Spot The Ball

Just for fun

Place an X on the picture where you think the centre of the ball is. Maximum of Ten X’s

Send your completed entry to rugbyquiz@protonmail.com with your name

Nearest winner’s name will be printed tomorrow morning. Closing date midnight on the 24 March 2020

The Winner of the competition was P Driscoll from Bridgend

Quiz Time

Just for fun

Name the three Cardiff Blues players, the team they were playing against and at what ground ?

First correct answer gets their name published

Send your name and answers to rugbyquiz@protonmail.com

The first correct entry was from Catrin Rees of Cardiff ( Andy Powell answered it correctly as well!)

Robin Sowden Taylor, Andy Powell and Richie Rees and the ground was Ravenhill.

Welsh Rugby Union CEO to stay

Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) chief executive Martyn Phillips has agreed to stay on at the helm of Welsh rugby for the foreseeable future.

Phillips notified the WRU Board of his intention to step down this summer, in January, after five years in charge, but the coronavirus pandemic has prompted a rethink.

"Martyn has resolutely and determinedly stepped up to meet the challenges posed to Welsh rugby by the current world health crisis in the last days and weeks and it is a hugely positive development, in these testing times, for us to have mutually agreed for him to stay on for the foreseeable future," said WRU chairman Gareth Davies.

"He will provide the stability and continuity we will so desperately need to ensure that Welsh rugby, from grassroots right through to the senior international and professional game, navigates these challenges and hits the ground running once this pandemic is over.

"With so many moving parts and so much uncertainty about the immediate future of our game, it is hugely reassuring to now know that we will continue to be in Martyn’s safe hands for as long as is necessary."

Davies, who had formed a selection panel and instructed recruitment agencies, has paused his search for Phillips’ successor so that all energies can be focussed upon current pressing matters.

"It has been my great privilege to work for Welsh rugby over the last five years and it has become clear to us all, that now is not a good time to begin the transition to a new CEO, so I am only too pleased to continue in the role as we negotiate unprecedented circumstances," added Phillips.

"Our goal is simple. We have set ourselves the goal to emerge from this crisis with the WRU and all teams and clubs, whether they be amateur, semi-professional or professional, intact and able to have a sustainable future.

"I know how much rugby means to Wales and I am committed to stay until such a time as we reach calmer waters and we can again enjoy what sport and rugby means to us all.

"There are so many people across Wales making huge sacrifices at the moment to support us all through extraordinarily difficult times. Compared to the challenges they are facing and against that wider context I had no decision to make.

Martyn Williams with WRU Chairman Gareth Davies

During Martyn Phillips’ tenure to date the WRU has thrived in a period of change for the sport at a global level.

He appointed Wales head coach Wayne Pivac, introduced the widely acclaimed Senior Player Selection Policy (SPSP) - which has vastly improved player retention in Wales - and has overseen unprecedented change and modernisation of the governance structure responsible for running, sustaining and managing Welsh rugby.

On the field, a 2019 Six Nations Grand Slam win formed part of a record-breaking 14-match unbeaten run that saw the team rise to number one in the World Rugby rankings, before reaching the Rugby World Cup semi-finals.

Phillip’s commitment to succession planning meant that Wayne Pivac was appointed 15 months before the departure of Wales’s longest serving coach, Warren Gatland, meaning the coaching team were in place and planning for the future during the summer of 2019.

Off the field, turnover reached a record £97m in YE17/18 as a result of a comprehensive strategic plan aimed at maximising revenue delivering significantly higher reinvestment in the game.

Corporately, governance changes have seen the Board streamlined and diversified and the introduction of two sub-Boards – the Professional Game Board and the Community Game Board – has seen increased focus on the two areas of the game in Wales.

At community level, strategies are in place for the clubs and the fifteen-a-side game, supported by specific plans for the female game, disability rugby and a number of other alternative formats. There is also work to be completed on the new strategy for community clubs.

In the professional game, the success of the men’s national team has been supported by the early implementation of a new Professional Rugby Agreement. This agreement is designed to foster a close working relationship between the WRU and Regions with an ambition over time to ensure all entities are successful and sustainable.

SEASON OFFICIALLY OVER

The WRU Board has today confirmed the cancellation of the 2019/20 season for all WRU competitions.

This decision, informed by a comprehensive review of all league and cup competitions, was taken at a Board meeting held on Friday March 20th.

For clarity this decision applies to all WRU cup and league competitions currently underway as well as the cross-border competition between Welsh and Scottish clubs due to kick off in April.

In addition to rugby considerations, a presentation from medical staff addressed three key health and well-being factors:

Continuing to play brings with it transmission risks for players, coaches, referees, volunteers and supporters
Some competitions require medical support and doctors in attendance
Continuing to play brings with it the risk of adding to the unprecedented burden on the NHS and it would be socially irresponsible to do this

A review of the competitions was also considered with the key points being:

No team in any league is currently mathematically guaranteed promotion or relegation
There are 1,113 WRU Specsavers National League and Indigo Group Premiership games that would need to be played to complete league competitions
An absolute minimum of eight weeks would be required to complete the outstanding fixtures

A significant number of potential solutions were explored, but ultimately it was agreed that the only consistent and fair option is to cancel the season, meaning:

There will be no promotion or relegation in any of the WRU leagues and teams will remain in the league they are currently in
Rugby activity remains suspended until further notice and this includes no organised training or games, use of club gym facilities, organised sessions or unsanctioned gatherings at rugby premises.

‘We are well aware of the colossal amount of effort that goes into our game, on and off the field, across Wales,” said WRU CEO Martyn Phillips.

“We did not take this decision lightly. It is not intended to in any way diminish the games that have already taken place or the efforts of everyone involved.

“We were particularly aware of the impact on clubs with the potential to be promoted or win competitions, but in the end we have had to make the decision to ensure we play our part in safeguarding Welsh communities.

"We know clubs will be disappointed but also hope they will be understanding, given the circumstances.

“We know that rugby clubs are facing extraordinary challenges at the moment.

“We will continue to look at all options to ensure the game in Wales emerges from this period and continues to play the vital role in Welsh life that it has for the last 140 years.”

Alun Wyn To Set New Record

Alun Wyn Jones plays his 233rd Ospreys game to move clear at the top of the Region’s all time appearance list when he runs out for match against Zebre at Liberty Stadium on Friday.

Ospreys Head Coach Allen Clarke

Ospreys Head Coach Allen Clarke has had the bonus of being able to select from a squad which included the returning Wales players.

“It's been great to have the full squad together following what was a hugely successful Autumn International period for Wales - the energy and buzz has been fantastic. We're together for the next seven weeks before the Six Nations and we're conscious it's a period that defines league positions at the back end of the season.

“Our opponents Zebre are the first in an important series of matches. For us it's about concentrating on the basics and bringing the energy from training to the eighty minutes that matter.

“It’s a particularly special occasion for Alun Wyn, who will become the most capped Ospreys player of all time. He reflects what we stand for and as a team we want to make it a memorable night."

The team selected is :

15 Dan Evans

14 George North

13 Scott Williams

12 Owen Watkin

11 Luke Morgan

10 Sam Davies

9 Aled Davies

1 Nicky Smith

2 Scott Baldwin

3 Tom Botha

4 Adam Beard

5 Alun Wyn Jones

6 Olly Cracknell

7 Sam Cross

8 Justin Tipuric (Capt)

REPLACEMENTS

16 Scott Otten

17 Gareth Thomas

18 Alex Jeffries

19 Lloyd Ashley

20 James King

21 Harri Morgan

22 James Hook

23 Cory Allen

The following players were unavailable for selection due to injury:

Dan Baker – Knee; Bradley Davies – Knee; Ma’afu Fia – Back spasm; Gheorghe Gajion – Hamstring; Paul James – Shoulder; Rhodri Jones – Hamstring; Lesley Klim – Hamstring; Dan Lydiate – Elbow; Sam Parry – HIA; Luke Price- Fractured tibia

Cuddy Announces Intentions

STATEMENT FROM MIKE CUDDY

Over 180 supporters attended a meeting which took place tonight (Tuesday 27th November 2018) at Neath Rugby Clubhouse to have an update on developments relating to the Winding Up Court case against Neath Rugby Limited.

The sole Director of Neath Rugby Limited, Mike Cuddy, had been invited to be in attendance to address players and supporters but was unable to do so. Instead, Mike Cuddy asked that the following personal statement be read out at the meeting –

“During pre-season we unfortunately recruited significant, expensive and subsequently underperforming players, the majority of who did not understand our values and did not have our club at heart. In spite of player bonuses being paid, poor on-field performances continued with resulting match losses. This made us both the most expensive and by some distance the worst performing side in the league.

It became evident to me that we would have both been relegated and would make a financial loss of over £250,000, which was unacceptable. Over the past 3 years, I have already personally funded Neath Rugby to the sum of over £500k, having re-financed the club since taking over from the previous management. I could not allow this to continue so had to delay wages and other payments, whilst conducting a full review of the business side of the club. It is understandable that a number of players opted to leave during this period.

During this time spurious financial claims have been made against the club, unfortunately linked to my previous business. One of these claims has resulted in club bank accounts being frozen, meaning we could not pay wages and other financial commitments. I am attempting to unfreeze the bank account and will then to continue to fund, at a much lower level, a core of loyal contracted and permit players in order to fulfil this season’s fixtures. I am also seeking to negotiate and settle valid claims against the club.

Whilst we will do everything within our powers to stave off relegation we face a significant battle given our current position in the league. It is my intention to rebuild Neath Rugby, in its present company structure, from a lower division and for it to be once again successful.

I have been involved in Neath Rugby for over 25 years, during which I have spent over £1 million of my own money supporting this club. I continue to love it and its “real” supporters, in spite of continued personal and hurtful comments on social media from a minority of individuals.

My health remains extremely frail, and I am seeking external investment and volunteer assistance in terms of managing the club. I have communicated my willingness to sell up to 25% of the club to supporters, but representatives have advised me that there is no appetite for this. My poor health means I cannot meet a large group of supporters personally, but I will meet a small group as soon as I am fit and able to do so.

I would like to sincerely thank supporters, local rugby clubs and our commercial partners for their continued passionate support. Your commitment to our club is even more vital at this time.”

Wales to face England and Ireland twice ahead of RWC 2019

Wales’ 2019 Rugby World Cup preparations will see Warren Gatland’s side face back-to-back fixtures against both England and Ireland next summer.

Wales’ 2019 Rugby World Cup preparations will see Warren Gatland’s side face back-to-back fixtures against both England and Ireland next summer.

Wales will kick-off their series of matches on Sunday August 11th with a visit to Twickenham to face England.  The two sides will play the reverse fixture six days later at Principality Stadium on Saturday August 17th.

Wales will then welcome Ireland to Cardiff on Saturday August 31st before concluding their fixture programme in Dublin against Ireland on Saturday September 7th.  The final fixture against Ireland will come after Wales have submitted their RWC squad to World Rugby, which will take place earlier that week.

"I’m delighted with the fixture schedule we have put together for next summer leading us into the rugby world cup," said Gatland.

"We have put together a detailed plan of preparation leading into the tournament and these fixtures are an extremely important part of that.  It is important we test ourselves in competitive environments before heading to Japan and these matches are ideal for us and I’m delighted to have secured back-to-back fixtures against both England and Ireland.

"The home matches especially are also a great opportunity for us to play in front of our supporters and for them to see us in action before we head to Japan."

With the tournament just 12 months away the WRU yesterday announced a unique partnership with the city of Kitakyushu where the squad will base themselves upon arrival in Japan.  The on-going community engagement programme and backing from the city will see Wales head to Toyota for their first game on September 23rd 2019 full of support.

Wales’ 2019 summer fixtures:

(KO time and broadcast details TBC)

England v Wales (Twickenham) Sunday August 11.

Wales v England (Principality Stadium) Saturday August 17.

Wales v Ireland (Principality Stadium) Saturday August 31.

Ireland v Wales (Aviva Stadium) Saturday September 7