Latest news with #Walians
Wales Online
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
Wales stars combine for superb length-of-field try as match on knife-edge
Wales stars combine for superb length-of-field try as match on knife-edge Not even Jordie Barrett could catch Blair Murray as the Scarlets man raced away to score at the Aviva Stadium This was the moment Ellis Mee launched Scarlets' attack. (Image: BBC ) Wales internationals Ellis Mee and Blair Murray combined for a superb length-of-the-field try against Leinster, using remarkable footballing skill and speed to score. The Scarlets duo were lining up against the Dublin province in the quarter-finals of the United Rugby Championship, with the match being held at the Aviva Stadium. And despite being huge underdogs against the league-topping Irish heavyweights, Scarlets matched their opponents in the first half, going into the sheds at half-time just one point behind them. The try that closed the gap for Scarlets came just shy of the whistle, with Leinster initially deep inside Welsh territory. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. Deciding to spread it wide, Leinster fluffed their lines, with a bouncing ball the result of their error. Winger Mee spotted the danger and thumped the ball towards up field. Four players surged after the ball - Mee, Murray, Jordie Barrett and Sam Prendergast. Another kick forward from Mee into empty territory saw Murray stick on the afterburners and squeeze to the front of the pack. With Barrett at his heels, Murray used exemplary footballing skill to touch the ball twice towards the try line, and dotting down to complete a superb score. You can watch the clip below. Content cannot be displayed without consent The drama wasn't over just yet, with the TMO wanting to check the grounding of the ball even after Sam Costelow's conversion was taken. Luckily for the Scarlets, the try was good. You can follow live updates here. Leinster named a star-studded side to face the west Walians, with the likes of Barrett and RG Snyman in the matchday 23. A total of 12 Leinster players have been selected to face Australia for the British and Irish Lions this summer, and Scarlets were going up against many of these stars, but held their own in the opening 40 minutes. Try-scorer Murray had been tipped as a potential Lions bolter, and had he done so, he would have been the only Scarlet in the touring squad. Article continues below While he may have missed his chance for now, injuries happen on tour and he may be called upon later down the line. The New Zealand-born back three player has been a breath of fresh air in a bleak period for Welsh rugby, with some solid performances in the Six Nations.
Wales Online
a day ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
Leinster v Scarlets team news for huge URC quarter-final as Peel makes selection decision
Leinster v Scarlets team news for huge URC quarter-final as Peel makes selection decision Dwayne Peel has gone for continuity in selection for the date in Dublin It's a youthful Scarlets outfit, with Johnny Williams (centre) being the oldest player in the starting backs at 28. (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd ) Scarlets have named their team to face Leinster tomorrow afternoon. The two teams clash in the United Rugby Championship quarter-finals this weekend, after Scarlets secured the last play-off place in the final round of regular season action. Dwayne Peel has opted for exactly the same XV that played Sharks on May 17. They lost 12-3 at Kings Park but had already qualified at that stage. The back three is comprised of Wales internationals Blair Murray, Ellis Mee and Tom Rogers, with fellow internationals Joe Roberts and Johnny Williams linking up in the centres. Wales star Sam Costelow continues at fly-half and his half-back partner is 22-year-old Archie Hughes. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. Josh Macleod skippers the side from openside flanker and is joined by Taine Plumtree and Vaea Fifita in the back row. Alec Hepburn, Ryan Elias and Henry Thomas make up the front row, with Sam Lousi and Alex Craig packing down in the boiler house behind them. There is plenty of firepower on the bench, with Ioan Lloyd and Macs Page providing X-factor cover for the backline. Should Sam Wainwright come off the bench, he will make his 50th appearance for the west Walians. Star signing Marnus van der Merwe also provides support at hooker for Elias. "We have worked hard to get to the play-offs, now we have to embrace it, we have to make the most of it now we're here," explained Peel. "There is no greater task in club rugby than going to Dublin, but we're looking forward to it. "We won't shy away from it. We are confident in our own ability and we know we are going to have to be at our very, very best. "It is going to be a great occasion, it will be a new experience for a lot of our boys - we are going to have to be brave, we are going to have to be accurate and we are going to have to try and put our stamp on our game, play the Scarlets way." Leinster have a stacked match day 23 to face Scarlets, with All Blacks superstar Jordie Barrett lining up at inside centre alongside a whole host of Ireland stars. RG Snyman will make an impact off the bench with Dan Sheehan providing cover at hooker. Leinster XV: Hugo Keenan, Jimmy O'Brien, Jamie Osborne, Jordie Barrett, James Lowe, Sam Prendergast, Jamison Gibson-Park; Andrew Porter, Rónan Kelleher, Thomas Clarkson, Joe McCarthy, James Ryan, Ryan Baird, Josh van der Flier, Jack Conan. Replacements: Dan Sheehan, Jack Boyle, Rabah Slimani, RG Snyman, Max Deegan, Scott Penny, Luke McGrath, Ciarán Frawley. Scarlets XV: Blair Murray; Tom Rogers, Joe Roberts, Johnny Williams, Ellis Mee; Sam Costelow, Archie Hughes; Alec Hepburn, Ryan Elias, Henry Thomas, Alex Craig, Sam Lousi, Vaea Fifita, Josh Macleod (C), Taine Plumtree. Replacements: Marnus van der Merwe, Kemsley Mathias, Sam Wainwright, Dan Davis, Jarrod Taylor, Efan Jones, Ioan Lloyd, Macs Page. Article continues below Kick-off: 3pm, Saturday, May 31.
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
The Welsh rugby team sending a clear message to the WRU after all that's gone on
The Welsh rugby team sending a clear message to the WRU after all that's gone on The Scarlets are taking on Leinster in the URC play-offs this weekend Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel with his players (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency ) Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel says that his side can strengthen their position with a run in the United Rugby Championship play-offs amid all the uncertainty off the field in Welsh rugby. The west Walians are the only Welsh side in the URC play-offs, with a match against Leinster in Dublin this weekend. However, their run to the play-offs have been overshadowed by off-field events - with the Scarlets one of two teams, along with the Ospreys, not to have signed the new Professional Rugby Agreement. That has seen the Welsh Rugby Union begin the process to implement the two-year option on the existing PRA, putting the futures of the two west Wales teams at risk. However, as the Scarlets - back in the play-offs for the first time since reaching the final in 2018 - head to Ireland, Peel says the players haven't been too concerned about what has been going on in boardrooms. "I think within these four walls obviously, it's not really overshadowed it," said Peel. "I think that, for ourselves, we focus a lot on the rugby. Conversations have been happening here as well above our heads and we're up to date and up to speed with everything that's been going on. "But we've concentrated on the game in hand. For ourselves and the region as a whole, I think it's a great week to be part of." Should Welsh rugby find itself in the position where four teams does go down to three, a number of different factors will likely decide who goes. Quite simply, with the two west Wales clubs on a different financial agreement to Cardiff and Dragons, merely who is able to survive the coming years could determine it. But, were it to come down to looking at the four sides equally, the fact that the Scarlets are the only team in the play-offs could, in theory, count for something. "Yes, I suppose there is an argument for that," admitted Peel. "I think that there's a lot of things that will come into that meritocracy argument, I'm sure. "For us, we're a proud region and rugby means a lot to the people of our community. And I think that if there's anything that we can do to improve our argument - to highlight it - that is performing on the field. "That undoubtedly carries weight. It's about us representing this great club and region, really doing it to the best of our ability, and putting our best foot forward. "That's all we can do as staff and players. For me, that has always been a big part of of our culture. That has always been a big part of why we play the game here. "For me, it was a big part of why I wanted to come back. I've I loved it as a player and I've loved being part of it as a coach as well. "So I think that it's about representing this region to the best of our ability. "If we can go as far as we can in this competition, then that highlights what it means to us as a group, and what it means to our fanbase and stakeholders." Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. On whether on-field success should carry the most weight when it comes to deciding teams' fates, Peel added: "I can only speak from my perspective and I always want to be here as a successful rugby team. "I think that everything that carries off the back of that – the decisions – they are out of my hands. "All I can do, all we can do as a group, is put our best foot forward. "By us being successful, by us winning rugby games, that's the only currency we have as rugby players and rugby coaches." As for how the current situation would affect Peel in terms of building towards next season, the former Wales scrum-half was fairly relaxed as he kept his focus on the Irish province. "I think that those type of things will play out over the next couple of weeks and all we can do is concentrate on the here and now," he said. "The reality is that there are conversations going on above our heads at the minute and I know we're up to speed with everything. We have in our board to do the best best by this region. Article continues below "I think that all we can do as a group of players now is to continue playing as hard as we can and the other things will fall into place off the back of it. "As a group of players, we have an exciting weekend for us and the supporters. The board are obviously working hard on in the background."
Wales Online
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
The 37 Welsh club players now confirmed to be leaving their regions this summer
The 37 Welsh club players now confirmed to be leaving their regions this summer All departures have now been officially confirmed by Welsh clubs. Back-row star Taine Basham is switching regions. (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd ) With the regular season wrapped up for many sides, business has been done ahead of the next campaign. All four Welsh regions have now confirmed who will be leaving their club for pastures new, with many Wales internationals operating on new turf next season. Of course, Scarlets are still going, having qualified for the United Rugby Championship play-offs but the west Walians face the tough task of Leinster at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, May 31. Cardiff and Dragons have exchanged some players, with a high number of departures at Rodney Parade in particular. Ospreys have the fewest outgoings and have retained much of their squad, despite losing some important individuals. Here's every departing player in Welsh rugby. Scarlets Dwayne Peel's side have announced some exciting new signings in former star Jake Ball and rising talent Joe Hawkins, but with new signatures comes the exit door for many at the club. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. Article continues below Steff Evans, one of the leading try-scorers in URC history, will be moving on at the end of the season, although his new club has not yet been confirmed. Ioan Lloyd is heading to his hometown club in the capital, and will compete with Callum Sheedy for the 10 jersey at Cardiff following a two-year spell at the Scarlets. Second row Alex Craig is pursuing his international ambitions with Scotland, and will be linking up with Glasgow Warriors next season. Steff Evans Shaun Evans Ioan Lloyd Alex Craig Charlie Titcombe Efan Jones Ed Scragg Ospreys Ospreys are losing a huge amount of experience despite just four players leaving. Wales lock Adam Beard is heading for pastures new, with Montpellier reportedly securing his services for the foreseeable. Justin Tipuric calls time on a sensational career at the elite level of the game, and will now move into a first-team coaching role under Mark Jones where he will take charge of the defence. Experienced fly-half Owen Williams is reportedly heading over to France to join Stade Nicois. Adam Beard Tristan Davies Justin Tipuric Owen Williams Cardiff Like Ospreys, Cardiff are losing a significant amount of experience. Club legend Rey Lee-Lo leaves the region, and was given a special recognition award at the club's end-of-season 'do. Despite showing promise as a potential Test match star with Wales, Gabriel Hamer-Webb is moving on after a fine period with the Blue and Blacks and is expected to join English giants Leicester Tigers. Regan Grace has been released and has teased the idea of switching codes back to league following an injury-hit spell in the 15-a-side game. Tinus de Beer, Seb Davies and Thomas Young are all moving to Dragons, with Efan Daniel reportedly heading for the with Ospreys. Rey Lee-Lo Thomas Young Regan Grace Gwilym Bradley Gabriel Hamer-Webb Seb Davies Tinus de Beer Efan Daniel Rhys Litterick Dragons After linking up with the squad mid-season, Dragons have decided not to offer Wales international Scott Williams a new deal. Following yet another abysmal campaign, the east Walian club have made a whole host of new signings ahead of next season in a hope to revive their fortunes. With this comes a flurry of outgoings. Taine Basham is swapping Rodney Parade for the Arms Park, with Thomas Young likely to fill his place. After 12 years in Newport, Ashton Hewitt leaves the club at 30. Article continues below Dane Blacker is heading back to Scarlets, while Wales icon Dan Lydiate has decided to hang up his boots.
Wales Online
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
The likely Wales team that will now be picked to play Japan after squad announced
The likely Wales team that will now be picked to play Japan after squad announced Wales will tour Japan this summer Sam Costelow of Wales (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency ) Matt Sherratt named his 33-man Wales squad to tour Japan yesterday as the men in red look to put an end to a wretched 17 Test matches without a victory. The interim head coach is without a handful of players either due to the British & Irish Lions tour or injury but has selected a squad he thinks can beat Japan. Here is the matchday squad Sherratt is likely to select for the first Test. 15. Blair Murray The Scarlets man is one of the only bright sparks to have come out of a horrible season for Wales. Murray is a devastating attacking full back with tremendous footwork, a wicked turn of pace and is a good finisher. His defence has also improved dramatically as the season has wore on. Cam Winnett will push hard but Murray has that extra bit of attacking X-factor and cutting edge in attack. Article continues below 14. Tom Rogers The 26-year-old is another player who has risen above the mediocrity to have a decent season. Rogers is a dangerous broken field runner and a good finisher while he is also excellent under the high ball. The Scarlets wing should thrive on the hard grounds of Japan this summer. 13. Joe Roberts Given Max Llewellyn has not been selected Roberts is the clear front runner to wear the number 13 shirt in the first Test in Kitakyushu. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. Roberts took some time to get back to his best after missing most of last season with a serious knee injury but has been playing well in recent weeks. The Scarlets centre is an attacking threat who has a habit of ghosting past defenders while he is also strong in defence. 12. Ben Thomas This was a really close call between Thomas and Scarlets centre Johnny Williams who has been in top form for the west Walians. There is a strong argument to go for explosive ball carrier Williams given his successful combination with Roberts at club level but Thomas gets the nod by the skin of his teeth. Experience wins the day here and the fact Thomas fits into the expansive style of rugby Sherratt will likely want to adopt in Japan this summer, along with his kicking game. 11. Josh Adams The Cardiff wing is perhaps not the player he was four years ago when he toured South Africa with the Lions, mainly due to injury. But he arguably remains Wales' best wing and his experience will be important this summer. Adams needs to recapture his best form on the international stage. 10. Sam Costelow This is a tight call between Costelow and in-form Ospreys playmaker Dan Edwards but the Scarlets man's experience wins the nod. Costelow was outstanding for the Scarlets in South Africa recently, especially in the victory over the Lions in Johannesburg. The 24-year-old has had a rough ride in recent years but he has always been very highly regarded by those within the game and looks back to his best. His kicking out of hand and at the posts has been excellent in South Africa while he provides a running threat and is brave in defence. 9. Kieran Hardy The 29-year-old is arguably in the best form of his career and will have a point to prove after getting left out of the Six Nations squad. Hardy has been outstanding for the Ospreys in recent months and is the clear favourite to start both Tests in Japan. His speed of service and box kicking are high quality but he is also far more of a threat with ball in hand than he once was. 8. Taulupe Faletau This is no development tour, as is evidenced by the fact Sherratt has opted to take the 34-year-old Faletau. The Cardiff No 8 has been plagued by injuries over the last couple of seasons but has hit form over the past couple of months. Wales will need their experienced players to take a lead in Japan this summer and Faletau will be key for Sherratt's side. Faletau will also want to stay fit just in case injuries arise in Australia and the Lions are in need of reinforcements. 7. Tommy Reffell With Jac Morgan away with the Lions, one would expect Reffell to start both Tests in the seven jersey. The Leicester Tigers back rower is very good at the breakdown and typically gets through a mountain of work defensively. Wales will need Reffell to slow down the speed of Japan's ruck ball to prevent a dangerous backline from getting on the front foot. 6. Aaron Wainwright If you were to pick the backrow purely on form then there's an argument that Taine Plumtree should wear the number six shirt after an outstanding couple of months for the Scarlets but Wainwright's experience edges this contest. Wales may have lost their previous 17 Test matches but more often than not Wainwright has risen above the mediocrity. Join WalesOnline Rugby's WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free Sherratt will need the 27-year-old to carry hard and will want to get the ball in his hands as much as possible in the wide channels. 5. Teddy Williams The 24-year-old is currently in a rich vein of form and has been consistently excellent for Cardiff this season. Williams is an athletic second-row with a big engine and is an outstanding lineout forward. The big question mark with regards Williams in the Test arena has been whether he has the physicality to make an impact against the biggest packs in world rugby such as South Africa, England, Ireland or France. That remains to be seen but he deserves an opportunity and will suit the way Sherratt wants to play down to the ground in Japan. 4. James Ratti The Ospreys man should complement Teddy Williams well in the boiler house and at 120kg and 6ft 5 inches he clearly has the size to make an impact at his level. Ratti has been an unsung hero for the Ospreys for the past couple of seasons and is the type of player to do the unseen donkey work which allows others to thrive. The 27-year-old deserves an opportunity to show what he can do at this level and just edges out Ben Carter. 3. Archie Griffin Tighthead prop is an area of grave concern in Welsh rugby but Sherratt will be glad to see Griffin fit and firing again. The 23-year-old made a sensational debut for Wales in the first Test against the Wallabies last summer putting in a phenomenal 26 tackles, the sort of statistic a backrower would be proud of. Griffin is also an explosive carrier and gets through a mountain of work around the park. His scrummaging is a work in progress but he did give the much vaunted Australian loosehead Angus Bell a tuning against Australia last November. 2. Dewi Lake The 26-year-old will undoubtedly be very disappointed to have missed out on the Lions tour but he will be chomping at the bit to impress for Wales in Japan. Lake is an inspirational leader and brings so much power to the Wales front-row. The Ospreys man is a very powerful carrier, while he is also very good at the breakdown. Lake will be a key player for Wales this summer. 1. Nicky Smith The likelihood is Smith missed out to Scotland's Pierre Schoeman when it came to Lions selection and probably paid the price for Wales' dismal showing this season, even if his form was good. Smith has been outstanding for Leicester Tigers since leaving the Ospreys and is one of the most destructive scrummaging looseheads in European rugby. The 31-year-old could give Japan a torrid time at the set-piece. Replacements 16. Elliot Dee The Dragons hooker did a decent job for Wales during the Six Nations and of all the hookers in Welsh rugby's his darts are the most accurate. 17. Gareth Thomas The Ospreys man is an underrated player who gets through a lot of work and is a strong scrummager. 18. Keiron Assiratti The 27-year-old is an excellent technical scrummager who will have a big part to play but Griffin is likely to start. 19. Freddie Thomas The 23-year-old has been playing well for Gloucester and is a very athletic forward who could suit Wales in Japan. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here. 20. Taine Plumtree Plumtree has cut out the silly penalties and has been outstanding for the Scarlets over the past month and his athleticism will be valuable in Japan. 21. Reuben Morgan-Williams A first Wales cap has been a long time coming for the 27-year-old who has been a beacon of consistency for the Ospreys in recent seasons. A big threat will ball in hand. 22. Dan Edwards Article continues below It's a really tight call between Edwards and Costelow for the number 10 shirt. Edwards will be a key player for Wales this summer and has a big future ahead. 23. Macs Page The 20-year-old is one of the best prospects in Welsh rugby and is pure X-factor. A player to get excited about.
