Williams, Rees & Jenkins out of Wales' game against France

Wales physio Mark Davies today confirmed Matthew Rees, Gethin Jenkins and Gareth Williams will not be available for selection for the RBS 6 Nations clash with France at the Millennium Stadium a week tomorrow (kick-off 8.00pm)

Scarlets hooker Rees has failed to recover from a groin problem, Blues prop Gethin Jenkins has a calf injury and fellow Blues player, hooker Gareth Williams, has damaged knee ligaments.

“Matthew (Rees) is progressing well and will continue his rehab in camp with Wales,” said Davies.

“He will undergo exhaustive testing over the next few days which will give us a clearer idea of when he may be available, but we can confirm that the France game will come too soon for him.

“Gethin (Jenkins) has been scanned since leaving the field against Scotland and, as we thought, he has aggravated the calf injury which kept him out against England. At this stage we are not putting a time limit on his recovery, but again we know he will not take the field against France.

“Gareth (Williams) sustained medial ligament damage to his knee during the win over Scotland last weekend. He will undertake a rest and rehab programme and his progress will be re-assessed next week, but the injury rules him out of contention for the Friday night Test.”

The surgeons are delighted with Thom Evans' progress

The injured Scotland players Thom Evans and Chris Paterson are continuing today to recover from the injuries they sustained in the RBS 6 Nations Championship match against Wales last weekend.

The pair remain in University Hospital Cardiff and both are described as being in “good spirits” by medical staff.

Scotland team doctor James Robson said: “Thom has been heartened by the many messages of support he has received from around the world.

“The surgeons are delighted with his progress. Thom and his mum met with the surgeons last night and Thom has opted to undergo a further procedure later this week, which will enhance the surgery that has already taken place and provide further stabilisation to his neck.

“This procedure is optional and Thom could have decided to have it done at a later point, or not at all. He’s decided to go ahead now and that should help with the whole recovery process.
“The same surgeons who performed the initial operation will undertake this procedure. Once he has settled from this procedure the expectation would be that he will be allowed to return home.”

Dr Robson will travel to Cardiff tomorrow to continue to offer Scottish Rugby’s full support to the players and their families.

He added: “Chris Paterson is continuing to make a good recovery from the injury he sustained to his kidney. He is hopeful of being released from hospital either later today or tomorrow. Then he would remain in Cardiff for a few days’ rest before travelling home with his wife. ”

Paterson has been to visit Evans in his ward on an adjacent floor at the hospital today and the duo spent 30 minutes in animated conversation.

Both players’ pro-teams have joined literally thousands of well-wishers in expressing their support.

Nic Cartwright, Edinburgh’s chief executive, said: “Saturday was a major disappointment for Chris and I’m sure he didn’t want his 100th game for Scotland to end that way because of injury.

“We are pleased that he’s okay and getting better. He will be out for a while, but his health is the most important thing.”

His counterpart at Glasgow Warriors, Kenny Baillie, said: “Like all rugby supporters, I was worried when Thom was taken from the field on Saturday, but we are all delighted that he is improving and in good spirits.

“A large number of messages of support for Thom have been sent to the Warriors over the last 48 hours and I would like to thank everyone who has taken time to call and write in.

“Everyone at the Warriors and Scottish Rugby looks forward to seeing Thom back in Glasgow soon and we will be giving both Thom and his brother Max full support over the next few weeks.”

Meanwhile, Scotland back Rory Lamont has been seen by orthopaedic surgeon Graham Lawson following the knee injury he sustained in Cardiff last weekend. He has undergone a scan at SPIRE Murrayfield Hospital and will be re-assessed in light of the results later this week.

Andy Powell - drunk in charge of a golf cart

The Wales national squad management team has confirmed back row forward Andy Powell will be removed from the Welsh 35-man RBS 6 Nations squad with immediate effect, following his arrest by  South Wales Police  on Sunday morning and has since been charged with drink driving and, after discussions with the player himself, it has been decided by management that he should be suspended from the squad for behaviour contrary to the squad’s code of conduct.

“We take matters of player conduct extremely seriously and have been happy with the professionalism and discipline of this squad in general terms,” said Wales team manager Alan Phillips.

“Andy knows he has misbehaved and is apologetic, but he also knows that he must take responsibility for his own actions and accept the repercussions.

“This kind of behaviour cannot be tolerated in a professional, elite sporting environment and we have acted quickly and incisively in order to leave no ambiguity over the dim view we take of this situation.
“The player has made his private apologies to the Welsh management team as well as apologising in a public statement and we have also asked him to apologise to the Vale Resort Hotel, before asking him to leave the squad.

“We will now leave the South Wales Police service to conclude the matter and we will be making no further public statements at this time.”

A specific replacement for Powell will not be added to the Wales squad, although the inclusion of Scarlets hooker Ken Owens as cover for his injured regional colleague Matthew Rees (groin) and Blues hooker Gareth Williams (knee) means the squad retains 35 members.

Farmhouse Freedom Eggs have teamed up with the WRU to offer top quality free range eggs produced and packed in Wales, now carrying the official WRU three feathers logo on all packaging and to be known as “The Full Team” eggs.

Gatland’s players have been tucking into the high protein, vitamin and mineral rich free range eggs regularly since they began their RBS 6 Nations campaign three weeks ago and national squad nutritionist Jon Williams says that’s made for a happy camp at breakfast time.

“Free range eggs are a vital source of protein and essential fats for our players, while in camp scrambled eggs and omelettes are the players preferred source of protein at breakfast time,” said Williams.
“It’s also quite common for players to indulge in a pancake or two as a desert, especially on a matchday when they know they are going to be extending themselves, so fans will be able to relate the players in new ways tomorrow.”

The concept for the new ‘The Full Team’ product is based around 15 rugby players in a team and 15 eggs of mixed sizes in the carton.

The pack is currently on sale in Tesco Superstores and Tesco Extras in Wales and the Filco group of stores in South Wales. A number of Spar stores will also be listing the product as from next week

The Welsh firm is also anticipating high sales this week with customers using the eggs for pancake day on Tuesday.

“Eggs contain a range of nutrients including high quality protein, vitamins and minerals and as they are not high in saturated fat, they are a healthy fast food for all the family,” said David Cooknell, spokesperson for Farmhouse Freedom Eggs Ltd.

“Eggs are therefore particularly important for developing young bodies for various sports and this new association with the WRU will help us promote that message.

“All our eggs come from small flocks of hens kept on family run farms in Wales, which have the highest bird welfare standards.

“The environmental issue of natural hedges and trees to provide shelter is a priority. This natural cover encourages the birds to range further and live fuller more active lives, exploring and foraging on grassland fields. A more natural “free ranging life” means healthy hens and high quality eggs.”

Farmhouse Freedom Eggs Ltd are members of the Welsh free range and organic egg producers association and we produce our eggs to British Lion quality standards.

Gethin Jenkins has recovered from his calf injury to be named on the bench and, in one of three changes there, he joins fellow Blues players Sam Warburton, who covers the back row, and centre or wing Tom Shanklin.

“Jonathan brings over 50 caps of experience to the tight five and offers us some extra mobility around the field,” said Wales coach Warren Gatland.

“Leigh is a recognised right wing who offers us an extra kicking option and his return to full fitness after limited training in the run up to the England game allows his selection.

“We think we have a very strong bench with the right mix of players each able to make an impact if called upon and are pleased to be able to name Gethin although he will undergo further fitness assessments later in the week.

“Tom Shanklin returns to provide another 65-caps worth of experience as cover for the backs and Sam Warburton comes in as back row cover with JT (Jonathan Thomas) now having been nominated as a starting second row.”

Ryan Jones captains Wales for the 21st time taking him to joint fourth in the all-time list alongside Gareth Thomas and behind Rob Howley and Colin Charvis (22) and Ieuan Evans (28).

And fellow back row forward Martyn Williams reaches two more landmarks, winning his 93rd cap, to put him in third place on the all-time appearance list behind Charvis (94) and Thomas (100), and making his 49th tournament appearance – a Welsh record – putting him in line to become only the eighth player to play 50 championship matches.

“We were all disappointed with the result last weekend but the good news for these players is that they have an opportunity now, just seven days after losing a game we all feel we could have won, to bounce back against Scotland,” added Gatland.

“The championship is by no means over and we are back home at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday looking to kick-start our campaign.

“This is a must win game for us and the Millennium Stadium factor will have a big part to play, as will the fans, and we are all very much looking forward to coming home.”

WALES: Lee Byrne; Leigh Halfpenny, James Hook, Jamie Roberts, Shane Williams; Stephen Jones, Gareth Cooper; Paul James, Gareth Williams, Adam Jones, Jonathan Thomas, Alun Wyn Jones, Andy Powell, Martyn Williams, Ryan Jones (Captain)
REPLACEMENTS: Huw Bennett, Gethin Jenkins, Bradley Davies, Sam Warburton, Richie Rees, Andrew Bishop, Tom Shanklin

WALES

15 Lee BYRNE (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,041)
DoB: 01.06.80. 6’3″ / 1.91m. 15st 9lbs / 99kgs
International record: 28 caps (W 12, L 15, D 1; 35 pts – 7T)

14 Leigh HALFPENNY (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,060)
DoB: 22.12.88. 5’10″ / 1.77m. 13st 1lb / 83kgs
International record: 11 caps (W 5, L 6; 43 pts – 5T, 6PG)

13 James HOOK (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,047)
DoB: 27.06.85. 6’0″ / 1.83m. 14st 12lbs / 94kgs
International record: 38 caps (W 16, L 21, D 1; 214 pts – 7T, 34C, 35PG, 2DG)

12 Jamie ROBERTS (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,057)
DoB: 08.11.86. 6’4″ / 1.93m. 16st 10lbs / 107kgs
International record: 17 caps (W 8, L 9; 5 pts – 1T)

11 Shane WILLIAMS (OSPREYS – Cap No 976)
DoB: 26.02.77. 5’7″ / 1.71m. 12st 13lbs / 82kgs
International record: 69 caps (W 33, L 34, D 2; 240 pts – 48T)

10 Stephen JONES (SCARLETS – Cap No 966)
DoB: 08.12.77. 6’1″ / 1.86m. 14st 12lbs / 94kgs
International record: 84 caps (W37, L45, D2; 738 pts – 7T, 122C, 148PG, 5DG)

9 Gareth COOPER (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 985)
DoB: 07.05.79. 5’7″ / 1.71m. 13st 6lbs / 85kgs
International record: 45 caps (W 21, L 24; 45 pts – 9T)

1 Paul JAMES (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,021)
DoB: 13.05.82. 6’1″ / 1.86m. 17st 7lbs / 111kgs
International record: 6 caps (W 3, L 3)

2 Gareth WILLIAMS (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,010)
DoB: 19.12.78. 5’8″ / 1.73m. 15st 4lbs / 97kgs
International record: 8 caps (W 2, L 6)

3 Adam Rhys JONES (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,018)
DoB: 08.03.81. 6’0″ / 1.83m. 19st 10lb / 125kgs
International record: 57 caps (W 29, L 26, D 2; 10 pts – 2T)

4 Jonathan THOMAS (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,013)
DoB: 27.12.82. 6’5″ / 1.96m. 17st 5lbs / 110kgs
International record: 51 caps (W 25, L 24, D 2; 35 pts – 7T)

5 Alun-Wyn JONES (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,046)
DoB: 19.09.85. 6’5″ / 1.96m. 19st 1lbs / 121kgs
International record: 36 caps (W 15, L 21; 20 pts – 4T)

6 Andy POWELL (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,061)
DoB: 23.08.81. 6’4″ / 1.94m. 17st 6lbs / 111kgs
International record: 13 caps (W 7, L 6)

7 Martyn WILLIAMS (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 944)
DoB: 01.09.75. 6’0″ / 1.83m. 15st 11lbs / 100kgs
International record: 92 caps (W 42, L 47, D 3; 73 pts – 14T, 1DG)

8 Ryan JONES (OSPREYS, CAPTAIN – Cap No 1,029)
DoB: 13.03.81. 6’5″ / 1.96m. 18st 0lbs / 114kgs
International record: 37 caps (W 21, L 15, D 1; 5 pts – 1T)

REPLACEMENTS

16 Huw BENNETT (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,017)
DoB: 11.06.83. 6’0″ / 1.83m. 17st 0lbs / 108kgs
International record: 28 caps (W 16, L 12)

17 Gethin JENKINS (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,006)
DoB: 17.11.80. 6’2″ / 1.88m. 18st 13lbs / 120kgs
International record: 72 caps (W 31, L 39, D 2; 15 pts – 3T)

18 Bradley DAVIES (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,065)
DoB: 09.01.87. 6’6″ / 1.98m. 18st 1lb / 115kgs
International record: 6 caps (W 4, L 2)

19 Sam WARBURTON (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,070)
DoB: 05.10.88. 1.88m / 6’2″. 15st 9lbs / 99kgs
International record: 3 caps (W 2, L 1)

20 Richard REES (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 1,072)
DoB: 21.05.83. 5’11″ / 1.80m. 13st 1lb / 83kgs
International record: 1 cap (L 1)

21 Andrew BISHOP (OSPREYS – Cap No 1,059)
DoB: 07.08.85. 6’0″ / 1.83m. 15st 0lbs / 95kgs
International record: 8 caps (W 6, L 2)

22 Tom SHANKLIN (CARDIFF BLUES – Cap No 993)
DoB: 24.11.79. 6’2″ / 1.88m. 15st 9lbs / 99kgs
International record: 65 caps (W 31, L 33, D 1; 100 pts – 20T)

A vacancy has been left blindside flanker pending confirmation of the fitness of Stephen Ferris. Both players took part in training with the Ireland team today but a final decision will be made on Thursday. The seven replacements will also be finalised on Thursday from the possible nine players named today.

Ireland Team & Replacements (v France, Stade De France, Saturday 13 February 2010, k.o. 16:30 gmt)

15 – Rob Kearney (UCD/Leinster)
14 – Tommy Bowe (Ospreys)
13 – Brian O’Driscoll (UCD/Leinster) (capt)
12 – Gordon D’Arcy (Lansdowne/Leinster)
11 – Keith Earls (Young Munster/Munster)
10 – Ronan O’Gara (Cork Constitution/Munster)
9 – Tomas O’Leary (Dolphin/Munster)

1 – Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster)
2 – Jerry Flannery (Shannon/Munster)
3 – John Hayes (Bruff/Munster)
4 – Leo Cullen (Blackrock College/Leinster)
5 – Paul O’Connell (Young Munster/Munster)
6 – A.N.Other
7 – David Wallace (Garryowen/Munster)
8 – Jamie Heaslip (Naas/Leinster)

Replacements:
Rory Best (Banbridge/Ulster)
Tom Court (Malone/Ulster)
Donnacha Ryan (Shannon/Munster)
Sean O’Brien (Clontarf/Leinster)
Kevin McLaughlin (St. Mary’s College/Leinster)
Eoin Reddan (Lansdowne/Leinster)
Jonathan Sexton (St. Mary’s College/Leinster
Paddy Wallace (Ballymena/Ulster)
Andrew Trimble (Ballymena/Ulster)

London Wasps lock Simon Shaw, flanker Joe Worsley and Biarritz centre Ayoola Erinle come into the starting line-up and there is a positional switch at full back where Mark Cueto trades places with Ugo Monye.

Shaw takes over from Louis Deacon and wins his 53rd cap at the age of 36, former Wasps and Leicester centre Erinle makes his first start in place of Shane Geraghty (Northampton Saints) and experienced Wasps flanker Worsley replaces Tom Croft (Leicester Tigers) in the back row.

Deacon, Croft and Geraghty are all named on the bench with Mathew Tait (Sale Sharks) coming into the 22 for the first time this autumn.

England team

• 15 Mark Cueto (Sale Sharks)
• 14 Matt Banahan (Bath Rugby)
• 13 Dan Hipkiss (Leicester Tigers)
• 12 Ayoola Erinle (Biarritz)
• 11 Ugo Monye (Harlequins)
• 10 Jonny Wilkinson (Toulon)
• 9 Paul Hodgson (London Irish)
• 1 Tim Payne (London Wasps)
• 2 Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints)
• 3 Duncan Bell (Bath Rugby)
• 4 Simon Shaw (London Wasps)
• 5 Steve Borthwick (Saracens, captain)
• 6 Joe Worsley (London Wasps)
• 7 Lewis Moody (Leicester Tigers)
• 8 James Haskell (Stade Francais)

Replacements

• 16 Steve Thompson (Brive)
• 17 David Wilson (Bath Rugby)
• 18 Louis Deacon (Leicester Tigers)
• 19 Tom Croft (Leicester Tigers)
• 20 Danny Care (Harlequins)
• 21 Shane Geraghty (Northampton Saints)
• 22 Mathew Tait (Sale Sharks)

England Women name team to face NZ

England Women have named their starting line-up for Saturday’s Investec Challenge Double Header against world champions New Zealand, kick-off 445pm at Twickenham Stadium.

England Head Coach Gary Street has brought in Richmond centre Rachael Burford to the starting line-up with Lichfield’s Emily Scarratt moving to full back. Saracens’ Charlotte Barras also moves to the wing.

RBS 6 Nations champions England head into the match looking to avenge their 16-3 defeat to the Black Ferns last Saturday, and secure an all important win against the world champions just nine months before the Rugby World Cup kicks-off in London.

Street said: “We have made some changes to freshen up our midfield, and bring something new to the table for this final clash against New Zealand. We learned some important lessons last week, and we know we need to be more disciplined and more effective in everything we do this Saturday. If we do that then we know we have the potential to win this game.

“Playing at Twickenham stadium is a massive opportunity for us to show how good this side is, and how skilful women’s rugby is. Certainly being at home for this crucial match is going to give us that extra five percent on the pitch. We are relishing this opportunity.”

England are without six first choice players for the autumn series with Team Northumbria’s Rochelle Clark (hand) and Katy Storie (back), Lichfield’s Sarah Hunter (arm) and Sarah Beale (back), Worcester’s Karen Jones (knee) and Danielle Waterman (acl) all sidelined with injuries.

Entry to the stadium is free at 4:15pm.

England Team

• 15 Emily Scarratt Lichfield
• 14 Katherine Merchant Worcester
• 13 Claire Allan Richmond
• 12 Rachael Burford Richmond
• 11 Charlotte Barras Saracens
• 10 Katy Mclean (VC) Darlington Mowden Park Sharks
• 9 Amy Turner Richmond
• 1 Claire Purdy Wasps
• 2 Amy Garnett Saracens
• 3 Sophie Hemming Bristol
• 4 Rebecca Essex Richmond
• 5 Joanna McGilchrist Wasps
• 6 Heather Fisher Worcester
• 7 Margaret Alphonsi Saracens
• 8 Catherine Spencer (C) Bristol

Replacements:

• 16 Sam Reeve Worcester
• 17 Rosemarie Crowley Lichfield
• 18 Tamara Taylor Darlington Mowden Park Sharks
• 19 Jane Leonard Team Northumbria / Army
• 20 Georgina Rozario Bristol
• 21 Alice Richardson Richmond
• 22 Fiona Pocock Richmond

The partnership with Nintendo, set to run until September 2010, will see commercial rights apply to key rugby events over the year at Twickenham including The Investec Challenge Series matches (England versus Australia, Argentina and New Zealand), The Nomura Varsity Match, The RBS 6 Nations, The Emirates Airline London Sevens and the England versus Barbarians match.

Partnership activity promoting key titles Wii Sports Resort and Wii Fit Plus, will manifest itself in an integrated marketing campaign across perimeter signage, CRM, big screen advertising, pitch side competitions, consumer sampling plus high impact fun and creative animations on the scoreboards.

Paul Vaughan, Business Operations Director, RFU said:

“Our partnership with Nintendo is an exciting development for the RFU and one we hope will grow beyond the initial year. The partnership will see Nintendo’s gaming expertise deliver an enhanced entertainment experience to rugby fans. We will be working closely together to maximise the opportunity for both parties and providing a new dimension to rugby at Twickenham in the process.”

Ben Taylor, Nintendo UK, said:

“We hope our partnership with the RFU will add even more excitement to match days at Twickenham. Working alongside the RFU is a great opportunity for us to talk to a family audience, not just through traditional advertising methods but through a more experiential, hands on approach through product sampling.”

Saracens' Maggie Alphonsi returns to action for England

The England Women’s team to face world champions New Zealand for the first of three tests in November has today (Tuesday) been announced.

The reigning RBS 6 Nations and Nations Cup champions take on the Black Ferns for the first time since the 2006 IRB Women’s Rugby World Cup final on November 14th at Esher RFC, kick off 4pm.

England narrowly lost their last encounter 25-17 but will be hoping to turn the tables ahead of the 2010 IRB Women’s Rugby World Cup in London which is just nine months away.

England A will also take on the Black Ferns on November 17th at Esher RFC, kick off 7pm, and then England will back in action against New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on November 21st, kick off 445pm, in the Investec Challenge Double Header, with entry to the stadium free after 415pm.

England are without five first choice players for the autumn series, with Team Northumbria’s Rochelle Clark (hand) and Katy Storie (back), Lichfield’s Sarah Hunter (arm), Worcester’s Karen Jones (knee) and Danielle Waterman (acl) all sidelined.

There are, however, still over 400 caps shared between the starting line-up, with Bristol’s Catherine Spencer captaining the side. Saracens’ hooker Amy Garnett looks set to win her 80th cap, while Wasps’ La Toya Mason could make her international debut if called off the bench. England also welcome back Saracens’ Maggie Alphonsi and Darlington Mowden Park Sharks’ Tamara Taylor who have been sidelined with long term injuries.

England Head Coach Gary Street said: “Because we have a fantastic international programme, over the last few seasons we have been able to prepare for injury situations like this. It is disappointing that we have so many players injured for this very important period but we do have depth in our squad, and these games will certainly give us the chance to test ourselves against the best opposition in the world ahead of world cup next year.

“Despite losing these players I am delighted to welcome back Maggie Alphonsi and Tamara Taylor who are world class players, and natural leaders. They both played against New Zealand in the last world cup final so they will certainly add an important dimension to our squad.

“Having three games in seven days is going to be a demanding period of rugby for both us and New Zealand. I know they have some new caps in their squad, and I am sure they will be a very talented and determined side. We, however, can’t wait to show them how we have moved on since our last meeting three years ago.”

England Team

• 15 Charlotte Barras Saracens
• 14 Katherine Merchant Worcester
• 13 Emily Scarratt Lichfield
• 12 Alice Richardson Richmond
• 11 Fiona Pocock Richmond
• 10 Katy Mclean (VC) Darlington Mowden Park Sharks
• 9 Amy Turner Richmond
• 1 Claire Purdy Wasps
• 2 Amy Garnett Saracens
• 3 Sophie Hemming Bristol
• 4 Rebecca Essex Richmond
• 5 Joanna McGilchrist Wasps
• 6 Heather Fisher Worcester
• 7 Margaret Alphonsi Saracens
• 8 Catherine Spencer (C) Bristol

Replacements:

• 16 Sam Reeve Worcester
• 17 Rosemarie Crowley Lichfield
• 18 Tamara Taylor Darlington Mowden Park Sharks
• 19 Jane Leonard Team Northumbria / Army
• 20 La Toya Mason Wasps
• 21 Rachael Burford Richmond
• 22 Claire Allan Richmond

England Playing Schedule:

November 14th England v New Zealand, Esher RFC, KO 4pm

November 17th England A v New Zealand, Esher RFC, KO 7pm

November 21st England v New Zealand, Twickenham, KO 445pm