URC
Ospreys overcome Saints 31-24
Justin Tipuric returned from injury as Ospreys finished their pre-season in style with 31-24 victory at the Brewery Field thanks to a late Luke Morgan try.
The home side started strongly showing their dominance in the scrum during the early exchanges.
This gave them a platform downfield for an attacking lineout. Rhys Webb delayed his pass to meet the well-timed run of Joe Hawkins who was tackled metres short.
Ospreys pressure forced ill-discipline from Northampton, who gave away a penalty in front of the posts, which Myler converted to give the Ospreys a 3-0 lead.
Saints responded winning a scrum penalty of their own which they kicked to the corner. The resulting driving maul was brought down illegally by Scott Baldwin who was yellow carded, with a penalty try awarded to the visitors.
While the home side were a man down, Northampton piled on the pressure, quick ruck ball resulted in Fraser Dingwall offloading to flanker Angus Scott-Young to score in the corner. Grayson missed the conversion.
On the verge of half-time Ospreys winger Keelan Giles picked up a loose ball in the backfield before using his electric pace to beat several defenders. However, the crucial final pass to Webb didn’t go to hand, wasting a great opportunity.
Half-time: Ospreys 3 – 12 Northampton Saints
In the early stages of the second period Northampton’s Sam Matavesi was sin binned for infringing at a lineout.
The home side took advantage of the extra man, Jac Morgan’s powerful burst down the wing created a try for Cai Evans. Jack Walsh converted.
The Saints responded brilliantly once Matavesi had returned to the field. From a scrum in their own 22 they threw the ball wide to speedster Tom Collins to score a terrific try. Grayson missed the conversion.
Ospreys pounced on a Northampton overthrow at a lineout, Garyn Phillips powered his way over from short range. Walsh added the extras, leaving the score at 17-17.
Moments later Branden Nansen gave Saints the lead once again. Grayson converted.
Phillips then scored his second of the match, bursting over after a powerful Elvis Taione break into the Saints 22. Luke Scully converted.
Northampton played the final 10 minutes a man down after Nansen received a yellow card for a high shot on Walsh.
With just over five minutes left on the clock, Reuben Morgan-Williams sniped towards the Northampton try line. Jack Walsh then threw a brilliant pass to Luke Morgan who scored the winning try out wide. Scully added the extras.
Full-time: Ospreys 31 – 24 Northampton Saints
Image & Content Source – Ospreys Rugby
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
