (Sharks, capt), Bakkies Botha (Blue Bulls), Victor Matfield (Blue Bulls), Schalk Burger (Western Province), Juan Smith (Free State Cheetahs), Pierre Spies (Blue Bulls).
Replacements: Brian Mujati (Western Province), Gurthrö Steenkamp (Blue Bulls), Andries Bekker (Western Province), Ryan Kankowski (Sharks), Ricky Januarie (Western Province), Frans Steyn (Sharks), Jaque Fourie (Golden Lions).

Referee: Alain Rolland (Ireland).

Tags: Springboks, Welsh rugby news

The Welsh Club XV have beaten Germany in Berlin 27 - 14, the hosts had held a 9 - 8 halftime lead.

This may have been a “Wales CLubs XV” but all Welsh players on show were affiliated with the Welsh regions. These are next best players Wales have to offer.

The welsh were dominant in the set phase areas of the game and caused the German lineout no end of problems.

The visitors outscored their hosts 4 tries to 1, with the Germans getting their score in the dying seconds. This match once again highlights the gap in style and skill that exists between the top nations and next tiers. more games of this nature are imperitive for the Germany’s of the world to improve.

German squad:

Tim Coly (RG Heidelberg), Gilles Valette (Cahors Rugby), Christian Baracat (SC Neuenheim), Benjamin Krause (DSV Hannover 78), Marcus Trick (SC Neuenheim), Damien Tussac (RC Toulon), Benjamin Danso (DRC Hannover), Bodo Sieber (University of Cape Town RFC), Manuel Wilhelm (RG Heidelberg), Kehoma Brenner (RG Heidelberg), Alexander Hug (TSV Handschuhsheim), Tim Kasten (Southend RFC), Jens Schmidt (TSV Handschuhsheim), Gerrit van Look (Berliner RC), Rolf Wacha (SC Frankfurt 1880), Mustafa Güngör (RG Heidelberg), Rafael Pyrasch (DSV Hannover 78), Kieron Davies (Bedford), Lars Eckert (SC Neuenheim), Marten Strauch (SC Neuenheim), Edmoore Takendesa (RG Heidelberg), Juan Martin Goity (Newmarket RC), Udo Schwarz (SC Neuenheim), Thorsten Wiedemann (TSV Handschuhsheim)

Wales Clubs XV:

Matthew John (UWIC RFC/Blues/Scarlets); Tom Bonnell (Narberth RFC/Scarlets), Steve Martin (Narberth RFC/Scarlets), Emyr Williams (Whitland RFC/Scarlets), David James (Blackwood RFC/Dragons); Jamie Howells (capt, Bargoed RFC/Dragons), Andrew Davies (Narberth RFC/Scarlets); Ross Jones (Bargoed RFC/Dragons), Daniel Smith (Narberth RFC/Scarlets), James Huntley (Rhiwbina RFC/Blues), Jamie Noble (Newbridge RFC/Dragons), Alex Jenkins (Narberth RFC/Scarlets), Chris James (Narberth RFC/ Scarlets), Shaun Miles (Ammanford RFC/Scarlets), Colin Davies (Cardigan RFC/Scarlets).
Replacements: Alun Davies (Carmarthen Quins/Scarlets), Rhys Cleverley (Beddau RFC/Blues), Sion Dafydd Waddington (Pentyrch RFC/Blues), Chris Strick (Felinfoel RFC/Scarlets), Carwyn Morgan (Pill Harriers / Dragons), Matthew Lewis (Builth Wells RFC/Blues), Matthew Davies (Narberth RFC/Scarlets)

Tags: Germany, Wales Club XV

Wales assistant coach Rob Howley has confirmed inside centre Gavin Henson made a late withdrawal from the Invesco Perpetual Series clash with South Africa at the Millennium Stadium tomorrow (Kick-off 2.30pm).

Cardiff Blues centre Jamie Roberts moves infield to replace Henson and Tom Shanklin is promoted from the bench to fill the outside centre berth vacated by Roberts.

Shanklin will win his 55th cap while South African summer tour debutant Andrew Bishop moves on to the bench in his place.

“We wanted to give Gavin the best opportunity to be able to play against South Africa, but after sitting out today’s Captain’s run at the Millennium Stadium he told us he wasn’t going to be right for the game,” said Howley.

“We were quite comfortable with leaving it to this stage or indeed until tomorrow morning as we have Tom available to slot into midfield and Jamie Roberts is more than capable of moving into inside centre.

“Gavin had taken part in training sessions on Tuesday and Thursday, but has also been rested for some of our sessions this week. We have had ample opportunity to run the Shanklin and Roberts combination and knew this configuration would be our other option, but thought it was important that Gavin made the decision on his capability to play himself.”

Tags: Gavin Henson, Springboks, Welsh rugby

Tredegar Comprehensive School PE teacher Jamie Howells will lead the Wales Clubs XV out against Germany tomorrow (Saturday) at the Olympic Stadium, Berlin.

Gerry Roberts’ side, selected from club players from SWALEC Leagues One to Five, will make history as they become the first Wales side to compete wearing the new, Wales Under Armour kit, with their match kicking off in the German capital at 2.00pm German time, 90 minutes ahead of the Prince William Cup game at the Millennium Stadium.

Howells played in the Wales Clubs XV side that beat France at Virginia Park, Caerphilly two years ago, before stepping out of National League rugby to try his hand in the Premiership with Ebbw Vale last season. But he returned to Bargoed in Division One East this season, qualifying to be selected for the non-professional national side once again.

He said: “We are really excited to be playing this match, especially given that it’s taking place at such a prestigious venue as the Olympic Stadium.

“The vehicle of the Clubs XV enabled me to try out Premiership rugby which I’m very grateful for but I’m happy to be back at Bargoed and, especially, leading my country at this level in an international match.

“We are expecting Germany to be a physical side and they are ranked 25th in the IRB world rankings so it should certainly prove to be a tough challenge for us but we are hoping we will have the upper hand when it comes to technical nous.

“Some of our families have come out to Germany to support us so we are hoping to provide a performance to make them proud”, added Howells, who hails from Rhymney in Caerphilly County Borough.

“My school have also been really supportive, and the boys in Tredegar Comprehensive School rugby team have all wished me well!”

Prop Ross Jones has also returned to Bargoed after a spell with the Steelmen and returns to the side for their fifth international match.

Six Narberth players are selected after performing well for the Scarlets Clubs XV in recent games, while clubs from Divisions One to Four are represented in the team selection.

Wales Clubs XV v Germany: Matthew John (UWIC RFC/Blues/Scarlets); Tom Bonnell (Narberth RFC/Scarlets), Steve Martin (Narberth RFC/Scarlets), Emyr Williams (Whitland RFC/Scarlets), David James (Blackwood RFC/Dragons); Jamie Howells (capt, Bargoed RFC/Dragons), Andrew Davies (Narberth RFC/Scarlets); Ross Jones (Bargoed RFC/Dragons), Daniel Smith (Narberth RFC/Scarlets), James Huntley (Rhiwbina RFC/Blues), Jamie Noble (Newbridge RFC/Dragons), Alex Jenkins (Narberth RFC/Scarlets), Chris James (Narberth RFC/ Scarlets), Shaun Miles (Ammanford RFC/Scarlets), Colin Davies (Cardigan RFC/Scarlets).
Replacements: Alun Davies (Carmarthen Quins/Scarlets), Rhys Cleverley (Beddau RFC/Blues), Sion Dafydd Waddington (Pentyrch RFC/Blues), Chris Strick (Felinfoel RFC/Scarlets), Carwyn Morgan (Pill Harriers / Dragons), Matthew Lewis (Builth Wells RFC/Blues), Matthew Davies (Narberth RFC/Scarlets)

Tags: Germany, Welsh Clubs XV

Tomorrow (Friday, 7 November) the Welsh Rugby Union will present the four Welsh Regions the new draft Participation Agreement and Rugby Charter.

This document is based upon the months of work undertaken between the WRU and the Welsh Regions since June of this year.

Roger Lewis, Group Chief Executive of the WRU said, “This is a major body of work created out of the very positive and constructive discussions which have taken place between the four Regions and the Welsh Rugby Union over the past four months. The document covers all of the major points which impact the game in Wales, including season structure and squad delivery alongside player management and release periods.

“It also covers organisational structures and minimum standards throughout the professional game in Wales, as well as pathways for Welsh player development and retention. In particular, the document looks at the current Academy structure and outlines plans for a National Academy, to be led by the new Head of Rugby Development and Performance, to be based at the WRU Centre of Excellence at the Vale of Glamorgan.

“Furthermore, the document also includes core Rugby Performance Protocols which cover the areas of coaching and selection, medical provision, conditioning,
nutrition and analysis. “Contained within this document are detailed proposals for a new funding structure for the four Regions. If agreement can be reached on these key points which will develop Welsh players and coaches and will drive Welsh rugby forward there is a major opportunity for the Regions to have significantly increased funding.

“The WRU is also committed to developing the Premiership Clubs and investing further into grass roots rugby as well as addressing the financial and capital investment issues surrounding the Millennium Stadium. A winning Wales National XV at our Stadium is the key business driver for all of Welsh Rugby and so this new Participation Agreement must be able to deliver a long term sustainable formula which achieves this.”

Tags: WRU PARTICPATION AGREEMENT

The Welsh rugby team will wear a red and green STAR on their playing jerseys in Saturday’s Test against the Springboks to mark their support for the South African Rugby Union’s (SARU) campaign to highlight the sport’s opposition to racism.

The Welsh STAR will match the green and gold STAR that the Springboks are wearing on their playing jersey during their end-of-year Tests against the Six Nations champions as well as Scotland and England.

Wales players will wear the STAR on the left-hand sleeves of their new international match jerseys, worn in competition for the first time this weekend - as modelled at a Millennium Stadium training session today by prop Adam Jones, who will win his 50th cap on Saturday.

The STAR initiative was launched by Mr Oregan Hoskins, the president of SARU, a week ago and takes its shape from the acronym S T A R - Stand Together Against Racism.

“We are extremely grateful to the Welsh Rugby Football Union for wholeheartedly backing this important campaign,” said Mr Hoskins.

“They have given our initiative a global context but one that will have a particular resonance in South Africa where the evidence of the international rugby community rallying around our cause must have an impact.”

WRU Group chief executive Roger Lewis said: “We have had no hesitation in supporting the South African Rugby Union’s STAR campaign and the SARU should be given credit for addressing this issue in such a positive way.

“The sport of Rugby Union crosses many social and political boundaries and has the ability to unite nations through its competitions.

“The WRU and SARU have established a strong bond, particularly in recent seasons when we have competed for the newly created Prince William Cup and we are extremely happy to support their initiative and give as much extra credence and publicity to their worthy message as possible.”

The STAR campaign was launched by SARU as a follow up to a domestic ‘No to Racism’ campaign during the Absa Currie Cup. Teams wore the slogan on their playing jerseys during one round of the competition and the slogan was painted in the in-goal areas for the second half of the tournament.

“Racism is not just rugby’s problem - it is a South African problem and this is rugby’s approach to tackling it,” explained Mr Hoskins.

“It was the feeling of SA Rugby and our stakeholders that we would be failing in our responsibility as a sport if we didn’t continue to address this issue.
“Other sports codes around the world - particularly in soccer - have faced up to the issue and it’s time that South African rugby did too.”

Tags: Sprinboks, Welsh rugby players

A unique gathering of more than 70 former Welsh international rugby players took place at the Millennium Stadium today (Thursday, 6 November).

The legendary figures of Welsh rugby were invited to the stadium to watch Warren Gatland’s team make their final preparations for the Prince William Cup clash with South Africa on Saturday.

Every living Welsh international was invited to a special lunch at the Millennium Stadium as part of a series of events organised by the WRU for former internationals. The Union is hoping to create a full database of everyone who has played for Wales with details of where they now live.

To date, the whereabouts of just over 50 former international players are being sought by the WRU. It is vitally important for the Union to establish contact details for the players because in April there will be a family day at the Millennium Stadium for all ex-internationals and their relatives.

Twenty six British & Irish Lions were in attendance at the event, stretching from Jack Matthews and Bleddyn Williams in 1950 to Ieuan Evans in 1997.

Two Lions tour managers were present - Clive Rowlands from 1989 and the 2009 tour manager Gerald Davies.

Sixteen former captains of Wales and four former Wales coaches (Clive Rowlands, John Dawes, John Lloyd and Ron Waldron) were present, with players from every decade from the Forties on the guest list. Bleddyn Williams was captain of the last Wales team to beat the All Blacks in 1953.

There were 12 players who played a part in the Grand Slam campaigns of 1950, 1971, 1976 and 1978 and three members of Wales’ 50 cap club - JPR Williams, Ieuan Evans and Garin Jenkins.

Seven players present were part of the Welsh Rugby World Cup squad that finished third in the inaugural event in 1987 - Anthony Buchanan, Malcolm Dacey, Ieuan Evans, Ray Giles, Paul Thorburn, Mark Titley and Adrian Hadley, while Peter Rogers and Garin Jenkins were part of the Wales side that beat South Africa in the inaugural match of the Millennium Stadium in 1999. Current Wales coaches Neil Jenkins and Rob Howley were also part of that side and were at the Millennium Stadium today for Wales team training.

The WRU has recently developed a ‘Heritage Range’ of merchandise exclusively available for capped players, which includes a unique cap box, a new international player’s tie and cufflinks made by Welsh gold experts, Clogau.

To launch the range, a set of the Clogau cufflinks and a cap box will be presented to Gareth Edwards and Gareth Thomas at the pre-match function ahead of the Wales v South Africa match on Saturday. Edwards was the first player to reach 50 caps for his country, while Thomas became the first centurion.

Tags: PRINCE WILLIAM CUP

The Welsh Rugby Union has confirmed that all relevant RFU Premier Division clubs have been informed of Wales squad training requirements for forthcoming internationals including the 2009 RBS Six Nations Tournament and the summer tour of the USA and Canada.

Release of players from the four Welsh Regions is subject to contract through the current Participation Agreement and through IRB regulations when relevant.

No formal agreement exists with RFU clubs and all Welsh players have been advised that the club they are contracted to is a factor taken into consideration for Wales squad or team selection.

Speculation regarding the release of England based Wales squad players for the forthcoming international against Australia on November the 29th is currently the subject of discussions involving Wales national squad management, WRU officials and relevant parties.

The WRU notes that similar issues involving all the home nations have been resolved in recent past seasons through meaningful negotiation with club representatives.

In the case of Dwayne Peel from Sale the WRU has been told by his club that his release for the Australia international is not an issue, but the PRL has informed the Welsh Rugby Union he will be needed for club duties. The WRU is currently seeking clarification.

The Wales team management is fully aware of the club priorities involved and, in all cases, are anxious for meaningful discussions over player release to take place.

Tags: Player Release, WRU

A unique gathering of more than 70 former Welsh international rugby players will take place at the Millennium Stadium on Thursday afternoon, 6 November.

The legendary figures of Welsh rugby have been invited to the stadium to watch Warren Gatland’s team make their final preparations for the Prince William Cup clash with South Africa on Saturday.

Every living Welsh international was invited to a special lunch at the Millennium Stadium as part of a series of events organised by the WRU for former internationals. The Union is hoping to create a full database of everyone who has played for Wales with details of where they now live.

To date, the whereabouts of just over 50 former international players are being sought by the WRU. It is vitally important for the Union to establish contact details for the players because in April there will be a family day at the Millennium Stadium for all ex-internationals and their relatives.

There will be more than a dozen British & Irish Lions, including the 2009 tour manager Gerald Davies, and many grand Slam and Triple Crown winners among the 70+ gathering on Thursday. Former Wales captains and coaches will be in attendance with players from every decade from the Fifties on the guest list.

Among those confirmed for the event are: Onllwyn Brace, Clive Rowlands, Tommy David, JPR Williams, Brian and Graham Price, Hemi Taylor, Peter Rogers, Ieuan Evans, Bleddyn Bowen, Ron Waldron and John Taylor.

The WRU has recently developed a ‘Heritage Range’ of merchandise exclusively for capped players, which includes a unique cap box, a new International Player’s tie and cufflinks made by Welsh gold experts, Clogau.

To launch the range, a set of the Clogau cufflinks and a cap box will be presented to Gareth Edwards and Gareth Thomas at the pre-match function ahead of the Wales v South Africa match on Saturday. Edwards was the first player to reach 50 caps for his country, while Thomas became the first centurion.

Tags: Welsh rugby news

Wales coach Warren Gatland has named two new caps in his side to face world champions South Africa in the opening match of the Invesco Perpetual Series at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday - and handed prop Adam Jones his 50th.

Cardiff Blues duo Leigh Halfpenny (cap No 1,060) and Andy Powell (cap No 1,061) line-up for debuts against the Springboks and Gatland has told the pair to ‘go out and enjoy themselves.’

Stephen Jones is partnered at half-back by Gloucester scrum-half Gareth Cooper, who is the incumbent in the jersey after impressing on Wales’ summer tour to South Africa this June, and Jamie Roberts is selected at outside-centre to form a new partnership in midfield with Gavin Henson.

IRB World Player of the year candidate Shane Williams joins Halfpenny in a back three completed by Lee Byrne and fellow nominee captain Ryan Jones switches to blindside flanker to accommodate Powell at No 8 - with Martyn Williams providing the missing link in the back row.

In the second row Ian Evans is preferred to Ospreys colleague Ian Gough alongside Alun-Wyn Jones and in the front row Gethin Jenkins and Adam Jones pack down either side of Scarlets hooker Matthew Rees.

“Both of the debutants have been form players so far this season so they now get a chance to test themselves against the very best team in the world,” said Gatland.

“At 19 years-old our message to Leigh has been to just go out there and enjoy himself, he needs to not worry about his opposite number, but just relax and play without fear and enjoy the experience.

“Andy Powell is a little different as he has been around for a while and is an experienced head, despite his lack of international caps, but he is most definitely in form. We will be looking to get the ball in his hands and see him run.

“Ryan Jones is adept on either side of the scrum, but to switch our captain does tell you a little bit about what we think of Andy.

“At scrum-half Gareth Cooper is the man in possession of the shirt after doing well for us, particularly in the second Test on tour this summer and he has been rewarded.

“In the centres Jamie Roberts and Gavin Henson form a partnership that any side would be proud of, but perhaps the most important point about this selection is the bench.

“We have plenty of talent and experience available to us to come on and change things if necessary, which was something that worked for us in the 6 Nations last season. The likes of Ian Gough, Duncan Jones, Richard Hibbard, Dafydd Jones, Dwayne Peel, James Hook and Tom Shanklin are all able to offer up something different when required.”

* Leigh Halfpenny - who will be 19 years and 322 days old on Saturday - will be the 60th teenager to be capped by Wales. The last was fellow wing and Cardiff Blues player Chris Czekaj v Canada in 2005.

* It will be the first time Wales have started with two uncapped players in 28 internationals since the first Test v Argentina in 2006 when Ian Evans and Alun-Wyn Jones made their debuts.

* Leigh Halfpenny will be the 1,060th and Andy Powell the 1,061st player to be capped by Wales.

* Adam Jones will be the 23rd player to reach 50 caps. He is the fourth prop to reach the milestone and will join eight other half centurions in the match day 22. They are starters Shane Williams, Stephen Jones, Gethin Jenkins and Martyn Williams and replacements Duncan Jones, Ian Gough, Dwayne Peel and Tom Shanklin.

* Jamie Roberts will be the 29th player to play in an international on his birthday - the last ones to do that were Adam Jones in Dublin this year and Tom Shanklin v South Africa on 24 November, 2007.

WALES: Lee Byrne; Leigh Halfpenny, Jamie Roberts, Gavin Henson, Shane Williams; Stephen Jones, Gareth Cooper; Gethin Jenkins, Matthew Rees, Adam Jones, Alun-Wyn Jones, Ian Evans, Ryan Jones (capt), Martyn Williams, Andy Powell REPLACEMENTS: Richard Hibbard, Duncan Jones, Ian Gough, Dafydd Jones, Dwayne Peel, James Hook, Tom Shanklin

Tags: Springboks, Welsh rugby players