URC
Liam Williams pens Cardiff contract
Cardiff Rugby are thrilled to have completed the signing of Liam Williams ahead of the 2022-23 season.
The Wales and British & Irish Lions full-back is the Blue and Blacks’ third signing in preparation for next season and follows in the footsteps of Thomas Young and Taulupe Faletau.
Williams replaces fellow Wales international Hallam Amos, who retires in the summer, and Cardiff director of rugby Dai Young is delighted to continue strengthening his squad with first class talent.
Young said: “We are all really excited to have signed Liam and look forward to welcoming him to Cardiff next season.
“We knew we had an opening at full-back and Liam’s talent and consistency is abundant for all to see. He has been one of the best full-backs in the world for a number of years and brings real quality on both sides of the ball with his attacking ability, kicking game, positioning and bravery.
“He adds further strength and experience to our squad and will not only strengthen us on the pitch but will be a key role model and leader for some of the young talent coming through in the back three.
“It is important that we have strength and depth across the board and we will continue to add quality to our squad when available.”
Williams came through the system at Waunarlwydd RFC before making a breakthrough at Llanelli and the Scarlets, where he has made 115 appearances during two stints, most recently in the New Year’s Day victory over the Ospreys.
The 30-year-old also starred during a two-year spell at Saracens, in which he scored 21 tries in 31 appearances and was integral in the English club’s 2018-19 Premiership and European titles.
He has been equally important on the international stage, scoring 16 tries in 72 Tests for Wales, where he has featured in two Rugby World Cups and won a Six Nations Grand Slam, while he has twice toured with the Lions, earning five Test caps.
Williams is now excited to embark on a new chapter in his illustrious career and hopes the move to Cardiff will ensure he remains at the top of his game for years to come.
He said: “I’m really excited to link up with Cardiff in the summer but remain very grateful to the Scarlets, who have given me so many opportunities in the game, and I’m fully committed to them for the rest of the season.
“I have lots of fond memories there but, at this stage of my career, I feel I need a change of scenery and environment to ensure I can stay at the top of my game.
“Cardiff have really impressed me recently and it feels like they are building something special. I have a lot of good friends there from the Wales squad and they cannot talk highly enough of the environment and Dai Young has convinced me that Cardiff is the best place for me to further my career.
“They have an enormous amount of talent in the squad, complimented by some really exciting young players, and the competition for places will be fierce but I am looking forward to playing my part and I am excited to see what we can achieve.”
URC
British & Irish Lion to join Glasgow Warriors
Sutherland to join Glasgow Warriors
Glasgow Warriors can confirm that Scotland prop Rory Sutherland will join the club this summer.
The British and Irish Lion joins the Scotstoun-outfit from French side Oyonnax, making the move to Scotstoun on a two-year deal as Franco Smith’s squad continues to take shape.
The confirmation of the loose-head prop’s move to Glasgow also comes on the eve of his involvement in Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations clash with Ireland in Dublin, where he is in contention to win his 30th cap for Scotland, part of the match day squad.
The 31-year-old Sutherland will bring a dynamic ball-carrying presence to the Warriors in addition to a solid platform at the set-piece.
After making his debut for Edinburgh in 2014, the prop went on to make 91 appearances in the capital before a summer switch to Worcester Warriors in 2021.
A short-term stint with Ulster followed after Worcester’s demise in 2022, running out on 12 occasions for the Irish province.
Sutherland’s form for Scotland across the 2020 and 2021 campaigns saw him selected for the 2021 British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa, joining future Glasgow team-mate Zander Fagerson amongst the front-row options.
He became the first Scottish prop to represent the invitational squad since the late Tom Smith when selected for the first Test, playing just under an hour in the 22-17 victory over the Springboks.
Sutherland said: “The past couple of years have been tough since I had to leave Worcester. I’ve been at a few clubs and I haven’t had the consistency I’d have liked in my game. This move to Glasgow, and back to Scotland, offers me the chance to work on getting that back into my rugby.
“Glasgow is a really successful team, so to be offered the chance to come to Scotstoun is attractive for any player. For me, it allows me to come back home, and be closer to my family, which will work wonders for me.
“I’ve gotten close to some of the Glasgow players while in camp with Scotland and they talk highly of Franco and the culture in the club. I’m looking forward to that and getting back to the homeland!”
Head Coach Smith added: “We are pleased to be able to add a prop of Rory’s calibre to our squad ahead of next season.
“His qualities will make him a real asset to our playing group, as we continue to develop our strength in every position.
“We look forward to seeing him in action at Scotstoun over the next couple of seasons and we know that the Warrior Nation will welcome him to our club.”
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URC
Ulster sign South-African winger
Werner Kok to sign with Ulster
The powerful South African Sharks winger and former World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year will join the province on a two-year deal in the summer.
A destructive and dynamic winger, who is known for his work-rate, Kok’s all- action play has earned him the nickname ‘Tarzan’, with a nod to his athleticism and flowing locks.
The 31-year-old is a former Blitzbok champion and has been a stalwart for his nation in the Sevens game, with honours including a 2014 Commonwealth Games Gold and a bronze medallist at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.
Those skills and fitness in the Sevens have transferred to success in the 15s game, with Kok showing impressive try-scoring form for the Sharks since joining in 2020, following stints at Western Province and French Top 14 giants, Toulouse.
Kok has also shown his ball-carrying and tackling ability in the centre position for the Sharks, making him an exciting option for Ulster’s backfield.
Bryn Cunningham, Head of Rugby Operations and Recruitment added:
“Werner will add something different to our group with his vast experience across the Sevens game and 15s, where he has showcased his own exciting brand of rugby.
I think he will fit in well with the talented backs in the squad, as we look to develop our options in the backfield.
Werner’s competitiveness and tenacity in both an attacking sense and defensively, will fit right in with the energy we want this team to play with.”
Kok added:
“I am looking forward to starting a new adventure in my career with Ulster Rugby and can’t wait to become an Ulster man!
I want to thank Ulster and the team for this incredible opportunity. I hope to make you proud on and off the field.
Moving from South Africa will be a big change for me and my wife but it’s a challenge that we are very excited for. See you soon Belfast!”
Images & Content – Ulster Rugby
URC
Munster To Play All Blacks XV
Munster Rugby are pleased to confirm that the province will take on the All Blacks XV on Saturday November 2nd at Thomond Park (5.30pm).
Since the redevelopment of Thomond Park in 2008, Munster Rugby have hosted international opposition in the form of the All Blacks, Australia and the Māori All Blacks at the Limerick venue.
More recently Munster Rugby have hosted sold-out clashes against South Africa A and the Crusaders in Cork’s SuperValu Páirc Ui Chaoimh in November 2022 and February 2024.
Commenting on today’s announcement Munster Rugby CEO Ian Flanagan said: “We will be delighted to welcome the All Blacks XV to Thomond Park in November as part of their Northern Hemisphere tour.
“We have a long and rich history of hosting international sides and I’m sure November’s match will add another exciting chapter to this tradition.”
Tickets
Priority groups including MRSC, 10-year, 5-year and club season ticket holders can purchase their current ticket through their MRSC Account or Munster Rugby Account Manager ahead of the general sale.
MRSC, 10-year, 5-year and associate members will also receive a presale link to purchase a maximum of four tickets per person.
The general sale will be open on Wednesday March 20th, subject to availability. Please see details below.
Season Ticket Holders | 10am Tuesday March 12th – 5pm Friday March 15th
MRSC, 10-years, 5-years and club season ticket holders can purchase their current ticket through their MRSC Account or Munster Rugby Account Manager.
Presale | 10am Tuesday March 12th – 5pm Monday March 18th
MRSC members, 10-years, 5-years and associate MRSC members will receive a link with a max purchase of four tickets per person.
General Sale | From 10am Wednesday March 20th
Any remaining tickets will be on general sale via Ticketmaster.
Pricing
Category | Adult Price | Junior Price |
Cat A | €50 | €25 |
Cat B | €40 | €20 |
Cat C | €35 | €17.50 |
Cat D/G (East & West Terrace) | €30 | €15 |
Cat E/F (North & South Terrace) | €25 | €12.50 |
*Family: 2+2 Cat C | €70 | |
*Family: 2+2 Cat D/G | €60 | |
*Family: 2+2 Cat E/F | €50 |
*Family – 2 Adults & 2 Juniors
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