Edinburgh sign two new second rows

Posted on May 2, 2012 in Edinburgh, Scottish Rugby

Edinburgh Rugby continued to power up their playing squad for next season with the signing of a pair of quality second-row forwards, both on two year deals.

Following the confirmed departure of Esteban Lozada, the club has acted swiftly to bolster the boiler house with the capture of Perry-John Parker from English Championship side, Esher, and elite development player and Scotland under-20 cap Robert McAlpine, who will join the 2012 Heineken Cup semi-finalists until 2014.

Parker and McAlpine join six other new faces making their way to Murrayfield next season, including South African prop WP Nel; All Black back and former Junior World Player of the Year, Ben Atiga; and Welsh caps John Yapp (prop) and Richie Rees (scrum-half), while 19 of the club’s top performing players have extended contracts.

Head coach Michael Bradley, said: “It’s very exciting for Edinburgh Rugby to have secured two very promising young locks at crucial stages of their respective careers.

“While we’ll continue to refine the expansive, attacking play for which the club is famous, we’re keen to introduce a harder, more aggressive edge to our play, and believe this pair will work tirelessly to lay the platform from which our back division can play.

“Both players have real quality, are exceptionally committed, and will develop into top-class second-rows for Edinburgh Rugby.”

At 6’8” and 118kg, 24-year-old Parker is a fast, dynamic ball-carrying second-row, renowned for his pace, contact skills and deft touch in the lineout.

In his early 20s, he captained Haywards Heath before making a big impression with Esher in his debut championship season, before looking to progress his career at a higher level.

The big lock explained that when the call came, he jumped at the chance to pull on the black and red of Edinburgh Rugby.

He said: “I knew that the Edinburgh Rugby coaches had seen some of my tapes so I was delighted to get the chance to meet them and talk about the club’s achievements, ambitions and off-field culture.

“It’s a massive opportunity for me. To be in the mix with a club like Edinburgh Rugby is really exciting.

“The club’s quarter-final win over Toulouse was inspirational and I can’t wait to be part of that next season.”

(more…)

Blues bid farewell to Ben Blair, Casey Laulala, Martyn Williams, Maama Molitika, Gethin Jenkins, John Yapp, Richie Rees and Dan Parks

Posted on Apr 20, 2012 in Cardiff Blues, Welsh Rugby

Blues make six changes to face Edinburgh

Cardiff Blues have made six changes, as they bid farewell to a number of great servants when they take on Edinburgh at the Cardiff City Stadium, Sunday 2.05pm kick off

It will no doubt be an emotional occasion being the final home match for Ben Blair, Casey Laulala, Martyn Williams, Maama Molitika, Gethin Jenkins, John Yapp, Richie Rees and Dan Parks, who are all in the 23 to face Edinburgh on Sunday.

The Blues have made six changes to the team that lost to the Ospreys as they aim to finish the home season on a high.

In the backs the Blues welcome back Ben Blair who replaces Leigh Halfpenny who is out with a shoulder injury while at Centre, Casey Laulala replaces Gavin Evans who moves to the bench. There is one other change with Tom James replacing Harry Robinson.

In the back-row Maama Molitika replaces Michael Paterson who is out with a shoulder injury. There are two changes in the front row with Scott Andrews returning from a knee injury and Gethin Jenkins from a shoulder injury. The pair replace John Yapp and Sam Hobbs, who both move to the bench.

Speaking ahead of the match Cardiff Blues Forwards Coach, Justin Burnell, said:

“The last home game of the season can sometimes be a bittersweet occasion and I feel this will certainly be the case on Sunday.”

“We will be saying goodbye to a number of fantastic players who have served Cardiff Blues with distinction and I would like to thank them all for the commitment they have shown to the team.”

“Despite a number of players moving on, they will remain professional in their approach and like any other game, they will be determined to go out and give a good performance.”

“They are well aware this is their last game at home in a Blues shirt so their total focus is to do the fans proud and get the win for them.”

15 Ben Blair 14 Alex Cuthbert 13 Casey Laulala 12 Dafydd Hewitt 11 Tom James 10 Ceri Sweeney 9 Lloyd Williams

8 Luke Hamilton 7 Martyn Williams 6 Maama Molitika 5 James Down 4 Bradley Davies 3 Scott Andrews 2 Marc Breeze 1 Gethin Jenkins

16 Kristian Dacey 17 John Yapp 18 Sam Hobbs 19 Macauley Cook 20 Josh Navidi 21 Richie Rees 22 Dan Parks 23 Gavin Evans

Not available for selection

• Leigh Halfpenny – shoulder
• Michael Paterson – shoulder
• Xavier Rush – neck
• Ryan Tyrrel – neck
• Jamie Roberts – knee
• Sam Warburton – shoulder
• T Rhys Thomas – neck
• Paul Tito – head
• Richard Mustoe – hip
• Fau Filise – shoulder