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McInally and Boffelli return as Scotland trio start ‘cup final’ encounter

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McInally (concussion) has been cleared for action having progressed through the graduated return to play protocol, with Boffelli is now fit and poised to make his first appearance since December (against Glasgow Warriors).

Head Coach Mike Blair makes three further changes to the side that faced Scarlets a fortnight ago. Ben Vellacott gets the nod at scrum-half as Lee-Roy Atalifo (tighthead) and Marshall Sykes (lock) come into the pack.

 

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Ahead of the clash in the capital, Blair said: “We’re delighted to welcome both Stuart [McInally] and Emiliano [Boffelli] back from injury. They have a huge amount of international experience, bringing added quality to the starting XV.

“We know our overall performance against Scarlets wasn’t good enough and we’re expecting a reaction across the board tomorrow night. Playing in front of our home support will give us a massive boost and we want to put in an 80-minute performance that gets our fans excited and off their feet from the first whistle.

“Leinster are unbeaten in the league for a reason and they’re a side with a lot of power and accuracy. We’ll need to be switched on from the get-go.

“This game is huge for the club. It’s a cup final in terms of our chances of making the top eight. We need our home support and every stand jumping come kick-off tomorrow evening.”

In the back-three, Boffelli’s return at full-back sees Damien Hoyland move to the wing alongside Wes Goosen.

Centre duo Mark Bennett – who this week penned a new two-year deal – and James Lang link up in midfield with Charlie Savala paired with Vellacott at half-back.

Club centurion McInally packs down alongside Atalifo – who starts in place of the injured Murray McCallum – and Boan Venter up front, as locks Skinner and Marshall Sykes combine in the second-row.

Crosbie – named captain – returns at blindside flanker as Watson (openside flanker) and Viliama Mata (number 8) complete the pack.

 

Edinburgh Rugby team to face Leinster at DAM Health Stadium in the BKT United Rugby Championship
Saturday 4 March (kick-off 5.05pm) – live on Viaplay

 

15. Emiliano Boffelli (26)

14. Damien Hoyland (102)
13. Mark Bennett (83)
12. James Lang (34)
11. Wes Goosen (9)

10. Charlie Savala (27)
9. Ben Vellacott (34)

1. Boan Venter (41)
2. Stuart McInally (172)
3. Lee-Roy Atalifo (31)
4. Marshall Sykes (37)
5. Sam Skinner (9)
6. Luke Crosbie (82) CAPTAIN
7. Hamish Watson (136)
8. Viliame Mata (111)

Replacements

16. Dave Cherry (66)
17. Jamie Jack (2)
18. Elliot Millar-Mills (3)
19. Jamie Hodgson (51)
20. Nick Haining (35)
21. Charlie Shiel (54)
22. Jaco van der Walt (95)
23. Chris Dean (132)

Unavailable: Nick Auterac, Luan de Bruin, Matt Currie, Darcy Graham, Henry Immelman, Murray McCallum, Ben Muncaster, Cammy Scott, Angus Williams.

Scotland camp: Blair Kinghorn, WP Nel, Jamie Ritchie, Pierre Schoeman, Duhan van der Merwe.

Content & Images from – Edinburgh Rugby


URC

All You Need To Know | Barbarians Double-Header

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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

Ticket & Matchday Info

Access Munster Live Stream

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


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URC

Cardiff announce signing of new fly-half

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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


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Spingbok loosehead joins DHL Stormers ranks

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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


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