Connect with us

URC

Union Bordeaux Begles vs Cell C Sharks Match Preview

Published

on

The Cell C Sharks will face one of their sternest challenges in recent rugby history when they take on Bordeaux Bègles in tonight’s Heineken Champions Cup clash in France.

Adapting from a 30 or more degree turnaround in weather conditions is one challenge, so to playing a French team at their home ground, and against a passionate and hostile home crowd to add to the hype.

Cell C Sharks Director of Rugby Neil Powell pointed out that it’s been a challenging week, but an exciting opportunity for his team to grown and build momentum in this prestigious competition.

“We spent 27 hours travelling to Bordeaux, we also have a short week and we have the weather difference, so it’s not the easiest of weeks,” he explained in the build-up to the game.

“But we can only control what’s in our hands so it’s about how we emotionally and mentally approach this game. We know we’re here to do a job and everyone is focussed and committed to doing that job tonight.

“Our preparations have gone well and although we know it’s going to be cold when we play, if we keep talking about how difficult that’s going to be, then we have to just embrace the conditions and face whatever comes our way.”

While no coach wants to harp on about difficulties and challenges, and let that take the focus off the job at hand, Powell explained that every week is a new challenge, given weather conditions or the opposition.

“We analysed the opposition and look at the weather forecast and from there work out a game plan based on that and on how we want to play against a specific team in a specific environment. It’s important that we adapt from week to week and we’ve done that this week.

“It’s not about changing the whole game plan but small adaptations for things we want to do differently against Bordeaux.”

The conditions and travel challenges aside, there has been the loss of one player but the return of a couple which has been a real boost for the side.

“We’ve had a look at Bordeaux’s game against Gloucester last weekend and it’s important that we scrum well against them because it’s an area we feel we can target” Powell explained. “It’s a pity we don’t have Ox available, he contributes a lot to the game, but we have hope and belief in what Nthuthuko Mchunu is capable of and it’s a great opportunity for him.

“In terms of Lukhanyo Am’s return, he’s been injured for quite some time and it’s important that we get him back on the field and give him a fair bit of time off the bench.

“Will he shoot the lights out? He’s a quality player, we all know what a talent he is and he’s an x-factor player who can create opportunities from nothing. He might show a bit of rustiness but we’re keen to see him back and see what kind of form he’s in. It’s good to have him and his experience back and hopefully he’ll enjoy his 20 minutes or so on the field.”

A novel experience awaits many of the players, not all of them have played in France or in front of a French home crowd that really gets behind their team.

“That could pose a challenge, but we will rely on players who have played in France before as well as our international players who played here so recently, and in similar conditions.

“This is my first experience in front of a French crowd as a coach in 15s, but I’ve spoken to the coaches in our system who have been in this situation before, I’ve chatted to [Springbok coach] Jacques Nienaber as well, so we’ll rely on their experiences to navigate the team and the system through this challenge.”

Content & Images from – Cell C Sharks Rugby


URC

Squad Update | Munster Prepare For Cardiff At Thomond

Published

on

The Munster squad are preparing at the HPC ahead of Saturday night’s URC Round 13 clash against Cardiff at Thomond Park.

The game kicks off at 7.35pm with tickets from €20 available here.

In player news, Tadhg Beirne, Jack Crowley, Conor Murray, Calvin Nash and Peter O’Mahony have all returned to the HPC after helping Ireland to the 6 Nations title.

On the injury front, Academy back-row forward Ruadhán Quinn suffered a hand injury against Ospreys on Friday night and will be sidelined for a number of weeks.

Oli Jager and Fineen Wycherley have started their rehab following minor procedures for respective knee injuries.

Alex Nankivell is completing the RTP protocols and his availability will be determined later this week.

Simon Zebo was unavailable for the Ospreys game due to a low-grade hip injury and is due to return to training this week.

Continuing to rehab: Dave Kilcoyne (shoulder), Diarmuid Barron (foot), Roman Salanoa (knee), Jean Kleyn (knee/eye), Paddy Patterson (knee), Liam Coombes (shoulder), Patrick Campbell (shoulder).

There were 15 Munster players in AIL action at the weekend.

In Division 1A, Fionn Gibbons and Chris Moore helped Young Munster beat Dublin University with Gibbons among the tries.

Mark Donnelly lined out for Cork Constitution as they were beaten by Terenure College.

Kieran Ryan, Darragh McSweeney and Daniel Okeke couldn’t prevent Shannon falling to a defeat to City of Armagh.

In Division 1B, Colm Hogan, Jack Oliver, George Hadden, Max Clein, Cian Hurley and Jack Daly helped Garryowen to a win over Queen’s University. Hogan, Clein and Cronin were among the tries with Oliver kicking a conversion.

Scott Buckley and Andrew O’Mahony were in action for UCC as they lost to St Mary’s College.

Tickets

URC Round 13: Saturday, March 30

Munster v Cardiff Rugby, Thomond Park, 7.35pm; Buy tickets here

Women’s 6 Nations Round 3: Saturday, April 13

Ireland v Wales, Virgin Media Park, 4.45pm; Buy tickets here

URC Round 16: Saturday, May 11

Munster v Connacht, Thomond Park, 5.15pm; Buy tickets here

URC Round 18: Saturday, June 1

Munster v Ulster, Thomond Park, 5.15pm; Buy tickets here

Images & Content from Munster Rugby


Continue Reading

URC

Squad Update | Preparations Continue For Ospreys

Published

on

The Munster squad are continuing preparations ahead of Friday night’s URC Round 12 clash against Ospreys in Swansea (7.35pm).

On the injury front, there is good news for John Hodnett (finger), Jack O’Donoghue (knee) and Simon Zebo (knee) as they all return to training this week.

Oli Jager (knee) and Fineen Wycherley (knee) are both due to see specialists this week for possible surgery.

Alex Nankivell is following the return to play protocols following a head injury in training last week.

On the international front, Craig Casey and Jeremy Loughman have returned to the squad after Ireland’s 6 Nations triumph at the weekend.

Continuing to rehab: Dave Kilcoyne (shoulder), Diarmuid Barron (foot), Roman Salanoa (knee), Jean Kleyn (knee/eye), Paddy Patterson (knee), Liam Coombes (shoulder), Patrick Campbell (shoulder).

Tickets

URC Round 13: Saturday, March 30

Munster v Cardiff Rugby, Thomond Park, 7.35pm; Buy tickets here

Women’s 6 Nations Round 3: Saturday, April 13

Ireland v Wales, Virgin Media Park, 4.45pm; Buy tickets here

URC Round 16: Saturday, May 11

Munster v Connacht, Thomond Park, 5.15pm; Buy tickets here

URC Round 18: Saturday, June 1

Munster v Ulster, Thomond Park, 5.15pm; Buy tickets here

Images & Content from Munster Rugby


Continue Reading

URC

British & Irish Lion to join Glasgow Warriors

Published

on

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.”

Spread the word

Newsletter Sign-up

Sign up to our newsletter today to receive the latest updates, content and releases from Glasgow Warriors.

Sign-up

Content & Images from – Glasgow Rugby


Continue Reading
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending