Welsh commits to Warriors

Posted on Mar 26, 2013 in Glasgow

Prop Jon Welsh has given Glasgow Warriors a huge boost ahead of a number of crucial games, by signing a new two-year contract with the club.

The deal means he’ll be at Scotstoun Stadium until at least May 2015.

The tight-head prop, who made his Scotland debut against Italy in last year’s Six Nations championship, has made 70 appearances for the Warriors since joining them from amateur club, GHA in 2008.

The 26-year-old was called up to the Scotland squad for this year’s Six Nations championship and last month played for Scotland A in their win over England.

Jon Welsh said: “I am very happy to have committed my future to the Warriors and I am looking forward to playing my part in bringing success to this club.

“It has been a frustrating season for me having missed several months through injury, but now that I’m back to full match fitness I am looking forward to being involved in the remaining games this season.

“We have a really strong squad, who all work hard for each other and the facilities at Scotstoun are excellent, so this was a really easy decision for me to make.”

Glasgow Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend said: “This is excellent news for the club and it will give our squad a big boost ahead of some hugely important games.

“Jon worked hard during his injury lay-off to build up his strength and has been putting in the hours in recent weeks to get back to full fitness. He is respected by both coaches and players and is a key part of our future.

“Jon has shown that players from the club game can make the jump to professional rugby and he should be an example to others looking to make the breakthrough.

“We’re delighted to keep him at Scotstoun for the next couple of years and he will undoubtedly have a big role to play.”

Leinster Squad Update

Posted on Mar 25, 2013 in Leinster

The Leinster squad have stepped up their preparations for Saturday’s RaboDirect PRO12 clash against Ulster in the RDS (KO: 6.15pm) with their first on-field training session of the week on Monday afternoon.

Unfortunately Jordi Murphy has been ruled out of this weekend’s fixture with a hand injury that may see him miss the next 4 or 5 weeks but apart from bumps and bruises there were no other casualties from what was a highly combative top of the table clash at the RDS last Saturday.

David Kearney received on field attention for a dislocated finger but the Cooley Peninsula outside back finished the game and is expected to be joined in the panel this week by his elder brother Rob and several other Ireland internationals whose return to provincial action were managed last week.

Amongst the possible returnees for Saturday’s interprovincial derby are Cian Healy, Jamie Heaslip, Sean O’Brien and Mike Ross while the province is hopeful that Fergus McFadden (rib) will also be available for selection. Naas man Heaslip’s next appearance will be his 160th for the province.

Gordon D’Arcy and Quinn Roux both successfully came through their respective comebacks after injury on Saturday. Second row Tom Denton is also available for selection.

The team will be named at midday on Friday.

Ross Wardle makes Rabo debut for Dragons

Posted on Mar 21, 2013 in Newport Gwent Dragons

Ross Wardle a product of Bedwas, who have had a great season this year, makes his RaboDirect Pro 12 debut in a Welsh derby against the Ospreys this Friday night. The 21 year old made a dream debut in Dragons colours against Bath at the Recreational Ground in their opening LV Cup clash of the season. Wardle who is 21, is currently studying a pharmacy degree at Cardiff University and has recently signed a one year deal with the regional side for the 2013/14 season.

Ross stated, “I am very excited to be involved this weekend. Obviously since the LV Cup game which went well. I have been in and out of games with injury, so it’s come as a bit of shock for me really.”

“Obviously against local rivals, I will be able to put up a good performance and show people what I can do and I can play regularly in the squad and the Dragons progress.”

The men of Gwent have also made changes in the back three, with international star Dan Lydiate who returns from his long term injury to make his Newport Gwent Dragons comeback as blindside flanker whilst skipper Lewis Evans moves to the number 8 shirt. We also see Andrew Coombs returning the regional team and he takes up a position in the second row.

As for the bench we also see the return of Welsh international Toby Faletau, who is joined by Will Harries.

Dragons Team to face the Ospreys

Dan Evans, Adam Hughes, Pat Leach, Jack Dixon, Ross Wardle, Steffan Jones, Wayne Evans; Owen Evans, Sam Parry, Nathan Buck, Andrew Coombs, Adam Jones, Dan Lydiate, Nic Cudd, Lewis Evans (c).

Replacements:

Hugh Gustafson, Phil Price, Dan Way, Ian Nimmo, Toby Faletau, Jonathan Evans, Will Harries, Hallam Amos.

Marc Jones Signs A New Deal With Sale Sharks

Posted on Mar 21, 2013 in Sale Sharks

Sale Sharks have confirmed that Hooker Marc Jones has signed a new deal with the club.

Marc said, "Obviously it hasn’t been the best season for me so far as it has been plagued by injury and we’ve been fighting a relegation battle so its not been the easiest of times,"

"But going forward I do see Sale bouncing back from where we are at the moment. I’m pleased with the players that we have in the squad and I trust everyone around me so I was more than happy to commit to the club.

Marc added,"One of the main reasons that I decided to stay was that in the likes of Rob Miller, James Gaskell, Henry Thomas and Tommy Taylor there are a lot of young players who have been here a while but who we can build a team around so that over the next few seasons we can push and build and get ourselves in a better position.So that was massive for me in that there were a lot of young players around of the same age."

Director of Rugby Steve Diamond said, "Marc’s everything that we’re about. He’s combative, abrasive and he would run through a brick wall for the club. Though Marc’s been at the club for a few years now he’s still only 25 and his best years are still ahead of him."

Iain Henderson injury update

Posted on Mar 21, 2013 in Ulster

Ulster backrow forward, Iain Henderson, suffered an injury to his left foot playing for Ireland against Italy in the RBS 6 Nations last Saturday.

Following a scan in Dublin on Sunday, he underwent an X-Ray in Belfast yesterday. There it was confirmed that he has suffered soft-tissue damage.

He will continue to be monitored, but it is expected that he will make a return to rugby in the coming weeks.