URC
Update from the CEO
Firstly, welcome back Ospreys!
We are well into block one of the BKT URC 22/23 season and it’s great to be back. As CEO, I have never been shy about where I want to take Ospreys and the vision I have for the team. Last season, we saw this start to materialize, and despite the issues faced, we finished strong.
- Winning the Welsh Shield and only a few bonus points away from the Top 8
- Jac Morgan (Turnover King) and Gareth Anscombe (Gilbert Golden Boot) both won top URC accolades
- Highest contribution to the Wales senior and U20 teams of all Regions
- Our social media channels were the 2nd fastest growing in the league
- We were the most watched team in Wales and 6th overall
- Ospreys v Munster was the 2nd most watched game in the URC
It has been an interesting start to the season as we have already experienced highs and lows, with a tough draw to Scarlets and a narrow loss to the Emirates Lions. Our convincing win against Glasgow Warriors proved what we are capable of.
Last week’s loss to Ulster was an unfortunate by-product of Welsh Rugby commitments but I was incredibly proud of the resilience shown by the younger players. Unfortunately the loss of our international players has a significant impact on our performance, but we will continue to invest in player development to mitigate this.
Off field, our revamped hospitality offers have received rave reviews as we launched a new, modern menu in the Executive Lounge, the inclusion of live entertainment in the Nest, and of course, exclusive player Q&As. Our Nest hospitality attendance has increased by over 60% compared to this time last season, and with new hospitality offers on the horizon, we have something to suit all supporters.
We have seen amazing support from the community thus far as they have come out in numbers to support us and take part in our ever-popular half-time tag. Our match against the DHL Stormers will host over 970 people from our community groups, clubs and schools. I’m proud of the work Ospreys in the Community is delivering as leaders in their field across the UK.
This season we will see the return of the biggest game of the year, the West Wales Derby on Boxing Day. After 10 years, Ospreys will finally host this illustrious event once again. We are gearing up to make this the biggest one yet and ensure it’s a match experience like no other. Make sure you mark it down in your calendar and get your tickets now.
Toby has said it time and again, and it couldn’t be more true, supporters in the stands really do make all the difference. Late kick off times have led to smaller crowds than we would like. While there are complexities on the league’s side with broadcast partner requirements, there is an understanding among us all of the need to balance what is good for our supporters and TV partners. We are in constant dialogue with the league and broadcasters on how we can work together to find the best median.
We are constantly testing and looking for new ways to raise the in-stadium experience to ensure all our supporters have an unforgettable time and return to our next home game.
Our supporters’ attendance is crucial to the players performance – your backing makes all the difference, and they need your support when taking to the field. The roar of the crowd, the waving of flags, the chants and the cheers, that’s what pushes the players harder and drives them on. We need as many supporters as possible, so make sure you come on down and support the boys.
We will soon be launching our 22/23 alternate kit, and it’s bound to turn a few heads. Without giving too much away, when we don the kit in Heineken Champions Cup matches, we will be taking a piece of our community with us as we pay homage to all our 77 grassroots clubs. Keep an eye on our social media channels for this exciting jersey.
As everyone is aware, there is some speculation on the discussions happening around the Welsh Pro Game that is understandably causing concern among some of our supporters. The reality is, until a decision is made and communicated, this information is just speculation.
I am looking forward to the remainder of the season as we visit new stadiums, play new teams and break new ground. Despite the issues we face, I remain positive about the future of the Ospreys.
Nick Garcia
Ospreys CEO
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Image & Content Source – Ospreys Rugby
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
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
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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