FITNESS BOOST FOR SCARLETS

Scarlets have received a boost ahead of the new season with a number of key squad players likely to return to action in time for the 2014-15 campaign after surgery and long-term injuries.
Wales internationals Rhys Priestland and Emyr Phillips and 44 times capped Scottish international John Barclay are all expected to return to full fitness in time for the start of the 2014-15 PRO12 season in September after receiving treatment towards the end of last season.

As the squad returns to Parc y Scarlets for pre-season training Scarlets Head of Medical Andrew Walker gives an update on the player injuries.

Flanker John Barclay is six weeks post elected surgery on his shoulder with strengthening work underway and going well. Barclay is back running and is expected to participate fully in pre-season training with the squad from early August and is expected to make a full recovery in time for the start of the 2014-15 season.

Hooker Emyr Phillips needed shoulder surgery after an injury sustained in the region's home victory over Zebre in April. Phillips will return to full pre-season training next week.

Centre Adam Warren underwent elected shoulder surgery and returns to full pre-season training next week.

Scarlets Head of Medical Andrew Walker said: "Both Emyr and Adam have progressed really well and have built up great strength during their rehabilitation. They will both remain non-contact until we're happy that they're ready. John is also doing particularly well and we expect him to return for the start of the season.”

Outside half Rhys Priestland required surgery on a knee injury sustained in Scarlets' last game of the season against Cardiff Blues.

Walker added: "Rhys is now five weeks post operation and he's already back on the bike. He's increasing strength around his knee and also increasing calf strength due to his previous Achilles injury. We will look to run Rhys in two weeks time and expect him fit for the start of the season.”

Second row George Earle returned to pre-season training last week from summer break and was experiencing some discomfort in his ankle.

Walker went on to say: "George came back in last week and was still experiencing some discomfort from an injury sustained towards the back end of the season. He has a ruptured tendon in his ankle and underwent elected surgery on Tuesday.

"He's expected to be out for 8-10 weeks but will be fit for the start of the 2014-15 season.

Centre Scott Williams will return to full contact training towards the end of July following an extended summer recovery programme but is also expected to make a return for the start of the season.

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Bridgend's Evans handed development contract

The Ospreys have announced that Bridgend flanker Lloyd Evans has signed a development contract with the region.

Openside Evans has been handed the deal after impressing with Bridgend Ravens in the Principality Premiership, before stepping up to feature for the region in last season's LV=Cup campaign.

Having missed out on selection for the region at age-grade level, the 23-year old has come through the ranks of club rugby, starting with Bridgend Athletic before moving on to the Ravens where he has played 32 times. 

It's a pathway to regional rugby that the young player believes has helped him:

"I've really enjoyed playing in the Premiership. I have learnt a lot over the last three seasons and it has brought me on to play better rugby. The experience I've had has definitely helped me.

"I wasn't successful at the time in getting to play age grade rugby for the Ospreys but that inspired me to work hard to improve. Playing in a senior environment, I've really learnt the trade and come on a lot."

Having shone with the Ravens in the Principality, Lloyd's hard work and determination was rewarded when the chance came for him to step up and play in the LV=Cup for the region last season. He impressed after coming off the bench away to Exeter Chiefs and the Bridgend boy was the first choice to start when the Ospreys took on Sale Sharks at his home ground, the Bridgend Ford Brewery Field, a week later.

"I thought it was going to be a really big step up but when I came into training prior to the LV=Cup games last season the team were absolutely amazing and really guided me along the way” he added.

"Players like Duncan Jones and Joe Bearman helped so much with anything I needed like learning the line out calls.

"I'm really excited to have actually now signed for the Ospreys especially as they are my home region. Training and playing with guys of the calibre there is here is an amazing opportunity for me. I'm looking forward to knuckling down, getting into preseason, especially when the international boys come back, and just getting the chance to learn from all the players.

Andy Lloyd, Recruitment and Retention Manager, commented on the signing:

"Lloyd has come through the club system in the Bridgend area and he's another player that joins us after earning his stripes in the Premiership. He's very quick and athletic with the potential to become an outstanding rugby player.

"We saw what he can do when he played for us in the LV=Cup, where he put in two really strong performances. It's going to be great for him to have a full pre-season under his belt, with strength, conditioning and speed work. We see him as a player with a bright future ahead of him and it's great to have another young player from within the region joining the squad.

"We have invested heavily in our development pathway to ensure that there are avenues for players to progress to regional level whatever their background and whether they are early or late developers. Players like Lloyd, who miss out on age-grade selection, are aware that if they knuckle down and keep working hard to develop on and off the field, then there is still a route for them to follow. If you perform consistently at Premiership level we are watching closely and you will get your chance.”

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Tandy welcomes new faces to Llandarcy

Four of the Osprey's summer signings reported to Llandarcy for pre-season training yesterday, with Steve Tandy saying that their arrival will give the Ospreys strength in depth in key positions.

The region has confirmed five new faces for 2014/15, and the first quartet reported for duty at the Ospreys' training HQ on the first day of pre-season where they met their new team-mates, collected their new BLK kit and underwent a day of testing under the watchful eye of the medical and conditioning teams.

Full back Dan Evans, centre Josh Matavesi, hooker Sam Parry and prop Gareth Thomas were the new boys in town, with South African second row Rynier Bernardo set to arrive at the start of July.

As always, the players are reporting back in stages with senior internationals and U20 representatives away on duty, while players involved in last month's trial match are also enjoying a belated break. However, the new boys were still welcomed into camp by a core group of players ready to begin preparations for the new campaign.

One of the first faces they saw on Monday morning was Head Coach, Steve Tandy, who after an early morning catch-up with the players, outlined what he though the four will bring to the squad.

"Dan will provide real competition for Richard Fussell and Ross Jones at the back” said Tandy.

"It's going to be a great contest for the 15 jersey that I'm looking forward to. He's got a massive left boot on him which is a real asset, something which is always welcomed in any team. He's played 10 a lot in his career so we'll have two receivers on the field with him on there, which provides extra options in attack.

"He had a terrific season with the Dragons and I'll expect him to not only keep up that level of performance but to continue striving to improve as a player in our environment, which is one geared to development.

"Josh has real quality with the ball in hand and he's another left footer. He's already a familiar face around the place as he's been in to do a lot of work ahead of pre-season, to make sure he is in a position to fight it out with the good crop of centres we've got here.

"I think he's going to add something different to our midfield, particularly post-contact as he's got a great offloading ability. He's got great energy about everything he does and he's very experienced for such a young man. After a positive pre-season for Josh I think he could be a real strong influence for us this season.

"We know already that Sam has outstanding physical qualities, but he is also a good rugby player. He's explosive, and he will add to the depth around the front row. It's not just about this season, we have a young squad and we believe he can help to drive this team for a number of years. It's an intriguing battle for that shirt now. We've got Scott Baldwin who has forced himself into Welsh contention now but there's also Scott Otten, who made a huge impact at the end of last season, Matthew Dwyer and Evan Yardley.

"That's a crop of hookers who are all hungry and want to wear the Ospreys jersey and that is a huge positive for us for the coming season.

"Gareth is a big lad who was extremely positive in the national U20s a year ago. We've watched him in the Premiership with Carmarthen for some time and liked what we've seen from him consistently. It's a positive signing in that we think that we've now got five loose-heads, ranging from the experience of Duncan, Ryan Bevington who will be fit for pre-season, and then Nicky Smith, Marc Thomas and Gareth, who can all do a job for us.”

Looking ahead to the forthcoming season, Tandy admitted to feeling excited about the prospects for the young squad as he delivered a challenge to improve on last season.

"Although the boys weren't back until today officially it's been interesting to see how many of them have been in and around the place, doing little bits and bobs as they are excited about the coming season” he said.

"They realise that we have competition throughout the squad now and want to make sure they are giving themselves the best chance of nailing that jersey.

"There's a real buzz about them, you can see that they want to get better, to improve on what we did last year. I know we keep on saying it but this is a young group, that's a fact. But, they were told before they went away that we won't allow them to use that as an excuse this year. We expect to see more consistency from them week in, week out. If we can deliver that, and constantly improve our game, then we are in store for an exciting season.

"We are trying to play a more expansive game, move it a bit more, and the boys are excited about that. We've done a lot of work to reshape the squad over the last couple of years and that is ongoing, but I'm genuinely excited about what we can do this season.”

The Ticket Office reopened for business once again following essential IT maintenance and upgrades at 10am on Monday morning with a new state of the art ticketing system now in place thanks to a brand new partnership between the Liberty Stadium and Ticketmaster.

To mark the reopening of the Ticket Office, supporters still to buy their 2014/15 season membership can take advantage of the 'Back to business bonus', with adult memberships starting from just £165 until 6pm on Friday, which works out at just £10 a game for new and renewing members.

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Leading Strength & Conditioning Expert Joins Ospreys

The Ospreys have confirmed the appointment of Johnny Claxton as Head Strength & Conditioning Coach.
 
The arrival of New Zealander Claxton is a major coup for the region, with the Aucklander enjoying a worldwide reputation for excellence in his field, after 14 years experience of managing elite-level high performance programmes with some world leading institutions.
 
He joins the Ospreys from PRO12 rivals Leinster, where he has spent the last two years in the role of Senior Strength & Conditioning Coach. Prior to that he worked for Auckland Rugby Union, combining the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach role for Auckland in the ITM Cup with an assistant role for Super Rugby outfit Blues.
 
Claxton has also worked for the NZRU, with the New Zealand Sevens team on the IRB World Series specifically, while other organisations he has worked with include New Zealand Warriors rugby league side in the NRL, New Zealand Women's Hockey, and four years with Samoa's Sevens team.
 
He will move to the region along with his wife Jaimee, herself a former New Zealand hockey international and double Olympian, and their two boys, taking up his new position next week.
 
Looking ahead to the challenge he faces with the Ospreys, Claxton said:
 
"From both a personal and a professional point of view, the Ospreys are an organisation that is well known to me, an organisation with real potential to move forward over the next few years.
 
"It's really exciting to be coming on board at a particular point when the business is rebuilding and looking to the future with real optimism and, talking to Steve and the coaches, it's obvious that they believe that the team can really develop into something big.
 
"I've enjoyed being fortunate enough to have the experience of working within successful club and international set-ups over the course of my career, and to be associated with that success. Joining the Ospreys, I'm going into another role where there are high expectations, internally and externally, and that's good. As this young group of players develops I'm looking forward to playing a part in the future success of Ospreys Rugby.”
 
Andy Lloyd, Rugby Operations Manager, welcomed Claxton to the Ospreys, saying:
 
"This appointment is not just a huge coup for the region, it speaks volumes about our intentions as an organisation moving forward. Johnny has a proven track record of excellence in high performance sporting environments with a range of different organisations and that experience will now benefit the Ospreys as we plan for next season and beyond.
 
"He is a hands on coach with exciting ideas about strength and conditioning but he also has a strong theoretical and academic background and will bring fresh ideas to our environment, enabling the exciting young squad that we have to really kick on physically.
 
"Everybody involved with the Ospreys should be excited that we have a genuine world class talent joining our management group who will also be able to grow the staff around him in the strength and conditioning team to help us achieve our long-term goal of sustainable success on and off the field.”
 
Claxton replaces Mark Bennett at the Ospreys, who has opted to pursue other options after his contract expired at the end of the season following five years with the region.

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Scarlets secure new assistant coach from New Zealand

The Scarlets have announced that Auckland Rugby's Head Coach Wayne Pivac will join as Assistant Coach at Parc y Scarlets next season to further strengthen the rugby set-up in West Wales.
 
Pivac who has been involved with Auckland Rugby for an impressive 15 years (since November 1998) also led Fiji as Director of Rugby for the national side from 2004-2006 coaching both the 15's and 7's including through a World Cup. During his time with Fiji, the Sevens team won the 2005 Rugby World Cup.

He was Head Coach of Northland Rugby Union earning them promotion in his first season at the helm in 1997. He won three provincial titles during his tenure with Auckland with back-to-back provincial titles in New Zealand in 2002 and 2003. He was named NZRU Coach of the Year in 2003.
 
Pivac has been Head Coach of all three provincial teams in the Blues region – Auckland, North Harbour and Northland, as well as his international head coaching post for Fiji.
 
In 2011, Pivac succeeded the now Ulster Head Coach Marc Anscombe, as Auckland Coach in the ITM Cup.
 
Scarlets Head Coach Simon Easterby said:  "We are delighted that Wayne Pivacis joining our set-up at Parc y Scarlets next season. His broad level of experience across national coaching, Sevens and expertise as a proven forwards coach, particularly in the breakdown area, will strengthen our coaching team here and give a wider dimension to our rugby group.
 
"His breath of experience across the game set him apart from others and we look forward to his input working alongside myself, Mark Jones, specialist scrum coach Danny Wilson and our kicking coach Mark Tainton.
 
"We took our time and looked carefully in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres for someone we believed would fit in well,compliment the skills and knowledge we already have and really add something new to Scarlets Rugby going forward next season.

Easterby, who flew out to New Zealand recently to finalise Pivac's move to West Wales added: "He comes highly recommended to us from the players and fellow coaches that we have spoken to and I was able to spend some time with him in New Zealand and his coaching credentials on paper matched up with what I saw in person.
 
"This is a very exciting appointment for the Scarlets, and for us as a coaching group - bringing in someone new to join us with fresh ideas, ambition and a wealth of experience. I am looking forward to working closely with Wayne and I am sure he will work well with our group of players and fit in quickly with life here at Parc y Scarlets.”

Scarlets Chief Executive Mark Davies said: "We have been building a stronger squad over the past three years with a more dominant pack as well as strengthening key positions in the backs. Equally we have invested in a creating a powerful blend of experience, passion for the Region, knowledge and ambition in our coaching group and this latest appointment represents serious investment in the skills we need to succeed.”
 
Pivac said of joining the Scarlets:  "I have been lucky to have been Head Coach of four very proud rugby unions during my career in New Zealand as well as the experience of being national coach for Fiji.
 
"I know that in joining the Scarlets I will be part of another very passionate rugby region, with demands and expectation of the team from all those who support the Scarlets and I look forward to working alongside what is clearly a very committed, able and driven coaching team at Parc y Scarlets.
 
"I hope I can bring something positive to the mix; the Region has a strong core oftalented and experienced international players as well as some impressive youngsters coming through in both the pack and the backs.
 
"I'm excited by the challenge and want to add to good work that Simon, Mark, Danny and the backroom team are already doing to help the players reach their maximum potential on the field and bring success to the Region as a whole - both on the big stage in Europe and in the domestic league.”

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Giant Vosawai to join the Blues

Back row giant Manoa Vosawai is to add his considerable power to the pack at Cardiff Blues after the Italian international agreed a deal to move to the Arms Park.

Powerful Number Eight Vosawai has put pen to paper on a contract that will see him move to Blues from RaboDirect PRO12 rivals Benetton Treviso this summer.

The exciting Fijian-born back row, who has won 14 caps for Italy, becomes the latest recruit ahead of next season.

Blues have also signed New Zealand international lock forward Jarrad Hoeata, Exeter prop Craig Mitchell, Scarlets flanker Josh Turnbull, Gloucester scrum half Tavis Knoyle, Bristol wing George Watkins and Dragons back row Ieuan Jones.

Vosawai, who stands a menacing 6ft 2in and weighs 17st 5lbs, is a dynamic and destructive ball carrier and featured for Italy in the 6 Nations clash against Ireland at Lansdowne Road in March this year.

The 30-year-old made his Azzurri debut in the 2007 World Cup warm-up clash against Japan and later featured in three games in the showpiece tournament, starting the pool game with Portugal.

Vosawai said: "First of all I would like to thank God for my life and the many blessings in it. Secondly I would like to thank Benetton Treviso for the last four years of my career.

"Treviso have been there for me through thick and thin, and have nurtured me into the rugby player I am today. I will miss being part of the family in Treviso and Benetton rugby.

"Now there's a new page in my life and I am grateful that Richard Holland and his team has given me the opportunity to be part of the Cardiff Blues family.

"Cardiff are a top side with rich heritage and tradition in rugby and I know that they will bring out the best in me. It is an exciting time for me and I'm looking forward to putting on the Blues jersey next season at the Arms Park."

Chief Executive Richard Holland added: "We are delighted to be in a position to now confirm, after much speculation, that Manoa will join the Blues next season. He is the latest addition to the exciting squad we are building for next year and beyond.

"Manoa is keen to make a huge impression in Wales and we would like to thank the WRU for its support over this signing. We will now complete the visa process as we prepare to welcome Manoa to Blues in the coming months."

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Scarlets field experienced side to take on Zebre at the Parc

British & Irish Lion Jonathan Davies will lead an experienced Scarlets side sprinkled with international talent on Saturday evening, 12th April kick-off 6.30pm, as they take on Italian side Zebre Rugby at Parc y Scarlets.
 
Having won the last four games at Parc y Scarlets the West Wales region will be looking to go one further than the 16-all draw game against Zebre at the Stadio XXV Aprile back in October 2013.
 
Scarlets Head Coach Simon Easterby has made six changes, one positional, to his starting line-up for Saturday's clash against Italian side Zebre from the side that secured an all important victory over Connacht just under a fortnight ago.
 
International scrum half Rhodri Williams is the only change amongst the backline, replacing injured Gareth Davies (dead leg), with Aled Davies deputising on the replacements bench.
 
Rhys Priestland will take charge at outside half, former England international Olly Barkley partners Davies in the centre whilst Jordan Williams, Kristian Phillips and Liam Williams cover the back three.
 
It's a welcome return to action for fellow Welsh international Aaron Shingler. The Scarlets flanker makes his first regional start since the side's defeat to Harlequins at Parc y Scarlets in the Heineken Cup in January. Josh Turnbull moves to the right flank with Tongan international Sione Timani packing down at number 8.
 
South African lock George Earle also makes a return from injury and will partner international lock Jake Ball in the second row.
 
A new-look front row sees loose head prop Rob Evans and hooker Emyr Phillips pack down alongside Welsh tighthead prop Rhodri Jones.
 
Scarlets only defeat to an Italian opponent was at home to Treviso in round 22 last season and won two and drawn one against Zebre on three previous occasions.
 
Whilst Aaron Shingler makes a return to the starting line-up, younger brother Steven will be hoping to make his first regional appearance since the victory over Ulster at the Parc in November from the replacements bench as he makes a return from a long-term shoulder injury.
 
Scarlets Head Coach Simon Easterby: "I think we only have to look back to the end of October when we travelled away to Zebre, we were lucky to come away with a draw on that day.
 
"Our driver from here on in is our own performance. Results more often than not fall in after that. If we get the performance right then that's the most important thing. We missed out on a top four spot because of our early season form and losing games we should have won. The most important thing now is that we finish strongly; we have to get as many points in the bag as we can and finish as high as we can.

"I think if we play similarly to what we did with ball in hand against Connacht then we'll be difficult to beat but we're not taking Zebre's challenge lightly.”

Scarlets team v Zebre at Parc y Scarlets, Saturday 12th April kick-off 6.30pm:

15 Liam Williams, 14 Kristian Phillips, 13 Jonathan Davies ©, 12 Olly Barkley, 11 Jordan Williams, 10 Rhys Priestland, 9 Rhodri Williams, 1 Rob Evans, 2 Emyr Phillips, 3 Rhodri Jones, 4 Jake Ball, 5 George Earle, 6 Aaron Shingler, 7 Josh Tunrbull, 8 Sione Timani
 
Replacements: Ken Owens, Phil John, Samson Lee, Johan Snyman, Richard Kelly, Aled Davies, Steven Shingler, Gareth Maule
 

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South African lock joins Newport Gwent Dragons

Super Rugby player Rynard Landman has signed a three year deal with the men of Gwent.
 
Better known as 'Ligtoring' to his teammates, the 27-year-old lock will join up with the Dragons squad in the summer to bolster Lyn Jones' options in the tight five.
 
The second row who can also pack down as flanker played youth and senior rugby with the Leopards. He then moved onto the Boland Cavaliers in 2011 before making the change to play for Griquas in the 2012 Currie Cup.
 
Strong performances for the Griquas gave Landman the chance to showcase himself at Super Rugby level with the Cheetas in 2013 where he made 14 appearances in the 2013 super rugby season forming a strong partnership in the second row in the Cheetahs run to the play-offs.
 
The South African is a strong ball carrier, good lineout operator and is mobile throughout the game. On signing the Landman, Lyn Jones commented, "I am delighted that we have recruited Rynard. Its another piece of the jigsaw and an important signing in the development of the region.
 
"He will offer size, strength and experience to the second row and will act as a catalyst in the growth of our current crop of young Welsh locks.
 
"Not only will Rynard will be a real physical presence in the pack but he will help to bring along Matthew Screech, Cory Hill and Joe Davies."
 
Landman becomes the regions seventh recruit for next season following the signings of props Boris Stankovich and David Young, hooker Rhys Buckley, lock Ian Gough, wing Aled Brew and full-back Lee Byrne.

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Ton up Jenkins leads Blues at Edinburgh

Prop Gethin Jenkins will bring up a century of games in the RaboDirect PRO12 as Cardiff Blues travel to Meggetland to face Edinburgh Rugby on Friday evening (kick-off 7.45pm).

Jenkins – the most-capped player ever for Wales – brings up another milestone in his career with his 100th game as he captains Blues as they head north looking to keep up the winning habit.

The coaching team of Paul John and Dale McIntosh retain exactly the same starting line-up that defeated Ulster Rugby in the last game at the Arms Park last month.

However, Wales lock Bradley Davies makes his long-awaited comeback with a place on the bench after five months out injured and there is also a return for Dafydd Hewitt among the replacements.

"Edinburgh had a good win at Dragons last time out, have international players back and play a good brand of rugby,” said coach Paul John.

"It's a difficult game for us in new surroundings, but all we can do is concentrate on ourselves.

"We will look at the threat they pose, but first and foremost we have to make sure we maintain our performance and produce again.

"The boys have trained well these last two weeks and have worked hard. We now need to get that consistency in these last four games of the season. It's a challenge, but one we are all looking forward to as we look to believe in ourselves and express ourselves.”

Cardiff Blues: 15 Dan Fish, 14 Alex Cuthbert, 13 Cory Allen, 12 Isaia Tuifua, 11 Chris Czekaj, 10 Gareth Davies, 9 Lewis Jones; 1 Gethin Jenkins (c), 2 Kristian Dacey, 3 Taufa'ao Filise, 4 Lou Reed, 5 Filo Paulo, 6 Macauley Cook, 7 Josh Navidi, 8 Robin Copeland

Replacements: 16 Matthew Rees, 17 Thomas Davies, 18 Scott Andrews, 19 Bradley Davies, 20 Ellis Jenkins, 21 Lloyd Williams, 22 Simon Humberstone, 23 Dafydd Hewitt

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Competition for places at Scarlets is healthy says Jones

Scarlets prop Rhodri Jones, who is fresh from a successful Six Nations campaign on a personal level, says that competition for the tighthead berth at the Scarlets is benefiting the players.
 
Jones, who will feature for the Scarlets on Saturday in the must win clash over Italian side Zebre Rugby kick-off 6.30pm, has made 72 appearances for the Scarlets and has tough competition at the region with fellow international prop Samson Lee, Jacobie Adriaanse and Horatiu Pungea also fighting for the front row place. Deacon Manu has missed most of the season through injury.
 
With Lee missing the region's crunch match against Connacht at Parc y Scarlets a fortnight ago through injury Aberystwyth born Rhodri Jones made his first RaboDirect PRO12 start of the 2013-14 season; "I was very happy with how it went against Connacht last weekend. Connacht are one of the best scrums we've probably come against recently and I thought we scrummaged really well against them.”
 
With only eight regional appearances for the Scarlets in 2013-14 Jones is looking forward to making the most of the end of season opportunity; "I want to be playing at the Scarlets, getting in the squad and playing well for the region."
 
"It's great that there's a lot of competition for places. We have four good tight heads here and you've got to be doing well in training and games to get picked otherwise you won't be playing."
 
"That's what you need, you need competition - you need people pushing each other and it's a good environment to be in.”
 
On the challenge of Zebre this Saturday at the Parc Jones added; "Zebre are going to be a tough challenge. We have to play our game, if we're clinical and effective hopefully it'll work out in our favour.”
 
Scarlets v Zebre, Saturday 12th April, kick-off 6.30pm
 

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JONES MAKES SEVEN CHANGES TO DRAGONS STARTING LINE UP

With only six games remaining in the RaboDirect PRO12, the Dragons are targeting an all important victory away from home against Zebre at the Stadio XXV Aprile on Saturday 29th March, KO 16:00 (3pm local time).

The men of Gwent currently sit in 9th place in the RaboDirect PRO12 tournament and currently sit eight points behind the Scarlets and four points in front of Cardiff Blues. The region has only won one away game this season which was against Glasgow Warriors in November.

Dan Evans retains his place at fullback and is joined in the back three by Welsh internationals Tom Prydie and Will Harries who also retain their places. The centre pairing is all change as it gets a facelift with Pat Leach and Ashley Smith, as Ross Wardle is left out of selection and Jack Dixon is moved to the bench. Fly half Jason Tovey remains in at number ten and Richie Rees also retains his place as scrum half.

Director of rugby Lyn Jones names a new front row consisting of prop Phil Price, Wales U20s hooker Elliot Dee and newcomer Duncan Bell. Skipper Andrew Coombs keeps his place in the second row but is joined by young gun Matthew Screech, as Rob Sidoli sits this game out. The back row sees one change with the addition of British and Irish lion Taulupe Faletau, who makes his first start for the Newport Gwent Dragons after returning from international duty. The number 8 joins flankers Lewis Evans and Nic Cudd who both keep their places from last weekend.

There have been seven changes made to the replacements as Sam Parry, Bruce Douglas, Nathan Buck, Cory Hill, Jevon Groves, Jack Dixon and Hallam Amos all join Wayne Evans.

Newport Gwent Dragons team to face Zebre

Dan Evans, Tom Prydie, Pat Leach, Ashley Smith, Will Harries, Jason Tovey, Richie Rees; Phil Price, Elliot Dee, Duncan Bell, Andrew Coombs (c), Matthew Screech, Lewis Evans, Nic Cudd, Taulupe Faletau.

Replacements

Sam Parry, Bruce Douglas, Nathan Buck, Cory Hill, Jevon Groves, Wayne Evans, Jack Dixon, Hallam Amos.

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Scarlets homecoming for international stars

Scarlets are bolstered both up front and in the backs ahead of this Sunday's RaboDirect PRO12 clash against Connacht at Parc y Scarlets with a number of the region's international stars back on home soil.
 
With only five fixtures remaining in the regular RaboDirect PRO12 season, and four of the five home ties for the Scarlets, the West Wales region will be targeting a victory in the crucial clash against Connacht on Mother's Day.
 
Scarlets have won the last four encounters against Connacht and have won the last three matches at Parc y Scarlets whilst Connacht haven't won away from home against the West Walians since October 2004 at Stradey Park. Scarlets Head Coach Simon Easterby said: "What's advantageous to us is that we're playing four of our five remaining games at home and it's in our hands to make the top six. We should be confident in the ability that we have here that we've got what it takes to achieve that."
 
Returning international Ken Owens, Rhodri Jones and Jake Ball add weight up front whilst Rhys Priestland, Liam Williams and Jonathan Davies, who'll captain the side in Rob McCusker's absence, all bring in experience to the backline.
 
Easterby said that the return of the international players will boost the region as they head into the final stages of the PRO12 season, saying: "Despite coping reasonably well during the Six Nations campaign the quality the boys bring to the table now is important. This week is about putting in the performance and we've had a little more time together to prepare and for the players to get back into their patterns."
 
"The likes of Rhys and Jon have a lot of responsibility in terms of performance, they'll be able to lead us through the last five games; there are plenty of positives still to come!”
 
Having narrowly missed out on a losing bonus point against Glasgow last weekend Scarlets' hopes of reaching the top four play-off spot have slipped further from grasp, Easterby said: "We were all disappointed and frustrated after last weekend's performance, based on the games we have remaining it's going to be pretty difficult for us to target that top four spot. Having said that it now makes the remaining five games really important; we can't afford to look passed finishing in the top 6.”
 
On fronting up against Irish province Connacht, Easterby went on to say: "They've won four games on the bounce which has seen them move up into seventh place and trail us by only four points. Their scrum and line-out drive has been really effective and our discipline has got to be spot on against them on Sunday."
 
"They've started to find their feet under Pat Lam and they have a really effective set piece, driving line-out and scrum, they're well equipped pretty much right across the park.”
 
Scarlets team v Connacht, Sunday 30th March kick-off 2.05pm at Parc y Scarlets:
15 Liam Williams, 14 Kristian Phillips, 13 Jonathan Davies ©, 12 Olly Barkley, 11 Jordan Williams, 10 Rhys Priestland, 9 Gareth Davies, 1 Phil John, 2 Ken Owens, 3 Rhodri Jones, 4 Jake Ball, 5 Johan Snyman, 6 Josh Turnbull, 7 John Barclay, 8 Sione Timani
 
Replacements: Emyr Phillips, Rob Evans, Jacobie Adriaanse, Richard Kelly, Lewis Rawlins, Rhodri Williams, Aled Thomas, Gareth Maule
 

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All smiles as Rees returns for Blues

Inspirational hooker Matthew Rees makes his eagerly-anticipated return to rugby as Cardiff Blues face Ulster Rugby in the RaboDirect PRO12 at the Arms Park on Saturday evening (kick-off 6.30pm).

Rees – affectionately known across the rugby world as Smiler - has been out of action since October having taking an enforced period away from the sport to receive medical treatment.

But after being given the all-clear to return to full training last month, the former Wales' international is set for his first appearance in over five months after being named among the replacements to face high-flying Ulster.

Blues make a total of seven changes to the starting line-up that lost to Ospreys as they hunt a winning finale on home soil this season.

Samoa international centre Isaia Tuifua is called up to join forces with Cory Allen in midfield while Chris Czekaj is named on the wing. Harry Robinson misses the game after picking up an ankle injury against Ospreys.

Scrum half Lewis Jones is handed a starting spot and will combine with Gareth Davies at half back.

Hooker Kristian Dacey and lock Lou Reed, who makes his 100th appearances in the PRO12, are the new faces in the front five.

The final change to the starting line-up sees Macauley Cook named at blindside flanker. Cook will join forces with Josh Navidi and Robin Copeland, who makes his 50th appearance for Blues, in the back row.

Rees, Thomas Davies and James Down are among those given a call-up to the replacements bench.

Coach Dale McIntosh said: "We were not happy with the manner of last week's performance and we need to make sure we react in the right way. We have to do justice to the jersey, show how much last week hurt and perform in our final home game at the Arms Park."

"We need to be mentally prepared and ready. We say goodbye to the Arms Park for another season and we do not want to end on a sour note."

"Every game is massive to me, you put in a huge effort and the best performance you possible can. But as our last game at the Arms Park we want to put in a big display for our fans."

"Having Matthew (Rees) back is a huge inspiration to us all,” he added. "I am sure he will get a fantastic reception and he is a humble lad who will deal with it and get on with it. But I know how keen he is to get back out on the field and get that Blues jersey on his back.”

Tickets remain on sale NOW to watch Blues tackle Ulster at the Arms Park. Call the Ticket Office on 02920 302030 or click on www.cardiffblues.com to buy online.

Cardiff Blues: 15 Dan Fish, 14 Alex Cuthbert, 13 Cory Allen, 12 Isaia Tuifua, 11 Chris Czekaj, 10 Gareth Davies, 9 Lewis Jones; 1 Gethin Jenkins (c), 2 Kristian Dacey, 3 Taufa'ao Filise, 4 Lou Reed, 5 Filo Paulo, 6 Macauley Cook, 7 Josh Navidi, 8 Robin Copeland

Replacements: 16 Matthew Rees, 17 Thomas Davies, 18 Scott Andrews, 19 James Down, 20 Ellis Jenkins, 21 Lloyd Williams, 22 Simon Humberstone, 23 Gavin Evans
 

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Lions centre to return for Scarlets this weekend

Scarlets' backline will be bolstered this weekend as they take on table-toppers Munster at Parc y Scarlets with the return of Wales and British & Irish Lions centre Jonathan Davies.
 
Sidelined through injury since November, apart from 40 minutes of regional action in the LV= Cup earlier this month, Davies will make a welcome return to Scarlets action against table-toppers Munster on Saturday evening.
 
A welcome boost for coaches and supporters alike, Davies returns at a crucial time for the Scarlets with the campaign to reach the top four and the play-offs in its ascendancy.
 
Scarlets Head Coach Simon Easterby said: "Jon's contributed really well in training this week. It's good to have him around, he adds quality into the playing squad but he's also a very experienced player in terms of what he's done in the game.”
 
At only 25 years of age Davies is not only one of the most experienced players in the backline but is one of the squad's most senior players bringing invaluable leadership qualities to the group, Easterby went on to say: "I think other players are starting to accept some responsibility within the group but Jon clearly has the right now to voice his opinion and when he does it makes players respond.”
 
As Wales prepare to take on England at Twickenham Davies will be hoping to get some game time and match fitness under his belt. Easterby added: "He worked really hard to get himself fit to potentially make the start of the 6 Nations tournament.
 
"Following medical advice we were happy to play him against London Irish and despite coming through that initial forty minutes of rugby it's good that he took a break and didn't try to keep on going.
 
"Jon accepted that you've got to get it right before coming back and he's in a better place now.”
 
Scarlets take on Munster at Parc y Scarlets on Saturday 1st March, kick-off 6.30pm in the RaboDirect PRO12.
 
Emyr Phillips, Samson Lee and Rhodri Williams have also been released back to the Scarlets ahead of this weekend's clash.

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We have to turn the Parc into a fortress says Barclay

Scarlets' very own flower of Scotland John Barclay says the Scarlets have it all still to play for as they head towards the business end of the 2013-14 RaboDirect PRO12 season.
 
Having made the move from Scotland to West Wales last summer the 27 year old Scottish flanker, a former career Glasgow Warrior player, has made a positive impact at the Scarlets and is looking forward to securing a great run in to the end of the season.
 
Barclay said: "There are 45 points left in the season so we have plenty to focus on. There have been pleasing performances and results this season but equally frustrating as we've been in every game.
 
"Edinburgh are a pretty different side now and they have a lot of guys out with Scotland at the moment. You're always conscious that other teams are on your tail if you lose on a weekend.”
 
Barclay went on to say that he's enjoying his rugby at Parc y Scarlets but admits that the team still have some work to do: "It's a great environment here at Parc y Scarlets from the facilities to the atmosphere in the squad, a lot of hard work goes in from the players and everyone is very committed and passionate about the Scarlets.
 
"We have to turn this great place into something of a fortress. It's a bit of a catch 22, the supporters will come down here if we're winning but it also helps us win if there's a great crowd here cheering us on!”
 
Currently out of favour with the Scottish selectors Barclay added: "I'm enjoying my rugby here, I want to play for Scotland of course I do but I have to concentrate on things here at Parc y Scarlets. We have a great run in to the end of the season.”

Scarlets take on Edinburgh at Parc y Scarlets on Saturday 22nd February, kick-off 2.30pm.

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Ospreys swoop for Fiji centre

Ospreys Rugby have announced  the signing of Fijian international Josh Matavesi on a two-year deal.
 
23-year old Matavesi will join the region from Worcester Warriors in the summer on a contract that runs until the end of the 2015/16 season.
 
A versatile and exciting player, Matavesi is being signed primarily as a centre, although he can play across the back line. He is 1.85m tall and weighs in at 93kg.
 
Born and raised in Cornwall with a Fijian father, Matavesi is a product of the Exeter Academy, breaking through into the Chiefs set-up as a teenager before being snapped up by Racing Metro as a 20-year old. After featuring regularly for Racing at inside centre, he returned to England 15 months later when he signed for Worcester in the summer of 2012, and he has made 37 appearances for the Sixways club to date, scoring three tries.
 
Although named in the England U20 squad for the 2009 Six Nations, Matavesi opted instead to represent the land of his father and went to the Junior World Championship in Argentina the following year representing Fiji - where he played against Wales. To date, he has six full international caps - including a 16-16 draw against Wales at the Millennium Stadium - and has scored 14 points with his boot.
 
"I'm really excited about this move” said Matavesi
 
"I've been down for a look around the place and I liked what I saw and heard. Steve Tandy and Andy Lloyd presented how they see the Ospreys developing and how they want the team to go and I really want to be a part of it. There's a very good youth system with lots of good players coming through, which does excite me.

"The coaches want the team to play a good style of rugby, which is important to me. It's a young squad, particularly among the backs, but with plenty of games behind them. I've been around a fair bit myself now, despite being relatively young, and hopefully I can add something different.

"It's a new experience for me and I'm looking forward to it. All my fiancee's family are Welsh, and we talked it over. It's a really good move for us as a family. I've got half a season left at Worcester though, there's a big job still to be done and that is my sole focus between now and May, before I can even look too closely at the future and at the Ospreys.”
 
Andy Lloyd, Ospreys Rugby Operations Manager, said:
 
"We are delighted to be able to announce the signing of Josh, which is something of a coup for the Ospreys. He's  very skilful, very talented player who has been on our radar for a number of years. Although he came through the English system, he was picked up pretty early by Fiji, and being proud of his Fijian heritage has opted to go down that route.

"He's been courted by a number of big clubs over the last few years, and had an experience with Racing Metro that he has learned from and which has made him a better player and person for it.

"He's been excellent for Worcester in the Premiership, last season in particular. He's got the capacity to light up games with his range of skills that will add something different to what we've got here already, but also, he has a physical presence. He offers us another good left footed kicking option from midfield, and although we are looking to utilise him primarily as a centre, the ability to play elsewhere will give us options as we look to deal with the challenges of a long season.

"Having spoken to him, to people close to him and people who have played with and against him, we know he's a vocal character and another young, dynamic personality who will grow with the group around him.”
 
Matavesi will find one familiar face when he arrives in the Ospreys set-up, in the shape of fellow back Hanno Dirksen. The pair attended Cornwall's Truro College together, and both played a major part in the College's success in the 2008/09 Daily Mail RBS Schools Cup, which saw Truro win the final at Twickenham against St Peter's School from Gloucester. Dirksen, who has played 48 times for the Ospreys, scored two tries for Truro in the final, with Matavesi also touching down as well as adding five points with his boot in a 39-18 victory.

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