Young Aussie/Welsh fly-half gets Ospreys chance

Posted on Jun 16, 2011 in Latest Rugby News

The Ospreys have signed 21-year old Australian born, Welsh qualified, fly-half, Pete Smith, on a short term contract.

Sydney born Smith, who is Welsh qualified through his father who hails from Wrexham, plays for Northern Suburbs in the Shute Shield, the senior competition in New South Wales, and has been offered the opportunity to carve a pro career having been identified as having the potential to become a fully fledged Osprey.

The youngster will arrive in Ospreylia later this month and will report for pre-season training with the region at Llandarcy Academy of Sport at the end of June.

Speaking about his opportunity, Smith said:

“I can’t wait to go there. It’s a big opportunity for me, something that I’ve worked towards all my life. I’ve spoken to Scott Johnson and I’m really looking forward to travelling to Wales later this month and giving it my best shot. Hopefully, I can impress the coaches enough to be able to stay there for longer.”

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Matt Smith signs for Pirates

Posted on May 25, 2011 in Latest Rugby News

A young Yorkshireman, lock forward Matt Smith, has signed for the Cornish Pirates. A graduate from UWIC, Cardiff, he has represented England Students this past season.

Cornish Pirates forwards coach Ian Davies watched Matt play for the Students when they opposed their French counterparts at Richmond, and was impressed. Ian comments:-

"Matt is a gifted forward who shows great potential. Paul Westgate who coaches England Students  has spoken highly of him, as has Chris Davey, the head coach UWIC.

"After meeting with Matt we were left with the impression that he also has the right attitude and should blend in well with our developing squad".

Pirates: joiners and leavers

With the 2010-11 season just finished, it is an opportune time to provide further information in relation to the Cornish Pirates squad for next season. For general information the position to date is as follows:-

23 players in contract or having finalised a new contracts with the Cornish Pirates are:-

Paul Andrew – Jonny Bentley – Sam Betty – Rudi Brits – Phil Burgess – Gavin Cattle – Rob Cook – Blair Cowan – Wes Davies – James Doherty – Rob Elloway – Drew Locke – Kyle Marriott – Rhodri McAtee – Laurie McGlone – Chris Morgan – Mike Myerscough – Ian Nimmo – Grant Pointer – Alan Paver – Carl Rimmer – Ryan Storer – Dave Ward

7 players who have completed their contracts or are being released from contracts are:-

James Currie – Ben Gulliver (to Worcester) – Tyrone Holmes – Matt Hopper (to Harlequins) – Nick Jackson – Tom Luke – Steve Winn

New players joining are:-

Darren Daniel – David Doherty – Tom Cooper – Tom Kessell – Ben Maidment – Matt Smith – Andrew Suniula – Ceiron Thomas – Ryan Westren

It is likely that the names of a small number of players to be dual registered with Exeter Chiefs will also be confirmed in the near future.

Commenting on the squad for next season and expressing appreciation for the efforts of those that are leaving, Cornish Pirates CEO Rod Coward said:

"Our recruitment for next season is now completed and the coaches are confident that the squad we’ve assembled will be capable of producing quality performances and hopefully improving on the achievements of the season just finished.

We wish all players leaving the Pirates every success in their future careers and thank them for the contributions they have made during their time at the Club and especially for their efforts during last season."

Muller signs contract extension

Posted on May 17, 2011 in Latest Rugby News

Ulster Rugby today announced that second row forward Johann Muller has signed a one year contract extension.

The South African arrived in Belfast last summer from the Natal Sharks on a two year deal and his contract extension means that he will play his rugby for Ulster until June 2013.

Muller captained the Ulster team on numerous occasions this season while Rory Best was absent through injury or international duty. He has clocked up an impressive 2027 minutes of the pitch for Ulster during the 2010/11 season, starting all but four of Ulster’s competitive games this season, and he has become a firm favourite with the fans at Ravenhill.

Winner of the Heineken Ulster Rugby Personality of the Season at last week’s gala awards ceremony, he was lauded for the contribution he has made to the club both on and off the pitch. He has been credited with inspiring much of the change at Ulster this season, with the team reaching the Heineken Cup quarter final stages for the first time since 1999, as well as the Magners League play offs.

On signing the extension Johann said:

‘I’m delighted to extend my contract with Ulster Rugby by another year. I’ve really enjoyed my first season with Ulster, not only in terms of rugby but also personally. The people of Northern Ireland have been great to me and my family so staying an extra year wasn’t a decision we had to think about for long.

‘It was a successful season for us and we are taking steps in the right direction, but the players and the coaching staff need to keep working hard for next season. Teams are judged on silverware and we have nothing to show for our season. We are determined to win something for the trophy cabinet at Ravenhill next season and to do that we must keep improving.

‘I’ve been in the fantastic position of having a leadership role within the squad. I hope I can keep trying to help the younger players and they keep improving. The more games they play and the more experience they get will be of benefit to themselves and Ulster. If, in a couple of years I leave Ulster and have managed to help a few players develop, I will be delighted with that.’

Adam D’Arcy agrees new contract

Posted on Apr 14, 2011 in Latest Rugby News

Ulster Rugby today confirmed that fullback Adam D’Arcy has signed a two year contract extension, keeping him at the club until 2013.

The 25 year old Irish-qualified Australian arrived in Belfast last summer, originally on a two week trial before being offered a year-long contract. He has since become a regular in the starting XV this season making 20 appearances for the province to date and scoring three tries.

D’Arcy, whose grandfather hails from Tipperary, was playing club rugby for Manly in Sydney when he was invited to Belfast for a two week trial last summer. Since then, he has impressed the coaching staff with his ability to counter attack and his excellent positioning in defence.

“I’m very grateful to Ulster for giving me a chance on a one year contract this year. I’ve enjoyed my time here so far and think I’ve learned a lot and experienced a lot. I’m really looking forward to the next two years.”said D’Arcy

“We’ve shown this year that there’s a lot this team can do and we’re heading in the right direction and I want to be a part of that.”

“It took me a little while to settle once I arrived and find my feet, but since I’ve had the chance to start and cement my place in the team I’ve really enjoyed playing for Ulster and with guys like Andrew Trimble and Rory Best who are international calibre players. The coaching staff have really helped me improve my game and I feel that with the staff and this group of players I can go further and we can go further as a team.”

Ulster’s Director of Rugby David Humphreys said

“We brought in Adam last summer as an unknown prospect but he has certainly proved himself this season and has become an important member of our team

“If we want to compete at the highest level we need depth and quality in our squad and we feel that Adam adds just that to our line-up.”
Meanwhile, fellow fullback Jamie Smith has agreed to join Newport Gwent Dragons in the summer. The 22 year old has made 16 senior appearances Ulster since his breakthrough in 2009 and we wish him well for his future at Rodney Parade.

Alun Wyn Jones commits to Ospreys for three years

Posted on Apr 12, 2011 in Latest Rugby News

The Ospreys have confirmed that captain Alun Wyn Jones has committed his future to the region by signing a new three-year contract.

Still only 25-years old, Jones was born and bred in Swansea, and was one of the first products of the Ospreys development system, making his debut for the region in September 2005 when he came off the bench in the second half of the first ever competitive fixture at the Liberty Stadium, a Magners League game against Leinster.

Since then he has established himself as a genuine world class second row, with 115 appearances for the Ospreys to his credit, reaching the century in last season’s Magners League Play-Off semi-final against Glasgow at the Liberty Stadium. His influence on and off the field was recognised last summer when he was appointed captain ahead of the 2010/11 season.

The Swansea University law graduate gained his first Wales cap during the 2006 tour to Argentina, going on to rack up 48 international appearances so far, and was part of the 2008 Grand Slam team, as well as earning three caps with the Lions in South Africa the following year. During the 2008 Six Nations, he was handed the Welsh captaincy for the game against Italy in Rome.

Speaking after signing his new contract, Jones said:

“Obviously I’m really happy to be here for another three years, it’s my home region and I’m proud to represent the Ospreys. I’m thankful to the coaches and the directors for having the faith in me that they do, and for allowing me the opportunity to continue with the region.

“It’s taken longer than I anticipated to complete everything but I’ve never wanted to play anywhere else and I’ve never said otherwise. It’s flattering to have interest from France and offers from other clubs, but I’m very conscious that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.

“It’s important to make sure everything is right when you are committing to a contract. I wanted to speak to the coaches and the board, to really understand the details of the changes they are making, and to see what their long term plans are. The evolution taking place here is very positive, the new facilities and players coming in makes me excited about the next three years. Let’s say that it would have been a far more difficult decision to move on than it has been to stay here.

“I know that I’m fortunate enough to wear the Ospreys shirt but I’m a fan first and foremost, and like our supporters, I feel bitterly disappointed if we fail to hit the highest standards that we all expect of the region. I give everything to the Ospreys, and I’m hopeful that over the next three years I can really help the team kick-on to the next level.”

Ospreys Forwards Coach Jonathan Humphreys is obviously delighted that the region has secured the services of their captain for another three years, and he commented:

“It’s a massive boost for everybody at the Ospreys that Alun Wyn, one of world rugby’s leading second rows, has committed his future to the region, and that he sees this environment as one where he can achieve his ambitions over the next three years.

“Alun Wyn is integral to what we do here, and to where we want to take the Ospreys moving forward. He is captain for a reason; he exhibits all the characteristics we want and expect from our players, demands the highest standards of himself and his colleagues, is ambitious, and has a desire to succeed. This is fantastic news.”

Alun Wyn Jones is the latest player to commit to a new contract this season, following on from Ryan Jones, Jonathan Thomas, Andrew Bishop, Richard Fussell, Tom Isaacs, Rhys Webb, James King, Kristian Phillips, Scott Baldwin and James Goode.