Latest news with #SuperRygbiCymru
Wales Online
5 days ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
Tonight's rugby news as Welsh star ends retirement to join hometown club and Springbok great dies
Tonight's rugby news as Welsh star ends retirement to join hometown club and Springbok great dies The latest headlines from Wales and around the world Fry (right) has come out of retirement to sign for Cardiff RFC (Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency) These are your evening rugby headlines on Thursday, August 14. Welsh forward comes out of retirement Former Dragons forward Ben Fry has come out of retirement to join Cardiff RFC, a year on from hanging up his boots. The Cardiff-born back rower represented Wales at age-grade level and made 37 appearances for the Rodney Parade side between 2018 and his release from the region in 2023, before moving to the United States and joining Major League Rugby side the Dallas Jackals, after a brief spell with Merthyr RFC. When the Jackals disbanded ahead of the start of the 2024/25 MLR season, however, Fry retired from rugby - but now he is back in the game after finding a new job in the capital, with Cardiff taking him on board ahead of the new Super Rygbi Cymru campaign. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby The former Wales U20s international was once seen as one of Welsh rugby's rising stars, a player who thrived when things were at their most physical and one that was tipped for higher honours, having endeared himself to the Rodney Parade faithful. Fry spoke to WalesOnline earlier this year about starting work as an estate agent in Bristol, with his career seemingly behind him, but he will now lace up his boots again after joining the Rags. ''It's an absolute privilege to have signed for Cardiff," said the 26-year-old as his signing was confirmed. "I'm Cardiff born and bred, and it's always something that I've wanted to do. The last time I played for Cardiff was for Cardiff Schools under-15s, so to be able to put the jersey back on and represent my home town is an absolute honour. Article continues below 'I finished rugby for a year; one part of it was family, the second part of it was the state of rugby, and the third part was that I was working in Bristol. I've got the itch back to play,' he added as he reflected on why he initially quit the sport. 'Fortunately, I've got a job back in Cardiff and that has given me the opportunity to get back into things. So I reached out to Fishy [Cardiff RFC head coach Dan Fish] and, fortunately enough, he's been kind enough to bring me on board. So I'm really excited about it.' Fish added that he was "delighted" to bring the 6ft 1in former Dragons forward to the club, adding: 'He's a Cardiff boy through and through, and a former captain of Cardiff Schools Rugby where he played alongside the likes of Ben Thomas and Max Llewellyn. 'Ben's experience at professional level, combined with his work rate, physicality, and leadership, makes him a perfect fit for our squad. His know-how and professionalism will be invaluable in helping to develop our young academy boys." On playing in Super Rygbi Cymru for the first time, Fry added: 'I am looking forward to playing in the Super Rygbi Cymru league; it's not something that I've done before. "My last sort of taste of Premiership rugby was in the old sort of framework league, so to see it progressing and just take that next elite step up is definitely something that I am looking to get stuck into and see what's it's all about. 'It's about getting back into something that I love, surrounded by a good group of boys. Representing a City that means so much to me, that's the main part of getting the enjoyment back, getting my competitive edge back and hopefully putting a positive stamp on what's already a successful team.' Springbok great dies Former South Africa international and widely-respected coach Dawie Snyman has died at the age of 76, following an illness. A utility back during his playing days, he won 10 Test caps for the Springboks during the 1970s, playing at both full-back and fly-half. In total, he represented his country on 22 occasions, scoring 86 points. Snyman - whose older brother Jackie also played Test rugby for South Africa - also made 60 appearances for Western Province and went on to become one of the most successful coaches in their history after hanging up his boots. Between 1982 and 1986, he coached the club to five consecutive Currie Cup titles, while they also shared the title with the Bulls in 1989 under his leadership. Snyman went on to coach South Africa at the 1997 Sevens World Cup, with the Blitzboks ultimately losing to Fiji in the final, while he was also involved with the Lions and at Stellenbosch University. Paying tribute to the late player and coach as "one of the greats of South African rugby", SA Rugby president Mark Alexander said: 'Dawie will not only be remembered as a determined player who worked extremely hard and succeeded at international level in two positions, but also as one of the finest coaches South African rugby has known. 'He could have played much longer, but chose instead to invest in the game as a mentor and leader, shaping generations of players with his insight and passion. His contribution to rugby in South Africa is immeasurable. 'It is never easy to lose a member of the South African rugby family," Alexander added. "We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Pam, his daughters Louise, Patse, Pam and Danielle and to their extended family, loved ones and friends during this time of bereavement. "May you find comfort in the legacy of a man who will forever be remembered as one of the greats of South African rugby." O'Connor returns for Wallabies Veteran fly-half James O'Connor has been named to start for Australia against South Africa in the opening round of The Rugby Championship this weekend. The 35-year-old played a Super Rugby season for Crusaders last year and was massively influential in their title win, but has not played Test rugby for the Wallabies since 2022. Now, however, he finds himself back in the starting side to take on the reigning world champions at Ellis Park, with the 64-cap international the only out-and-out fly-half that head coach Joe Schmidt has at his disposal currently. O'Connor is the only change Australia have made to the starting XV that won against the British and Irish Lions in the final Test in Sydney two weeks ago. Schmidt has also opted for a 6-2 split on the bench, with Tate McDermott and Andrew Kellaway providing the firepower for the Wallabies in in the backs. Article continues below Australia side to face South Africa: 15 Tom Wright, 14 Max Jorgensen, 13 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 12 Len Ikitau, 11 Dylan Pietsch, 10 James O'Connor, 9 Nic White, 8 Harry Wilson (c), 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Tom Hooper, 5 Will Skelton, 4 Nick Frost, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Billy Pollard, 1 James Slipper Replacements: 16 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 17 Angus Bell, 18 Zane Nonggorr, 19 Jeremy Williams, 20 Langi Gleeson, 21 Nick Champion de Crespigny, 22 Tate McDermott, 23 Andrew Kellaway
South Wales Argus
11-07-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
SRC: Joe Davies signs for Pontypool after Dragons exit
The lock was released by the Rodney Parade club at the end of last season after making 137 appearances for the club. The 29-year-old from Caldicot has now signed a deal to play in Super Rygbi Cymru with Pooler, who were quarter-finalists last season. Davies played for the club last season when sent out for game time by the Dragons and is relishing a permanent return. 'I enjoyed my time playing at Pontypool last season, the supporters were great and me and my family were welcomed with open arms at the club,' said the hard-hitting forward. 'Pontypool Park is one of the most iconic grounds to play at in Wales and I can't wait to get started. 'Tom [Hancock, head coach] has put a great team together this year and I'm excited to be a part of it and add as much value as I can.' MOVE: Joe Davies has signed for Pontypool Hancock worked closely with Davies after stepping up from his Dragons academy job to temporarily help out with the seniors last season. The former fly-half believes the seasoned United Rugby Championship campaigner will add plenty of grunt up front while helping the younger members of the squad push on. 'Joe brings a huge amount of experience and know-how to our squad and will fit right in given he's already hugely respected from his prior times at the club,' said Hancock. 'When the opportunity to sign Joe came about, the decision was an absolute no-brainer for me. [Chairman] Peter Jeffreys agreed pretty much instantly too, which demonstrates just how highly Joe is regarded at this club.' Davies will join up with the squad in pre-season as they build towards their SRC opener against Swansea at Pontypool Park on September 13.
Wales Online
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Today's rugby news as Adam Jones responds, Wales captain upset and star's brother signs for region
Today's rugby news as Adam Jones responds, Wales captain upset and star's brother signs for region The latest rugby news stories from Wales and beyond Wales scrum consultant Adam Jones (Image: Getty Images ) Here are the latest rugby headlines on Wednesday, July 9. Wales respond to Japan comments Adam Jones has responded to Michael Leitch's comments about Wales 'blowing' during the second-half of their 24-19 defeat in Kitakyushu, as they look to make the Japan captain eat his words. Wales let a 19-7 lead slip in the extreme conditions, with Leitch saying the Brave Blossoms knew they "would get them in the end" as the heat proved too much for Wales. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. However, Wales' scrum coach has challenged his side to prove Leitch wrong in the second Test in Kobe this Saturday - while also having a subtle dig at Japan coach Eddie Jones, who was also in charge the last time Wales toured Japan in 2013. "Their captain came out after the game and said a few things so hopefully we'll pay heed to that and hopefully he'll have a different opinion of us after the game on Saturday," said Jones. "It was hard for both sides. "We've done as much as we can. Being in Wales, it's not as if we're living in Dubai. You can put the boys in the heated chamber, have them wearing extra layers of stuff, but it doesn't replicate that. Article continues below "I think it was sensible around World Rugby, given the water breaks. I think it was a touch and go whether that was going to be the case. "But it turned out there's enough stoppages in the first half anyway, because it was 59 minutes, wasn't it? "So the ball in playtime wasn't massive. I think a lot of it was made around Eddie having the time he wanted. "If I remember correctly, Wales played the same sort of time in the last summer tour when we were in Japan. So I am sure Eddie was not up to his old tricks." Wales international's brother signs for Dragons The Dragons have signed two more players ahead of next season, including the brother of Wales international Ioan Lloyd. Fly-half Jac Lloyd and utility back David Richards both join the Welsh region from Newport RFC after impressive seasons in Super Rygbi Cymru. Lloyd has scored 219 points over two seasons and 36 games. The 22-year-old playmaker, a former Wales Under-20s international, has previously represented Bristol Bears and Hartpury RFC. Richards, who is comfortable playing across the back line, returns for a second spell having previously made four senior appearances. The 25-year-old, a product of the Dragons Academy, also impressed with Newport RFC, scoring five tries in 13 appearances last season. Head Coach Filo Tiatia said: 'Both Jac and David have performed well in the Super Rygbi Cymru and commanded an opportunity. 'It's great to see Super Rygbi Cymru working in that way, providing a showcase for players to feed into the next level. 'Jac is a talented young fly half and while David has had previous injury issues, he's got his body right and he gives depth to our back line. 'Both players know what it takes in a professional environment and are eager to grab the chance when it comes.' Backs Coach Matt O'Brien added: 'Both players have had good seasons at Newport RFC and give us depth across positions that we need in the squad. 'Jac and David have strong skills sets, bring a point of difference, and want to grasp this opportunity and make the step up over the coming years. 'It's important that they keep playing on a regular basis and continue their development in our environment.' Wales captain 'upset' by decision Wales Women's star Hannah Jones was upset by the decision to remove her as captain ahead of the summer tour to Australia and Rugby World Cup but has responded well. Jones has been replaced by new co-skippers Alex Callender and Kate Williams after boss Sean Lynn decided to make a bold decision. Lynn believed the captaincy was weighing Jones down after a difficult period on and off the pitch and was keen to change the culture in the squad. He said: "She was upset but she knew it was my decision and her response has been brilliant in training, going above and beyond. "I'm hoping we will see a different Hannah and I want her to lead the way she can lead on the pitch. "We had a chat after the Six Nations, some good honest conversations, and I just felt I didn't see a Hannah I saw in Gloucester-Hartpury. "She's gone through some tough times as captain and I can't fault what she's done. "She was very professional about it; she just said, 'whatever's right for the team, I will do'." Jones has spoken about being removed as captain on social media, saying: "Being captain was one of the greatest honours of my career I'm proud of that chapter, every messy, brilliant, brutal bit of it. "I've always worked hard. That didn't start when I became captain and it didn't stop when it (the captaincy) was removed. Environments change. My standards never have." England set high bar By PA Sport Staff Joe Heyes admitted England have set a high bar after largely nullifying Argentina's attacking threat over the weekend. Despite the absence of 13 players who are on the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia, England started their summer schedule with an impressive 35-12 win over the Pumas in La Plata on Saturday. They managed to keep Argentina at bay when they were down to 13 men at one point, with Alex Coles and debutant Seb Atkinson sin-binned, and restricted the hosts to just two tries as England ran in five. 'Everyone stepped up really well and the defence was something that we could be really, really proud of,' Leicester tighthead Heyes told BBC Sport. 'That's our standard now.' But Heyes expects Argentina, who defeated the Lions 28-24 in Dublin just over a fortnight ago, to come back even stronger in Saturday's second and final Test at the Estadio San Juan del Bicentenario. 'I am fully, fully expecting a massive response from Argentina,' he added. 'The only thing we can do is make sure we're in the right spot to do the same as we did last Saturday. We're ready for it. Article continues below 'If we do go on and have the success we want to have on this tour, then I think some of the memories we'll make for everyone – especially these younger guys – will stay with us forever.'
South Wales Argus
05-07-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
SRC: Joe Franchi to captain Ebbw Vale in bid for silverware
Ebbw had a strong campaign in which they lost the Super Rygbi Cymru final to Newport and the SRC Cup final to Llandovery. They will hope to use those experiences to win silverware in the coming campaign and if they do then hooker Franchi will lift it aloft. Head coach Jason Strange has confirmed that the stalwart will continue as club captain. 'It goes without saying it's a huge honour to captain my hometown club for another year," said Franchi. "The boys were a pleasure to captain last year, and our togetherness showed with us reaching two finals and keeping the SRC Shield for practically the whole season. "We've managed to retain a lot of the players from last season and I know 'Chippy' [Strange] has already started to strengthen us in key positions, which is very exciting for the coming season. I'm looking forward to getting back to work with the boys.' Franchi, whose twin Dom plays in midfield for the club, passed 200 Ebbw appearances last season. The hooker went over for a remarkable 25 tries and his exploits around the park led to him being named as the Clive Burgess Man of Steel and the Ebbw Addicts player of the year. Ebbw will defend the SRC Challenger Shield in the coming campaign after claiming it at Llandovery last October and then holding onto it throughout the regular season. The Steelmen host Aberavon on the first weekend of the season on September 14 and then head to Cardiff for an early cracker. That is followed by back-to-back games with Llandovery in a testing first month of the campaign.
South Wales Argus
03-07-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Ciner Glass UK extends sponsorship of Ebbw Vale RFC
The company supports the Steelmen's first team, junior academy and holds naming rights to the Ciner Glass Community Stadium, formerly Eugene Cross Park. They have backed Ebbw Vale, who were runners-up in Super Rygbi Cymru last season, since 2021. Didem Ciner, chairman of CiNER Glass, said: "We are delighted to continue our partnership with Ebbw Vale Rugby Club for another year. "The club holds a special place in the community, and we are proud to support its ambitions both on and off the pitch. "We look forward to another exciting season and to seeing the club continue to thrive." The sponsorship will remain on the front of the club's green, red and white jerseys for the 2025/26 season, covering both first team and age-grade squads. Jonathan Jones, chairman of Ebbw Vale, said: "We are incredibly grateful to CiNER Glass for their continued support. "Their sponsorship has been instrumental in helping us grow and strengthen the club over the past few years. "This renewed commitment gives us great confidence as we look ahead to the new season."
