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Wales Online
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
What's just happened to six young Welsh rugby players hints at brighter times on horizon
What's just happened to six young Welsh rugby players hints at brighter times on horizon Six Welsh players have been nominated for an award Scarlets back Macs Page on his way to scoring against Munster (Image: Huw Evans Agency ) Six Welsh players have been nominated for the United Rugby Championship's Next-Gen player of the season award. Scarlets trio Blair Murray, Ellis Mee and Macs Page are all up for the award, as are Ospreys fly-half Dan Edwards, Dragons centre Aneurin Owen and departing Cardiff wing Gabriel Hamer-Webb. The Scarlets lead the way in terms of a URC club that provided the most nominees, while Wales as a whole offers the most players on the shortlist along with South Africa. Players who were 23 and under at the start of the season and had no more than five international caps are eligible for the award. They also needed to have made nine appearances in the league this season to make the shortlist. There are 16 players on the shortlist - with six from Wales and South Africa, two from Scotland and one each from Italy and Ireland. It's unsurprising that back-three pairing Murray and Mee make the list, having both made their Test debuts for Wales this season after joining the Scarlets last summer. Twenty-year-old centre Page has also enjoyed a fine breakthrough campaign, leading to his first Wales call-up for the upcoming tour of Japan this summer. Article continues below Ospreys fly-half Edwards has been superb for Mark Jones' side this season, making his Wales debut in the Six Nations. He finished the campaign as the third-highest scorer in the league, having notched up 112 points. Dragons centre Owen has been a constant during a difficult season for the Men of Gwent, featuring in every league game. Welsh-qualified wing Hamer-Webb enjoyed a strong end to the season - crossing for six tries in the last four matches of the campaign. Unfortunately for Cardiff, the 24-year-old won't be staying at the Arms Park next season - with a move to the Gallagher Premiership on the cards. In terms of other nations, the Bulls, Stormers, Lions and Edinburgh all have two nominees. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. The likes of Bulls back-row Cameron Hanekom and Leinster prop Jack Boyle made their Test debuts this year. Zebre wing Simone Gesi has made more clean breaks than any other player, while Lions full-back Quan Horn is fourth in terms of defenders beaten with 51. The winner of the award will be determined by a media vote. URC Next-Gen player of the season nominees: Quan Horn, Emirates Lions Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Vodacom Bulls Matt Currie, Edinburgh Rugby Gabe Hamer-Webb, Cardiff Rugby Henco van Wyk, Emirates Lions Ellis Mee, Scarlets Jack Boyle, Leinster Rugby Cameron Hanekom, Vodacom Bulls Suleiman Hartzenberg, DHL Stormers Andre-Hugo Venter, DHL Stormers Macs Page, Scarlets Simone Gesi, Zebre Parma Aneurin Owen, Dragons RFC Paddy Harrison, Edinburgh Rugby Blair Murray, Scarlets Article continues below Dan Edwards, Ospreys
BBC News
21-03-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Scarlets' Macleod returns from injury for Stormers test
United Rugby Championship: Scarlets v StormersVenue: Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli Date: Saturday, 22 March Kick off: 15:00 GMTCoverage: Live in S4C & via BBC iPlayer. Updates on BBC Radio Wales, Radio Cymru, BBC Sounds, the BBC Sport website and app, followed by report and reaction Captain Josh Macleod returns from injury to start for Scarlets in their United Rugby Championship (URC) fixture against 28, was ruled out of his side's past two matches with a hamstring injury but will lead his side at Parc y Scarlets on internationals Ellis Mee, Eddie James, Taine Plumtree, Kemsley Mathias and Henry Thomas are all included in the matchday squad as head coach Dwayne Peel makes six changes from the side that took the field against will feature in a back three that includes Ioan Nicholas and Macs Page against the South African and Joe Roberts form the midfield as Ioan Lloyd and Gareth Davies continue at half-back. Marnus van der Merwe is recalled at hooker to pack down in the front row between Alec Hepburn and Sam Craig and Sam Lousi form the second row as Scarlets go for a new-look back row, with Macleod joined by Vaea Fifita and Taine Plumtree."You look at how tight the league is at the moment and it is clear it is going to go down to the wire in terms of the play-off race," said Peel. "Our form here in Llanelli has been excellent this season with the supporters really getting behind the boys. "We are going to need that again against a Stormers side who have come here with pretty much a full crew with a couple of Springboks back from injury."Ryan Elias, Mathias and Thomas provide back row cover on the bench - with former Stormer Jarrod Taylor and Dan Davis also among the forward replacements. Archie Hughes, Charlie Titcombe and Tomi Lewis cover the Murray and Johnny Williams are both ruled out due to calf injuries. Scarlets sit 10th in the URC table following defeats in Ulster and side boast a strong record on home soil though, winning their past six matches at Parc y are 12th in the league standings but are level with Scarlets on 28 narrow win at Bulls on 1 March ended a run of four successive defeats across all director of rugby John Dobson said: "Scarlets have been impressive this season and we know that it will have to be an 80-minute performance to get the result that we need from this one." Scarlets: Ioan Nicholas; Macs Page, Joe Roberts, Eddie James, Ellis Mee; Ioan Lloyd, Gareth Davies; Alec Hepburn, Marnus van der Merwe, Sam Wainwright, Alex Craig, Sam Lousi, Vaea Fifita, Josh Macleod (capt), Taine Ryan Elias, Kemsley Mathias, Henry Thomas, Jarrod Taylor, Dan Davis, Archie Hughes, Charlie Titcombe, Tomi Warrick Gelant; Ben Loader, Wandisile Simelane, Dan du Plessis, Leolin Zas; Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Herschel Jantjies; Ali Vermaak, Joseph Dweba, Frans Malherbe, Salmaan Moerat (capt), Ruben van Heerden, Deon Fourie, Marcel Theunissen, Evan André-Hugo Venter, Brok Harris, Sazi Sandi, Gary Porter, Willie Engelbrecht, Dewaldt Duvenage, Jurie Matthee, Damian Eoghan Cross (IRFU)Assistant referees: Mike English (WRU), Tom Spurrier (WRU)TMO: Olly Hodges (IRFU)
The Independent
15-03-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Is Wales vs England on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch Six Nations clash
England will look to take the clubhouse lead on Six Nations Super Saturday as they travel to Cardiff to take on Wales. Ever an eagerly-anticipated fixture, the rivalry takes on extra meaning on the final day of the championship with the visitors looking to put the pressure on France, who play Scotland to conclude the tournament. A bonus point win for England would take them clear at the top of the table and force Fabien Galthie's side to win to wrap up the title. But the hosts would love nothing more than ending England's chances as they look to snap their long losing run to finish Matt Sherratt's encouraging interim stint with a flourish. Here's everything you need to know. When is Wales vs England? Wales vs England is due to kick off at 4.45pm GMT on Saturday 15 March at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. How can I watch it? Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on BBC One, with coverage on the channel from 4pm GMT. A live stream will be available via the BBC iPlayer. Wales hand Joe Roberts his first professional start on the wing as the Scarlets centre shifts outwards after injuries to Tom Rogers and Josh Adams. The 24-year-old impressed in the role after Rogers's early departure against Scotland and joins Ellis Mee and Blair Murray in a young, exciting back three. Aaron Wainwright is also recalled to the starting side, with Tommy Reffell dropping to the bench. England reshuffle more radically after the season-ending injury sustained by Ollie Lawrence. Tommy Freeman relocates to centre with Elliot Daly stationed on the wing and Marcus Smith recalled at full-back. Tom Roebuck completes the back three on his first international start, while Ben Curry joins twin brother Tom in a mobile back row. 20-year-old flanker Henry Pollock is a fourth openside in the matchday 23 as he awaits a debut off a bench which also contains George Ford, sighted for the first time in this tournament. Line-ups Wales XV: 1 Nicky Smith, 2 Elliot Dee, 3 WillGriff John; 4 Dafydd Jenkins, 5 Will Rowlands; 6 Aaron Wainwright, 7 Jac Morgan (capt.), 8 Taulupe Faletau; 9 Tomos Williams, 10 Gareth Anscombe; 11 Joe Roberts, 12 Ben Thomas, 13 Max Llewellyn, 14 Ellis Mee; 15 Blair Murray. Replacements: 16 Dewi Lake, 17 Gareth Thomas, 18 Henry Thomas, 19 Teddy Williams, 20 Tommy Reffell; 21 Rhodri Williams, 22 Jarrod Evans, 23 Nick Tompkins. England XV: 1 Ellis Genge, 2 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 3 Will Stuart; 4 Maro Itoje (capt.), 5 Ollie Chessum; 6 Tom Curry, 7 Ben Curry, 8 Ben Earl; 9 Alex Mitchell, 10 Fin Smith; 11 Elliot Daly, 12 Fraser Dingwall, 13 Tommy Freeman, 14 Tom Roebuck; 15 Marcus Smith. Replacements: 16 Jamie George, 17 Fin Baxter, 18 Joe Heyes, 19 Chandler Cunningham-South, 20 Henry Pollock, 21 Tom Willis; 22 Jack van Poortvliet, 23 George Ford. Odds Wales win 37/10 Draw 35/1 England win 2/7 The Independent vets betting sites for useability, security and responsible gambling tools. You can claim free bets here to use across a range of sports. Please read the terms.
The Independent
14-03-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Is Wales vs England on TV? Kick-off time, team news, channel and how to watch Six Nations clash
England will look to take the clubhouse lead on Six Nations Super Saturday as they travel to Cardiff to take on Wales. Ever an eagerly-anticipated fixture, the rivalry takes on extra meaning on the final day of the championship with the visitors looking to put the pressure on France, who play Scotland to conclude the tournament. A bonus point win for England would take them clear at the top of the table and force Fabien Galthie's side to win to wrap up the title. But the hosts would love nothing more than ending England's chances as they look to snap their long losing run to finish Matt Sherratt's encouraging interim stint with a flourish. Here's everything you need to know. When is Wales vs England? Wales vs England is due to kick off at 4.45pm GMT on Saturday 15 March at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. How can I watch it? Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on BBC One, with coverage on the channel from 4pm GMT. A live stream will be available via the BBC iPlayer. Wales hand Joe Roberts his first professional start on the wing as the Scarlets centre shifts outwards after injuries to Tom Rogers and Josh Adams. The 24-year-old impressed in the role after Rogers's early departure against Scotland and joins Ellis Mee and Blair Murray in a young, exciting back three. Aaron Wainwright is also recalled to the starting side, with Tommy Reffell dropping to the bench. England reshuffle more radically after the season-ending injury sustained by Ollie Lawrence. Tommy Freeman relocates to centre with Elliot Daly stationed on the wing and Marcus Smith recalled at full-back. Tom Roebuck completes the back three on his first international start, while Ben Curry joins twin brother Tom in a mobile back row. 20-year-old flanker Henry Pollock is a fourth openside in the matchday 23 as he awaits a debut off a bench which also contains George Ford, sighted for the first time in this tournament. Line-ups Wales XV: 1 Nicky Smith, 2 Elliot Dee, 3 WillGriff John; 4 Dafydd Jenkins, 5 Will Rowlands; 6 Aaron Wainwright, 7 Jac Morgan (capt.), 8 Taulupe Faletau; 9 Tomos Williams, 10 Gareth Anscombe; 11 Joe Roberts, 12 Ben Thomas, 13 Max Llewellyn, 14 Ellis Mee; 15 Blair Murray. Replacements: 16 Dewi Lake, 17 Gareth Thomas, 18 Henry Thomas, 19 Teddy Williams, 20 Tommy Reffell; 21 Rhodri Williams, 22 Jarrod Evans, 23 Nick Tompkins. England XV: 1 Ellis Genge, 2 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 3 Will Stuart; 4 Maro Itoje (capt.), 5 Ollie Chessum; 6 Tom Curry, 7 Ben Curry, 8 Ben Earl; 9 Alex Mitchell, 10 Fin Smith; 11 Elliot Daly, 12 Fraser Dingwall, 13 Tommy Freeman, 14 Tom Roebuck; 15 Marcus Smith. Replacements: 16 Jamie George, 17 Fin Baxter, 18 Joe Heyes, 19 Chandler Cunningham-South, 20 Henry Pollock, 21 Tom Willis; 22 Jack van Poortvliet, 23 George Ford. Odds Wales win 37/10 Draw 35/1 England win 2/7 The Independent vets betting sites for useability, security and responsible gambling tools. You can claim free bets here to use across a range of sports. Please read the terms.
The Guardian
26-02-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
From Mee to Barré: meet the unexpected stars of an enthralling Six Nations
Sure, it's still early days but Wales's upbeat performance against Ireland showed how quickly perceptions can change. Even a few weeks ago the name Ellis Mee would not have registered with many Six Nations fans. Now, after an eye-catching debut last weekend, the lanky 21-year-old is being tipped by no less an expert than Jamie Roberts to become a regular fixture for Wales. Less than a year ago the 6ft 4in Mee was playing for Nottingham in the Championship – memo to the Rugby Football Union: there is plenty of untapped talent out there – and was scouted by the former Wales international James 'Cubby' Davies while playing for Nottingham Trent University. Then, after just 10 professional games for Scarlets, he was parachuted into the national team as part of a productive back three alongside his similarly positive clubmates Blair Murray and Tom Rogers. Suddenly it's all Mee, Mee, Mee … Last month the Irish back-row pecking order felt pretty settled. Caelan Doris as captain, Josh van der Flier on the openside and take your pick from Peter O'Mahony, Tadhg Beirne or Ryan Baird on the blindside. Three games in and a former favourite has re-emerged. Jack Conan has always been a fine player – he was the starting British & Irish Lions Test No 8 in 2021 – but this season he has looked revitalised. He put in an outstanding shift off the bench against England, his first Test appearance for 11 months, and subsequently followed it up with tries against Scotland and Wales, against whom he started following Doris's withdrawal through injury. Now on the verge of winning his 50th cap for his country, the 32-year-old is enjoying a new lease of life in a team bidding for a record third consecutive outright Six Nations title. The whole of Scotland felt the psychological impact when Sione Tuipulotu was injured on the eve of the tournament. The absence of their influential captain, though, has at least offered an unexpected chance to the promising Tom Jordan, who appears to have a long international career ahead of him. In addition to being able to play at fly-half and full-back, he also shone at inside centre against England; the sumptuous inside ball he threw to scrum-half Ben White for Scotland's first try was the mark of a top-class footballer. Having grown up in New Zealand he has qualified for Scotland via residency after five years playing for Ayrshire Bulls and Glasgow. Next season, though, the 26-year-old will be turning out for Bristol Bears in the English Premiership. Everyone knew Fin Smith was a good player with a promising future. Less certain, with Marcus Smith in possession of the No 10 shirt, was how long it would take 'the other Smith' to become a starting regular. Three games into this season's tournament and it is Marcus who is having to adjust to a new normal. The Northampton fly-half's winning conversion against France and his nerveless long-range penalty against Scotland have merely been the most obvious indicators of an excellent Test match temperament. Even more striking, arguably, has been his defensive appetite. He topped the Calcutta Cup tackle count with 16 while his ability to see space and make life easier for those around him will also not have gone unnoticed by the Lions head coach Andy Farrell ahead of this summer's tour to Australia. Two more good games and Smith F could yet be on the plane. Sign up to The Breakdown The latest rugby union news and analysis, plus all the week's action reviewed after newsletter promotion The French could probably pick three different backlines and still weave patterns beyond the imagination of most teams. Yes, they made a complete hash of finishing off all those chances against England but in dry conditions against a stand-offish Italy they were unplayable at times. Théo Attissogbé looks a proper talent on the wing – and already good enough to keep Damian Penaud on his toes – but connoisseurs of attacking full-backs with pace and footwork will be fascinated to see what Fabien Galthié does at 15 for the big one against Ireland. It could be that he shifts Thomas Ramos back there and reinstates Romain Ntamack at fly-half but, either way, Léo Barré looks a player who will score a bucketload of Six Nations tries in years to come. The 22-year-old was good against England last year but looked even better in Rome, helping himself to two tries with an enviable blend of acceleration, instinctive timing and elusiveness. If they don't pick Barré in Dublin and lose, France really will kick themselves. Notwithstanding last Sunday's disappointing result, Italy are a side with enough good players to keep England honest next week. It is way too obvious to single out their centres but, given the right sort of ball, Juan Ignacio Brex and Tommaso Menoncello are an outstanding combination capable of unlocking almost any defence. Federico Ruzza, meanwhile, tops the championship's lineout stats. Less attention, though, tends to be paid to the player who, when Italy are operating at their slickest, keeps their tempo high and the opposition guessing. Step forward Martin Page-Relo, their French-born scrum-half who qualifies for Italy via his maternal grandparents. Once Antoine Dupont's understudy at Toulouse, he plays his club rugby for Lyon these days.
