Scarlets learn URC play-off opponents after South African defeat
Scarlets learn URC play-off opponents after South African defeat
The Scarlets ended their regular season with a 12-3 defeat to the Sharks
Taine Plumtree in action for the Scarlets
(Image: Steve Haag/Huw Evans Agency )
The Scarlets will take on United Rugby Championship table-toppers Leinster in the play-offs after losing 12-3 to the Sharks in Durban.
Dwayne Peel's side had already secured their place in the top eight going into their final match - with results on Friday night ensuring they would make the play-offs for the first time since 2018.
However, who they would play in the play-offs depended upon their result in Durban.
A losing bonus point would have seen them travel to Pretoria to take on the Bulls.
In the end, failure to pick up any points in South Africa ensured they will finish in eighth and take on Leinster in Dublin.
In a low-scoring affair in Durban, scoring chances were few and far.
Article continues below
Scarlets scrum-half Archie Hughes was chased down by Springbok winger Makazole Mapimpi just before the half-hour mark following Joe Roberts' break.
In the end, it took until the 38th minute for the first points. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here.
Sharks fly-half Siya Masuku knocked over a penalty, only for Wales fly-half Sam Costelow to level the scores just before half-time with a well-taken drop-goal off his left foot.
Two more penalties in the second-half from Sharks full-back Aphelele Fassi moved the Sharks further ahead.
The Scarlets - having won their last four matches - had chances to win it in the final 10 minutes.
But in the end, Peel's side lacked the composure to do so - with Fassi's penalty at the death ensuring they wouldn't even get a losing bonus point.
Article continues below
And that saw the pendulum swing in terms of the Scarlets' play-off opponents - ensuring it would be a trip to Ireland, rather than South Africa.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scotsman
an hour ago
- Scotsman
Edinburgh footballer accused of deliberately getting himself booked in Livingston v Celtic game
A former SPFL star is due to appear in court accused of deliberately getting himself booked in an attempt to cheat at gambling. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Keaghan Jacobs is alleged to have picked up a yellow card on purpose while playing for Livingston in a Scottish Premiership league match against Celtic at the Tony Macaroni stadium in October 2019. Jacobs, 35, is said to have 'acted in a manner whereby he would receive a yellow card for the purpose of enabling or assisting others to cheat at gambling' during the clash on October 6, 2019. The game was played at Livingston's Tony Macaroni stadium | SNS Group Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A second man, Conan McDiarmid is alleged to have placed bets, and arranged for others to place bets, on Jacobs receiving the caution from referee Willie Collum during the match against the Hoops. Court papers state McDiarmid, 40, placed the bets 'in the knowledge that it had been arranged that Jacobs would act in a manner whereby he would receive a yellow card during the match'. Both men are being prosecuted under the Gambling Act 2005, Section 42, 1A. The case against Jacobs, from Edinburgh, and McDiarmid, from Bonnyrigg, Midlothian, called at the Capital's sheriff court last Thursday where both men failed to appear in person. The case against Jacobs was continued without plea to later this month while McDiarmid's lawyer lodged a not guilty plea to the allegation and a trial date was set down for later this year. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Scottish Premiership match involved in the alleged betting scam saw Livingston hand Celtic their first defeat of the season with a 2-0 win at the Tony Macaroni stadium. Celtic midfielder Ryan Christie was shown a straight red card for a wild tackle in the 25th minute before second half goals from Scott Robinson and Lyndon Dykes secured the points for the Lions. Jacobs was shown a yellow card by referee Willie Collum for an illegal challenge on winger Jonny Hayes in the 95th minute. Jacobs is a South African national who had two spells with Livingston between 2007 and 2015 and again between 2017 and 2022. The midfielder has played a total of 252 times for the West Lothian club and scored 23 goals. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Jacobs has also turned out for South African club Bidvest Wits, Falkirk, Arbroath and is currently playing with Lowland League club Gala Fairydean Rovers. Jacobs is believed to have made football history when he played alongside his three triplet brothers - Kyle, Devon and Sheldon - in a Scottish Third Division match between Livingston and Albion Rovers in April 2010. The 2-0 win in front of just over 600 supporters is said to be the only time four brothers have turned out for the same professional senior team in the same match. McDiarmid played as a defender with a number of amateur clubs including Edinburgh United and Whitehill Welfare before he retired in 2020 and moved into management.
Wales Online
2 hours ago
- Wales Online
Gethin Jones says ‘best ever' as he enjoys huge Welsh event after hospital gown pic
Gethin Jones says 'best ever' as he enjoys huge Welsh event after hospital gown pic Originally from Cardiff, the presenter once came close to a professional rugby career, having previously trialled with Manchester-based team Sale Sharks Television presenter Gethin Jones (Image: 2025 Comic Relief - Getty ) Gethin Jones has hailed a major Welsh sporting event as the 'best ever' after joining the crowds at Cardiff's Principality Stadium, despite not being able to take part himself. Sharing his excitement on Instagram, the presenter posted a photo from the HYROX fitness competition, joking about his friend's post-race celebration: '58.39 for @dimmickpt and @tommybizzburnell . I think Sam has found a new @hyroxuk partner… he kissed Tommy at the end. 'He's never kissed me. What an epic event, in one of the best stadiums in the world.' For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter Content cannot be displayed without consent The friends then It came just after he shared a hospital gown selfie on his Instagram story giving a thumbs down but saying his voice was 'fully fit.' The BBC Morning Live host shared on Friday that he sadly could not take part in the event, which saw thousands come to Cardiff to try out the latest fitness trend, Hyrox. See more on the regime, here and more pictures from the Principalty Stadium event. The image showed the presenter in a hospital gown, a thumb down and appearing to look disappointed. The BBC Morning Live shared on his Instagram story that he sadly could not take part in the epic sport event, Hyrox, which is taking place in Cardiff's Principality Stadium this weekend (Image: Gethin Jones / Instagram ) He noted: 'No Hyrox for me this weekend. But voice is fully fit to cheer on [Sam Dimmick] and [Tommy Burnell]". 'This will be the first time ever Hyrox is hosted in Wales.' Originally from Cardiff, the presenter once came close to a professional rugby career, having previously trialled with Manchester-based team Sale Sharks. Earlier this year, he teamed up with his friend and former Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy for a muddy trail adventure at One Planet Adventure in Denbighshire. He also took on the intense Wheely Big Challenge in March - rollerblading for 24 hours alongside his Morning Live co-host Helen Skelton to raise money for Red Nose Day. The 'fitness racing' event Hyrox has seen thousands of people take part and over a three-day event, which takes place from May 30 to June 1. Article continues below You can read more about the Hyrox event here.
Wales Online
3 hours ago
- Wales Online
Welsh rugby awards: Best player, worst signings and team of the season
Welsh rugby awards: Best player, worst signings and team of the season The URC season is finally over for Wales' four professional clubs and it's time to dish out the awards Scarlets full-back Blair Murray on his way to scoring a try against Leinster (Image: Huw Evans Agency ) It's the end of another long season for Wales' four professional clubs - Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets - with plenty of drama both on and off the pitch. Operating from a salary cap of just £4.5m, three of Wales' professional clubs achieved competitiveness in the United Rugby Championship, with the Scarlets reaching the end of season play-offs and qualifying for next season's Investec Champions Cup. The Ospreys went furthest in Europe reaching the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup before bowing out with a disappointing home defeat to Lyon. But there were plenty of players who impressed significantly throughout the season. Here are the WalesOnline awards at the end of another season. Player of the season - Blair Murray A year ago very few people would have heard of the 23-year-old when he originally signed for the Scarlets, but he has proved to be an excellent signing. Murray was playing for Canterbury in the Bunnings NPC but with some excellent work by Scarlets recruitment and operations officer James Davies he was picked up by the west Walians. Murray is electric with the ball in hand and has the ability to create opportunities out of absolutely nothing while he is also a deadly finisher. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. The Scarlets flyer is currently joint top of the URC try scoring charts with nine touchdowns which emphasises the impact he has made in west Wales. Murray - who is Welsh qualified courtesy of his Tonyrefail born mother - was also one of Wales' better players in a disappointing campaign, making such an impression he was touted as a British & Irish Lions bolter. Signing of the season - Marnus van der Merwe In all honesty Murray could and should also take this title but South African hooker Marnus van der Merwe has been just as good for the Scarlets. The west Walians struggled badly upfront last season and the 28-year-old has played a big part in the Scarlets' resurgence. Van der Merwe is an explosive ball carrier who regularly gets over the gain line and is extremely physical in defence, while his work in the set-piece is also top class. Stylistically, the former Cheetahs hooker is similar to Springboks World Cup winner Malcolm Marx with his ability to win turnovers at the breakdown as good as any openside in the URC. The Scarlets star has made such an impact this season he has been included in the Springboks alignment camp and is expected to be included in Rassie Erasmus' squad for summer Tests against Italy and Georgia before the Rugby Championship begins in August. Unsung hero - Harri Millard The 28-year-old who can play centre or wing has been outstanding for Cardiff this season. Millard may not be a big name but he has been one of the most consistent performers in the Welsh game this season. The Cardiff man has scored some important tries for Matt Sherratt's side this and is level with Blair Murray and the Stormers' Leolin Zas as the top try scorer in the URC with nine. Millard is a safe pair of hands and rarely makes mistakes while he is dangerous with the ball in hand. There has to be an honourable mention to his Cardiff teammate Alun Lawrence who a couple of years ago found himself without a job after English Championship outfit Jersey Reds went to the wall. Luckily the 26-year-old was offered an opportunity to return to Cardiff where he has been a consistent performer over the past couple of seasons. Young player of the season - Macs Page The 20-year-old Scarlets back - who can cover both centre and wing - edges out Ospreys backrower Morgan Morse for this award. In his first full season of professional rugby, Page made a big impression and there were a number of standout moments for the man from Crymych who just oozes class. Page has scored five tries this season with his stunning score against Zebre in October arguably the try of the season. The rising Scarlets star is pure X-factor with his explosive physicality, electric footwork, pace and finishing ability marking him out as a star of the future. Join WalesOnline Rugby's WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free His performances have not gone unnoticed, with Page in line to win his first senior international cap on Wales' tour of Japan this summer. Coach of the season - Dwayne Peel A year ago the former Wales scrum-half's future was openly questioned after an extremely poor season which included a shocking home defeat to Georgian outfit Black Lion. But the Scarlets board decided to stick with Peel and he has repaid the faith by turning around the fortunes of the Llanelli-based club. At the start of the season Peel stated the club's goal was to be competitive this season and they have certainly achieved that. A strong recruitment drive last summer significantly strengthened the pack - the Scarlets' Achilles heel last season - while the experienced Leigh Jones was brought in as rugby performance director to support Peel. The Scarlets have been competitive in all bar a couple of games this season and while they fell on the wrong side of some narrow defeats to begin with, things finally clicked into place during the latter part of the season. After last season's struggles, to finish as the only Welsh representative in the URC play-offs which has also led to Champions Cup qualification, is a significant step in the right direction. Peel deserves praise for how he has turned the Scarlets around and he is no doubt a better coach as a result of last season's struggles. Biggest disappointment - The Dragons' signings It has been a shocking season at Rodney Parade with the Dragons finishing bottom of the URC table with just one win to their name - 20 points short of 15th placed Zebre. This is in large parts down to getting last season's recruitment drive so badly wrong. Apart from Wales international Shane Lewis-Hughes, the Dragons' new signings have flopped badly. Much was expected of highly-rated Australian signing Harry Wilson but while the centre made a decent start to the season he has not had anywhere near the impact required and looks set for an early exit. Powerful No 8 Solomone Funaki was also expected to be a key player for the Dragons this season but has spent most of his time on the sidelines and has not figured at all for Filo Tiatia's side. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here. Former Scarlets lock Steve Cummins has also been a big disappointment and such a poor recruitment cycle undoubtedly played a part in former head coach Dai Flanagan leaving his role in October. Article continues below Things are looking a bit brighter next season with new head coach Filo Tiatia having recruited heavily again and it goes without saying the Dragons board will be expecting a huge improvement. Team of the season Blair Murray (Scarlets); Tom Rogers (Scarlets), Harri Millard (Cardiff), Johnny Williams (Scarlets); Gabriel Hamer-Webb (Cardiff); Dan Edwards (Ospreys), Gareth Davies (Scarlets); Alec Hepburn (Scarlets), Marnus van der Merwe (Scarlets), Henry Thomas (Scarlets), Josh McNally (Cardiff), Teddy Williams (Cardiff), Jac Morgan (Ospreys), Josh Macleod (Scarlets), Morgan Morris (Ospreys)
