URC
Scarlets ready for big breakdown battle in ‘Derby Day Part III’
It’s Derby Day: Part III this evening as the Scarlets take on Cardiff Blues at the Arms Park (7.35).
Ahead of the sold-out Guinness PRO14 clash Scarlets caught up with forwards coach Ioan Cunningham for his thoughts on what promises to be a mouthwatering contest between two sides stacked with talent.
Ioan, first of all you must have been delighted with the forward display against the Ospreys?
IC: “I was, we are all we are working really hard in getting those combinations working together, but the guys who don’t take the field are also putting a huge amount of work in and they deserve as much credit as the boys who put in the performances on the field.”
Sam Lousi and Tex Ratuva have both made a big impact since arriving
IC: “Both Sam and Tex have been excellent, they have bought in really well, they are enjoying the environment and also bringing their ideas from that they have learned. It is great to have them here and see them express themselves.”
What about the challenge of the Blues on Friday?
IC: “We know how tough it is going to be from what happened last year. They are a good side, well coached, but we are excited by the challenge and the prospect of playing in front of a packed crowd in the capital. The Conference standings also add a bit of extra spice on it. You can see how tight it is by the points on the league table.”
The contact area is always key when you take on the Blues, are you expecting the same again?
IC: “It has been a massive focus for us, it is going to be a big battle of the breakdown when you come up against the likes of Josh Navidi, Will Boyde, Josh Navidi and Olly Robinson. They are excellent at that type of game, we are going to have to be really hot on the contact area, how we ball carry and how we clear those rucks.
“But both sides have some awesome talent across the field. It should be a great game.”
It is also the start of three huge weeks ahead at the beginning of the New Year?
IC: “It is a massive period. After this game, we then have Toulon at Parc y Scarlets, a battle at the top of the pool, followed by another big European game against London Irish.
“But as a group we will take each week as it comes. There is confidence and enjoyment in the ranks, the boys are enjoying coming into work every week and are enjoying being challenged.
“Brad is massive on ‘how do we get better?’ That is what we are striving for, to get better every week.”
Source Scarlets 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
