Cardiff Blues sign prop Adam Jones

BY CARL FIELD

Pro12 side Cardiff Blues have announced the signing of Wales and British & Irish Lions prop Adam Jones.

Front row Jones, who has made 95 appearances for Wales and toured twice with the Lions, has put pen to paper on a deal to play his rugby at Cardiff Arms Park this season.

“This is about a new challenge for me.” said Jones.

“At this stage in my career I want a new environment and to really push myself.

“I've been really impressed by the set-up at Blues and the desire to achieve in the coming years under the leadership of Mark Hammett.

“It is that ambition and potential for the future that excites me about this move.”

Destructive prop Jones has been a cornerstone of the Welsh pack for the last decade, making his debut against England in 2003 and scoring on his first Six Nations appearance against Scotland the following year.

The Abercrave–born ace won the Grand Slam with Wales in 2005, 2008 and 2012 and has featured in the last three Rugby World Cups, making a total of 12 appearances.

The 33-year-old was also an integral member of the triumphant British & Irish Lions side that beat the Wallabies in 2013, adding three more caps to the two he won in South Africa in 2009.

Jones began his career with Neath in 1998 before switching to the Ospreys in 2003.

He made more than 150 appearances and won the Celtic League with Ospreys on four occasions in 2004/05, 2006/07, 2009/10 and 2011/12.

On leaving the Ospreys, Jones said: “Obviously I would like to thank everyone at the Ospreys – from the players and coaches to the wonderful supporters – who have been absolutely fantastic with me.

“I wish the region every success for the future.”

Mark Hammett, director of rugby at Cardiff Blues, said: “Adam has joined the Blues determined to achieve something special with us.

“He is as hungry as ever for success and a very driven man. Adam wants to make a difference and that is exactly why we want him here.

“He will be great for the younger players to learn off and is a world class tight-head prop who will add considerably to the squad we are assembling.

“He will improve what we are doing and I'm thrilled he is now a Blue for this season.”

Chairman Peter Thomas also spoke of his delight, saying: “We are delighted to recruit Adam and reunite the British & Irish Lions front row, alongside Matthew Rees and Gethin Jenkins.

“He is one of the very best props in Europe and, when it became clear he was available, we acted quickly, in conjunction with our director of rugby, to secure his services over the last 48 hours.

"We hope this signing excites our fans and they see this as fantastic news.”

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Wales and Lions legend Quinnell to visit Machen RFC

Wales and Lions legend Scott Quinnell will be a special guest at Machen Rugby Club later this month.

The club has been named the overall winner of the NatWest RugbyForce Win a Pitch Makeover competition, after receiving more than 35 per cent of the public vote.

As a reward, they will receive a brand new pitch kit, a set of Under Armour training tops – as well as a visit from Quinnell, on Sunday, August 31.

The NatWest RugbyForce weekend is designed to encourage club players, coaches, supporters and volunteers to get together to help make valuable improvements to their club.

Of the 91 Welsh rugby clubs that registered for the programme, 30 were successful in earning £500 to help them complete projects and give their clubhouse and grounds a facelift on the last weekend of August.

Five of the 30 clubs – Cardigan RFC, Machynlleth RFC, Baglan RFC, Pontyclun RFC and Machen RFC were then shortlisted to go into a public vote to receive the overall NatWest Win a Pitch Makeover prize.

Each club filmed a video explaining why they believed they were the most worthy winners, with the public voting for their favourite.

After two weeks of intense competition, Machen RFC came out as worthy winners with a total of 2,929 votes, over 800 more than their nearest rivals.

Machen chairman Paul Crowley said: “We are grateful to all those who voted for Machen RFC.

“We are very much looking forward to the NatWest RugbyForce weekend and all getting together to help turn our dream into a reality. 

“The generous grant from NatWest means we will be able to create a safe area behind the club for our large junior section to play and be part of the club.

“It will also mean we can improve our disabled access as we want to be truly inclusive and welcome all members of the community to our rugby club, for a variety of uses.

“We are asking everyone involved with the club to come down and be part of the NatWest RugbyForce weekend on Sunday, August 31 from 11am.

“It will be a case of all hands on deck with the improvements but there will also be a barbecue taking place during the day and with Scott Quinnell coming down there is sure to be a lot of fun and a party atmosphere too.”  

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Walker handed debut against Springboks

Eli Walker will make his Wales debut on Saturday when they take on South Africa at the Millennium Stadium.

With British and Irish Lion Alex Cuthbert sidelined with an ankle injury, the Ospreys winger has been given the nod in the left-wing position.

Some had predicted that Liam Williams would be selected due to the large Scarlets influence in the backline with Scott Williams and Jonathan Davies lining up in the centres and Rhys Priestland being given the number 10 jersey over Dan Bigger.

But Walker will make his first appearance for his country against the Springboks and will be hoping to make a similar impression as the other Wales winger on Saturday George North, who made his debut three years ago against the same opposition and announced himself onto the international stage by scoring twice in a magnificent performance.

Bradley Davies has been selected in the second row alongside Alun Wyn Jones to give a physical presence against the likely aggressive South African second row pairing of Flip van der Merwe and Eben Etzabeth.

Dan Lydiate will also make his first appearance in a Wales jersey since the summer of 2012 in a familiar back-row with Toby Faletau and captain Sam Warburton.

The match against South Africa is the first of four autumn games at the Millennium Stadium and head coach Warren Gatland knows it is going to be a huge encounter on Saturday.

"We always say we like to test ourselves against the best and Saturday is going to be just that with a huge game against South Africa first up,” said Gatland.

"The Springboks arrive in the UK off the back of their impressive Rugby Championship campaign and we know that we need to start well on Saturday.

"We go into the series as Six Nations Champions but we are looking forward to testing ourselves against the southern hemisphere sides and showing what we are can do.

"Since we have been together, competition in the squad has been good and it is great to have both Rhys [Priestland] and Dan [Lydiate] back available for us.

"Eli [Walker] has impressed for his Region and whilst with us and it's a great opportunity for him to make his mark in a very experienced side.”

Wales Team to play South Africa:

 

15. Leigh Halfpenny (Cardiff Blues)

14. George North (Northampton Saints)

13. Jonathan Davies (Scarlets)

12. Scott Williams (Scarlets)

11. Eli Walker (Ospreys)

10. Rhys Priestland (Scarlets)

9. Mike Phillips (Unattached)

1. Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues)

2. Richard Hibbard (Ospreys)

3. Adam Jones (Ospreys)

4. Bradley Davies (Cardiff Blues)

5. Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys)

6. Dan Lydiate (Racing Metro)

7. Sam Warburton (Cardiff Blues, captain)

8. Toby Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons)

Replacements:

16. Ken Owens (Scarlets)

17. Paul James (Bath Rugby)

18. Scott Andrews (Cardiff Blues)

19. Luke Charteris (Perpignan)

20. Justin Tipuric (Ospreys)

21. Lloyd Williams (Cardiff Blues)

22. James Hook (Perpignan)

23. Liam Williams (Scarlets)

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McIntosh moves to quash speculation over Ponty future

Pontypridd head coach Dale McIntosh has reiterated he will remain at the club despite this morning being unveiled as a new member of the Cardiff Blues coaching setup.

Speculation had been rife as to whether he would continue to work with the reigning Swalec Cup and Principality Premiership champions after leading them to a historic first double in the season just finished – seeing off Neath 34-13 at the Millennium Stadium to lift to Cup, and trouncing Llanelli 47-15 in the Premiership Play-off final at Sardis Road.

But McIntosh declared the move as “no big deal” when it came to his work with the Valley Commandos. He said in a statement: “It’s very simple really. The Blues have asked me to come in to do some collision work with them. Two hours a week - and that's it. It won't cross over into anything I do with Pontypridd. Two hours a week - during the daytime - no big deal for Pontypridd.”

The club also reiterated that message in a bid to calm the fears of supporters, with the Blues also announcing a similar situation would be struck with Cardiff RFC coach Mark Ring. They had already announced Andi Kyriaco would be joining their coaching team.

The Blues statement this morning read: “Last season saw us blood a number of young players and 20 matches were won or lost by less than one score.

“With that in mind, one of the main areas we wanted to develop was the technical skills in attack and defence as well as the set piece, especially the scrum.

“We aim to bolster the coaching team with the appointment of Dale McIntosh, Andi Kyriaco and, Mark Ring, who will be involved on specific times throughout the week with player skill development.”

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Williams to lead Welsh Sevens defence

Lee Williams will lead the Welsh charge at the Rugby World Sevens in Moscow where they defend the shock title they picked up four years ago in Dubai.

The Carmarthen Quin, 30, starred during that triumph and brings a wealth of experience to the squad having appeared in 30 tournament on the HSBC Sevens World Series.

Pontypridd's Adam Thomas will lead the side which finished seventh in the IRB World Series last season, while James Davies, younger brother of Wales and Lions star Jonathan, is also in the squad.

Alex Webber's rapid rise continues with his selection, and at 21 he is the youngest member of the squad.

Cardiff duo Gareth Davies and Alex Walker have both returned to Sevens duty having spent time with the Blues last season, while Rhys Jones is selected having recovered from an injury which kept him out of the last two legs of the world series.

Llandovery speedster Chris Knight and team-mate Adam Warren are in the squad, Warren having been part of the Welsh tour to Japan, along with Llanelli's Craig Price and the Quins' Jason Harries.

Paul John’s side are in Pool E for the tournament, which runs from June 28-30, alongside Fiji, Tonga and Uruguay. They face the South Americans first on the 28, before taking on Fiji and Tonga a day later, hoping to do enough to qualify for the knock-out stages.

Wales Sevens squad: Adam Thomas (Pontypridd), Alex Webber (Ystrad Rhondda), Lee Williams (Carmarthen Quins), Gareth Davies (Cardiff), Chris Knight (Llandovery), Rhys Shellard (Pontypridd), James Davies (Carmarthen Quins), Alex Walker (Cardiff), Adam Warren (Llandovery), Craig Price (Llanelli), Jason Harries (Carmarthen Quins), Rhys Jones (Llandovery).

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Warriors reach double century landmark at end of successful season

The Llanelli Warriors complete their season proper with their 200th fixture today, Friday 14th June, as they play New Dock Stars RFC for the Dai Spriggs Cup in a fixture rearranged from Boxing Day. The game closes the Warriors' season and will be followed by their presentation evening.

The 200th fixture will be marked by the unveiling of a new kit arranged by the WRU, produced by Under Armour and sponsored by Dyfed Steel.

The landmark game also gives the Warriors a chance to assess the state of the club and how far they have come. The team played just two matches in their inaugural season, but the match Friday will be their 13^th this term with two matches to come on tour, while they have also hosted a successful 7s and touch tournament. The Warriors' established fixture list also includes regular clashes with local clubs, as well as the Bumbles from Yorkshire and Gwlad in Cardiff.

The club has secured several pieces of silverware this term: The Dai Spriggs Shield (Swansea Gladiators), the Anniversary Cup (Cefneithin), the Origin Cup (Burry Port), the Charity Cup (Gwlad Rugby), and the H Bomb Cup (Bumble Bee Barbarians), as well as triumphing in the touch section of their own tournament.  

Captain Eric Horridge said of the presentation evening, “There will be no shortage of candidates for the various awards and I’m sure it’ll be a tight decision in every category. All we know for definite is that Simon Jenkins has retained the top try scorer’s title.”

Four of the matches helped raise money for charities and they were even able to raise two full sides for an exhibition match.

Back in 1995, the only other integrated team was the Swansea Gladiators, but the Warriors have supported the Bumbles in establishing themselves and are currently lending support to The Clan in Scotland, who the Warriors will meet in their 1st game at the end of the month in Kilmarnock. 

Player/Coach Gwilym Lewis shared some recollections of his time with the team, “Undoubtedly, the highlight was the 2005 tour to New Zealand following the Lions, perhaps the most ambitious sporting project undertaken involving learning difficulties. We managed 3 games unbeaten, we met the All Blacks and we were also featured on television out there.”

The club has always strived to raise its profile and that of the concept of integrated rugby. This has, over the years, seen them featured in Rugby World as well as Radio Wales and S4C. Their website was at one point the most popular Welsh club on the Pitchero network and they also have a notable presence on various social media outlets.

 “On the one hand we want to be just a normal rugby club, but on the other we feel a duty to publicise the concept of integrated rugby. Most sporting opportunities for people with learning difficulties are segregated – special Olympics and football competitions - where the emphasis is on it being a special competition for disabled participants. 

The Warriors team is mixed and they play the majority of their fixtures against non-disabled club teams. This means our players can earn real respect by taking on and sometimes beating ‘normal’ players,” added Lewis.

Whilst there is a core of long term players, the only original still playing is second row John Horwood. Team games are often said to be difficult for people with autism, but John has thrived with the Warriors and has even served a term as Captain. 

Despite being in his 50s, Horwood is still going strong and looking forward to another season at the grindstone.

Skipper Horridge commented: “John’s a great example to all the players, he never had an opportunity to play rugby before the Warriors but now he’s got 17 years of experience, and we still rely on his line-out work – he’s a vital part of the team. He has only missed 17 matches in all that time so he really is Mr. Reliable.”

Horridge is also pleased that the 200^th fixture will be played at New Dock Stars, who have given the Warriors a base since Stradey Park closed.

“We are very grateful for their support, it’s thanks to clubs like New Dock and also Burry Port and Cefneithin that we have been able to grow and develop.  We are also indebted to various local companies who have sponsored us like Specsavers, Domino’s Pizza, Tinopolis and most recently, Dyfed Steel.”

The club has become an established part of the local rugby scene, almost taken for granted locally but continue to develop and grow.  Their trip to Scotland is hopefully the next step in taking the concept further with interest in the Warriors model of integration gaining interest in Ireland, Italy, France, Belgium and Spain. Friday night, though, will be about celebrating 200 matches and another successful season.

Playing record 2012-2013: Played 13, Won 9, Drawn 2, Lost 2.

Playing record overall: Played 199, Won 131, Drawn 14, Lost 54.

Over 400 players have represented the club.

The club played just 3 matches in their 1st two seasons but this season will play 16 games (including tour matches).

Scott Quinnell, Rupert Moon, Ian Boobyer, David Hodges and Nigel Owens have all refereed matches

The club has helped raise £1000s for charity, mainly Help For Heroes for which they hold a match annually. 

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Young Dragons ready for pool decider

Wales Under-20s have again made changes to their side ahead of their crunch Junior World Championships Pool C decider against Argentina tomorrow.

With two wins from two, against Samoa on June 5 and Scotland on June 9, they come up against an Argentina side also with two wins from two in a straight shoot-out to decide who automatically goes through to the semi-finals for the second successive year.

There are seven personnel changes and two positional. Dragons full back Hallam Amos returns to the starting line-up along with his regional team mate Jack Dixon and Pontypridd wing Owen Jenkins.

In the front row, Gareth Thomas starts at loosehead with Ethan Lewis in at hooker. Carwyn Jones returns to partner Rhodri Hughes at lock, while Dragons No8 Ieuan Jones returns with Sion Bennett and captain Ellis Jenkins switching to the blind and openside flanks respectively.

Head coach Danny Wilson said of the changes: “Selection is getting more difficult with each game, which is a good thing.

“There are some players who are unlucky to miss out on a starting place but this team is the one we think is best suited to this opposition. We will certainly be counting on the efforts of the whole squad tomorrow from 1 to 23.

“Argentina are an excellent team this year. They are very powerful and have a deadly weapon in their outside half who will penalise the slightest error. It’s going to take one of our best performances of the whole season to come away with a win but we’re confident we can do that if we play well.”

After their 42-3 trouncing of Samoa in game one, Wales picked up a five-point, 26-21 triumph over Scotland on matchday two, which was a much closer affair.

In the end, tries from Aaron Warren and Scarlets’ Steffan Hughes, both converted by Ospreys and Swansea prospect Sam Davies, who added three penalties and a drop goal, were enough to see off Wales’ Celtic cousins.

Argentina thumped Scotland 44-13 on June 5 and beat Samoa 28-16 on June 9 to set this final game up nicely.

After both made it to the semis in South Africa last year, Wales were defeated by New Zealand having become the first ever nation to beat the Baby Blacks in the pool stages, while Argentina lost to the hosts and eventual champions in the final four. Wales then beat Argentina 25-17 in the third placed play-off.

Wales team to face Argentina: Hallam Amos (Dragons/Newport); Owen Jenkins (Blues/Pontypridd), Steffan Hughes (Scarlets/Llanelli), Jack Dixon (Dragons), Ashley Evans (Ospreys/Bridgend); Sam Davies (Ospreys/Swansea), Rhodri Williams (Scarlets/Llandovery); Gareth Thomas (Scarlets/Carmarthen Quins), Ethan Lewis (Blues/Cardiff), Nicky Thomas (Ospreys/Swansea), Carwyn Jones (Scarlets/Carmarthen), Rhodri Hughes (Ospreys/Swansea), Sion Bennett (Scarlets/Carmarthen), Ellis Jenkins (captain, Blues/Cardiff), Ieuan Jones (Dragons/Newport).

Replacements: Elliot Dee (Dragons/Bedwas), Thomas Davies (Blues/Cardiff), Dan Suter (Ospreys/Bridgend), Jack Jones (Ospreys/Rovigo), James Benjamin (Dragons/Bedwas), Joshua Davies (Dragons/Bedwas), Jordan Williams (Scarlets/Llanelli), Harri Evans (North Wales/RGC).

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Wales Under-20s ring the changes for Scotland clash

Wales Under-20s have named eight changes to the side that beat Samoa in the Junior World Championships in a bid to “keep the squad fresh” against Scotland.

After handing a 42-3 defeat to the Islanders to open this year’s tournament in Nantes on Wednesday, head coach Danny Wilson has opted to look at some of his other players as the gruelling JWC schedule continues tomorrow.

Scarlets full back Jordan Williams makes his JWC debut, along with Llandovery backs Aaron Warren and Rhodri Williams and Ospreys and Swansea prop Nicky Smith.

Pontypridd’s Thomas Pascoe, who played in three games in last year’s tournament, returns to the starting line-up, while forwards Elliot Dee, Sion Bennett and Jack Jones all did enough as substitutes against Samoa to earn a starting berth – Dee and Bennett scored touchdowns in the opening fixture.

Wilson said of his selection: “We believe we have made relevant changes to keep the squad fresh and reward players who have earned starting places through their performances in training.

“A bonus point victory with six tries to boot is a great start,” he added. “We didn’t pick up any significant injuries so we have a relatively fresh squad at the moment, but there’s still a long way to go.”

Scotland suffered a 44-13 loss to Argentina in their opening game, but Wilson expects a better fight from our Celtic cousins tomorrow evening.

The Scarlets forwards coach continued: “Scotland had a tough time against Argentina but they are a good side and will no doubt raise their game tomorrow.

“They have some dangerous players so we will have to be aware of their threats. Having said that, if we can play as we did in the Six Nations and against Samoa, I’m confident we can give Scotland a really good test.”

The Scotland fixture is again in Nantes at the Stade Pascal Laporte. Argentina also face Samoa tomorrow at the same venue, before the Welsh and the Argentineans prepare to clash on June 13 at Stade Henri Desgrange, La Roche-sur-Yon .

Wales Under-20 squad to face Scotland: Jordan Williams (Scarlets/Llanelli); Aaron Warren (Llandovery), Steffan Hughes (Scarlets/Llanelli), Thomas Pascoe (Blues/Pontypridd), Ashley Evans (Ospreys/Bridgend); Sam Davies (Ospreys/Swansea), Rhodri Williams (Scarlets/Llandovery); Nicky Smith (Ospreys/Swansea), Elliot Dee (Dragons/Bedwas), Nicky Thomas (Ospreys/Swansea), Jack Jones (Ospreys/Rovigo), Rhodri Hughes (Ospreys/Swansea), Ellis Jenkins (captain, Blues/Cardiff), Daniel Thomas (Scarlets/Llanelli), Sion Bennett (Scarlets/Carmarthen).

Replacements: Ethan Lewis (Blues/Cardiff), Thomas Davies (Blues/Cardiff), Dan Suter (Ospreys/Bridgend), Carwyn Jones (Scarlets/Carmarthen), James Benjamin (Dragons/Bedwas), Joshua Davies (Dragons/Bedwas), Owen Jenkins (Blues/Pontypridd), Jack Dixon (Dragons).

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Wales too strong for Samoa in France

Hallam Amos marked his first start for Wales Under-20s by scoring one of six tries as they brushed aside Samoa 42-3 in their Junior World Championships opener.

He and club-mate Jack Dixon crossed for first half touchdowns in Nantes, before the Welsh pulled away after the break and put out a warning to their rivals that they are a force to be reckoned with.

It was a deserved victory for Danny Wilson's side as despite a fast start from Samoa, Wales more than matched the physicality of the Islanders and limited their scoring to a penalty from Fomai Ah Ki.

The first half had begun with the Samoans on top. But Wales stuck to their task, and when they were able to spread the ball wide Amos dived over in the corner, but fly half Sam Davies put the conversion wide.

Samoa replied through Ah Ki’s penalty, but that was as good as it got for them. Centre Dixon soon added a second try for Wales, squeezing over through a pile of bodies. Davies found his range with the boot, and added two long-range penalties to extend the score to 18-3 at the interval.

Wales then showed their clinical side and ran riot after the break. Samoa lost No8 Elekana Laupola to a nasty looking neck injury, and they struggled to remain competitive.

Scarlets lock Carwyn Jones and replacement Sion Bennett added quick fire scores, and with Davies converting both, Wales were now out of sight. A third second half touchdown soon arrived, Dragons No8 Ieuan Jones galloping over before both sides diluted the game with a flurry of substitutions.

The breaks in play hindered the flow somewhat, but replacement hooker Elliot Dee scored right on the final whistle to complete the rout.

Captain Ellis Jenkins praised his side’s performance in what he described as “tough” conditions. He said: “It was so warm but we could see that they were struggling a little bit more than we were. We had to keep piling on the pressure and sticking to our guns and that’s what we did.”

He also spoke of how the impressive performances by Wales’ replacements showed their strength in depth, adding: “You need to be able to make changes to keep the boys fresh. It was encouraging to see the boys come on and make a positive impact.”

That next fixture is against Scotland on June 9, who went down 44-13 to Argentina in their first game last night. Then come the Argentineans on June 13, at which point Wales will be hoping to have done enough to progress to the semi-finals.

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Changes for Welsh Under-20s against Samoa

Five faces that didn’t start Wales’ crunch clash with England to end their Under-20s 6 Nations campaign will get their chance to impress against Samoa tomorrow.

The young Dragons’ Junior World Championship assault kicks off against the Southern Hemisphere nation in Nantes, and three players will earn their first starts at this level in what will be a huge fixture if they want to realise their goal of reaching the semi-finals in France.

Dragons’ full back Hallam Amos, Bedwas scrum half Joshua Davies and Blues and Pontypridd wing Owen Jenkins have all impressed enough for a starting berth. Jenkins, son of former Wales hooker Garin, has impressed for the Principality Premiership champions this year and will make his debut for the Under-20s on the right wing.

Amos and Davies were part of the 6 Nations squad that went so close to the Grand Slam, but neither started a match during the campaign that ended in a 28-15 defeat at Parc Eirias that also handed the 6 Nations title to the English on points difference.

In addition, there are three further changes to the team that faced England back in March. Gareth Thomas and Ethan Lewis come in to the front row in place of Nicky Smith and Elliot Dee, while Steffan Hughes returns to the centre.

Head coach Danny Wilson said of his choices: “Team selection is based around performance during training over the past month or so, and also in the knowledge that we want to give players a chance to impress in this competition with five games coming up in 19 days. While we have three new players to the starting line-up, the rest of the side have a lot of experience from the Six Nations.

“We are going into the Samoa game quite blind about the opposition. We have seen the players around the hotel and they seem very big and physical as you would expect. They will be at their freshest and it will require a good performance from us to win.

“Having said that, we have settled in well, have completed a good period of training and now we just need to get that first game underway.”

Wales follow the Samoa clash up with games against Scotland on June 9 and Argentina on June 13, who they beat in the third-place play-off in South Africa last year after semi-final defeat to New Zealand. They will be hoping to have done enough in these three fixtures to again progress to the knockout stages of the event.

Wales squad to face Samoa: Hallam Amos (Dragons); Owen Jenkins (Blues/Pontypridd), Steffan Hughes (Scarlets/Llanelli), Jack Dixon (Dragons), Ashley Evans (Ospreys/Bridgend); Sam Davies (Ospreys/Swansea), Joshua Davies (Dragons/Bedwas); Gareth Thomas (Scarlets/Carmarthen), Ethan Lewis (Blues/Cardiff), Nicky Thomas (Ospreys/Swansea), Carwyn Jones (Scarlets/Carmarthen), Rhodri Hughes (Ospreys/Swansea), Ellis Jenkins (captain, Blues/Cardiff), Daniel Thomas (Scarlets/Llanelli), Ieuan Jones (Dragons).

Replacements: Elliot Dee (Dragons/Bedwas), Thomas Davies (Blues/Cardiff), Dan Suter (Ospreys/Bridgend), Jack Jones (Ospreys/Rovigo), Sion Bennett (Scarlets/Carmarthen), Rhodri Williams (Scarlets/Llandovery), Harri Evans (North Wales/RGC 1404), Dion Jones (Scarlets/Llanelli).

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Rugby at risk of selling its soul?

The British and Irish Lions kicked off their 2013 Tour with a comfortable win over the Barbarians in sweltering conditions at the Hong Kong Stadium.

The scoreline shows that it was a victory for the men in red but was it really a victory for rugby and the very tradition that the Lions uphold? With tickets priced £63-109, it is hardly surprising that in the first ever Lions match in Asia - an expanding market for rugby - the stadium was half empty.

The Lions are a marketers' dream which was clear to see even in what was just the opening game. Everything that could be sponsored is, from the comical HSBC adverts Sky has bombarded us with (Gatland dressed as a sea captain: you've got to feel he’s going to regret that one day!), to Microsoft sponsoring the scoreboard.

Pundits such as Phil Steel pointed out on twitter that the match in Hong Kong was about as useful to helping the Lions acclimatise to Australian conditions as a ‘sparrowhawk with a squint’.

The safety of the players was also called into question with the temperatures and humidity reaching dangerous levels during the week to play and train in, with the IRB guidelines recommending games should not be played in temperatures over 30C or above 60% humidity.

With over 40,000 Lions supporters descending on Oz, a warm up game wasn't required in Asia and you only have to look at the crowd in the stadium to realise that perhaps the appetite from the die hard fans simply wasn’t there. In fact, there was probably a better atmosphere in the dentist’s waiting room I had the misfortune of sitting in last week...

It’s not just the Lions who are subject to being exploited, the WRU announced this week that Team Wales would be playing a fourth International against Australia on November 30^th. On paper, it doesn’t look that bad: testing ourselves against a Southern Hemisphere side and a chance to avenge our consistent heartbreaking losing streak against them.

However, if you dig a little deeper, this International will come just a week before a vital round of the Heineken Cup for the Welsh regions and is also outside the IRB window, meaning that French and English based players will be unavailable. On top of this, the fixture will be Wales’ seventh match against the ‘Qantas Wallabies’ since the world cup - an insane amount that cries overkill.

Yes, the game in Wales needs money and the Autumn Internationals are a great revenue spinner, but at what cost will it come to the already battered and bruised Welsh bodies, and to what detriment will it be to the regions who are already struggling to compete with the top sides in Europe? If the money from these matches was actually invested in the regional sides it would be something, but I can see it once again being extraneously used on paying off the debt for the construction of the Millennium Stadium instead of anything rewarding. While a financially sound WRU is something we all want, this may be too high a price to pay.

With the regions once again set to lose their International stars for crucial periods of the season, is it any wonder that they are offloading the likes of George North and Jamie Roberts, cases that arm the WRU with the rationale behind their central contracts debate.

In my humble opinion, central contracts are not the answer but Wales must be strong and tell players that if they play outside Wales they will not feature in the national side. Obviously this would mean that around half of our current starting XV would be ruled out, but it may deter players from hopping over the border via the Severn Bridge.

The WRU’s contempt for regional supporters was also compounded this week when a request from the four regional supporters clubs to meet with the WRU was denied. Does Roger Lewis really not care about the supporters', who prop up Welsh rugby week in week out, feelings and opinions?

As the Cardiff Blues Supporters Club twitter account surmised, ‘Without supporters to "support" as well as to be involved in the grassroots and community game, what does the future hold?’

It certainly is a worrying question to consider at a time when the top tier of rugby in Wales (national side) is continually supported to the detriment of everything else in the game, producing a top heavy structure that will eventually crumble from the ground up.

Rugby is the national sport of Wales but when you look at it compared to football in terms of player participation and support of Wales’ now two premier league teams, the WRU and regions need to think and act fast, or an entire generation of fans may well be lost to the round ball.

I was at the Hay Festival last week and went to a talk on Welsh rugby featuring Owen Sheers (WRU’s writer in residence), Carolyn Hitt (Western Mail columnist and author of Wales Play in Red) and Jasper Rees (author or Bred of Heaven) and while the discussion was interesting and engaging, the focus was primarily on Team Wales and little was dedicated to the grassroots and club side of the game in what I feel is ultimately the life blood of the game in Wales.

The success of Team Wales has been to the detriment in my mind of every other level of rugby in Wales. The 30-3 annihilation of England, despite how sweet a victory it was, only papers over the cracks left by the dismal performance of the regional sides this year and how four grassroots sides effectively ceased to exist due to dwindling numbers. (Markham, Tredegar Ironsides, Aberavon Naval, St Josephs (Newport))

Ultimately, the problem and solution lies with money and the lack of it at all levels, from Wales’ national side down. As long as this disparity continues between the WRU and the regions, then they will both continue to undermine each other and we could be plunged back into the wilderness of the 90’s.

So what do you guys think is the solution for rugby in Wales? Do you agree with central contracts? How can the regions be made more sustainable in your opinion? Has rugby at the highest level sold its soul to its corporate sponsors? Finally, what can be done to stop the death of the game at grassroots level?

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Wales Under-20s learn from the seniors before taking on the world

Wales Under-20's coach Danny Wilson believes training sessions with the senior side have been “very beneficial” to his squad as they leave for the Junior World Championships.

Today they head to Nantes ready for their tournament opener against Samoa on Wednesday, and Wilson knows his players can take this chance to springboard themselves into regional contention at domestic level next season.

To prepare, they have been put through a rigorous training schedule which included sessions against the senior squad who themselves were getting ready for their summer tour to Japan.

Wilson was pleased with the preparations, saying: “We have prepared well. The sessions against the seniors have added intensity to our training and have been very beneficial for our players.

“A number of players from our last JWC squad have gone on to play regular regional rugby this season and have become far more familiar to the rugby public.

“Likewise, it will be beneficial to Welsh rugby if we can be successful again in this tournament. The boys will be exposed to big pressure games, which they can learn a huge amount from and bring back to regional rugby in Wales, especially if we make it to a semi.”

That is the aim for the squad after fighting their way to the final four last year before eventually going down to New Zealand. However, they ended their tournament by beating Argentina in the third place play-off, meaning they enter this year’s tournament as the third seeds.

“Our opening fixture is key,” Wilson said of the Samoa clash. “Last year we got the ball rolling with a good performance against Fiji and we want to do the same this year to give us confidence to take into the rest of the tournament.

“We will turn up against Samoa fully aware of what we’re facing, but confident that we can, with our best performance, put them away and build from there. We know that to get wins in our group we will have to earn them, they won’t land in our lap.”

After Samoa come Scotland and then Argentina, with Wales knowing they will have to be at their finest to pick up maximum points. If they make it through those, then come two knockout matches to decide the world rankings at this level going forward. Then of course there's the seedings for the next tournament to decide.

“Samoa will be a big, physical side that will cause plenty of problems if we give them the chance in terms of collisions,” added Wilson. “Scotland are a strong side and Argentina will be even stronger. They beat Australia, Scotland and France to go through to the semis last year and recently recorded two victories over last year’s champions South Africa.”

Wales know their work is cut out, but will point to the fact their squad boasts a large amount of Principality Premiership and Regional experience. This could stand them in good stead as they face the best young talent from across the globe over the next month.

Wales’ JWC fixtures:

Wednesday, June 5, Nantes (6pm): Wales v Samoa;

Sunday, June 9, Nantes (5pm): Wales v Scotland;

Thursday, June 13, La Roche sur Yon (4.45pm): Wales v Argentina;

Play-Off rounds: Tuesday, June 18, Sunday, June 23.

Wales squad:

Forwards: Ellis Jenkins (captain, Blues/Cardiff), Nicky Smith (Ospreys/Swansea), Gareth Thomas (Scarlets/Carmarthen), Tom Davies (Blues/Cardiff), Dan Suter (Ospreys/Bridgend), Nicky Thomas (Ospreys/Swansea), Ethan Lewis (Blues/Cardiff), Elliot Dee (Dragons/Bedwas), Carwyn Jones (Scarlets/Carmarthen), Jack Jones (Ospreys/Rovigo), Rhodri Hughes (Ospreys/Swansea), Ieuan Jones (Dragons/Newport), Daniel Thomas (Scarlets/Llanelli), Sion Bennett (Scarlets/Carmarthen), James Benjamin (Dragons/Bedwas).

Backs: Rhodri Williams (Scarlets/Llandovery), Joshua Davies (Dragons/Bedwas), Harri Evans (North Wales/RGC), Sam Davies (Ospreys/Swansea), Steffan Hughes (Scarlets/Llanelli), Jack Dixon (Dragons/Bedwas), Thomas Pascoe (Blues/Pontypridd), Aaron Warren (Llandovery), Ashley Evans (Ospreys/Bridgend), Jordan Williams (Scarlets/Llanelli), Hallam Amos (Dragons/Bedwas), Dion Jones (Scarlets Academy/Llanelli), Owen Jenkins (Blues/Pontypridd).

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Jenkins back at The Gnoll

Neath have re-signed winger Alec Jenkins after a season with Llanelli.

The Carmarthen-born 25-year-old came through the Scarlets’ youth system and made four senior appearances for the region, before playing in the English Championship with London Welsh. He also includes Pontyberem and Carmarthen Quins among his former clubs.

He previously spent three seasons at Neath between 2009 and 2012 with an outstanding record; helping the Blacks to 47 wins in 69 games in all competitions and scoring 19 tries.

A Welsh international at Under-18, 19, 20 and 7s levels, he was a member of the Under-19 Grand Slam-winning side of 2006 that included recent full senior internationals Jonathan and Bradley Davies. That same year, he also lifted the Hong Kong 7s Plate with Wales, scoring a try in the final against Argentina.

Coach Neil Edwards said of his new signing: “I played with Alec here at Neath and he’s an outstanding rugby player and outstanding bloke. He gives 100 per cent and was disappointed to have left the club last year.

“He’s really looking forward to coming back and proud to be a Neath man again. He’s a big winger and he’ll do his job all the time. I’m confident we’ll have good displays from him next season.”

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Touch rugby looking to grow in Wales ahead of European Championships

The Wales Touch Association is calling on everyone to take up a new sport ahead of the European Touch Rugby Championships in Swansea next year.

Wales is one of the most established European nations participating in what some consider to be an alternative form of our national sport – but how many readers knew they could play it?

Now, with the premier European competition coming to Welsh shores next summer, the sport’s organising body, in partnership with the WRU, want as many people as possible to take a ball in their hands and try what they have to offer, either at a competitive or purely social level.

Established in 1999, the WTA has been running touch rugby in Wales ever since and has currently grown participation levels to around 3,000. Their product brings touch to all four corners of the country without the contact element, which may put many off its rugged bigger brother, meaning that players of all ages and genders can participate.

As well as running the traditional sport of touch, the WTA have even invented their own sport – Atomic Touch – which has soared in popularity since its inception last year, with the WRU primarily delivering it to secondary school children.

The WTA's Development Officer – Matthew Enoch – explains: “Generally, touch currently has a low level of profile in Wales, although those who play it really enjoy it. Compare that to countries like Australia and New Zealand where participation numbers are bigger than rugby union and rugby league combined.

"We are hoping the range of incentives we are introducing will raise the reach and profile of the sport across the board.

"The mixed element of touch is attractive to many. Men and women play together on an equal basis and couples and even families can get involved. I would describe the sport as an underground success, but still a lot of people don;t know touch exists and what options are available to them."

Matthew describes the sport as having a number of similarities in structure and technique to the 7s game, which has also grown in popularity in recent years, and in which Wales has achieved much global success.

Matthew continued: “You can see the benefits when you play to a good standard. The player to space ratio is similar to 7s and you don’t get any impact injuries. There is a similar focus on the core skills in both games and if your skills are not up to scratch there is no place to hide.

“We pick up rugby players in their off-season who want to stay fit but what we also need are students of touch - players, coaches and referees who are keen to get a better understanding of the sport. For instance, touch players are more like footballers in physique.”

But he doesn’t want the fitness requirements to put people off, and is encouraging all ages and physiques to come forward and give the sport a try with their friends as that is essentially what it is all about.

“There are two distinct elements,” Matthew explains. “We are looking for the good players, but also the social players looking to get fitter, enjoy the social elements and have fun.

"The last couple of European Championships we have been first or second, and at the last World Cup we were fourth, so you can see we are already established.”

On a domestic level the game has been thriving too. There are domestic leagues and tournaments played around the country, the first National Championships were played last month and Elite Leagues have been set up to replicate international tournaments at domestic level.

The WRU has even backed their campaign as they want to expand the appeal of rugby to more people in Wales. They have entered into a partnership with the WTA to deliver touch to as many people as possible.

The coup of attracting the European Championships to Swansea is huge, and the facilities available at University Fields make the city ideal for such an event. It is also vital to push the sport out past the ‘hotbed’ of the Cardiff area to an already receptive West Walian audience.

Atomic Touch has also been a huge success these past 12 months, with its mix of touch, basketball and netball elements making it hugely popular with females in particular.

Matt adds: "Wales is also the only place it is played in the world! Because it is multi-directional, it changes players' views on how they see space on the pitch."

Those whose appetite may have been whetted reading this are told: “Get a group of mates together and find the nearest league. It’s good for work teams who want to mix socially, but also individuals can get involved.

“Attend a league night and see if a team is short, or contact organisers who can find you a team. We want everyone to get involved and grow our membership. The more people playing, refereeing and coaching the game, the more we can grow the sport."

Local leagues, the rules of the game and further information can be found on the WTA website: www.walestouch.co.uk, or by following the European news at: www.europeantouchnews.com.

Those looking for a new hard working hobby, or just wanting an excuse to get out and about with mates, could find touch rugby the social exercise they have been missing in their life.

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Young Green Stars prove competent 7s players once more

A special 125^th anniversary season for Aberavon Green Stars drew to a close with their youth team capturing the Afan Nedd 7s Tournament at Tonna.

It is the fourth successive triumph for the youngsters in the event, seeing off the likes of Rhigos, Tonna, Ystradgynlais and Abercrave to meet Bryncoch in the final. They won it 37-5, bringing their total points scored in the tournament to 234, while letting a miserly 27 across their line.

It was the fourth Cup the Ospreys Youth League A side have won this season. Last September they lifted the 10-a-side tournament, and in the last three weeks they defeated Bryncoch 28-14 in the Youth Cup final and Aberavon Harlequins 23-22 in the President’s Cup final.

These successes reflect the hard work put in by their coaching team of Terry Cooksley, Mike Dyer and Lyndon Bailey, while also showcasing the leadership of popular captain Thomas Barnard.

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Cardiff Blues welcome new director

Cardiff-born businessman Martyn Ryan has been voted on to the Blues’ board of directors.

An EGM of Cardiff RFC ltd shareholders on Wednesday evening voted to accept him.

He joined London Welsh in 1984 as a player, and has been involved there for nearly 30 years in various capacities. He is also a benefactor of Glamorgan County Cricket Club, chair of the Tom Maynard Trust and a trustee of rugby related charity Touraid, which helps disadvantaged children overseas through the sport.

Speaking of joining the board he said: “I’m looking forward to meeting up with the board and am delighted to be involved with Cardiff Blues and Cardiff RFC.

“This is a personal investment and I’m pleased to be able to put something back into rugby in my home town.”

His home club is Old Penarthians, and he is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants having qualified with PwC (then Coopers & Lybrand) in 1984.

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Lydon leaving Wales for England

WRU head of rugby Joe Lydon is leaving the Welsh governing body to take up a new role with the RFU.

Over five years in Wales, he was charged with his team to look at the infrastructures of rugby in the country and devise initiatives to improve them. Having overlooked rugby at both grass roots and international level, including restructuring the player pathway to the national side, he is now joining the RFU as the head of international player development.

His past experience included being capped 32 times by Great Britain in rugby league, performing as technical director for the Rugby Football League, and coaching the English Rugby Union senior backs and 7s.

He said: “I am sad to be leaving Wales, but the challenge of playing such a pivotal role in the development of English rugby at this time is one I had to take up.

“Welsh rugby is in great shape and I leave behind a team of people more than capable of achieving the goals we have set.

“The experience I have gained across the past five years with the WRU will set me in great stead for the exciting new challenge ahead.”

WRU Group chief executive Roger Lewis, said: “I am personally and professionally sad to see Joe leave, but the whole of Welsh rugby will always be grateful to him for what he has achieved during his time in Wales.

“In Joe we chose the right man to introduce an unprecedented scale of change and reform, which had to be achieved for the continued growth of our game.

“The reforms he has helped introduce mean we now have a clear vision of the way forward and the structures in place to achieve our objectives.

“During our next phase of development we will be making sure that all the important relationships thrive across the game, so that we can work together to protect and develop rugby in Wales at all levels.

“Joe leaves with our gratitude for what he has done, and our best wishes for the future in his new role.”

The WRU has already begun for his successor, and an announcement will be made in due course.

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Swansea RFC appeal for the return of stolen shirts

Swansea chairman Phil Llewellyn has asked all supporters and rugby fans to keep their eyes and ears out for news on four historical jerseys stolen from their clubhouse earlier this month.

The four shirts were taken from the Presidents’ Suite situated on the top floor of the building, with club officials unsure how they were taken, possibly while another room was hired out for a private function.

The four jerseys hold tremendous sentimental value to the club. One is a maroon colour Ranji Walker XV jersey from the 1970s, the second a combined England and Wales white shirt from around 1923 donated by the legendary Welsh winger and late Judge Rowe Harding.

The third is a green Irish jersey from around 1924, while the fourth is a Japanese international jersey, also from the 1970s, which contains red and white horizontal stripes

A fifth jersey was also taken – a signed, red Welsh international shirt donated to the club by former Swansea and Wales star Scott Gibbs.

Llewellyn said: “There are plenty of websites where people can sell them so we have to keep our eyes out and monitor what is being sold.

“We will be contacting websites and asking them to look out for them. The problem is if somebody sits on them for a few months while the fuss dies down and then tries to sell them. There’s now an international market so they are much harder to track down.

“If fans or anyone else hears of anything to do with the shirts, or if they hear anybody saying they have been in to the club to take them, please come forward.

“One can’t tell the value of them until they are put up for sale. We will now have to put them in to hard storage, where we have already placed all the other memorabilia from the suite of monetary value, which is such a shame for all our supporters who want to see them.”

An earlier club statement read: “They are an integral part of this great club’s history and part of our and the city of Swansea’s heritage. It is hoped that their return will allow them to be placed in a secure display to be enjoyed by all sports enthusiasts of whatever affiliation.”

Detectives in Swansea are currently investigating the incident, and are also calling on anyone with information to come forward.

Detective Sergeant Dean Llewellyn of Swansea Central CID said: “These jerseys are important items of memorabilia for the club, and which they would like much to have returned.

“The club house has many rooms which are sometimes hired out to numerous organisations for various functions. I am appealing to anyone who has recently been in the club and saw any of these jerseys being removed, or has any relevant information to come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Swansea Central CID on 01792 450618 or 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Further information and pictures of the four jerseys in question can be found on the club's website.

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Downs and Evans commit to Neath for next season

Nicky Downs and Lee Evans have committed to Neath for next season in an announcement that will delight supporters.

With the recent upheaval that saw coach Pat Horgan replaced by Neil Edwards following a disappointing season at The Gnoll, which ended in Swalec Cup final defeat to Pontypridd at the Millennium Stadium, supporters will be pleased two fans’ favourites have committed to the club.

Downs (26) and Evans (30) are the first to sign up for the new campaign, with Edwards saying: “We’re delighted that they’ve decided to stay with the club.

“Both had offers to go elsewhere but it shows that they’re hell-bent on helping Neath to rise up the Premiership next season. They’re staying for the right reasons in rebuilding Neath RFC. They’ve a great attitude [and] both have been with us a long time so it’s a great statement.”

He added of their performances over the last campaign: “Lee has been outstanding all season. He had a couple of small injury issues but had some fantastic games. The one I can remember well was when he came off the bench at Bridgend and turned the game around. Generally, he’s a [100-per-cent player]. He had a massive impact in our road to the Millennium Stadium this season and didn’t falter.

“Nicky has been a fan favourite for a number of years. Unfortunately, he had an operation on his knee this year which put him out for the latter half of the season, but he’s a proud Neath man and he wants to stay around to see this rebuilding process through and help Neath back to the top where we belong.”#

Downs played 16 times for the club this year, while Evans made 20 appearances.

The news follows that of Edwards appointing Llyr Lane as his number two, and 2005 Grand Slam winner Robin Sowden-Taylor arriving as the new strength and conditioning coach.

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Blues sign student Normandale from Cardiff Met

Cardiff Blues have signed young second row prospect Miles Normandale from Cardiff Met – a prodigy of the famed Colston School in Bristol.

The student says of how his move came about: “I was playing in a Cup [match] for Cardiff Met against Cardiff RFC and had one of my best games of the season. Richard Hodges, the Blues Academy Manager, was there and came over to speak to me to see if I’d be interested in joining.

“I’ve had a good three years at Cardiff Met, studying rugby coaching, but also learning the ins and outs of lots of different sports. I would play [rugby] twice a week and you pick up a lot of new tricks off the Saturday teams and try to take the hardness of that into the Wednesday leagues.

“Cardiff Met has a really good set up for rugby. Chris Davey is the head coach and puts a lot of work into everything we do and he knows a lot about the game. He puts a lot into the analysis of the game as well.”

A product of Marlwood School in Bristol, Normandale first thought about a career in rugby after moving to Colston School for sixth form.

Colston has a rich rugby history with nearly 30 former pupils playing top flight rugby in the English Premiership over recent years - Gareth Delve, Olly Barkley, Shane Geraghty and Tom Varndell  among them.

Normandale also enjoys living in his adopted city, adding: “I’ve had a great time here, it’s a brilliant city to live in. It’s quite a small city so everybody knows each other, but it’s easy to get around. I really enjoy living here.

“I’m just trying to work hard and keep my feet on the ground at the moment. It is very inspiring to be training at the same place as the likes of Leigh Halfpenny and Sam Warburton.

“My goal is to train hard over the summer, to be the best I can be and we’ll just have to wait and see what happens.”

Cardiff Blues/WRU performance manager Richard Hodges said: “Miles sprung to the forefront when Cardiff RFC faced Cardiff Met in the SWALEC Cup. He had an outstanding performance at that match, we followed him for a few games including the finals at Twickenham and he stood out.

“He is here to strengthen the second row resourses, and will be here for at least the next two years. His performances are good and he has a tough edge to him as well so I think he could fly in this environment.”

Chris Davey, Cardiff Met director of rugby, said: “Miles has all the physical attributes to be a top rugby player, he’s a great athlete in excellent shape.

“I think he’s ready to make the step up having played regularly in the Championship and Division One. He’s earned his stripes.

“He’s good at the line out, is very mobile and is prepared to take on leadership roles.”

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