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...

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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...

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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...

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Scorpions looking to bounce back

South Wales Scorpions’ coach Mike Grady will wait until Saturday before naming his side for the visit of Hemel Stags this Sunday at Maesteg RFC (kick-off 3pm). The Scorpions have a handful of injury worries so are waiting until the last possible moment to see who is fit to play. Grady’s side will be desperate to bounce back from last week’s defeat at York City Knights, but Hemel are unlikely to roll over. “Last Sunday was very disappointing,” Grady said. “York are a quality side so we knew we would be up from it from the off but to get...

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Ponty away to Aberavon in first leg of league double header

With the race to a top place finish in the Principality Premiership now turning into its home straight, current leaders Pontypridd will seek to maintain form and momentum with an away trip to Aberavon on Saturday 29th March, the match kicking off at 2:30pm. The two clubs will meet each other twice within the short space of four days as the re-arranged return league tie will be played the following Tuesday evening 1st of April. Yet another encounter is in the offing in the SWALEC Cup semi final round on Saturday 12th April. Under a new coaching...

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Aberystwyth host Bangor in West Wales RL Varsity on Saturday

Aberystwyth University host their Bangor counterparts this Saturday at Blaendolau Playing Fields for the annual West Wales Rugby League Varsity fixture between the two sides (kick-off noon). Last year, in the first meeting between Wales’ oldest two universities, Aberystwyth dominated in every department on the field winning 64-8. Aberystwyth will be the favourites coming into the match with a fine run of games on their home ground beating all but one side that have travelled to Blaendolau this season, with their biggest win being the season...

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Fardre march on in Plate

Two East’s Llantwtit Fardre once again upset the form guide as they bagged a place in the semi-finals of the Swalec Plate, dispatching first division outfit Llangennech 31-21. Heading into the encounter against One West’s Llangennech, Fardre had previously seen off holders Heol y Cyw and One East outfit Glamorgan Wanderers. After taking a while to get into the match Fardre soon acclimatised, with fly-half Jason Pocock once again the catalyst...

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Wales RL name under 18 train-on squad and South Wales under 19 squad

A total of 16 players from last season’s successful South Wales under 16 Scholarship side have been selected for the new South Wales Scorpions under 19 and Wales under 18 train-on squads. They are part of a 34-man Wales under 18 line-up and a 28-man Scorpions squad, both of which were selected following trials at Taff’s Well recently where over 50 potential players attended. No less than 27 of these players will be in both squads with Bridgend College’s Cameron O’Sullivan the only potential Scorpions player ineligible for the Wales under...

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One West Review: Crymych shock Kidwelly

Crymych pulled off the shock of the day in One West as the strugglers recorded just their fourth win of the season, seeing off second place Kidwelly 21-13 at Parc Lloyd Thomas. The hosts outscored their high-flying rivals two tries to one thanks to a Gavin Thomas score and a penalty try, while scrum-half Rhys Davies notched up eleven points from the tee. For the Black and Ambers it was a disappointing day, as they failed to close the 16 points gap at the summit to leaders Glynneath. Meanwhile, Kenfig Hill ran riot at home against Ammanford,...

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Swalec Leagues Weekend Review

Ebbw Vale warmed up for their Swalec Cup home quarter-final against Premiership side Llandovery with a 52-12 demolition of Blackwood in the Championship. The win sees the Steelmen move 30 points clear at the summit and needing just a handful of wins to return to the Premiership. Jason Strange’s troops ran in eight tries in all with Lewis Young, Gordon Howells, David James, Luke Davies, Polu Uhi, Ronny Kynes, Dan Haymond and John Lavender all...

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Swalec Championship Weekend Review

Fighting for their Swalec Championship survival, Blackwood boosted their chances of avoiding the drop with a gritty performance to see off Cardiff Met 19-11 at Glan Yr Afon. Blackwood started the day bottom of the pile but a spirited showing in muddy conditions saw them outscore the Students three tries to one. Gareth Williams crossed in the opening half, with no 8 David Brake and a penalty try added after the interval, while Anthony John converted two. Club Official Lyn Hall is hopeful Saturday’s win will prove to be the turning point in their...

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Swalec Leagues Weekend Review

Title contenders Ystrad Rhondda and Heol y Cyw cut Merthyr’s advantage at the summit of One East to seven points, after they recorded victories over Bedlinog and Gilfach Goch respectively. With the Ironmen not in action, it was the perfect opportunity for the chasing pack to close the gap and exert some pressure on the pacemakers. Last season’s runners up Ystrad needed a late Rhys Truelove penalty to seal their most slender of successes, 17-16...

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Division One West Weekend Review

Glynneath maintained their seven point advantage at the summit of One West after they racked up their 12th win in 13 starts with a 25-10 home triumph over Kenfig Hill. The hosts bagged the maximum points thanks to touchdowns from Ashley Morgan, Craig Moses, Ben Jones and Shaun Tennant, while Rhodri Cole added the extras to one and a penalty. Kidwelly's Jason Smith was outstanding in attack  for the hosts. Photos courtesy of AlfiePics High-fliers Kidwelly...

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