Dragons lock Carter back to face Scarlets
URC Judgement Day: Dragons v ScarletsVenue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff Date: Saturday, 19 April Kick off: 17:30 BSTCoverage: Live on S4C via iPlayer; Listen live on BBC Radio Wales and BBC Sounds, the BBC Sport website and app, plus live text commentary, followed by report and reaction on the BBC Sport website and app.
Dragons co-captain Ben Carter is set for a return to action against Scarlets on Saturday after almost six months out with knee and ankle injuries.The lock sustained an injury to his left knee while training with Wales at the end of October that required surgery.The return of the 24-year-old was then delayed by a long-standing ankle problem which also needed an operation.Fellow co-captain Angus O'Brien has led the side on occasions in Carter's absence but has also been missing since suffering a fractured thumb injury in January.The fly-half or full-back will also return for the Judgement Day date against Scarlets this weekend at the Principality Stadium.
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Glasgow Times
an hour ago
- Glasgow Times
Mixed emotions in Wales camp after fightback ends in defeat
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Wales Online
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Daily Mail
6 hours ago
- Daily Mail
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Welsh rugby is full of uncertainty right now and Ashton Hewitt knows that better than most. As the chairman and leading player representative of the Welsh Rugby Players Association, Hewitt has been the closest of his contemporaries to the discussions taking place at the top of the country's national game as it has slowly unravelled. Frankly, it has been a car crash. A total disaster. From player strike threats over contractual and financial issues to the current debate over the possibility of cutting a professional team – and much, much more besides – all sorts of off-field issues have only served as a distraction to the sport's development. They have had an impact on the pitch too, with Wales' senior men's side on a run of 17 straight Test losses. It seems hard to predict when things are going to change for the better. Every so often, a new low seems to be hit. With money slim and squad sizes being reduced, Hewitt has become the latest victim of Welsh rugby tightening its belt. 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But for him, being released has come at the worst possible time. Wales' four regions have limited money to spend and there is a very realistic chance the Welsh Rugby Union might cut its number of teams to three. Such a scenario would leave even more players unemployed. After the financial demise of Worcester, Wasps and London Irish, the number of playing jobs in English rugby is significantly less too. 'It's not just tough for players in Wales. It's everywhere. Clubs in England have gone bust and that's meant the player market is saturated,' Hewitt said. 'What's common at the moment for players to hear is they might be offered something based on other factors like governance, politics or finances. 'The uncertainty is tough. Most players have families. People see it as a glamorous job, but rugby can be very stressful. Welsh rugby isn't that glamorous at the moment. It's not all fun and games. There is a tough side to the business. 'Short-term contracts are one and a lack of security plays into that and puts a lot of pressure and strain on you as a person. 'You're always at risk of being in the position I'm in now.' A rapid wing, Hewitt still has a lot to give. He has received numerous expressions of interest in his services from several corners of the globe, but no concrete financial offer. 'I've got a few years left in me. I feel I've got something to prove now and I'm completely over my injury,' Hewitt said. Hewitt is not the only rugby player facing an uncertain future. Having been involved in talks between the WRU and the regions given his WRPA role, he has grown frustrated at a lack of transparency and accountability in Welsh rugby's corridors of power. Hewitt has been a passionate voice in society's fight against racism and bigotry. Away from the game, he advises organisations on equality, diversity and inclusion – in part using lessons from what rugby has taught him. 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I don't know all the answers, but I've been heavily involved,' Hewitt said. 'Could it be better? Yes. 'The WRPA do a great job, but it's a small organisation with limited resource. I didn't have a whole load of time to get my head around the contract situation. 'It's been a rollercoaster of emotions. I've been at the Dragons my entire career. It's my home region and means so much to me, so it's strange to be in this situation. 'There's a lot the corporate world can learn from professional sport, rugby specifically. I want to make a difference in whatever it is I do. There are issues to address in society and hopefully, I'd like to be a catalyst for change. 'I'd like to work with clubs in the same way I'm working with other organisations now. 'That could be a route I'd go down. 'I am prepared if I don't get another contract, but that's not what I want. I understand the issues in the game, but I truly believe I can still offer a lot on the field.'
