Wales will celebrate again on Judgement Day

Posted on Mar 21, 2013 in Cardiff Blues, Newport Gwent Dragons, Ospreys, Scarlets

The RBS 6 Nations trophy will return to the scene of its dramatic capture by Wales at the Regional double-header match to be held at the Millennium Stadium a week on Saturday.

Over 30,000 Welsh rugby fans have already bought tickets to the ‘Judgement Day’ fixture, which pits the Dragons against the Scarlets and the Blues against the Ospreys in an East versus West Rabo Direct Pro12 double derby day clash, which will now also become a celebration of the national cause.

Most of the Wales squad which retained the title they took in 2012 with a clean sweep, by recording the nation’s greatest ever victory over England last weekend, will be on display on the pitch in Regional team colours introducing some fascinating head to head clashes.

But the coaching team which played its own integral role in the 30-3 victory over England and the retention of the Championship title in 2013, will also attend as special guests and to see their latest acquisition of silverware paraded in front of the Welsh fans.

The Welsh Rugby Union is hoping to use the event to help fans show the national squad just what their recent successes have meant to them and also allow fans to relive the glorious scenes of Wales’ consummate demolition of England in the capital less than a week ago.

The Judgement Day event in itself represents the first time all four Welsh rugby Regions have come together to play under the same roof and is a chance to celebrate the regional game in Wales and its value to the national game.

“The trophy will be displayed proudly at pitchside and paraded around the ground at both matches,” said a WRU spokesman.

“It’s incredibly difficult to quantify what success on the rugby pitch means for the nation,but the scenes at the Millennium Stadium last weekend go some way to explaining just how passionate we all are about our national sport.

“Judgement Day, a week on Saturday, is a perfect and timely opportunity for us to celebrate again the success of the Wales national squad, to let them know how proud we all are of them and to watch some fascinating clashes as many of them go head to head in their Regional colours.”

Wales flankers Justin Tipuric (Ospreys) and Sam Warburton (Blues) provide the most direct match up of the day, but the likes of Dan Biggar, Adam Jones (Ospreys), Jamie Roberts, Leigh Halfpenny (Blues),Andrew Coombs, Toby Faletau (Dragons), George North and Jonathan Davies (Scarlets) are also set to return to the Millennium Stadium turf to take on their national team-mates.

Judgement Day – Millennium Stadium, Saturday 30 March
Dragons v Scarlets 2.30pm
Blues v Ospreys 5.15pm
Tickets: Adults £25, U18s £10, Family ticket £50 (two adults, two children)

‘Judgement Day’ for Warburton and Tipuric

Posted on Mar 19, 2013 in Cardiff Blues, Ospreys

The most talked about head to head battle in European rugby is set to take place at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday week, when Sam Warburton’s Cardiff Blues take on Justin Tipuric’s Ospreys.

The Wales flankers, who played side by side in Wales’ record 30-3 victory over England on Saturday and picked up successive Man of the Match awards as Wales closed in on the RBS 6 Nations title, are set to come face to face in the second of the Rabo Direct PRO12 double headers at the home of Welsh rugby on Easter Saturday (March 30).

It will be the first time the pair have come up against each other in a competitive match despite battling for starting places for Wales, and coming through the Welsh international set-up together. In what will be an enthralling encounter across the board, with the Ospreys fighting for a place in the Rabo Direct PRO12 play-offs, that one on one tussle will excite all rugby supporters and observers alike, not least the Lions selectors ahead of Warren Gatland’s squad announcement for the tour to Australia.

Warburton said, “I think I’ve only played against the Ospreys twice, most recently at home at the Cardiff City Stadium on New Year’s Eve 2010 where we narrowly won 27-25 with Marty Holah in the Ospreys side. That was a good memory but the year before, we played away on New Year’s Day 2010 and lost 26-0 so that was a bad one. It’s a mixed bag but I’m really looking forward to this one.

“I’ve never played against Justin Tipuric before, seven on seven. It’s a battle I’m really looking forward to, especially in the contact area. It’s well publicised how important that area is in the modern game so whoever comes out on top in that area will have an advantage. It will be an interesting one.”

The Blues flanker reckons the Ospreys will provide a threat throughout the side but especially in the forwards. “I think the Ospreys will go for us up front. Their whole pack is a threat and I couldn’t single out one player. I’ve been really impressed with them this season. They seem to have great unity whoever plays and so they’ll be a huge challenge.

“Bradley Davies will be a big miss for us, especially against the Ospreys, as that game would have suited him down to the ground. Lloyd Williams will be important, he’s an immense player. He doesn’t get as much publicity as some but he’s very good at keeping the tempo going which is how the Blues want to play. A hard pitch should allow him to flourish.

"He’s an old school nine with a great pass, a great dummy and great pace. He’s immensely fit, reads the game well and knows when to kick. He can surprise a few people – when he gets given a chance he always impresses.”

Warburton is relishing the chance to get back onto the Millennium Stadium pitch, and this time in his regional colours. “I haven’t played a regional game at the Millennium Stadium before – some of the players have played Heineken Cup knock-out games there. I’m very proud to play for the Blues and it will be really exciting to play here. I’m sure it will be a match no player will have to get motivated for, especially for us. We can’t make the latter stages so this is one game everyone wants to be involved with.”

Warburton’s Wales back row team mate and opposite number Justin Tipuric is also looking forward to Judgement Day. “I’ve played twice against the Blues. In one game, we were down to six men in the scrum against them in the LV= Cup and we were on our own line. Everyone thought the Blues would get a push over try but our front five managed to push them off the ball, so that’s something that stands out. They’re physical derby games and ones everyone wants to win.”

Tipuric is taking nothing for granted as the Wales players return to their regions after the RBS 6 Nations. “Sam Warburton and I have done ok in the same team but we have to go back and win our places in the regional sides now. As a team, we will have to be disciplined as the Blues have got a great kicker in Halfpenny, and Cuthy and Leigh can finish the scores. But it’s going to be a physical game and we need to be aware of their pack.

“You can’t give away too many penalties in a derby game like this. That’s going to be crucial. It’s about the team more than anything and the 15 players on the pitch. Hopefully we will play well as a team and if we do that then we can hopefully get the win.

“We’ve got a game with the Dragons on Friday night and then obviously the big one on Judgement Day so hopefully we’ll build some momentum going into that. I think it will be exciting and we can play some open, running rugby in front of a good crowd back at the Millennium Stadium.”

Judgement Day – Millennium Stadium, Saturday 30 March

Dragons v Scarlets 2.30pm

Blues v Ospreys 5.15pm

Blues select side for Saracens clash

Posted on Jan 25, 2013 in Cardiff Blues

Cardiff Blues return to LV=Cup action this weekend taking on Saracens in their new ground, Allianz Park.

Cardiff Blues are currently third in Pool 2 behind Worcester Warriors and Sale Sharks but ahead of Leicester Tigers. With teams in pool 1 playing those in pool 4 and teams in pool 2 take on teams in pool 3, round three sees the rest of the matches played on Saturday afternoon.

Sale Sharks play the Scarlets, Leicester Tigers play London Wasps and London Irish take on Worcester Warriors.

With Cardiff Blues having nine players in the Wales Six Nations squad Phil Davies has made a number of changes to the side that beat Sale Sharks in the Heineken Cup last Saturday.

Jason Tovey comes in at fullback, Owen Williams moves to the wing meaning there is a new centre partnership of Gavin Evans and Dafydd Hewitt. Harry Robinson remains on the other wing but there is a new halfback partnership with Ceri Sweeney linking up with Lewis Jones.

There is almost a totally new pack with Sam Hobbs the only player from the starting line up from last Saturday’s match.

Cardiff Blues Director of Rugby, Phil Davies, said,

“The match against the Sale Sharks was a game we were able to field a full Welsh qualified team.”

“It shows that our Academy system is working well as it has done for a number of years.”

“It has produced some of the best players in Europe with the likes of Jamie Roberts, Alex Cuthbert and Leigh Halfpenny.”

“There is a new crop of youngsters who have come through which is fantastic and it’s exciting to see these young players develop, and they will have an opportunity to show what they can do on Sunday.”

Sunday 27 January, 3pm kick off, Allianz Park, London.

Saracens v Cardiff Blues (KO 3pm)

Cardiff Blues 15. Jason Tovey  14. Owen Williams  13. Gavin Evans (c)12. Dafydd Hewitt  11. Harry Robinson 10. Ceri Sweeney 9. Lewis Jones

8. Robin Copeland 7. Rory Watts-Jones  6. Luke Hamilton 5. Macauley Cook  4. Michael Paterson  3. Beniot Bourrust  2. Kristian Dacey 1. Sam Hobbs

16. Rhys Williams  17. Nathan Trevett  18. Taufa’ao Filise 19. Cory Hill 20. Thomas Young  21 Alex Walker  22. Gareth Davies  23. Tom Williams

Not available for selection:

Andi Kyriacou- Neck operation return in April

Dan Fish- Suffered shoulder nerve palsy in match against Zebre. Return late January

Tom James- Fractured sesamoid (big toe). Surgery to remove pin on Wednesday 5th December, return in late February.

LONG TERM

Jake Copper- Woolley- right knee ACL injury 4 months

Tom Davies- ACL knee reconstruction this week, 4 months

Blues development system bearing fruit

Posted on Jan 25, 2013 in Cardiff Blues

The starting XV of last Saturday’s team that recorded a 26-14 Heineken Cup win over Sale Sharks all came through the Blues Academy system

In the backs youngsters such as in-form centre Owen Williams, international winger Harry Robinson and young halfbacks Rhys Patchell and Lewis Jones only graduated from the Blues Academy recently. While Wales and Lions centre Jamie Roberts was one of the first crop to come through the Blues Academy.

Although Alex Cuthbert started playing rugby in Hartpury College in Gloucestershire, he was picked up at 18 years-of–age, by the Blues. The same is true of Full Back Leigh Halfpenny. He was released by the Ospreys at 18 and began his rugby education in the Blues Academy before going on to win honours with Wales and the Lions.

In the forwards, the front row of Sam Hobbs, Rhys Williams and Scott Andrews are all from the north of the region. Second row forwards James Down and Lou Reed have both been in the Welsh squad but graduated through the Blues age grade and academy system, before Reed took up a contract with the Scarlets.

In the back row Josh Navidi originally comes from the Ospreys region but was picked up by the Blues at 18, as was Andries Pretorius. The Number 8 is originally from South Africa but moved to the UK to study at Hartpury College before joining the Blues. Sam Warburton was born and raised in Cardiff and played age grade rugby for the region before graduating from the region and going on to captain his country.

The team shows that the system is working. Whether players have come through the system from an early age, or have been picked up from other regions academies the Blues are turning them into a team that can compete on the European stage and qualify to play for Wales.

WRU Performance Manager – Cardiff Blues, Richard Hodges, said,

"No one can say the Blues don’t develop and promote from within."

“A lot of work has gone in along the way by a lot of people and to have such a home grown squad is fantastic for those coming through the system now."

“They know that if they keep their head down and work hard they will have a shot at playing for their home region."

“This Sunday sees the U18s in their 5th consecutive final, they are unbeaten this season yet we all know the Scarlets will be a tough nut to crack."

“Yes the bigger picture is player development through the pathway but for 80 minutes on Sunday it will be about trying to win another final."

Cardiff Blues Director of Rugby, Phil Davies, said,

“The match against the Sale Sharks was a game we were able to field a full Welsh qualified team.”

“It shows that our Academy system is working well as it has done for a number of years.”

“It has produced some of the best players in Europe with the likes of Jamie Roberts, Alex Cuthbert and Leigh Halfpenny.”

“There is a new crop of youngsters who have come through which is fantastic and it’s exciting to see these young players develop.”

“From a personal view, I worked with a number of these players when I was coaching Wales Under 20 level.”

“Scott Andrews captained the side with Josh Navidi and Owen Williams also players who stood out.”

“We have an excellent development system at the Blues but it’s not only for the players.”

“Justin Burnell, Gethin Watts and now Richard Hodges have all done great work and the Academy has also developed some good coaches with Dale McIntosh, Lee Jarvis and Gareth Baber all having worked with our Academy.”

“When I was at Leeds we tried to have a 80/20 ratio where 80% of our players were home-grown, supplemented with 20% overseas players who brought something different to the squad.”

“If you can get around 80% of your squad from the local area it helps with team split and build local interest from around the community.”

“I feel it’s important that rugby teams are deep rooted in their community, it gives people a pride in their team and a sense of belonging as they can relate to the players.”

Talking ahead of the Age Grade Under 18 final this Sunday when the Blues take on the Scarlets at St Helens, Davies added,

“It’s a fantastic achievement for these youngsters to reach the final.”

“I speak on a regular basis to Richard Hodges who is our Academy manager.”

“The average age of our senior squad is 23 and then the Academy develops the next generation of players.”

“We have identified 75 players that we are developing so we will have a strong nucleus of players.”

“The likes of Luke Hamilton, Kristian Dacey and Macauley Cook are already coming through and have gained Heineken Cup experience at a very young age, which will only benefit us.”

“We are fortunate to have good people working in our community and Academy system who are developing these players and I wish the youngsters the best of luck for Sunday.”

Under 18’s Final

Cardiff Blues v Scarlets

Sunday 27 January 2.30pm kick off St Helens, Swansea

15 Aled Summerhill 14 Ollie Smyth 13 Garin Smith (vc) 12 Sam Edwards 11 Jack Huntley 10 Sam Withers 9 Shaun Clarke

1 Gus Mc Pherson 2 Liam Belcher 3 Dillon Lewis 4 Michael Snook 5 Ben Murphy 6 James Sheeky (c) 7 Matthew Marley 8 Ollie Hitchings

16 Rob Lewi 17 Ryan Spriggs 18 Kieron Belmont 19 Louie Burley 20 Bradley Llewellyn 21 Tom Williams 22 Tom McAloon 23 James Whittingham

Cardiff Blues contract news

Posted on Jan 18, 2013 in Cardiff Blues

Lewis Jones extends contract with the Blues

Young Cardiff Blues scrum half Lewis Jones is the latest player to extend his contract with the region

Beddau born and bred, scrum half Lewis Jones spent his early days playing for his school and for his local club at junior and youth level. While studying at Ysgol Gyfun Rhydfelen, Lewis was called up to the Blues age grade squads from under 16’s through to under 18’s. Whilst studying at Pencoed College, Jones also joined the Bridgend WRU College League side during his two years in sixth-form.

On being released by the Blues Academy in November 2010, Lewis Jones was offered a permanent contract with Pontypridd RFC and went on to play a significant part in the club’s successful campaign, culminating in a double try scoring, Man of the Match performance in the 2011 SWALEC Cup final.

After an impressive season in the Principality Premiership and a key player in Wales’ Under 20 squad, Jones was invited back into the Blues Academy a year later, before signing with the Blues senior side for the 2012/13 season.

Looking back on his progression, Lewis contemplates his good fortune and his future ambitions,

“I have had a bit of luck on my side this season. Unfortunately Lloyd (Williams) was banned, which meant I had a good run of games and a chance to start.

“I enjoy the way the Cardiff Blues play, as it is similar to the way I like playing and that has made my experience here all the more satisfying.

“My first Heineken Cup game didn’t go according to plan, when I got sin binned against Sale, but playing against Toulon was a fantastic experience, competing against players of that calibre was a real eye opener.

Lewis is very much part of a young group of players that the Blues are developing and retaining for the long term.

“Obviously there is a lot of us coming up through the Blues at the moment and we are getting a lot of experience early on in our careers, which hopefully will benefit us as individuals and also as a squad.

“It makes you feel at home playing with boys your own age. I played with Harry Robinson, Macauley Cooke, Ellis Jenkins, Owen Williams and Tom Young at the Junior World Cup two years ago, and that helped me settle this year. Then there are the Welsh internationals who have a lot of experience and are ready to help.

“It’s an exciting time to be involved at the Blues so I’m glad to have signed a contract extension.”

Marc Breeze commits to the Blues

Hooker, Marc Breeze, who joined Cardiff Blues from Aberavon RFC in October 2011, signs new contract with the region

Having started his career at blindside flanker, Marc played in the back row for Wales at U16 level, captaining the side.  However, Breeze converted to hooker under the guidance of former Wales hooker, Garin Jenkins, where he went on to earn caps at U19 and U20 level, forming part of the 2006 Grand Slam Junior World Cup side alongside current team mates James Down, Bradley Davies and Lou Reed.

His early career saw him play for both Aberavon and the Ospreys before leaving Wales,  to join London Welsh. Breeze returned to Wales, after struggling with the commute, to play for Aberavon in 2010, which saw him reach a total of 170 appearances for the Premiership side and soon after signed with the Cardiff Blues.

On his signing and subsequent contract extension Marc Breeze comments on his enjoyment playing with the Welsh Capital side,

“When I received the phone call last October to be part of the Cardiff Blues team I could not have asked for more. I had played against the boys regularly and played with some of them through the age grades, so I fitted in quite quickly.

“I played twenty-seven games in thirteen months and also played my first Heineken Cup matches with the Cardiff Blues, which has been great for me.

“The facilities at the Blues are the best in Wales. You can’t compare them with the ones at some of the other clubs that I have been to. Everything is in one location, which makes it so much easier. There’s no interruption to training and the kitchen is on site, which makes it all very easy to manage our nutritional intake.”

Speaking of the new coaching set-up, Breeze who has a degree in Sports Science from the University of Glamorgan and aspires to coach later in life having gained his level two coaching qualifications, said,

“I appreciate what Phil has done since he came in at the beginning of the season. He has put an emphasis on fitness and like most of the boys in the squad I am in the best shape of my career.

“The boys have been buying into his values all the way. He knows how hard we work and once our luck turns it will be good for us. Phil has given me confidence to play.

“There is a good set of boys here and great values. We work really hard for each other. We have a young team and if we keep it going we will benefit from it in a year or so.

“I am happy here and I am really settled with the boys. It’s important to get on with the coaching staff, if they can give you confidence in your own ability then it shows on the pitch and Phil has given us that.”

James Down signs new deal with Cardiff Blues

Posted on Jan 14, 2013 in Cardiff Blues

Cardiff Blues have confirmed that second row forward, James Down, has signed a new contract with the region

James made his senior debut with the Llantwit Fardre club and trained with Cardiff RFC in the summer of 2006. He then made his debut for Cardiff in the pre-season match at Selkirk while still in the Blues Academy. He made his Blues debut against the Border Reivers in January 2007.

Having progressed well, Down showed the potential he had over the next few seasons, but suffered a horrific broken leg when he fell at the tackle area in the second minute during the Racing Metro v Cardiff Blues match in Paris in November 2011. He has since recovered to become an integral part of the Cardiff Blues pack.

Speaking of the contract James said,

“It was an easy decision to sign again with the Blues.

“It’s my hometown region. I’ve played all my rugby here and come through the Academy system, so I always wanted to stay.

“It’s been really positive on a personal note to play a lot of rugby this year having picked up injuries in previous seasons. It’s good to play a lot of games in a row and I aim to stay in the team and hopefully build some wins up.

“It’s an important thing for any player to get a run of games to get some consistency and this is the first season I’ve been able to do that in a Blues shirt."

Looking to the future James said,

“We have a lot of talented young players who are gaining experience week in week out and I think, hopefully we will see that talent come through in wins.

“Certainly in seasons to come I can’t see any reason why we can’t challenge for honours with the talent we have, if we can keep hold of quality players.

“The Arms Park has always had a fantastic atmosphere and I grew up watching Cardiff RFC as it was then and then the Blues later on. It’s good to come back and the atmosphere is still great.

“Phil Davies has also come in and put in some systems and a new dynamic to training. I think we are only a few inches away from putting in a string of wins together and moving up the Rabo table.”

Having been called up to the Wales squad during the autumn internationals James now is eager to get back in the Wales squad.

“It was a real honour and privilege to be called up to the Wales squad, even though it was only for a short time.

“To contribute to the training was brilliant and to be in that environment gave me a taste of it and made me want it more.”