WRU NATIONAL ACADEMY AIMS TO CREATE THE INTERNATIONAL PLAYERS OF THE FUTURE

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)

Shane Williams set for Ospreys home farewell in semi-final

Shane Williams is set for his final home match for the Ospreys in the Pro12 play-off clash with Munster on Friday night.

The Lions wing did have a farewell match against the Dragons in April before the Ospreys earned a home tie in the final four.

Williams, 35, who scored a try in his ‘farewell’ against the Dragons, is likely to be preferred over Eli Walker.

“Shane will probably play,” said Ospreys coach Steve Tandy.

“There was a big focus for the Dragons game and that was the only game we could guarantee [for Shane’s farewell].

“Fortunate for us we have got the home semi-final so all likelihood Shane will play. It’s a big occasion.

“Eli has done terrific for us. He’s really developing but we see the big game experience from Shane on Friday night will be a real benefit to us.

“Eli is coming on and I’m sure he will be a great Osprey. Hanno [Dirksen] is getting better and better every game. It was key for us to develop these guys.

“We did feel it is the right time to give Eli a break and bring Shane in.”

There is an outside chance Williams could have another home tie in the final but that depends on the Ospreys beating Munster and Glasgow overcoming Leinster in the other play-off.

Williams enjoyed his ‘final’ match on 20 April by score a last minute bonus point try as the Ospreys overcame the Dragons 31-12 in front of 14,478 at the Liberty.

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RaboDirect Pro12 play-off semi-final: Ospreys v Munster (Fri)

Tipuric will make his 50th appearance for the Ospreys and will join Ryan Jones, who is back from paternity leave, and Joe Bearman in the back-row.

The Ospreys have already beaten Munster twice in the Pro12 this season. They overcame them 17-13 at Thomond Park 17-13 in October and again 19-13 at home in December.

Coach Steve Tandy is under no illusions of the task facing the Ospreys against the reigning Pro12 champiopns in Swansea.

“Munster will be coming to the Liberty with a winning mentality as they always do, wherever they play, whoever the opposition and whatever the game,” said Tandy.

“They’re a tough bunch, steely edged, with the knowhow and experience to win tight games and they won’t be contemplating losing. You can guarantee that much.

“The team have worked hard to get us into the position over the last couple of months and they’ve been rewarded with a home semi, but now they have to start all over again.

“It’s a one off game and results in the run-up don’t matter now, it’s all about who comes out on top on Friday night.

“It’s going to be a tough old battle between two teams who know each other very well, two teams who will have to slug it out to get control out there, but it should be a tight, edgy affair as games between the Ospreys and Munster always are.”

Ospreys and Munster have both reached the pay-offs for a third successive year. The Ospreys became champions 2010 and Munster in 2011.

Ospreys have won their last five RaboDirect Pro12 encounters and have been defeated just once at the Liberty in the tournament this season, to fellow play-off hopefuls Glasgow.

Munster are unbeaten in their last three games, and have lost only once on the road in any competition in 2012. That was 21-17 at Aironi.

The Munstermen are unbeaten in their last five encounters with Welsh regions in all competitions.

THE TEAMS

Ospreys: Richard Fussell; Hanno Dirksen, Andrew Bishop, Ashley Beck, Shane Williams; Dan Biggar, Kahn Fotuali’i; Paul James, Richard Hibbard, Adam Jones, Alun Wyn Jones (capt), Ian Evans, Ryan Jones, Justin Tipuric, Joe Bearman.

Replacements: Scott Baldwin, Ryan Bevington, Aaron Jarvis, James King, Tom Smith, Rhys Webb, Matthew Morgan, Tom Isaacs.

Munster: F Jones; J Murphy, K Earls, L Mafi, S Zebo; I Keatley, C Murray; W du Preez, M Sherry, BJ Botha; D O’Callaghan, M O’Driscoll, D Ryan, T O’Donnell, P O’Mahony (capt).

Replacements: D Fogarty, D Kilcoyne, S Archer, Dave O’Callaghan, P Butler, T O’Leary, R O’Gara, I Dineen.

Referee: Alain Rolland (IRFU)

Assistant Referees: Nigel Owens (WRU), Marius Mitrea (FIR)

Citing Commissioner: Gwyn Bowden (WRU)

TMO: Nigel Whitehouse (WRU)

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Shane Williams calls for the WRU to stop player exodus

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 set for Bath switch

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.

Phil Davies set for Cardiff Blues director of rugby role

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.

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Ken Owens wants big Scarlets finish

It has been a memorable month for Ken Owens, but the all-action hooker isn’t ready for the celebrations to stop just yet.

It is not a case of the 25-year-old hooker revelling in an extended Grand Slam party, far from it.

Owens now has his sights on silverware on the regional stage as the season enters make or break territory.

The Scarlets take on regional rivals the Blues tomorrow needing victory to maintain their ambitions of finishing in the all-important top-four play-off spots in the RaboDirect Pro12.

There is also a mouthwatering quarter-final of the Amlin Challenge Cup in Brive to look forward to.

So has it been difficult to come down from the highs of Saturday and those remarkable post-match scenes within the Millennium Stadium?

“It has all been a little bit surreal,” smiled Owens.

“It was a great experience and a great day.

“It is impossible to explain really, coming in on the bus through the crowds of people, walking into the Hilton after the game, it was something that will always stay with me. To see Cardiff like that and people around the country celebrating is outstanding.

“But going back to your region is all part of the day-to-day work of a professional rugby player. We have got a big challenge with the Scarlets and this result against the Blues this weekend will go a long way to determine the top four places for the play-offs.”

After returning from the World Cup in New Zealand with just a brief second-half cameo against Namibia to show for his efforts, Owens has emerged as a genuine contender for the Wales No. 2 jersey during the Six Nations.

With Matthew Rees and Huw Bennett sidelined for the Triple Crown decider at Twickenham, the Scarlet stepped into the breach with a fine all-round display.

He was unfortunate to lose his place to Rees for the Italian date, but made a mark off the replacements’ bench.

And on Saturday, in those nerve-shredding final moments against France, he played his part with some crucial carries and timely tackles.

“It was nice to get a bit of game time and to get a start against England was great,” he added. “It was just great to prove myself against the best players in the northern hemisphere on the international stage.

“You look back to being on a beach at the edge of the Baltic after a tough training session and this is why you put your body through it, these are the rewards for all the work you put in.

“A lot of hard work has gone in since the end of last season’s Six Nations, which was pretty disappointing for us.

“We have got a big challenge in the summer and then against the big southern hemisphere sides again in the autumn.”

But before he can even think about locking horns with the Tri Nations heavyweights, Owens will be up against the players who he has been sharing a hotel with over the last eight weeks.

The Wales squad have been described as a tight-knit ”band of brothers” throughout this Six Nations campaign. That brotherly love will turn into sibling rivalry at the Cardiff City Stadium as both sides go in pursuit of crucial Pro12 points.

“It is hard to explain,” added Owens. “We have become good friends over the last year or so, but there is also a mutual respect there. You don’t give each other an inch on the field and you have got to show that respect by getting stuck into each other.

“This is a massive game for our play-off ambitions. It is all pretty congested at the top, so if we slip up we are going to be struggling, we probably need to win our next five to get into the semis. We have had a couple of good results in Cardiff in the last couple of years, but it is not an easy place to go. They have some good players and boys back from the Welsh squad.

“But we have got a lot of focus on the league. The boys are disappointed with how the match went at Franklin’s Gardens in the LV= Cup and they are eager to bounce back.

“As a squad it would be hugely frustrating not to make an improvement on last year’s performances and what we have done last year. We have got to take that next step and get a semi-final in the league. A lot of the Scarlets boys who have been involved in the Six Nations have played really well and made big contributions.

“I also think Sean (Lamont) and Ben (Morgan) are going to want to end their Scarlets careers on a massive high, which is great. Both have been outstanding for us and I am sure they will want to repay the Scarlets with some silverware.”

Of course, Owens knows the same competition he faces on the international stage is there at regional level in the form of British Lion and Scarlets skipper Matthew Rees.

“There is nothing much either of us can do apart from turning up, and whoever has got the shirt has got to perform,” he added. “It is not just us two either, Emyr (Phillips) has been outstanding, while Kirby (Myhill) has gone well for the under-20s.

“Hopefully I can keep getting opportunities to start and keep proving my worth.

“As far as Wales is concerned, having won a Grand Slam, you want to be involved all the time. You have to keep trying to make an impact whether it is starting or from the bench.

“It is a big target of mine to cement my place in this squad.”

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Ryan Jones to switch it up again

Ryan Jones redefined the concept of a utility forward in Wales’s Grand Slam campaign, and the Ospreys man will switch positions again tonight.

After starting at blindside flanker against Ireland and at lock in the win over Scotland, Jones came on at No. 8 and openside in his remaining Six Nations appearances.

He will be shifted once more tonight, as he starts at second row for the Ospreys against Leinster at the RDS.

Jones has impressed for both the Ospreys and Wales at lock this season, and he admits his last game — at openside flanker against France — was testing.

“That was different. I was way out of my comfort zone,” said Jones.

“It’s not something I’m used to. I went out and did my best but I don’t think Warbs (Sam Warburton) or Tips (Justin Tipuric) have much to worry about.”

Jones is typically modest and, although he was playing out of position, the 31-year-old produced an excellent display last Saturday.

Carrying powerfully and tackling incessantly, his performance was characteristic of an outstanding personal Six Nations campaign.

After the tumult of the Grand Slam-clinching victory over France, a return to regional rugby may have seemed a little underwhelming to some.

But, for Jones, a clash against RaboDirect Pro12 title rivals Leinster is the ideal way of returning to Ospreys duty.

“It’s a great fixture and it’s nice to have a match of that magnitude — emotionally and physically it takes care of itself,” he said.

“We have huge fixtures now. It’s been great coming back in with the guys.

“There’s been a lot of change with guys leaving and a new philosophy coming in so it was great to chat to the guys.”

Jones’s best game of this year’s Grand Slam was arguably his first against Ireland and, although Wales emerged victorious last month, he does not think the result will have much bearing on tonight’s encounter.

“Whether Ireland have been successful or not has never been an issue for their provincial teams,” Jones added.

“They’re always competitive, they know how to win and that doesn’t change because Ireland have had a bit of a dip in form.

“Leinster are still a team with great players. If we want to be contenders we have to go to places like that and win.”

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Tipuric ready to show his worth

There have been times in Justin Tipuric’s career when the young Osprey might have felt as if he was playing in others’ shadows.

As an emerging openside flanker at the Ospreys he had to compete for a starting place with current head coach Steve Tandy and the mighty All Black Marty Holah.

The barriers to the region’s first team were significant, but Tipuric has overcome them to establish himself as one of the Ospreys’ leading players.

Then there has been Wales, where the opportunities to gather caps have been hindered by the progress of another stellar openside, the nation’s captain Sam Warburton.

It may seem like Tipuric has simply been unlucky to have been born to play in a generation cluttered with world-class flankers.

But the 22-year-old has already shown in his burgeoning career so far that he is not content with a mere supporting role.

His regional calibre is proven and, although he only has four caps to his name, he has already made a considerable impression on the international stage.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland is an admirer and, with Warburton’s combative style making him injury- prone, the New Zealander reckons Tipuric is destined for a long and distinguished Test career.

Tipuric has now returned to the Ospreys after his involvement in this year’s Grand Slam triumph, and tonight’s game at Leinster will be his first start for the region since January.

His inclusion will be a major fillip for the third-placed Ospreys as they look to close the gap between themselves and RaboDirect Pro12 leaders Leinster.

And with a summer tour to Australia next on the agenda for Wales, Tipuric is hoping his regional performances can boost his international credentials.

“Things are going well and I’m just hoping to keep improving,” he said.

“I’m still quite young and I’ve really enjoyed being a part of the Wales squad.

“I’ve enjoyed being with the boys — training is good and the atmosphere every day is great.

“I’m taking it step by step. There’s a lot of good sevens out there and anything can happen. It’s all on your form.

“I’ve just got to keep playing well and anything can happen.”

A dynamic openside flanker, Tipuric has enjoyed a stellar rise with the Ospreys since making his debut against Northampton in 2009.

Destructive at the ruck and quick to support his team-mates in attack, he is a nuisance for opponents — an archetypal back-rower.

His rapid progress saw him handed the Ospreys captaincy at just 21 years of age, and his first match in charge was coincidentally at Leinster’s RDS last January.

Tipuric marked the occasion with a try, and he went on to lead the former Celtic champions at the beginning of this season when permanent skipper Alun Wyn Jones was on World Cup duty.

But excelling in Jones’s absence was bittersweet for Tipuric.

Although the accolades continued to flow freely in the flanker’s direction, the Ospreys’ march to the top of the RaboDirect Pro12 table was in some ways a form of softening the blow of missing out on a place in Wales’s World Cup squad.

Tipuric had made his international debut as a replacement against Argentina last August, but he failed to make the final cut.

It was a bitter disappointment for the Trebanos youngster, though he was philosophical about the setback.

“It was gutting at the time but you’re always learning as a player and you always learn from your disappointments,” said Tipuric.

“It’s part of rugby — you have ups and downs all the time.

“Sometimes it’s just not meant to be.

“That’s the way I am and I just get on with my job.”

Having purged himself of the frustration of missing out on the trip to New Zealand, this year’s Six Nations proved to be a breakthrough campaign for Tipuric in terms of his international career.

Replacing an injured Warburton at half-time against Ireland, Tipuric caught the eye with an industrious display in the opening win in Dublin.

Just as an opening appeared to have presented itself, though, an ankle injury denied the 22-year-old a chance to deputise for Warburton against Scotland.

Tipuric’s patience eventually paid dividends, and he made his first start for Wales in impressive fashion against Italy.

Despite another excellent showing at the Millennium Stadium, Tipuric was left out of the squad for the Grand Slam-clinching victory over France following Warburton’s return from injury.

It was at times a frustrating first Six Nations for Tipuric, but the former Aberavon man at least had a winners’ medal to show for his considerable efforts.

A third Grand Slam in eight seasons gave the Wales players ample reason to celebrate last Saturday, but Tipuric still had one eye on his next assignment.

“There were one or two sore heads when we got back to training, but we’re all just looking forward to tonight’s game,” he said.

“We tried to keep our heads last weekend. We had a good time and then we were back in training on Tuesday, so we had to keep our heads and make sure we were concentrating on this weekend’s game. It’s your job, so you love it when you see the crowd and the fans but you have to concentrate on the next job. That for me is Leinster away.”

After only sporadic action with Wales in recent weeks, Tipuric will be relishing the chance to play a full part in tonight’s game at the RDS.

“I haven’t played much so it will be good to be back with the team and to put that Ospreys jersey back on,” he added.

“We’re concentrating on getting the win in Leinster, which we know won’t be easy.

“They haven’t lost many games at home and they’re on a good run, but hopefully we can put in a good performance and get the win.

“Brad Thorn is a good signing for them, so it’s up to us to try to outplay him. He is a massive man and it will be a good challenge against him.

“There’s good competition for places with the Ospreys. Whichever team you’re in, competition always makes you a better player.

“I just want to get out there and start playing.”

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