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Nostalgia

Clearing out the attic during the summer? You’re bound to come across some old pictures or programmes from byegone days. If you don’t mind sharing them in a future issue, please email them to [email protected] (if you’re able to scan them) or telephone 07713 514375 to discuss further

Gary Email: [email protected] Telephone: 07713 514 375

@ovalzonerugby RGC win plate at Chester 7’s RGC NEWS

RGC finished their time on the Summer 7s Circuit by winning the Plate Competition at the Chester 7s Tournament. THINKING OF GOING TO FOR THE FOSTERS A tough group saw them start by beating the ‘ Goats ‘ before losing both their next SEVENS? 2 games against the Akuma Exiles & Red Panda. The RGC Supporters Club are running a bus (leaving Winning their final game against Northum- Eirias at 8am) bria University meant a semi-final against Old Ellesmerians. Please ring Phil Williams on Narrowly edging a scrappy game meant 07773979910 to book your facing Barbados in the Plate Final. Here seat or for further details. the young North Walians produced by far their best performance of the day as they ran out 33 points to nil victors.

All in all a very satisfactory end to what has been a very satisfactory Summer. Pre-Season Positives Next week sees the start of pre-season With preseason well under way training in preparation for what promises to be another hard (and hopefully suc- RGC News caught up with cessful) season in the Championship but Academy and Senior Strength Sam Dodge - WRU Biog before the latter commences in September and Conditioner, Sam Dodge there will be one final 7s outing at the Sam graduated from UWIC in 2011 Fosters National 7s Competition at Cardiff The Academy Boys have been back with after studying BSc Sports Condition- Arms Park. us since the start of June and are having ing and Rehabilitation. He is current- 8 sessions a week for the next couple of ly studying MPhil research program months. We are working on all aspects specifically in the field of strength including resistance, fitness and injury and conditioning. prevention. Previously he was with We are also implementing the new Academy where he was attached Strength and Conditioning procedures for with the regional championship win- the senior side over the coming weeks. It ning Under 18s side in 2010/2011. is an important time for us, especially with all the traveling and games during the sea- In 2011 he was Assistant Strength & Conditioning coach with the Wales Season Tickets are now available from son this is the chance we have to physi- Under 18s squad. Other roles Colwyn Bay Leisure Centre. You can cally up-skill the players. include lead Strength & Conditioning watch all the home games for £50 or £30 coach with the Welsh Judo Com- concessions. With the Academy players we are looking for that constant development with the monwealth Games Squad and Welsh Tennis High Performance Network. RGC had a great response last season for high training volume in preparation for the season tickets so don’t miss out this year senior sides. as they look to build on what they did on the pitch last season. We have just tested the Academy players and the results are positive with improve- Colwyn Bay Leisure Centre - 01492 ments in size, speed and fitness. I am 577900 to reserve your ticket. working Mark Lewin on the senior side training, and we will be introducing the new testing with them over the next few RGC announce two weeks. Friday night friendlies for August The regional side, RGC, have announced the dates of a couple of Friday night friendlies in August.

RGC will play Bethesda at Eirias on August 15th and Chester away on August 29th with further friendlies to be an- nounced. RGC NEWS

Foster’s Sevens champions Pontypridd everyone else to aim for, and some of Bedwas’ Matthew John added: “We won will play Cross Keys in the opening round their players like Alex Webber and Adam the plate last year, the boys played really of this year’s tournament. Report by Liz Thomas were key Wales Sevens players well, hopefully we can continue that suc- Jones during the season. cess. It was great winning the plate but hopefully this time we can qualify for the Foster’s National Sevens draw - big first “There is no doubt the standard is going knock-out rounds of the main competition. game for RGC to be higher this season and a lot of clubs Hopefully we can take advantage of the will put a lot of emphasis into their prepa- Welsh Students’ youth and lack of experi- Foster’s Sevens champions Pontypridd ration for this event this year. ence and go from there but they will be fit, will play Cross Keys in the opening round that’s for sure. of this year’s tournament, which will be “We know that the likes of Alex Cuth- held at the BT Sport on bert and cut their teeth on “This tournament is ideal for people who Sunday 24 August. the sevens circuit and this tournament want to go higher in rugby and it’s a great provides an opportunity for new talent to shop window for those who want to play Runners-up Llandovery face Cardiff in come to the top.” more sevens in the future as well. It’s a Round 1, while semi-finalists Aberavon good way to get your name out there for and RGC 1404 play Newport and Sevens winner Lee the season to come.” respectively. Beach, who has joined Neath from New- port, is looking forward to the challenge. Tickets are on sale now for the day long Bedwas, who lifted the Plate at the event at just £10 for adults, £5 for Under inaugural event last summer, have drawn “Sevens is a fantastic way to develop 16s and £20 for a family ticket (2 adults, 2 Welsh Students. players and we have a lot of youngsters children). To purchase tickets, go to www. in our squad so it will be good to see how wru.co.uk/fosterssevens or call 0333 321 The rest of the draw sees newcomers they get on. We have drawn Carmarthen 9989 (Ticketmaster) or 02920 230130 Cardiff Met play SWALEC Championship Quins who have a number of experienced (Ticketline). winners Ebbw Vale, Bridgend face fellow Sevens players in their ranks and I for one club and Neath play hope I won’t have to face my former world Tickets are also available to personal Carmarthen Quins. cup team mate Lee Williams on the day! callers from the WRU shop, 8 Westgate Street, from Ticketline, 47 Westgate Street Elliot Jones, of Cross Keys said, “We “Sevens is a great spectator sport - some and from participant clubs. lost twice to Pontypridd at the end of last of the IRB tournaments like Hong Kong year, in the Cup final and the Play-Off final and Wellington are amazing tournaments and they will be tough opponents here as to be part of - and hopefully more and e champions. However, we want to prepare Welsh supporters will see that and get well and have a good crack at this. behind this event again this year.”

“Although we are probablly better known for our driving line-out, we have some talented backs too and everything is set up for a great day out for all involved, the fans included.”

WRU National Performance Manager Gethin Watts said, “Last year’s first event was very successful, and everything is in place to grow the tournament from here.

“There are several objectives of the Fos- ter’s Sevens. There are the obvious rugby benefits of showcasing more talent, raising awareness and the profile of sevens; but it’s also a day of celebration for the clubs, a great way to kick off the season for the teams and the fans and a chance for eve- ryone to see the new talents associated with the clubs and a carnival of rugby for everyone to enjoy.

“Pontypridd were the flag bearers last year, they really laid down a marker for The Captains/Vice Captains for the 1st & 2nd Team for the 2014/15 season are as follows:

1st Team: Captain - Matt Hulse Vice Captain - David Haydock

2nd Team: Captain - Dugie Gemmill Vice Captain - David Roberts Prop Cai Griffiths the side to it’s highest league finish in returns to Ospreys The Club would like to thank out the Clubs history. going Captain Dan Jones for all his from Welsh hard work over the past two seasons, Also departing his official role as Vice during which he lead the 1st Team to Captain is Geraint Madoc-Jones, Prop Cai Griffiths has returned to Ospreys promotion into SWALEC Division 1 a stalwart of the Club Geraint will after being released by Aviva Premiership North. always be a leader on and off the club London Welsh. Report: BBC Wales. field. We count ourselves lucky to Picture: Getty Images He also skippered the side to win the have such experienced, dependable The 30-year-old Bangor-born tight-head North Wales Intermediate Cup and players within our ranks at made 123 appearances in two previous during the 2013/14 season captained Dinbych. stints at Liberty Stadium.

He joined in August 2012, but was back in Swansea on loan six months later before spending 2013-14 with the Exiles.

Griffiths, who helped London Welsh to return to English rugby’s top flight, is Os- preys’ sixth summer signing.

Centre Josh Matavesi joined from Worces- ter and full-back left Newport Gwent for the Liberty Stadium.

Lock Rynier Bernardo has been recruited from South African side Eastern Province Kings, along with hooker from Dragons and loose-head prop from Carmarthen Quins.

The Captains/Vice Captains for the 1st & 2nd XV for the 2014/15 season are as follows:

1st Team Captain - Joe Lavin 1st Team Vice Captain - Ashley Tilley

2nd Team Captain - Sparky Jones Davies 2nd Team Vice Captain - Mike Jones

We wish those selected all the very best for the upcoming season!

Pre-Season training started on Tues- day 1st July New Participation Points WRU scheme unveiled by WRU NEWS A new £750,000 scheme to provide free certain it will make a real difference to equipment amongst the community rugby their ability to deliver their specific rugby clubs of Wales has been unveiled by the needs.” Welsh . The principal issues raised then by clubs WRU Chairman, David Pickering, added: were the distances travelled to fulfil fix- Thousands of items ranging from playing “This scheme is a great means of giving tures and the related costs. kit to scrummaging machines will be on clubs a range of equipment which will offer to reward the most active clubs with dramatically improve the ability of all their Contrary views related to the new struc- direct help. teams to play and train efficiently. ture were expressed after the original “We have said we want to keep listening decision to adopt the new format was The one-off Participation Points scheme to our clubs on a range of issues and this communicated to clubs in 2013. will reward clubs with points based on set scheme is a clear example of how the criteria which they can then exchange for WRU engages with the real needs of our At the recent EGM it was agreed that a goods. members in a very practical way. ballot should take place and its findings put before the WRU Board before any de- The WRU is preparing a brochure which “Overall this scheme will deliver direct cision to confirm the adoption of the new will show clubs what equipment is on offer rugby benefits to the game in Wales and league was taken. and detail the number of points needed to can only help improve standards from the claim specific items. junior to the senior level in our clubs.

Over the summer clubs will be advised “We all know the challenges faced by our how many points they have and they can grassroots clubs so we aimed to direct this decide which items they want to claim money straight back into the areas where under the scheme. it can accomplish most good.”

The catalogue sent to the clubs contains Wales sevens coach Gareth Williams says an order form to be completed with a list his side can create history at the Com- of each product the relevant member club monwealth Games by winning a medal. wants to receive. WRU Statement: have won sevens gold in The number of participation points each new national league every Games since its inception in 1998, club has been awarded is based on crite- without losing a match. In contrast, Wales ria such as the number of teams from U7’s structure have never won a medal - but Williams to senior and women’s sides plus factors believes that with hard work, his team can such as the number of first aiders, match A new national league structure for Welsh change this record. officials and coaches. rugby has been confirmed for next season after a ballot of clubs saw a significant “If we get to a stage where we want to This is the second Participation Points majority vote to adopt the new format. be... we can challenge and create history,” scheme unveiled by the WRU as in 2010 he said. the governing body distributed £1m worth The Board of the of items. formally approved the new plan for the “We’re happy with our selection, we’re SWALEC Leagues after reviewing the really excited about the group we’ve put The aim of the project is to deliver equip- feedback they had called for after the together. ment to clubs which has a direct and issue was debated by clubs at an Extraor- instant impact on their ability to encourage dinary General Meeting. “If we can get everything else right, we more participation at grassroots level. can put ourselves in a position where we At the EGM earlier this month a cross sec- can challenge. The commercial team at the WRU is tion of views had been expressed about negotiating with suppliers to ensure the the new structure which had originally “Within sevens tournaments you grow maximum buying power of the £750,000 is been approved with the details sent out to throughout them and you learn throughout achieved, so that bulk order discounts will clubs in August 2013. them. mean even more equipment on offer. In the ballot 70% of clubs or affiliated “We want to create history and no Welsh The Group Chief Executive of the WRU, organisations responded with votes for team yet has won a medal.” Roger Lewis, said: “We are delighted to be or against and 61% of those voted to ap- able to deliver this £750,000 worth of help prove the new league structure. His thoughts are echoed by Wales captain to the heart of Welsh rugby where it will Adam Thomas, who told BBC Wales that make the biggest impact. The progress of the new league format will it will be “an honour and a privilege” to be monitored throughout season 2014/15 captain Wales in Glasgow. “Our first Participation Points scheme in by a WRU working group and reviewed in 2010 got a fantastic response from clubs May 2015. “I’ve been lucky enough to captain Wales so we are certain this one will be just as last year in the World Cup in Moscow,” well received. An Appeals Panel, with an independent said Thomas, adding: “to captain them and legally qualified chair, is being estab- again in the Commonwealth Games is a “The great thing about the scheme is that lished and is considering appeals from massive honour for myself and my family. it is very simple to take part in and there is individual clubs related to their league no financial cost to the participating clubs. placings in the new structure. “We’ve set ourselves goals, but we just want a medal to be honest. “We have used the experience gained The new leagues were established after from the 2010 Participation Points scheme a working party was set up to review the “If we can get into a position where we can to identify equipment which we know league format following initial feedback pick up a medal, it would be massive for the clubs want and we can therefore be from the WRU Club Census of 2012. us as a team and for Team Wales.” EIRIAS are proud to be offering a new exciting membership to the valued customer in the North/Mid Wales area. The Foundation Membership is a limited offer, with only 200 memberships available. The cost of the membership is £450 and the benefits include:

- A seat in the EIRIAS South Stand permanently named with a name of your choice - Your name will appear on the EIRIAS Foundation Member Board - For a period of 5 years the Foundation Member will be entitled to the following benefits: 1. The opportunity to purchase up to 2 seated tickets per event held at EIRIAS up to one month in advance of general sale 2. 1 free reserved car parking space per event along with early access and priority queu- ing for events 3. Access to member areas for all major events, such as the Wales under 20 internation- als 4. Free entry in prize draws, where the prizes include hospitality packages for two at the , hospitality box for up to 10 guests at RGC games and signed international jerseys EGM pictures: Dai I and Dai II above with delegates from Ruthin, Welshpool, We would like to offer an exciting and potentially profitable partnership with the clubs in Pwllheli and Newtown below. the North/Mid Wales area. As a club we are offering you an opportunity to become one of the Foundation Membership agents.

By doing this your club will receive 10% per membership that we sell as a result of your club. For this to work all we would need is to be contacted by the interested customer and they would need to quote promotional code EFM2014 and the name of the Rugby club. Once we have received the payment off that customer then we would pay you the 10%.

For more information on becoming a Foundation membership agent and the benefits it can bring to your club please contact Richard Orme on 01492 577914 or [email protected]

NWRUC Annual General meeting takes place on Monday, 7th July SENIOR Union Council Annual General Meeting at Conwy Longe, Parc Eirias, Colwyn Bay on Monday 7th July 2014 at 7.00pm PLAYERS 1 Apologies PRE-SEASON 2 To consider and, if approved, confirm the Minutes of the AGM of 2013 3 The report of the Chair to include reports of Sub committees TRAINING 4 The Balance Sheet and Accounts for the 12 months ended 31st May 2014 5 Election of officers and sub committee chairmen Wrexham RFC invite all current and pro- 6 The appointment of Auditors spective new players to attend pre-season training in readiness for the challenge of North Wales Division Two.

Pre-season friendlies Thursday night at Wrexham RFC with a 6.45pm prompt start until 8.30pm Fri, Aug 15 RGC v Bethesda Sat, Aug 16 Oswestry v Welshpool Thur, Aug 21 Shrewsbury v COBRA Sat,. Aug 23 Telford v Welshpool Fri, Aug 29 Chester v RGC Sat, Aug 30 COBRA v Oswestry

If you have any pre-season friendlies arranged, please email the details to [email protected] for inclusion on the NWRUC and Oval Zone websites.

www.nwru.co.uk and www.ovalzone.co.uk FEATURE: 50 CAPS FOR WALES

Elen Evans joined a select group when she earned her 50th cap for Wales Women when Rhys Edwards’ side tackled USA at Pandy Park in ELEN EVANS Cross Keys last weekend. Evans enjoyed the challenge against The match was a warm-up for both USA and got the touch afternoon she sides as they began preparations for was expecting at the coalface. next month’s Women’s Rugby World Cup being staged in . And while most players reaching the 50-mark would have been shouting it Elen became the first back in the from the roof tops, Evans is of a dif- current Welsh squad to reach the half ferent ilk and played it low key. When century mark and follows prop Catrin asked what it meant to reach the Edwards and flanker Catrina Nicholas magical 50 mark, she replied: “Every- as the most recent additions to the one keeps asking me that. landmark. “Yes, reaching 50 was a special mo- Nicholas and Edwards reached their ment but I just want to make sure milestone during the Six Nations I have that 13 jersey for the World campaign which leaves Jenny Dav- Cup.” ies, who plays her club rugby along- side Evans at Waterloo, as the most That one reply sums up the tenacious capped player in the squad with 65 and unflinching spirit coursing through caps. the veins of Elen Evans.

Since making her debut against Congratuations Elen on your half in 2004, fewer players have century, you’re a credit to the game made bigger sacrifices to represent and best of luck in the World Cup. their country. Evans lives and works in Dolgellau and faces up to six hours in the car for every return trip to and The Service Advisor from Dolgellau returned to the interna- from training sessions and matches. tional fold in 2010 after a brief spell away from the game.

She will have got out of bed at 5am She can play either as a centre or wing. Speed obviously last Saturday to drive to Wales’ base runs through the family as her uncle is Gwyndaf Evans, in the Vale of Glamorgan to meet up one of Wales’s best rally drivers in recent history. with the rest of the squad before they travelled onwards to Cross Keys for Evans joined a select few when she raced over for a hat the game. trick of tries against in the 2011 . She finished the campaign with four tries to finish with 20 points - the squad’s highest scorer of the And despite being one of the first championship. names inked in on Edwards’ team sheet, Evans still takes nothing for In the 2014 Six Nations championship the Dolgellau-based granted, even after 49 games for Evans showed her versatility by playing centre, winger Wales. She is at home either at centre then full-back in consecutive games against Ireland, or on the wing and has also played full France and . back for her country.

“The fact the warm-up game for the Women’s World Cup against USA was capped put an added edge to the game but I would like to think I go out and give my best every time I put the shirt on - capped game or not.

“It’s extra special to play in a shirt with three feathers on it. Every game is important and every time we begin singing the anthem emotions run high,” said the 28-year-old.

Standing at just 5ft 3in and tipping the scales at 68kgs, she isn’t the biggest player at international level but she is never afraid to put her body on the line for her country. TY Report by BARRY WILLIAMS

game are massive, and the IRB should be These sides won’t ever progress into working hard to make sure that more of genuine threats unless they are exposed the big names have to work for their spot, to top-level competition regularly. As far rather than showing up every four years back as 1987, were telling people that as their right. they would only improve if people came to play them, and yet that still doesn’t As much as it pains me to say it, we happen. Perhaps the top nations just don’t should be following the lead of soccer, want the threat to their positions? After Are we all looking forward to the World and only guaranteeing qualification to the all, we struggle to beat the Pacific Island Cup yet? 18 of the 20 teams are con- hosts and the previous winners. Make nations now, imagine if they were actually firmed, with only a Play-Off Winner and an everyone else earn their spot. given a fair crack at things! African qualifier to go, and it’s all to play for in the Pool stages. Or so those promot- I know, I know – in the short term, it’s not Rugby union can’t ever be a global game ing the event would like us all to think. going to affect who actually qualifies for with only a dozen strong nations, and the tournament, as the strength in depth eventually, people will tire of seeing the The reality is, of those 20 nations who will just isn’t there for any genuine shocks at same teams year after year. Look at how make it to the finals, only five enter with this point, but if we ever want the pos- crowds have diminished for the visits any genuine uncertainty as to where they sibility of seeing , Tonga, USA or of and South Africa to Cardiff will likely end up – Australia, England and Japan becoming real forces with a chance – there’s no novelty value anymore, and Wales in Pool A, Samoa and Scotland in of progressing past the group stages, it you know if you miss them this time, they’ll Pool B. has to happen. be back soon enough. The only reason the All Blacks still pack the place out is New Zealand and will be the The problem, in a nutshell, is that the because everyone wants to be there when likely qualifiers from Pool C, with France Tier 1 nations have absolved themselves we finally beat them. and Ireland favourites from Pool D. of any responsibility for helping to de- velop the game in other countries, and No doubt, the WRU would point out their For my money, only two qualifiers will have worked hard to maintain a closed annual Friday night Autumn International, finish up higher than they were seeded, shop at the top of the game. Look at the which includes one of the lower-ranked and those are Scotland – I predict they will recent criticisms of New Zealand and their sides of the game. Samoa are the most beat Samoa to finish second in their pool, continued reluctance to take a test side frequent opponent in recent years, along and England, who I think will win Pool A. to the Pacific Islands, for example, or the with their Pacific Islands brethren, but the For Wales, I suspect there will be disap- way that , who were once regular aforementioned match with Romania in pointment, even though I have a feeling visitors to these shores (even beating us a 2004 was the last time a European na- we will beat Australia, and an early exit couple of times, don’t forget!), have been tion were involved. Shouldn’t helping out beckons. cast aside from top-level competition. developing countries in our own continent be the first priority? Regardless of how Pool A finishes, one For the record, the last time The Oaks thing is certain – a genuine Tier 1 giant took on Wales was in 2004, and we’ve If the invites to the Tier 1 party aren’t forth- of the game is going to have to earn their never faced Georgia at test level. coming, then the IRB should throw their right to participate in 2019, rather than own party, and make sure no-one can turn being gifted it without having done much Georgia are only nine places below us in down the invitation. to earn it, as is the case for the majority of the world rankings, and yet we’ve never the quarter-finalists. Two of those coun- deemed them acceptable opponents. For the 6 Nations sides, this could mean tries have won the tournament on at least There are Georgians playing at the high- visits to Tblisi, to Bucharest, to Madrid, one occasion, and the other has twice est level of the game, for teams who and wouldn’t that make for a nice change? been a semi-finalist. regularly beat the Welsh regions, and yet we don’t play them. There are Georgians With no disrespect meant to et This, in my opinion, is excellent for the playing for the Welsh regions, even, and al, wouldn’t it be nice to go somewhere sport of rugby union. Regardless of which yet Wales don’t play Georgia. different once in a while? side has to go through the ‘shame’ of hav- ing to qualify, the potential benefits to the That’s disgraceful. And for the countries they would be visit- ing, the benefits could be massive, and not just in terms of top-level development. A Welsh visit to Georgia or Romania would no doubt draw a strong travelling support, and a strong economic knock-on ‘Georgia are only for the host union – more gate receipts as a given, and more advertising revenue nine places below if they know what they’re doing. It would also be of economic benefit to the host us in the IRB world city, which is something that would attract more government interest and investment rankings, and yet in the game in countries where tourism is we’ve never deemed an important growth industry. In terms of publicity, have shown that them as acceptable you can generate interest in the game opponents.’ Continued on next page Away from the game itself, travelling rugby coaches in the world and that’s where fans, whilst being known to enjoy a few technical and tactical knowledge has to drinks, don’t need the same level of super- come to the fore. vision as soccer fans, and generally create a good impression wherever they go with “Our three assistant coaches, as well as the general public, which can create more our conditioners and medical staff, will interest. all have to be at the top of their game, because it’s not just about competing For the host unions, this could be mas- against good players, it’s also about com- sive. More money in the pot means more peting against some of the best staff in the can be done to draw more people to the world.” ‘Romania, who were game and help develop young players. It wouldn’t surprise me if the Romanian Since winning the Championship on June once regular Rugby Union have less money coming 4, Welsh have announced 19 new sign- in every year than the Welsh regions get ings and with more expected Burnell is visitors to these from the WRU each season. On that sort confident that squad being assembled can of budget, there’s no way they can hope be competitive in the Premiership. shores (even to compete with the top dogs, with their multi-million development centres, profes- “This week has been our first week back beating us a couple sional and semi-professional clubs and in training and I’ve already been very im- numerous development officers. pressed with the attitude of the new play- of times, don’t ers, and by how quickly they’ve settled in From the perspective of the supporters, and adapted to the London Welsh ethos,” forget!), have been too, the opportunity to travel to some- he added. where new would also be a massive posi- cast aside from top- tive. When Italy joined the 6 Nations, this “With our drive and focus, hopefully we was definitely part of the initial appeal for can go on to maintain our Aviva Premier- level competition.’ the travelling supporters from the other na- ship status.” tions – the chance to go somewhere new, see some different sights, even little things SEPTEMBER like drink different types of beer! 7 (H) 2pm 13 Bath (A) 3pm This cultural exchange should be an 20 (A) 2pm important part of the game, even in the 26 (H) 7:45pm professional era – helping to bring people together, developing bonds between coun- OCTOBER tries and peoples, helping make the world 4 Harlequins (A) 3pm a better place. Sadly, that has been forgot- 11 (H) 2:30pm ten in the modern age, with the emphasis on competition and the bottom line. NOVEMBER 16 Wasps (A) 2pm without having to be the winning team, It’s all in the hands of the IRB, and no 23 (H) 2:30pm and the home side playing a genuine doubt they’ll do what’s best for the game 30 (H) 2:30pm name in the game rather than another in the long run. Sadly, when 16 of the 28 second tier side would have more interest votes on the IRB board are controlled by DECEMBER to the local press. Remember when Italy those 8 nations who sit at the top table, 20 Saracens (A) 3pm played in a 20,000 seat ground, and it change seems a bit unlikely, doesn’t it? 26 London Irish (A) 3pm wasn’t even full? Now they’re at an 80,000 seat ground. It’s not quite full yet, but it will What do you think? Email your comments/ JANUARY be before too long. obeservations to [email protected] 4 Harlequins (H) 2:30pm 11 Newcastle Falcons (A) 3pm

FEBRUARY 15 Sale Sharks (H) 2:30pm It is a huge challenge but it’s one that Bur- 21 Gloucester Rugby (A) 3pm nell and his coaching staff are very much 28 London Irish (H) 2:30pm looking forward to. MARCH London Welsh will begin its Aviva Premier- “The reason why we were successful last 7 Exeter Chiefs (A) 3pm ship campaign against Exeter Chiefs on season was down to our work ethic and 29 (H) 2:30pm Sunday 7th September at the Kassam our environment,” he said. Stadium (kick-off 2pm). APRIL “We thrived last year on the fact that there 12 Wasps (H) 2:30pm London Welsh head coach Justin Burnell was only ever one club that was supposed 25 Leicester Tigers (A) 3pm said: “We’re delighted to be at home for to win the Championship. We’re very pas- the Club’s first game back in the Aviva sionate about London Welsh and we loved MAY Premiership. Sunday 7th September at the being knocked. We thrive on that. 9 Northampton Saints (A) 3pm Kassam Stadium will be a great oppor- 16 Saracens (H) TBC tunity to show the people of Oxford what “We don’t claim to be world beaters but the Premiership is all about and hopefully what we will produce is a tremendous The 2014/15 Premiership season will see we can get a good crowd in and get the attitude. If we get beaten on the day by a Sunday afternoons at the Kassam Sta- stadium bouncing. better team with better players then that’s dium in Oxford (kick-off 2:30pm) become life, but it certainly won’t be for a lack of synonymous with London Welsh (unless “But we’re under no illusions as to the size trying. on occasions when dictated otherwise by of the task ahead of us this season. We television), with the club having committed have to be realistic and for us to maintain “The biggest thing that drives you as a to playing its home games at the Kassam our place in the Premiership we have to player or as a coach is that you want to Stadium for the next three years. be targeting two wins from our first six pit yourself against the best. As a coach games, and a minimum of five wins in all.” you’re competing against some of the best WRU NEWS

Clamour for Wales tickets helps clubs says Wales squad captain Sam Warburton has endorsed a new scheme from the WRU which enables fans to directly fund their local clubs.

Wales squad captain Sam Warburton has endorsed a new scheme from the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) which enables fans to directly fund their local clubs by simply changing the way they shop for interna- tional match tickets.

Warburton, who missed Wales recent tour of South Africa with a shoulder problem, is in pre-season training and on schedule to return to a_ction for Cardiff Blues with the ultimate aim of returning to the interna- tional scene this Autumn.

Wales face South Africa, Australia, Fiji and New Zealand in the Dove Men Series in November with prices at the Millen- nium Stadium next season ranging from £10 to £20, for Fiji (tier 2), and from £25, £40, £60 and £70 for the clashes with the Springboks and the Wallabies, with “Without that encouragement I wouldn’t The new scheme for clubs, which covers concessions at 50% of full ticket price be where I am today and wouldn’t have the tier one clashes with the All Blacks within price band B and group offers also had the privilege of pulling on the national and England as well as matches against available for the Fiji match. jersey and representing my country. Australia, South Africa (Dove) and Ireland (RBS), means that for each individual To watch the All Blacks face Warren Gat- “You always try and give of your best in a ticket sold that club will also receive a land’s Wales tickets start at £30 to £50, national shirt and you play for your family cash gift from the WRU. £75 and £80 and for Wales RBS 6 Nations and friends, your team and your country clashes with England and Ireland the and yourself, but also for all those people A further benefit to clubs is that if they lowest price tickets are £35, with £55, £80 who have helped you along the way. sell their full allocation of tickets for the and £85 categories also available. tier one matches described they will be “Everyone has to start somewhere and awarded a full supply of senior side kit A new scheme from the WRU is now giv- your local rugby club can be a vital part of for the 2015/2016 season, for a 23-man ing commission to rugby clubs, of up to a player’s formative years. squad, by official WRU partner Under £2,000 per club, and in some cases more Armour - in addition to the existing 15% off when full allocations are sold, and fans “The idea that fans can directly help their all UA kit offer which is already in place for can help ensure their local community local clubs through purchasing tickets for 2014/2015 for all Welsh clubs. clubs benefit from the scheme by purchas- international matches is one that I’m sure ing their international rugby tickets directly will appeal to many. Wales home fixtures for 2014/2015 from them. Dove Men Series 2014 “Welsh rugby is built on the foundations of Saturday, 8th Nov: Wales v Australia, And Warburton has joined the campaign its member clubs, so it’s great news that Millennium Stadium, 14h30 to actively encourage fans to purchase all fans can now have a direct impact on the Saturday, 15th November: Wales v Fiji, their Millennium Stadium match tickets at future success of our national game by Millennium Stadium, 14h30 their local club by, instead of going online, simply using the clubs to buy their tickets.” Saturday, 22nd November: Wales v New where you will attract transaction fees. Zealand, Millennium Stadium, 17h30 With both England and Ireland also travel- Saturday, 29th November: Wales v South “You never forget your first club and I ling to Cardiff in the new year for mouth- Africa, 14h30 have a huge amount of gratitude for all the watering RBS 6 Nations clashes on the coaches and parents and other volunteers Millennium Stadium’s new hybrid pitch RBS 6 Nations 2015 at and Glamorgan Wanderers system, the clamour for international tick- Friday, 6th February: Wales v England, rugby clubs, people who gave up their ets for the year ahead has already begun. Millennium Stadium 20h05 time to encourage me and my team-mates Saturday 14th March: Wales v Ireland, from a young age,” said Warburton, who But, under the WRU’s constitution, ac- Millennium Stadium 14h30 represented Wales at all age grade levels cess will be granted first to its 320-strong before being appointed Wales captain network of members clubs, making clubs in 2011 and leading the British and Irish the best way to guarantee access to the Lions in 2013. matches you want to see.