King looking forward to Georgia test

SCHOOL teacher and Principality Premiership XV head coach Simon King has laid down the rulebook ahead of the match against a Georgia International XV on March 27 at Bridgend’s Brewery Field.

King, along with coaches Greg Woods and Lyndon Lewis, has held the first training session ahead of the historic fixture and set the players with areas to work before the squad is finalised.

“Being a teacher I’ve left the players with some homework to do ahead of next week’s session and how well they do will certainly have an impact on final selection,” said King.

“It was a very competitive session, we were impressed with what we saw and we will be building on that next prior to final selection. This is a great opportunity to show the Principality Premiership in a positive light - the players certainly know it’s going to be hard work but we are all looking forward to the challenge.”

King will be doing some homework of his own in the lead-up to the match adding: “Georgia play Russia on March 15, and I’ve already spoken to Kingsley Jones (Russia head coach) to help us prepare for the match.

“A lot of the Georgian players ply their trade in the French leagues so it will be a formidable challenge but we also have analysts looking at the side and their players for us.

“Most of the Premiership clubs were well represented (at the training session), and along with the players, this is also a great opportunity to develop young coaches. Along with coaches Lyndon (Lewis) and Greg (Woods), Kevin Ellis is the conditioner and Wayne Hall is team manager.

“On a personal note, I’m looking forward being part of an international set-up again too after my Under 21 and Under 18 days.”

After leaving Bridgend, the Georgia International XV head north to play RGC 1404 at Eirias, Colwyn Bay, on March 31 (7.30pm).

WRU Head of Rugby Joe Lydon added: “The Principality Premiership is a vital part of the game in Wales and I’m delighted we’ve been able to secure these fixtures against such strong opposition.

“The coaches are all of a proven track record and we know they will be able to select a talented and determined team capable of putting on a strong performance, against such excellent opposition as a Georgian international team and the North Wales representative side.

“This will be an opportunity for supporters of the Principality Premiership to come out and support their players and show what this division means to them.”