URC
Leinster add Grand Slam winning coach to coaching ticket.
Replacing John Fogarty
Leinster Rugby are delighted to confirm that Robin McBryde will join Leinster as Assistant Coach after the Rugby World Cup in Japan.
McBryde, is a former Llanelli and later Scarlets hooker who played over 250 games for his region.
In an eleven year international career he was capped 37 times by Wales and played in the 2003 Rugby World Cup. He was also part of the 2005 Grand Slam winning Wales team and was called up to the British & Irish Lions tour in 2001 but had to withdraw due to injury.
Since retiring in 2005, McBryde has immersed himself in coaching initially with the Scarlets and then with Wales as forwards coach to the senior national squad and also as a WRU National Skills Coach, providing specialist coaching to Wales’ young talent in the regional academies.
He also acted as Wales head coach during the North American tour of Canada and USA in 2009 while Warren Gatland and Rob Howley were on British & Irish Lions duty in South Africa and did the same on the tour to Japan in 2013 while Gatland was again involved in the Lions tour of Australia.
Announcing his appointment, Leinster Rugby head Coach Leo Cullen said, “Robin McBryde is a coach and person I have admired for a long time as he went about his business with the Welsh national team, contributing to an unprecedented era of success during his 13-year involvement. He will bring a wealth of experience to Leinster after working so closely with and against many of the leading forwards in the game.
“We are delighted that Robin has agreed to join our coaching team after this year’s World Cup, and I am really excited about getting the opportunity to work closely with him. He is a proud and knowledgeable rugby man and I am sure all Leinster supporters will join me in giving him a warm welcome when he arrives.”
Speaking this morning, McBryde said, “I am delighted to be joining Leinster. They are one of the standout teams in Europe, with a strong identity and a proud history, and I am really looking forward to starting with them later this year.
“I see it as a great opportunity to join a very experienced and exciting coaching team and to help continue Leinster’s great successes. They are a world renowned team, with passionate supporters and I am looking forward to working with the squad and the coaches.
“I’m hugely proud of my time with Wales, and it has been an honour to coach my country. I have never taken it for granted and it has been a hugely rewarding experience to have been part of the coaching team under Warren Gatland and the success we have had over the years.
“I am thrilled to have secured my future with Leinster post RWC, and it now allows me to focus all my energy on the task at hand with Wales.”
Another huge name joining the MLR is former All Blacks back-rower Adam Thomson who has made a remarkable return to professional rugby following a serious spinal infection that kept him in hospital for almost two months at the beginning of 2018.
Thompson will join the Utah Warriors alongside Fijian sevens star Vatemo Ravouvou on a deal which will see the pair play for the side for the remainder of the 2019 season through to the end of the 2020 season.
Thompson has been out of the game for 18 months with his last appearance as a pro player in the Japanese Top League, Thomson will move to the USA as an injury replacement for Jackson Kaka, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the MLR season with a neck and shoulder complaint.
Thomson spent 57 days in a Tokyo hospital from December 2017 to February 2018, suffering from lumbar discitis which is a painful infection of the spine.
The 37-year-old will bring a wealth of experience from a professional career spanning 15 years playing for the Highlanders, Queensland Reds, Rebels and the All Blacks.
After debuting for Otago in the NPC as a 22-year-old in 2004, Thomson went on to amass 50 appearances for his province, played 68 times for the Highlanders in Super Rugby, and won 29 test caps for the All Blacks between 2008 and 2012, where he was a member of the World Cup-winning squad in 2011.
The Munster Men’s and Women’s team will be in action this weekend in a historic double-header against the Barbarians.
Find out all you need to know ahead of the games below.
There will be a minute’s applause for Greig Oliver ahead of the men’s game following his tragic passing in July. Hawick RFC posted a lovely piece on a commemorative event that was recently held at the club here. Read our tribute to Greig here.
Where?
Thomond Park
When?
The women’s game kicks off at 2pm and the men’s game starts at 4.30pm.
Tickets
Tickets are available to purchase here from €20 for adults and €10 for juniors right up until kick off.
The best value tickets are the Family Packs of four tickets for just €40 which include 2 Adults & 2 Juniors tickets.
Broadcast
Live on Access Munster, brought to you by Pinergy – see full details here.
Did you know?
The URC trophy will be on display for photos behind the North Terrace.
The first-ever Barbarians Women’s game was played against Munster at Thomond Park in 2017.
The Munster men’s team have never faced the Barbarians.
Munster News
Munster Men’s training gallery
Munster Women’s training gallery
Graham Rowntree Signs New Contract
Teams
All four sides will be named before lunchtime on Friday.
Press Pass
Hear from Munster Women’s Head Coach Niamh Briggs and Men’s Head Coach Graham Rowntree ahead of the games.
URC Tickets
Tickets for all Munster men’s home game for the 2023/24 campaign are available here.
Images & Content from Munster Rugby
Cardiff Rugby have added further depth to their fly-half resources with the signing of former Wales Under-20s star Arwel Robson.
The 26-year-old arrives from Cornish Pirates where he has spent the last two seasons after leaving Dragons RFC in 2021.
Robson has already linked up with the first-team squad and is relishing the opportunity that lies ahead at Cardiff Arms Park.
He said: “I’m incredibly excited to make the move to Cardiff. It’s an honour to be able to play at the Arms Park and I can’t wait to get the chance to run out here for the first time.
“I grew up on the terraces of the Arms Park, in a family of Cardiff season ticket holders and I was a ball boy for years so it is a club that means a huge amount to me and my family.
“After speaking to Matt about the style of play he wants to utilise, I’m confident it will really suit me and also continue to bring my game on.
“I’m very grateful to everyone at Cornish Pirates for the opportunity and support they gave me in the past few years.
“I’ve played a lot of rugby down there and feel I am returning to Wales a better player and I am looking forward to continuing my development at the Arms Park.
“Cardiff also have a reputation for developing talent and the progression of players from the academy right through to the senior national team is testament to that.
“Now I am just looking forward to getting on the training pitch and competing for game-time.”
Robson will fight for a place at fly-half alongside fellow new signing Tinus de Beer, Ben Thomas and academy duo Harrison James and Harri Wilde.
He is the fourth signing this summer, following de Beer, Ciaran Parker and Rhys Litterick, and head coach Matt Sherratt is pleased to add to his fly-half resources.
Sherratt said: “We are delighted have have signed Arwel for this season. He has a good skill set, will challenge the line and having regular game time has improved his in game management.
“He has played a significant amount with Cornish Pirates over the past two seasons which is a sign of a player who was willing to take himself out of his comfort zone to go to a new club and get regular game time. It shows he is driven.
“Added to that he has a connection with the region and a point to prove in the Welsh professional game. He gives us a bit more depth at 10 and has slotted in well to training.”
Content & Images from – Cardiff Rugby
Loosehead prop Lizo Gqoboka has joined the DHL Stormers squad ahead of the 2023/24 season.
The 33-year-old Springbok front row forward has made the move to Cape Town and brings considerable experience with him.
Gqoboka only took up the game at the age of 19 and within two years had already secured his first professional contract. He has accumulated over 150 senior caps since then and made his Springbok debut in 2019.
DHL Stormers Head Coach John Dobson said that Gqoboka’s proven track record means he will be ready to hit the ground running when the season gets underway.
“Lizo is an experienced player who would be a valuable asset for any squad in what is an important position.
“He has already settled in well here in the pre-season and we are all looking forward to seeing what he can do when the season gets underway,” he said.
Gqoboka said that having played against the DHL Stormers many times in his career, he is excited about feeling the support of the Faithful.
“This is a great team with some incredible supporters and I can’t wait to run out in the blue and white jersey and give my all.
“My family and I have felt at home right away here, my teammates and the coaches have been so welcoming and I want to repay that when I get the chance to take the field as a DHL Stormer,” he said.
Content & Images from – Stormers Rugby
Kolisi honoured to lead the Boks for the 50th time
All You Need To Know | Barbarians Double-Header
