Roksport are please to announce that the Wales jerseys are finally back in stock. Get them in time for the 6 Nations to avoid disappointment!
 Wales Kids Rugby Shirt Home Jersey By Under Armour |
 Wales Womens Rugby Shirt Home Jersey By Under Armour |
Wales Rugby Shirt Home Jersey By Under Armour |
Click here to view the full range
Roksport are proud to announce that we now stock the Under Armour Wales Training Shirts, available in the iconic red and black or the stylish black and red. Both of these t-shirts feature the trademark Under Armour features such as heatgear fabric and a unique Dragon scale print. So pop in-store or on-line to get your today!
 Under Armour Wales Rugby Training Shirt Red/Black |
 Under Armour Wales Rugby Training Shirt Black/Red |
Click here to view our full WRU Wales Rugby Collection!
Wales Under 18 will be looking to bounce back from a narrow 28-25 defeat to England when they take on South Africa Schools today in the latest match of their development tour.
Allen Lewis’s men travel to the Outeniqua Park Stadium, George, for the second game of their three-match tour. Kick-off is at 5.00pm.
A hat-trick from winger Dafydd Howells was unable to stop the young dragons from slipping to defeat last time out despite a brave second half fight back. And Lewis is hoping his team’s quick style of play will be enough to defeat their South African opponents on Tuesday.
“Last week despite the loss we played with great accuracy and with great power,” he said.
“To score three tries in the second half was a great reward though we’re obviously disappointed.”
With the development tour aiming to find the next generation of Welsh superstars, the team are echoing the senior side by playing a quick style of game.
“What we are trying to do is hopefully create players for the future,” added Lewis who has had detailed discussions with Welsh assistant coach Rob Howley on the team’s style of play.
“The players are trying to play ball in hand rugby, play a quick tempo game and recycle the ball quickly and hopefully this will promote Welsh players for the future.”
Saturday’s defeat to England saw Wales trail 16-8 at the interval before Howells’ hat-trick and a try from fellow wing Ryan Evans saw them come close to securing a shock win.
And after recovering from the defeat, the side are looking forward to the challenge of taking on the young Boks.
“The South Africans are big men and a huge challenge with the ball in hand,” said Lewis.
“It’s going to be a big physical confrontation that’s for sure.”
Wales U18s (vs South Africa Schools, Tuesday 14 August): 15 Hallam Amos 14 Ashley Evans 13 Steffan Hughes 12 Ben Roberts 11 Daffyd Howells 10 Jack Maynard 9 Conner Lloyd 8 Ben Roach (c) 7 Scott Matthews 6 Sion Bennett 5 Lance Randell 4 Josh Phelps 3 Nicky Thomas 2 Ethan Lewis 1 Callum Lewis
Replacements: Tom Ball, Jack Dunning, Alex Jeffries, James Sheeky, James Benjamin, Joel Raikes, Craig Woodall, Ryan Evans.
The first crop of WRU National Academy players has been identified and have begun work with the Wales national performance team this week.
An initial intake of 27 players aged between 18 and 21 has been selected by the regional and national performance pathway staff with direct input from Warren Gatland’s national coaches.
The selection process has focused on choosing players with potential to add strength to the WRU’s senior international succession plan process in the immediate years ahead.
Coaches and managers have identified players who have the physical, mental and skill-based attributes to potentially develop into top class rugby athletes.
Selection has been dictated by the needs of the succession plan so individuals with the potential to develop into future international players in specific positions have also been targeted.
The National Academy players will receive expert coaching and advice from the senior Wales coaches and WRU performance staff, they will be closely monitored with the most hi-tech equipment and will benefit from the latest in sports science, player analysis and medical screening.
All the National Academy players will remain with their regionally based WRU academies and will continue to play their rugby with their respective Regions or Principality Premiership teams to develop their core rugby experience, hone skills and help fulfil potential.
The National Academy will provide specialist unit and group sessions designed to complement the players’ regional programmes, providing further opportunity for the selected players to develop.
Today (Friday) the academy players were addressed by Wales assistant coach Rob Howley who explained the attributes and attitude required to be considered for senior international selection.
They were also medically screened and took part in a series of conditioning tests organised and delivered by WRU Head of Physical Performance Adam Beard and his team.
WRU Head of Rugby Joe Lydon said: “The aim of the National Academy is to support the identified players and complement their regionalised programmes in order to allow them to fulfil their potential.
“After input from the regional and national performance teams, the 2012 National Academy intake has been selected with the aim of accelerating individual development through world class delivery.
“We are focussed on supporting the National Academy players and their regional programmes with an eye on the 2015 and 2019 Rugby World Cups in particular, and to set in place the systems and structures that will stand Wales in good stead well beyond that.”
Gethin Watts, National Performance Manager added, “The National Academy staff, the WRU staff within the Regions and the Regional organisations themselves are all now working together to ensure that we follow the National Academy philosophy through every level of elite rugby in Wales which means that in order to produce quality international players for Wales, we must first produce highly talented and committed Regional players.
“The boys that have been selected are a priority group of players who will be given extra support in order to fulfil their potential. They have been selected to fulfil a succession plan drawn up in conjunction with the National Management Team who have identified potential future gaps in certain positions in the coming years, and will be fast-tracked into Welsh international teams if they continue to impress.”
The National succession plan includes players in the current National Squad, Regional players who could potentially play for Wales and individuals from Wales’ international age grade and Sevens teams.
The National Academy members will remain an integral part of the system already in place within the Regions and the national age grade set-ups, but will receive additional support, medical screening, sports science advice and expert coaching.
Rob Howley said: “I am delighted that the senior national management team is now going to play a direct role in National Academy player development.
“It means that all our processes and aims will be aligned so that players know exactly what they have to achieve if they want to become a senior international player for Wales.”
Wales head coach Warren Gatland added: “The Wales squad has already proved the value of identifying talent early and utilising our pathways and squad structures to develop individuals.
“Succession planning is crucial for the continued success of the senior international squad and we see it as one of our priorities.
“A successful National Academy will give us another edge in our strategic planning aimed at selecting and retaining the best players for senior Welsh international selection.”
WRU National Academy members:
Jordan Williams (Scarlets, full back / outside half), Hallam Amos (Dragons, full back), Harry Robinson (Blues, wing), Dafydd Howells (Ospreys, wing), Ashley Evans (Ospreys, full back), Cory Allen (Blues, centre), Thomas Pascoe (Blues, centre), Jack Dixon (Dragons, centre), Sam Davies (Ospreys, outside half), Rhys Patchell (Blues, outside half), Rhodri Williams (Scarlets, scrum half), Nicky Smith (Ospreys, prop), Thomas Davies (Blues, prop), WillGriff John (Blues, prop), Daniel Suter (Ospreys, prop), Nicky Thomas (Ospreys, prop), Elliot Dee (Dragons, hooker), Shaun O’Rourke (Ospreys, lock), Jack Jones (Ospreys, lock), Adam Williams (Ospreys, lock), Rhodri Hughes (Ospreys, lock), Sion Bennett (Scarlets, back row), Ieuan Jones (Dragons, back row), Ellis Jenkins (Blues, back row), Daniel Thomas (Scarlets, back row), James Benjamin (Dragons, back row), Dan Baker (Ospreys, back row)
Feeling the blues this summer? Then grab yourself the brand new Cardiff Blues Alternative European Jersey today. This short sleeve features a striking tribal like pattern alongside the iconic Cardiff blues logo. Grab yours today either in our Swansea store or online at Roksport.com
 Cardiff Blues Rugby Shirt Third Rugby Jersey By Canterbury |
To Grab Yours Click here
Shane Williams has called for the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) to step in and help stop the player drain of Welsh stars to France and England.
Welsh rugby has seen a raft of players leave after being offered big pay days the regions cannot compete with.
“I do think there has to be some involvement with the Union,” said Wales’ record try scorer, who will retire at the end of the season. “At the end of the day, we want to keep our players in Wales.”
The Ospreys wing, who was named IRB Player of the Year in 2008 and retired from international rugby in December 2011, has seen a host of former Wales team-mates sign for clubs outside Wales.
Blues prop Gethin Jenkins, Ospreys hooker Huw Bennett and Dragons lock Luke Charteris will follow James Hook, Mike Phillips and Lee Byrne to France this summer, while Stephen Jones has left the Scarlets to sign for London Wasps.
“There needs to be some kind of commitment from the Welsh regions and the WRU,” added Williams.
“There needs to be a happy medium because as far as supporters are concerned, we just want to see Wales successful as a national side and the regions doing well in Europe and the RaboDirect Pro 12.
“It is a very difficult place at the moment, not just in Welsh rugby, but in Wales economically.”
The four regions – Cardiff Blues, Newport Gwent Dragons, Scarlets and the Ospreys – have announced a salary cap of £3.5m which will begin at the start of the 2012-13 season, a move which has been welcomed by the WRU.
The four regions and the WRU have also commissioned a financial review by accountancy firm PricewaterhouseCoopers to address the ongoing financial problems and the dwindling attendances watching the regions.
“The Welsh regions appear to obviously have a problem financially, having said that, the problem is how much finance there is in the French clubs,” said Williams.
“That makes it very difficult for players to turn down these offers. “Even the English clubs are coming in with the big offers which makes it very difficult for the regions to keep hold of these guys. “It’s a shame but I don’t blame the players. You have to look after yourself, your family and look after your future as well. “It’s tough for the regions and they are certainly finding it very difficult to compete and because of that they seem to be struggling on the field.”
But Williams also offered a strong defence of nearly a decade of regional rugby in Wales despite claims it has failed to capture the public’s imagination.
“It has worked,” added Williams. “People are asking that question because the Welsh regions haven’t been successful in the Heineken Cup, but the Heineken Cup is a tough, tough competition.
“Since the regions were formed, the national side has certainly benefited, we have played some great rugby, won some championships and Grand Slams.
“So something has to be working. Yes, it’s been 10 years and there haven’t been any Heineken Cup wins but I have no doubt that will happen in the future.”
Ospreys and Wales prop Paul James is set to join English Premiership side Bath on a two-year contract.
James, who has won 34 caps for Wales, has been with the Ospreys since the inception of regional rugby in 2003.
The 29-year-old has made 177 appearances and scored seven tries for the Ospreys but his current deal expires in the summer.
Neath-born James is one of a number of Wales stars leaving the region.
Hooker Huw Bennett has announced a move to France, Sonny Parkerwill join London Welsh while Shane Williams will retire.
Tommy Bowe, Nikki Walker and Tom Smith have also confirmed they will depart the region at the end of the campaign.
James, who can play at loose-head and tight-head, made his first Wales appearance against Romania in 2003 but had to wait six years for his second cap, against New Zealand in Cardiff.
He featured for Wales at last year’s World Cup in New Zealand and was also a member of the 2012 Grand Slam winning squad.
Cardiff Blues are poised to appoint Worcester forwards coach Phil Davies as director of rugby, BBC Sport Wales understands.
Last month, Davies asked the the Avivia Premiership club for permission to speak to the Welsh region.
The Blues lost former boss Dai Young to London Wasps ahead of the 2011-12 season and placed Justin Burnell and Gareth Baber in charge.
The Blues have refused to confirm or deny the development.
Davies, a former Scarlets coach went into discussions about the role with two years left on his contract at Sixways Stadium.
The former Wales and Llanelli back-five forward helped guide the Warriors’ back to English rugby’s top flight for the 2011-12 season.
Davies, who won 46 Test caps, led the Scarlets to their last Heineken Cup semi-final in 2007 before he was sacked the following season.
Before that, he led the Leeds Tykes from National League Three to Heineken Cup rugby and lifted the Powergen Cup at Twickenham in 2005.
He went on to coach Wales Under-20 and Welsh Premiership side Cardiff RFC before taking up his role at Worcester.
In January 2012, the Blues confirmed forwards coach Burnell and backs coach Baber would remain in charge until the end of the season.
The Blues go into the final game of their Pro12 season at the Scarlets on Saturday having seen their play-off challenge fail.
They reached the Heineken Cup quarter-finals, where they were thumped 34-3 by defending champions Leinster.
In April the Blues announced a search for a new director of rugby and witnin days Worcester chairman Cecil Duckworth revealed Davies’ request for permission to bid for the role.
Twelve players, including Wales prop Gethin Jenkins and Wales scrum-half Richie Rees, are leaving at the end of the season, and the region fear they will also lose new Wales wing sensation Alex Cuthbert.
The region were also criticised over their handling of Gavin Henson, who was sacked after a alcohol-fuelled disturbance on a flight as the squad returned from Glasgow.
Record Wales cap-holder Stephen Jones could join fellow veteran Shane Williams in facing Wales for the Barbarians in Cardiff this summer.
Jones, who has made 104 Wales appearances, has been invited to play for the Barbarians in their three-game tour that ends against Wales on 2 June.
However, the Baa-baas have not approached Martyn Williams. The flanker has been linked with a possible 100th and final Wales appearance that day. That would bring down the curtain on the 36-year-old’s career on the same day that wing namesake Shane, 34, takes a final bow on the big stage.
On the day their second-string squad take on the Baa-Baas, Wales’ front-line players will already be in Australia, preparing for the first game of their three-match Test series on 9 June. If he is fit, Sale scrum-half Dwayne Peel could partner Wasps-bound Scarlet Jones at half-back for the touring club. The Baa-baas invitees include All Blacks Joe Rokocoko, Stephen Donald, Aled de Malmanche and Brad Thorn, Springbok half-back Ruan Pienaar and Wallaby flanker George Smith.
Centres invited are the Gloucester pair of former England captain Mike Tindall and Samoa’s Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu along with France’s Maxime Mermoz and Damien Traille.
Baa-baas coach John Kirwan, the former New Zealand wing and ex-Japan and Italy coach, could also field Fiji flanker Akapusi Qera at the Millennium Stadium.
The Barbarians kick off their tour against England at Twickenham on 27 May, then take on Ireland at Gloucester on 29 June before completing their tour against Wales.
We have the Webb Ellis WRU Grand Slam Replica Rugby Ball available at Roksport. Featuring the scores from the games in which Wales triumphed and led them to collect the grand slam. Also features the three feathers.
 Webb Ellis WRU Grand Slam Replica Rugby Ball Size 5 |
You can see our full range of rugby balls which include several beach and team rugby balls. Click here
Roksport Rugby 