Nant Conwy left in the cold as Caer move top
Jan 31 2010 Wales On Sunday
Add a commentRecommend CAERNARFON took advantage of league leaders Nant Conwy’s game at Blaenau Ffestiniog having been postponed to move to the top of the Division One (North) league table with a 21-13 win at Pwllheli.
The visitors ran in three tries – one each for flanker Andrew Williams, full back Dylan Parry and outside half Kelfyn Morris, who also kicked a penalty and two conversions.
The home side managed touchdowns from wing Gareth Wright and second row Huw Williams, and a penalty by outside half Dylan Llyr.
Mold’s championship hopes took a knock as they went down by 21-20 at Ruthin, the home side crossing for tries by No 8 Mark Lloyd and full back Jon Evans, one of which was converted by wing Will Davies who also added two penalties. The scoring was completed with a penalty from outside-half James Morris.
Hooker Liam Gill and wing Tom Webb managed tries for Mold with centre Dan Edmunds adding the goal kicks.
Llandudno produced a spirited second half fightback at Colwyn Bay having trailed by 13-3 at the interval. They looked to have won the game when centre Rhodri Carlton Jones kicked an injury-time penalty to add to his earlier successes with the boot of two penalties and a conversion of a try from wing Lloyd Griffiths. But the Bay had the final say when replacement centre Adam Hughes kicked a penalty right at the death to gain a 16-16 draw.
In the first half, wing Martin Cormack scored a try which was converted by centre Tom Duffy, who also kicked a brace of penalties.
Llangefni returned to winning ways at home with a 28-3 home win over Denbigh with outside half Arwel Roberts kicking three penalties and two conversions. The tries coming from wings Rhodri Gray, Will Owen and a penalty try.
In Division Two (North) Bethesda won by 20-10 at Wrexham while Cobra ran in eleven tries as they crushed visitors Welshpool by 69-6. Dolgellau won on the road at Machynlleth by 16-6 while Rhyl went down by the same scoreline at home to Bala.
30.1.10
30.01.10 RGC 1404 U16s Squad v Dragons 31.01.10
RGC1404 U16's Squad for 31st Jan 2010
1 SIMPSON Joe "Snitch" Bangor RFC
2 KIRBY Ryan Mold RFC
3 PYM Gareth Winnington Park
4 FRANCIS Maredydd Whitchurch RFC
5 GWYN Aaron Caernarfon RFC
6 EVANS Llion Llandudno RFC
7 PARRY Meilir Bangor RFC
8 JONES Robert Llandudno RFC
9 BAGSHAW (c) Afon Flint RFC
10 BARKER Lewis Mold RFC
11 BRITTAIN Teddy Llanidloes RFC
12 JONES Michael Ruthin RFC
13 BLACKMORE Jason Rhyl RFC
14 RICHARDS Matt Ruthin RFC
15 JONES Dion Nant Conwy RFC
16 ROWLANDS Tom Flint RFC
17 WILLIAMS Josh Mold RFC
18 BAKER Ben Bangor RFC
19 CROWE Elliott Llandudno RFC
20 ROBERTS Phylip Ruthin RFC
21 WEAVER Lewys Rhyl RFC
22 EDWARDS Llewelyn Wrexham RFC
1 SIMPSON Joe "Snitch" Bangor RFC
2 KIRBY Ryan Mold RFC
3 PYM Gareth Winnington Park
4 FRANCIS Maredydd Whitchurch RFC
5 GWYN Aaron Caernarfon RFC
6 EVANS Llion Llandudno RFC
7 PARRY Meilir Bangor RFC
8 JONES Robert Llandudno RFC
9 BAGSHAW (c) Afon Flint RFC
10 BARKER Lewis Mold RFC
11 BRITTAIN Teddy Llanidloes RFC
12 JONES Michael Ruthin RFC
13 BLACKMORE Jason Rhyl RFC
14 RICHARDS Matt Ruthin RFC
15 JONES Dion Nant Conwy RFC
16 ROWLANDS Tom Flint RFC
17 WILLIAMS Josh Mold RFC
18 BAKER Ben Bangor RFC
19 CROWE Elliott Llandudno RFC
20 ROBERTS Phylip Ruthin RFC
21 WEAVER Lewys Rhyl RFC
22 EDWARDS Llewelyn Wrexham RFC
28.1.10
28.1.10.Caernarfon ready for Veterans Rugby Festival- Rob Griffiths DPost
Caernarfon is ready for veterans' festival
Jan 28 2010 by Rob Griffiths, Daily Post
IT’S been a tough task, but everything is finally starting to fall into place for the 10th European Golden Oldies Rugby Festival which is taking place in June in Caernarfon.
In little more than five months’ time, 34 teams and more than 1,100 players will descend on the Gwynedd town for a three-day rugby festival, with the chance to become European champions.
But that is of little consequence for most of the participants, who will be rolling back the years when they take to the field at Caernarfon rugby club’s Y Morfa ground.
“It’s not about winning, it’s about enjoying your rugby,” claimed organiser Emrys Jones.
“We want the community to be included in this – it’s not just a rugby tournament, but a festival.
“The Golden Oldies’ motto is ‘fun, friendship and fraternity’, but we’ve added family as well, because we want this to be a family event that everyone can enjoy.
“This has taken more than two years organise and it is all starting to fit into place.”
Another motto doing the rounds at the official launch of the festival was “We don’t stop playing because we get old, we get old because we stop playing”, and that idea was clear as Jones enthusiastically explained the idea behind the tournament.
Essentially it is a 20-minute each way 15-a-side match – although games can often last a little longer or shorter – with a few rule changes added in.
A player’s age or physical well-being determines the colour shorts they are wearing, which in turn signifies whether a player can indeed be tackled with full contact, can only be stopped by touch or has a free 10 yards (an advantage reserved for the more senior participants).
Jones said: “We as the Gogs (Geriatrics O Gymru) have travelled the world to Golden Oldies festivals.
“We’ve been internationally to play in New Zealand, Australia, France and then we found out about the European Golden Oldies festival and we went to our first one in Benidorm in 2004.
“Since then we’ve been to Zurich and Madeira and in 2004 we said why don’t we come to Wales?
“It’s never been here before and it’s certainly never been to a small town like Caernarfon.
“We put the application in and came second to Madeira, which is only slightly warmer that Caernarfon, but we won it for the 2010 tournament, so this year we’re hosting the 10th European Golden Oldies festival.”
Jones added: “Golden Oldies rugby itself was created in New Zealand in the ‘70s. The first one was in Auckland and there were 14 teams.
“In Scotland last year there were 100 teams and over 4,000 people and they made over £6m for the Scottish economy.
“We’re not thinking about making that much, but we have 34 teams, which is more than 1,100 participants from all over Europe.”
This year’s tournament has attracted teams from across Europe, but as well as enhancing the game, Jones is also convinced it will give a massive boost to the local economy.
“As I tell people it’s from Russia to Spain from Italy to Scotland and everywhere in the middle,” Jones added.
“It’s a weekend event, but we’ve been told that some teams are coming for the week!
“There’s a team from St Petersburg in Russia – 49 people are coming over for the whole week.
“Our finance group have told them a conservative figure that it’s £100 per person to stay per night which includes accommodation and spends. Well, that’s 49 people times seven times 100, and that’s a lot of money for a small town, from just one team.”
Jan 28 2010 by Rob Griffiths, Daily Post
IT’S been a tough task, but everything is finally starting to fall into place for the 10th European Golden Oldies Rugby Festival which is taking place in June in Caernarfon.
In little more than five months’ time, 34 teams and more than 1,100 players will descend on the Gwynedd town for a three-day rugby festival, with the chance to become European champions.
But that is of little consequence for most of the participants, who will be rolling back the years when they take to the field at Caernarfon rugby club’s Y Morfa ground.
“It’s not about winning, it’s about enjoying your rugby,” claimed organiser Emrys Jones.
“We want the community to be included in this – it’s not just a rugby tournament, but a festival.
“The Golden Oldies’ motto is ‘fun, friendship and fraternity’, but we’ve added family as well, because we want this to be a family event that everyone can enjoy.
“This has taken more than two years organise and it is all starting to fit into place.”
Another motto doing the rounds at the official launch of the festival was “We don’t stop playing because we get old, we get old because we stop playing”, and that idea was clear as Jones enthusiastically explained the idea behind the tournament.
Essentially it is a 20-minute each way 15-a-side match – although games can often last a little longer or shorter – with a few rule changes added in.
A player’s age or physical well-being determines the colour shorts they are wearing, which in turn signifies whether a player can indeed be tackled with full contact, can only be stopped by touch or has a free 10 yards (an advantage reserved for the more senior participants).
Jones said: “We as the Gogs (Geriatrics O Gymru) have travelled the world to Golden Oldies festivals.
“We’ve been internationally to play in New Zealand, Australia, France and then we found out about the European Golden Oldies festival and we went to our first one in Benidorm in 2004.
“Since then we’ve been to Zurich and Madeira and in 2004 we said why don’t we come to Wales?
“It’s never been here before and it’s certainly never been to a small town like Caernarfon.
“We put the application in and came second to Madeira, which is only slightly warmer that Caernarfon, but we won it for the 2010 tournament, so this year we’re hosting the 10th European Golden Oldies festival.”
Jones added: “Golden Oldies rugby itself was created in New Zealand in the ‘70s. The first one was in Auckland and there were 14 teams.
“In Scotland last year there were 100 teams and over 4,000 people and they made over £6m for the Scottish economy.
“We’re not thinking about making that much, but we have 34 teams, which is more than 1,100 participants from all over Europe.”
This year’s tournament has attracted teams from across Europe, but as well as enhancing the game, Jones is also convinced it will give a massive boost to the local economy.
“As I tell people it’s from Russia to Spain from Italy to Scotland and everywhere in the middle,” Jones added.
“It’s a weekend event, but we’ve been told that some teams are coming for the week!
“There’s a team from St Petersburg in Russia – 49 people are coming over for the whole week.
“Our finance group have told them a conservative figure that it’s £100 per person to stay per night which includes accommodation and spends. Well, that’s 49 people times seven times 100, and that’s a lot of money for a small town, from just one team.”
28.01.10 RGC 1404 U20S V THE BRITISH ARMY
RGC 1404 U20s 21pts The Army U20s 25pts
A close fought game at Aldershot saw the Gogs just lose out despite a thrilling last ten minutes when they besieged the Army line. Late minute cry offs saw a depleted squad of seventeen travel for six hours to play this hastily arranged game and it was the tiredness in their legs that cost them the match.
The game started with just fifteen players but they were soon in front through a fine interception try from makeshift centre Paul Selwood. A conversion from Carwyn Milburn was followed soon after by a penalty and the Gogs were coasting, dominating the set scrums. An Army penalty pulled three points back but Milburn struck again and the half time score was 13 – 3.
Two late arrivals from Swansea enabled the visitors to use substitutes but the Army were able to use eleven and began to win more ball and a further penalty closed the score. Tired legs in the centre and a strange interpretation of the scrum wheeling law meant that the soldiers were able to score under the posts from a scrum that had wheeled over 180 degrees. This fired up the outraged men in red and they were almost immediately ahead again when the outstanding Mike Hall rampaged his way through a plethora of tacklers and unloaded to the supporting Lewis Maxwell who scored wide out. Milburn missed with the kick but struck a fine penalty to enhance the lead. An infusion of fresh legs and some dubious rucking put the Army in a good position but they could not create much themselves. It was an unfortunate interception that allowed them to take the lead again and, despite the battering they took in the last few minutes they ran out relieved winners.
There were four debutantes for the Gogs and all gave great promise for the future. Stand off Tom Gravell had a assured game and Number eight Jimmy Lloyd showed his skills and strength. Young Nick Saunders, usually a 10 but playing at 15, had an impressive game, showing speed and guile in equal measures. Llangefni flanker, Declan Griffiths, was asked to play out of position at second row and showed what an all round footballer he is, earning himself the man of the match.
Coach Jimmy Waring said, “It is disappointing not to have won when we were clearly the better side but there are so many things to build on from today and I can’t wait for the return match in the next few months.”
A close fought game at Aldershot saw the Gogs just lose out despite a thrilling last ten minutes when they besieged the Army line. Late minute cry offs saw a depleted squad of seventeen travel for six hours to play this hastily arranged game and it was the tiredness in their legs that cost them the match.
The game started with just fifteen players but they were soon in front through a fine interception try from makeshift centre Paul Selwood. A conversion from Carwyn Milburn was followed soon after by a penalty and the Gogs were coasting, dominating the set scrums. An Army penalty pulled three points back but Milburn struck again and the half time score was 13 – 3.
Two late arrivals from Swansea enabled the visitors to use substitutes but the Army were able to use eleven and began to win more ball and a further penalty closed the score. Tired legs in the centre and a strange interpretation of the scrum wheeling law meant that the soldiers were able to score under the posts from a scrum that had wheeled over 180 degrees. This fired up the outraged men in red and they were almost immediately ahead again when the outstanding Mike Hall rampaged his way through a plethora of tacklers and unloaded to the supporting Lewis Maxwell who scored wide out. Milburn missed with the kick but struck a fine penalty to enhance the lead. An infusion of fresh legs and some dubious rucking put the Army in a good position but they could not create much themselves. It was an unfortunate interception that allowed them to take the lead again and, despite the battering they took in the last few minutes they ran out relieved winners.
There were four debutantes for the Gogs and all gave great promise for the future. Stand off Tom Gravell had a assured game and Number eight Jimmy Lloyd showed his skills and strength. Young Nick Saunders, usually a 10 but playing at 15, had an impressive game, showing speed and guile in equal measures. Llangefni flanker, Declan Griffiths, was asked to play out of position at second row and showed what an all round footballer he is, earning himself the man of the match.
Coach Jimmy Waring said, “It is disappointing not to have won when we were clearly the better side but there are so many things to build on from today and I can’t wait for the return match in the next few months.”
27.1.10
27.01.10 Return Match Young GOGS v Young DRAGONS
RGC 1404 Under 16s will be looking to achieve their second win over the Newport-Gwent Dragons in 7 days as they travel down to South Wales for this weekends re-scheduled game.
Last Sundays 29-24 victory by the young North Walians means that if they were to repeat their win this Sunday they will ensure that i is the Dragons rather than they who end up propping up this seasons regional age-grade table. As well as seeking to gain their second successive win,the game will also provide an opportunity for individual players to impress watching national selectors,and after last weekend's impressive performance there must be a number of the RGC 1404 squad who are close to being given the final nod.'
Best wishes
Will Morcombe
Last Sundays 29-24 victory by the young North Walians means that if they were to repeat their win this Sunday they will ensure that i is the Dragons rather than they who end up propping up this seasons regional age-grade table. As well as seeking to gain their second successive win,the game will also provide an opportunity for individual players to impress watching national selectors,and after last weekend's impressive performance there must be a number of the RGC 1404 squad who are close to being given the final nod.'
Best wishes
Will Morcombe
25.1.10
25.1.10 COBRA back in top 3 position-- James Watkin reporting
WRU Div 2 North (South Section)
23 January 2010
Llanidloes 12 – 17 COBRA
Cobra produced a strong committed performance in their crunch encounter against Llanidloes. The visitors outscored the hosts by 3 tries to nil displaying defensive grit and cutting edge in attack to regain a top 3 position in the League with 1 game remaining for both teams.
Llanidloes held the upper hand in the first quarter with outside half Dan Short kicking 3 Penalties to give his side a 9-0 lead. Cobra held their nerve and replied on the half hour mark as a long miss pass found space for full back Geraint Williams to free wing Matthew Jones who beat his man and fed an inside pass to his opposite wing Ifan Evans to crash over. Williams’ conversion attempt narrowly went wide. Cobra now in the ascendancy took the lead as prop Andy Evans broke through the defensive line and found flanker Alun Jones who sprinted clear and powered through the full back to score under the posts. Williams converted to give Cobra a 9-12 lead at halftime.
Cobra now brimming with confidence kept Llanidloes pegged back deep in their own half with strong tackling and astute tactical kicking. With 15 minutes of the half gone Cobra took forced a turnover and moved the ball wide to centre Sion Wyn Williams who scythed through the defence and outstripped the fullback to score. The conversion narrowly went wide leaving Cobra with a 9-17 lead. Cobra continued to pile on the pressure but weren’t able to pull away as 2 clear try scoring chances and 2 Penalty attempts were squandered. With 5 minutes remaining Short reduced the Llanodloes' arrears to 5 points with his fourth penalty. Cobra held on comfortably through the dying minutes for a deserved win which places them in a strong position to qualify over Llanidloes for a top 3 finish.
COBRA
1 A Roberts 2 C Davies 3 A Evans 4 R Vaughan 5 H Evans 6 A Davies 7 A Jones 8 B Jones
9 I Vaughan 10 R Davies 11 I Evans 12 A Pryce 13 S Williams 14 M Jones 15 G Williams
16 C Oakley 17 G Evans 18 M Griffiths 19 F Roberts
23 January 2010
Llanidloes 12 – 17 COBRA
Cobra produced a strong committed performance in their crunch encounter against Llanidloes. The visitors outscored the hosts by 3 tries to nil displaying defensive grit and cutting edge in attack to regain a top 3 position in the League with 1 game remaining for both teams.
Llanidloes held the upper hand in the first quarter with outside half Dan Short kicking 3 Penalties to give his side a 9-0 lead. Cobra held their nerve and replied on the half hour mark as a long miss pass found space for full back Geraint Williams to free wing Matthew Jones who beat his man and fed an inside pass to his opposite wing Ifan Evans to crash over. Williams’ conversion attempt narrowly went wide. Cobra now in the ascendancy took the lead as prop Andy Evans broke through the defensive line and found flanker Alun Jones who sprinted clear and powered through the full back to score under the posts. Williams converted to give Cobra a 9-12 lead at halftime.
Cobra now brimming with confidence kept Llanidloes pegged back deep in their own half with strong tackling and astute tactical kicking. With 15 minutes of the half gone Cobra took forced a turnover and moved the ball wide to centre Sion Wyn Williams who scythed through the defence and outstripped the fullback to score. The conversion narrowly went wide leaving Cobra with a 9-17 lead. Cobra continued to pile on the pressure but weren’t able to pull away as 2 clear try scoring chances and 2 Penalty attempts were squandered. With 5 minutes remaining Short reduced the Llanodloes' arrears to 5 points with his fourth penalty. Cobra held on comfortably through the dying minutes for a deserved win which places them in a strong position to qualify over Llanidloes for a top 3 finish.
COBRA
1 A Roberts 2 C Davies 3 A Evans 4 R Vaughan 5 H Evans 6 A Davies 7 A Jones 8 B Jones
9 I Vaughan 10 R Davies 11 I Evans 12 A Pryce 13 S Williams 14 M Jones 15 G Williams
16 C Oakley 17 G Evans 18 M Griffiths 19 F Roberts
24.1.10
24.01.10 Young GOGS triumph over Young Dragons
24 January at 20:41
RGC 1404 U16’s 29 – 24 Newport Gwent Dragons U16’s
Sunday 24th January 2010 at Colwyn Bay RFC
Colwyn Bay bore witness to an action-packed, end-to-end encounter as the Gogs faced the Dragons in the first of their back-to-back encounters.
The Gogs opened the scoring after a miss-kicked penalty found it’s way into the hands of centre Mike Jones (Ruthin) who drove through and left Dion Jones (Nant Conwy) an easy conversion. A few minutes later however, an excellent interception by Dragons centre Hallam Amos gave him a score under the posts and and Niall Martin’s conversion made the scores level.
Penalties form Niall Martin and Dion Jones, followed by a further converted Dragons Try from Hooker Elliot Dee and then another converted Gogledd Try from Rob Jones (Llandudno) moved the score along to 17-17 but just before the break after the Dragons had a man sin-binned, Dion Jones slotted over a penalty to give Gogledd a 20-17 Half-Time lead.
A bad-tempered second half provided more end-to-end play and action, with Dion Jones’ boot providing the points for the Gogs as he put away a two further early penalties to extend the Gogledd lead to 26-17. Dragons had a man sent off and both sides had one man yellow-carded following a physical exchange between the players after a ruck. Dion Jones put another penalty through to make the score 29-17.
For fifteen minutes the game entertained, as both teams battled for supremacy, but as time ran out it was the Dragons who broke through with replacement Ethan Davies scoring and converting his own Try to make the final score 29-24.
Thank you to both the Gogledd boys and the Dragons boys for making this an entertaining match, and congratulations to the Gogledd boys for coming away with a valuable result.
Bryden Lloyd
U16’s Manager
RGC 1404 U16’s 29 – 24 Newport Gwent Dragons U16’s
Sunday 24th January 2010 at Colwyn Bay RFC
Colwyn Bay bore witness to an action-packed, end-to-end encounter as the Gogs faced the Dragons in the first of their back-to-back encounters.
The Gogs opened the scoring after a miss-kicked penalty found it’s way into the hands of centre Mike Jones (Ruthin) who drove through and left Dion Jones (Nant Conwy) an easy conversion. A few minutes later however, an excellent interception by Dragons centre Hallam Amos gave him a score under the posts and and Niall Martin’s conversion made the scores level.
Penalties form Niall Martin and Dion Jones, followed by a further converted Dragons Try from Hooker Elliot Dee and then another converted Gogledd Try from Rob Jones (Llandudno) moved the score along to 17-17 but just before the break after the Dragons had a man sin-binned, Dion Jones slotted over a penalty to give Gogledd a 20-17 Half-Time lead.
A bad-tempered second half provided more end-to-end play and action, with Dion Jones’ boot providing the points for the Gogs as he put away a two further early penalties to extend the Gogledd lead to 26-17. Dragons had a man sent off and both sides had one man yellow-carded following a physical exchange between the players after a ruck. Dion Jones put another penalty through to make the score 29-17.
For fifteen minutes the game entertained, as both teams battled for supremacy, but as time ran out it was the Dragons who broke through with replacement Ethan Davies scoring and converting his own Try to make the final score 29-24.
Thank you to both the Gogledd boys and the Dragons boys for making this an entertaining match, and congratulations to the Gogledd boys for coming away with a valuable result.
Bryden Lloyd
U16’s Manager
24.1.10 Llandudno 13 Ruthin 13 John Palmer match report
Match Report
23/01/2010 Ruthin 13 - 13 Llandudno (A)
Report
With Ruthin midway and Llandudno third from bottom of the table both sides were looking for a win to raise themselves up the table. First points went to Ruthin with a penalty goal from fly half Jamie Morris five minutes from the start. Ruthin were applying some pressure but were frequently conceding penalties and after a further five minutes Llandudno equalised with a penalty goal. The game continues in scrappy fashion in the middle of the field and after 35 minutes Llandudno went ahead with a further penalty goal. Although Ruthin showed sparks of good attacking play it was not consistent and the score was 6-3 to Llandudno at half time. After the break Ruthin came out with some purpose and had most of the territory but it was not until about 15 minutes into the second half that the pressure paid off and Ruthin equalised with a further Morris penalty goal. Five minutes later following a Llandudno free kick scrum half Wil Davies and winger Huw Parry combined well to offload to centre Jim Lyle who went over for a try, converted by Morris and putting Ruthin 13-6 in the lead. The seasiders missed an opportunity to reduce the arrears when a penalty goal attempt went wide but within two minutes were back level after Ruthin lowered their guard, fell for a couple of dummies and conceded a fine converted try. Ruthin spent the last 15 minutes of the game camped on Llandudnos 22 but despite good work by replacements Gethin Hughes and Marc Lloyd failed to get over the line and the whistle for full time after a series of 5 scrums yards from the seasiders try line.
23/01/2010 Ruthin 13 - 13 Llandudno (A)
Report
With Ruthin midway and Llandudno third from bottom of the table both sides were looking for a win to raise themselves up the table. First points went to Ruthin with a penalty goal from fly half Jamie Morris five minutes from the start. Ruthin were applying some pressure but were frequently conceding penalties and after a further five minutes Llandudno equalised with a penalty goal. The game continues in scrappy fashion in the middle of the field and after 35 minutes Llandudno went ahead with a further penalty goal. Although Ruthin showed sparks of good attacking play it was not consistent and the score was 6-3 to Llandudno at half time. After the break Ruthin came out with some purpose and had most of the territory but it was not until about 15 minutes into the second half that the pressure paid off and Ruthin equalised with a further Morris penalty goal. Five minutes later following a Llandudno free kick scrum half Wil Davies and winger Huw Parry combined well to offload to centre Jim Lyle who went over for a try, converted by Morris and putting Ruthin 13-6 in the lead. The seasiders missed an opportunity to reduce the arrears when a penalty goal attempt went wide but within two minutes were back level after Ruthin lowered their guard, fell for a couple of dummies and conceded a fine converted try. Ruthin spent the last 15 minutes of the game camped on Llandudnos 22 but despite good work by replacements Gethin Hughes and Marc Lloyd failed to get over the line and the whistle for full time after a series of 5 scrums yards from the seasiders try line.
24.1.10 Ruthin progress to 4th Round Swalec Plate -John Palmer reporting
Match Report
20/01/2010 Ruthin 14 - 5 Denbigh (H)
Report
This was a typical derby match between two sides keen to progress to the 4th round of the Swalec Plate. From the start it was obvious that a dour struggle between the packs would be a dominant feature of the game. Denbighs performance suffered from indiscipline with 16 of the 20 penalties awarded in the match and two yellow cards going to Denbigh. Fly half Jamie Morris kicked three penalties for the home side and scrum half Wil Davies completed Ruthins points with an unconverted try. Denbigh got one try back in the second half. Ruthin will now travel to South Wales to play either Pentyrch or Llantwit Fardre in the next round.
20/01/2010 Ruthin 14 - 5 Denbigh (H)
Report
This was a typical derby match between two sides keen to progress to the 4th round of the Swalec Plate. From the start it was obvious that a dour struggle between the packs would be a dominant feature of the game. Denbighs performance suffered from indiscipline with 16 of the 20 penalties awarded in the match and two yellow cards going to Denbigh. Fly half Jamie Morris kicked three penalties for the home side and scrum half Wil Davies completed Ruthins points with an unconverted try. Denbigh got one try back in the second half. Ruthin will now travel to South Wales to play either Pentyrch or Llantwit Fardre in the next round.
23.1.10
23.01.10 Nant Conwy v Caernarfon adroddiad Ifor Glyn
Clwb Rygbi Nant Conwy
Sadwrn / Saturday 23.01.10 Nant Conwy 21 v Caernarfon 3
Plat Swalec Cymru / Wales Swalec Plate: rownd 3 round
Sgorwyr Nant:
Ceisiau / Tries: Simione Roolaka, Cais Cosb / Penalty try
Trosi / Conversion: Llywarch ap Myrddin
Adlam / Drop: Llywarch ap Myrddin
Cosb / Penalties: Llywarch ap Myrddin (2)
Ar ôl gohirio’r Sadwrn diwethaf, roedd y gêm hon yn cael blaenoriaeth tros gêm gynghrair. Hon oedd y gem gyntaf i’r ddau dim ers y 19eg Rhagfyr 2009.
Cyfnewidiwyd ciciau cosb yn y 6 munud cyntaf. Llywarch yn llwyddiannus ar ôl 2 funud a Celfyn Morris i’r Cofis bedwar munud yn ddiweddarach. Caernarfon fu’n pwyso am y chwarter awr nesaf heb wir ymddangos fel sgorio chwaith. Yn raddol, daeth Nant yn ôl i’r gêm a thri munud cyn yr hanner bu i Llywarch sgorio gyda chic adlam urddasol o tua 40 metr i ffwrdd. Funud cyn y chwiban, sgoriodd gic cosb arall i wneud y sgôr yn 9 - 3 ar yr hanner.
Ar ôl 4 munud o’r ail hanner, bu i ‘Jim’ dorri rhwng canolwyr Caernarfon a rhedeg o’r hanner ffordd i sgorio cais. Deng munud cyn y diwedd gyda Nant yn ennill sgrym 5, troseddodd
Caernarfon a dyfarnwyd cais cosb a droswyd yn hawdd gan Llywarch.
Sgôr derfynol o 21 - 3 felly a bydd Nant yn chwarae naill ai Bryn Mawr neu Tredegar i ffwrdd yn rownd 4 a hynny ar yr 20fed Chwefror. Y Sadwrn nesaf, dychwelir i’r gynghrair gyda gêm i ffwrdd yn erbyn Bro Ffestiniog.
After last Saturday’s match was cancelled due to the snow, today’s Swalec Plate match took precedent over the League match. This was the first match both sides had played in since the 19th December 2009.
Both sides interchanged penalty kicks in the first six minutes with Llywarch successful after 2 minutes and Celfyn Morris for the visitors after 6 minutes. Caernarfon had a good spell of pressure for the next quarter of an hour without really looking as if they could score a try. Gradually, Nant worked their way back to the match and three minutes before the interval, Llywarch scored with a superb drop goal from around 40 metres out. He followed this with a successful penalty attempt just before the half time whistle making the score 9 – 3 at the break.
After 4 minutes of the second half, ‘Jim’ as he is popularily known, broke in between the Caernarfon centres on the half way line and ran in for a try in the corner. Ten minutes before the end, Nant were awarded a 5 metre scrum, where Caernarfon sinned and Nant were awarded a penalty try, duly converted by Llywarch.
A final score of 21 – 3 then and Nant’s opponents in round 4 will be either Bryn Mawr or Tredegar Ironsides away on the 20th February 2010. Next week, Nant will return to League action with an away match at Bro Ffestiniog.
Ifor Glyn (Ysgrifennydd / Secretary)
Sadwrn / Saturday 23.01.10 Nant Conwy 21 v Caernarfon 3
Plat Swalec Cymru / Wales Swalec Plate: rownd 3 round
Sgorwyr Nant:
Ceisiau / Tries: Simione Roolaka, Cais Cosb / Penalty try
Trosi / Conversion: Llywarch ap Myrddin
Adlam / Drop: Llywarch ap Myrddin
Cosb / Penalties: Llywarch ap Myrddin (2)
Ar ôl gohirio’r Sadwrn diwethaf, roedd y gêm hon yn cael blaenoriaeth tros gêm gynghrair. Hon oedd y gem gyntaf i’r ddau dim ers y 19eg Rhagfyr 2009.
Cyfnewidiwyd ciciau cosb yn y 6 munud cyntaf. Llywarch yn llwyddiannus ar ôl 2 funud a Celfyn Morris i’r Cofis bedwar munud yn ddiweddarach. Caernarfon fu’n pwyso am y chwarter awr nesaf heb wir ymddangos fel sgorio chwaith. Yn raddol, daeth Nant yn ôl i’r gêm a thri munud cyn yr hanner bu i Llywarch sgorio gyda chic adlam urddasol o tua 40 metr i ffwrdd. Funud cyn y chwiban, sgoriodd gic cosb arall i wneud y sgôr yn 9 - 3 ar yr hanner.
Ar ôl 4 munud o’r ail hanner, bu i ‘Jim’ dorri rhwng canolwyr Caernarfon a rhedeg o’r hanner ffordd i sgorio cais. Deng munud cyn y diwedd gyda Nant yn ennill sgrym 5, troseddodd
Caernarfon a dyfarnwyd cais cosb a droswyd yn hawdd gan Llywarch.
Sgôr derfynol o 21 - 3 felly a bydd Nant yn chwarae naill ai Bryn Mawr neu Tredegar i ffwrdd yn rownd 4 a hynny ar yr 20fed Chwefror. Y Sadwrn nesaf, dychwelir i’r gynghrair gyda gêm i ffwrdd yn erbyn Bro Ffestiniog.
After last Saturday’s match was cancelled due to the snow, today’s Swalec Plate match took precedent over the League match. This was the first match both sides had played in since the 19th December 2009.
Both sides interchanged penalty kicks in the first six minutes with Llywarch successful after 2 minutes and Celfyn Morris for the visitors after 6 minutes. Caernarfon had a good spell of pressure for the next quarter of an hour without really looking as if they could score a try. Gradually, Nant worked their way back to the match and three minutes before the interval, Llywarch scored with a superb drop goal from around 40 metres out. He followed this with a successful penalty attempt just before the half time whistle making the score 9 – 3 at the break.
After 4 minutes of the second half, ‘Jim’ as he is popularily known, broke in between the Caernarfon centres on the half way line and ran in for a try in the corner. Ten minutes before the end, Nant were awarded a 5 metre scrum, where Caernarfon sinned and Nant were awarded a penalty try, duly converted by Llywarch.
A final score of 21 – 3 then and Nant’s opponents in round 4 will be either Bryn Mawr or Tredegar Ironsides away on the 20th February 2010. Next week, Nant will return to League action with an away match at Bro Ffestiniog.
Ifor Glyn (Ysgrifennydd / Secretary)
22.1.10
22.01.10 SWALEC BOWL and PLATE Draws
Bethesda rewarded with home tie in Swalec Bowl
Jan 21 2010 by Rob Griffiths, Daily Post
Bethesda have earned a home tie in the last 16 of the Swalec Bowl after seeing off Machynlleth in the last round.
Pesda entertain either Bettws or New Tredegar in round five, while Bala will also be at home against either Senghenydd or St Joseph if they beat Monmouth.
In the Plate, the remaining two North Wales sides will face long trips south.
The winners of Nant Conwy and Caernarfon will travel to take on the winners of Brynmawr and Tredegar Ironsides, while a trip to either Llantwit Fardre or Pentyrch awaits the winners of Ruthin’s clash with Denbigh.
Jan 21 2010 by Rob Griffiths, Daily Post
Bethesda have earned a home tie in the last 16 of the Swalec Bowl after seeing off Machynlleth in the last round.
Pesda entertain either Bettws or New Tredegar in round five, while Bala will also be at home against either Senghenydd or St Joseph if they beat Monmouth.
In the Plate, the remaining two North Wales sides will face long trips south.
The winners of Nant Conwy and Caernarfon will travel to take on the winners of Brynmawr and Tredegar Ironsides, while a trip to either Llantwit Fardre or Pentyrch awaits the winners of Ruthin’s clash with Denbigh.
22.01.10 Colwyn Bay rugby stadium should mark teacher's contribution
Letter to North Wales Weekly News showing the growing interest for RGC 1404
Colwyn Bay rugby stadium should mark teacher's contribution
Jan 21 2010
LAST week you headlined a letter from a former pupil of Colwyn Bay Grammar School (Rugby boost is great news for North Wales) in which he remembered his time as a young player at the very ground in Eirias Park where the Welsh Rugby Union is to set up its new North Wales team centre.
There will be many more of us who were taught to play on this pitch in the 1950s and 60s and will remember those times with pleasure when we can come to support the North Wales Rugby Team (the Gogs?) at their soon to be built Colwyn Bay HQ.
What many readers may not know is that, we sixty-somethings were actually attending a school which had no rugby tradition whatsoever.
In fact it was not even taught as part of the PE curriculum. So how did it come about that your correspondent OP Owen and many more of us received the instruction which was to enable us to enjoy rugby for the rest of our live?
It is all down to the unpaid after-hours coaching provided by the School’s Latin master: Bernard Vickery.
A distinguished rugby and hockey player himself, he single-handedly unlocked the magic of rugby to all-comers (even the most unpromising of players like myself) right there in Eirias Park.
Had he lived long enough, he would no doubt have been proud to watch the emergence of the new North Wales club on this site.
Such a development provides us with opportunities to acknowledge the debt which so many of us feel we owe to this man for sharing his rugby knowledge and enthusiasm with us: naming a clubroom bar after him for example, or a spectators’ stand, perhaps?
I hope that what is now Eirias High School will reap huge benefits from any relationship which it may develop with our new North Wales Rugby Club, and that we can one day join together to commemorate the School’s former staff member of whom we can all be proud.
Roger Lee
Colwyn Bay
Colwyn Bay rugby stadium should mark teacher's contribution
Jan 21 2010
LAST week you headlined a letter from a former pupil of Colwyn Bay Grammar School (Rugby boost is great news for North Wales) in which he remembered his time as a young player at the very ground in Eirias Park where the Welsh Rugby Union is to set up its new North Wales team centre.
There will be many more of us who were taught to play on this pitch in the 1950s and 60s and will remember those times with pleasure when we can come to support the North Wales Rugby Team (the Gogs?) at their soon to be built Colwyn Bay HQ.
What many readers may not know is that, we sixty-somethings were actually attending a school which had no rugby tradition whatsoever.
In fact it was not even taught as part of the PE curriculum. So how did it come about that your correspondent OP Owen and many more of us received the instruction which was to enable us to enjoy rugby for the rest of our live?
It is all down to the unpaid after-hours coaching provided by the School’s Latin master: Bernard Vickery.
A distinguished rugby and hockey player himself, he single-handedly unlocked the magic of rugby to all-comers (even the most unpromising of players like myself) right there in Eirias Park.
Had he lived long enough, he would no doubt have been proud to watch the emergence of the new North Wales club on this site.
Such a development provides us with opportunities to acknowledge the debt which so many of us feel we owe to this man for sharing his rugby knowledge and enthusiasm with us: naming a clubroom bar after him for example, or a spectators’ stand, perhaps?
I hope that what is now Eirias High School will reap huge benefits from any relationship which it may develop with our new North Wales Rugby Club, and that we can one day join together to commemorate the School’s former staff member of whom we can all be proud.
Roger Lee
Colwyn Bay
21.1.10
21.1.10. RGC1404 claim first victory-read report
RGC SPEEDSTER SECURES WIN
ANTIASSASSINS V RGC 1404 ar Chester RFC 20.01.10
The Antiassissins fielded a strong side and for much of the first half there was no score, just before half time two tries put RGC 10 points ahead on this damp misty evening at Chester RFC. Soon after the break, Chauncey O'Toole made the score 15-0 with Stephen Woodward converting to make it 17-0.
The Antissassins are renowned for their strong bench and in the last 20 minutes began to claw back the points; two converted tries bringing it to 17-14. With time running out and play 10 metres from their line, RGC1404 secured a turnover - enter Raikes; Moorhouse and Davies.
With minutes to go, the score at 17-14 and the Antiassassins pressing the RGC1404 line, supporters of this invitation charity side were hoping that they might steal a win. Then RGC1404 secured turnover ball. A kick to touch might have secured victory but seeing space out wide, Michael Raikes gave Jack Moorhouse the opportunity to break out of defence. Moorhouse, a scaffolder by trade, is no stranger to scaling heights and having made the necessary ground and drawn in defenders he send a perfectly timed pass to Ioan Davies. Davies was 65 metres out and in the sights of defensive cover. But with the confident finishing that has become his trade mark this tall powerful winger set off for line and kept his resolve. A desperate ankle tap send Davies hurtling to the ground but it was too late, he was over the line; final score 22-14
ANTIASSASSINS V RGC 1404 ar Chester RFC 20.01.10
The Antiassissins fielded a strong side and for much of the first half there was no score, just before half time two tries put RGC 10 points ahead on this damp misty evening at Chester RFC. Soon after the break, Chauncey O'Toole made the score 15-0 with Stephen Woodward converting to make it 17-0.
The Antissassins are renowned for their strong bench and in the last 20 minutes began to claw back the points; two converted tries bringing it to 17-14. With time running out and play 10 metres from their line, RGC1404 secured a turnover - enter Raikes; Moorhouse and Davies.
With minutes to go, the score at 17-14 and the Antiassassins pressing the RGC1404 line, supporters of this invitation charity side were hoping that they might steal a win. Then RGC1404 secured turnover ball. A kick to touch might have secured victory but seeing space out wide, Michael Raikes gave Jack Moorhouse the opportunity to break out of defence. Moorhouse, a scaffolder by trade, is no stranger to scaling heights and having made the necessary ground and drawn in defenders he send a perfectly timed pass to Ioan Davies. Davies was 65 metres out and in the sights of defensive cover. But with the confident finishing that has become his trade mark this tall powerful winger set off for line and kept his resolve. A desperate ankle tap send Davies hurtling to the ground but it was too late, he was over the line; final score 22-14
20.1.10
20.01.10 Arrangements for Sunday's GOGS U20 Match
RGC U 20s v The Army U 20s
Sunday 24th January 2010
at Aldershot Military Stadium, Queens Avenue, Aldershot GU11 2JL
Kick Off 2.00pm
Travel Arrangements for those coming from North Wales
Coach will pick up at:
Bangor - One Stop 6.00am
Talardy Hotel - Rhyl 6.30am
Northop Church 6.50am
Chester - Holiday Inn 7.00am
to arrive in Aldershot at 12.00 noon.
Supporters welcome
Sunday 24th January 2010
at Aldershot Military Stadium, Queens Avenue, Aldershot GU11 2JL
Kick Off 2.00pm
Travel Arrangements for those coming from North Wales
Coach will pick up at:
Bangor - One Stop 6.00am
Talardy Hotel - Rhyl 6.30am
Northop Church 6.50am
Chester - Holiday Inn 7.00am
to arrive in Aldershot at 12.00 noon.
Supporters welcome
20.1.10. Bala and Bethesda drawn at home in Swalec Bowl
Bethesda will face winners of Bettws or New Tredegar at home to go through to last 16.Pesda beat New Tredegar away in their last years SWALEC cup exploits.
Bala have to beat Monmouth at home to face Senghennydd or St Josephs at Bala to join Bethesda in the last 16.
All Plate and Bowl ties are to be played on Feb.20 weekend.
Bala have to beat Monmouth at home to face Senghennydd or St Josephs at Bala to join Bethesda in the last 16.
All Plate and Bowl ties are to be played on Feb.20 weekend.
20.1.10. SWALEC Plate -NWales clubs drawn away in Round 4
Brynmawr or Tredegar Ironsides have home advantage against North Wales opponents Nant Conwy or Caernarvon while Ruthin and Denbigh will also head south to face either Llantwit Fardre or Pentyrch.
19.1.10
19.1.10. Eifion back in Wales Squad Rob Griffiths Daily Post
Eifion Lewis Roberts back to the fray for Wales
Jan 19 2010 by Rob Griffiths, Daily Post
Eifion Lewis Roberts
EIFION LEWIS-ROBERTS was yesterday welcomed back into the Wales fold with open arms after his shock omission from the Autumn international series.
The former Ruthin prop, who now plys his trade at Sale Sharks, was a notable absence from the Wales squad for the four Test series in November.
At the time Wales head coach Warren Gatland intimated Lewis-Roberts had to loose more weight before earning his call-up, but forwards coach Robin McBryde yesterday said the front-row was in the squad on merit after reaching the targets set by the Welsh management.
“Eifion was set some targets off the field that he has now reached,” said former Mold hooker McBryde.
“And on the basis of that he’s worked hard and on the inclusion of some other players we’ve told to work on certain things they have gone away and work hard and have been welcomed back into the squad.”
And McBryde, who was a tourist with the British Lions, added: “We see Eifion as perhaps moving forward as a tighthead role as opposed to a loosehead.
“He’s shown that he’s willing to work hard and develop and this now gives us two months to work with him, much the same as Rhys Gill, to see if he can make some strides forward in his development to see exactly what has can
Jan 19 2010 by Rob Griffiths, Daily Post
Eifion Lewis Roberts
EIFION LEWIS-ROBERTS was yesterday welcomed back into the Wales fold with open arms after his shock omission from the Autumn international series.
The former Ruthin prop, who now plys his trade at Sale Sharks, was a notable absence from the Wales squad for the four Test series in November.
At the time Wales head coach Warren Gatland intimated Lewis-Roberts had to loose more weight before earning his call-up, but forwards coach Robin McBryde yesterday said the front-row was in the squad on merit after reaching the targets set by the Welsh management.
“Eifion was set some targets off the field that he has now reached,” said former Mold hooker McBryde.
“And on the basis of that he’s worked hard and on the inclusion of some other players we’ve told to work on certain things they have gone away and work hard and have been welcomed back into the squad.”
And McBryde, who was a tourist with the British Lions, added: “We see Eifion as perhaps moving forward as a tighthead role as opposed to a loosehead.
“He’s shown that he’s willing to work hard and develop and this now gives us two months to work with him, much the same as Rhys Gill, to see if he can make some strides forward in his development to see exactly what has can
19.01.10 U20s Match to be played at Aldershot Military Stadium, Queen's Avenue, Aldershot GU11 2JL
Please be advised that the GOGS U20s match is to be played at Aldershot Military Stadium, Queen's Avenue, Aldershot GU11 2JL.
18.1.10
18.01.10 U20s arrange match v The Army U20s at Aldershot (24/01/10)
We have managed to arrange a game against the Army U20s next Sunday.
NEXT MATCH
Gogledd Cymru under 20's V The Army U 20's
Sunday 24th January 2010. K.O. 2pm
AWAY at Aldershot
(ground to be confirmed)
See u20 page as well.
NEXT MATCH
Gogledd Cymru under 20's V The Army U 20's
Sunday 24th January 2010. K.O. 2pm
AWAY at Aldershot
(ground to be confirmed)
See u20 page as well.
18.01.10 Young GOGS v Dragons Parc Eirias Sun, Jan 24, 2010 at 2.00pm
Gogledd Cymru Under 16s Coaches,Players & Management will be aniously scanning the weather forecast this week as they seek to play the Newport-Gwent Dragons at Parc Eirias this Sunday Jan 24, 2010 at 2.00pm. The recent cold weather means that the young North Walians have 4 outstanding fixtures left in the regional age-grade competition,2 against the Dragons who they are scheduled to play in South Wales just a week later.
Although both sides have won just the one game in this seasons competition they both come agonisingly close on a number of other occasions and this Sundays match is sure to be a closely fought affair.'
Best wishes
Will Morcombe (See U16 Page as well)
Although both sides have won just the one game in this seasons competition they both come agonisingly close on a number of other occasions and this Sundays match is sure to be a closely fought affair.'
Best wishes
Will Morcombe (See U16 Page as well)
18.1.10. Bethesda 34 Mach.13 Match Report -Spyd Davies Reporting
Bethesda 34 Machynlleth 13
Bethesda made the last 16 of the Swalec Bowl on Saturday with a convincing win against the Mid Wales side. Things got off on a sombre mood with a minute silence to president Brian Williams who tragically died on January 6th. It was good to get playing again after a lengthy layoff the last game Bethesda played was the last round of the cup in Beaufort South Wales.
Machynlleth have been playing with a bit of form recently and a tight game was anticipated but did not materialise. Bethesda held the edge in the scrums and that put them in good stead thru ought the game and after 15 minutes they took the lead with a try from wing Iwan Hywel Parry added the conversion for a 7 - 0 lead. Mach got on the scoreboard 5 minutes later with a penalty Parry was very much involved in the second try when he opened up a lovely gap for David Thomas to glide thru untouched under the post Parry converting. Machynlleth were a very capable side but never threatened Bethesda close to the try line. Mathew Parry increased his points tally when he took advantage of some slack defending to score an un converted try. Again Mach reduced the arrears wit their second penalty. Half time with Bethesda holding a commanding lead of 19-6. A good crowd enjoyed entertaining rugby by both sides and it was Iwan Hywel who warmed the crowd with a scintillating run that only he can do with no space at all he somehow weaved his way thru to score under the posts from 35 meters Parry again converting. Their superior scrum bought reward when Dylan Williams touched down from a push over Parry again converted. Bethesda took their foot of the gas and let Mach with a converted try with the final whistle pending Parry slotted over a penalty to make the final score 34-13 and an fitting tribute to Brian Gogs Williams All eyes will be on the draw on Tusday in Cardiff. Bethesda have a blank Saturday next week and would like anyone who is looking for a game to get in touch.
Bethesda made the last 16 of the Swalec Bowl on Saturday with a convincing win against the Mid Wales side. Things got off on a sombre mood with a minute silence to president Brian Williams who tragically died on January 6th. It was good to get playing again after a lengthy layoff the last game Bethesda played was the last round of the cup in Beaufort South Wales.
Machynlleth have been playing with a bit of form recently and a tight game was anticipated but did not materialise. Bethesda held the edge in the scrums and that put them in good stead thru ought the game and after 15 minutes they took the lead with a try from wing Iwan Hywel Parry added the conversion for a 7 - 0 lead. Mach got on the scoreboard 5 minutes later with a penalty Parry was very much involved in the second try when he opened up a lovely gap for David Thomas to glide thru untouched under the post Parry converting. Machynlleth were a very capable side but never threatened Bethesda close to the try line. Mathew Parry increased his points tally when he took advantage of some slack defending to score an un converted try. Again Mach reduced the arrears wit their second penalty. Half time with Bethesda holding a commanding lead of 19-6. A good crowd enjoyed entertaining rugby by both sides and it was Iwan Hywel who warmed the crowd with a scintillating run that only he can do with no space at all he somehow weaved his way thru to score under the posts from 35 meters Parry again converting. Their superior scrum bought reward when Dylan Williams touched down from a push over Parry again converted. Bethesda took their foot of the gas and let Mach with a converted try with the final whistle pending Parry slotted over a penalty to make the final score 34-13 and an fitting tribute to Brian Gogs Williams All eyes will be on the draw on Tusday in Cardiff. Bethesda have a blank Saturday next week and would like anyone who is looking for a game to get in touch.
15.1.10
14.1.10 STOP PRESS RGC 1404 match rearranged at Leicester on Sunday
RGC1404 first ever match scheduled for tonight against Leicester Tigers Development side has been cancelled due to frozen pitch at Parc Eirias however to get the show on the road the match has been rearranged at short notice at Welford Road Leicester on Sunday !7th january KO 2. 30.
15.1.10. RGC1404 first test delayed--- DPost
North must wait bit longer for first test
Jan 15 2010 by Rob Griffiths, Daily Post
North must wait bit longer for first test
NORTH Wales will have to wait an extra few days before seeing a new chapter of rugby union in the region finally get underway.
Renamed RGC 1404 last week, the newly branded Gogledd Cymru side were due to play a Leicester Tigers Development XV tonight at Eirias Park, their first match since the arrival of nine professional players from Canada.
However, a frozen pitch at the Colwyn Bay ground has seen the match cancelled, but head coach Clive Griffiths admits it could prove to be a blessing in disguise.
“We’ve only had a few days and it’s been a quick fix,” said Griffiths. “The boys (Canadians) arrived on Tuesday and we had a session on Tuesday, two yesterday and one this morning, that’s just four sessions and there’s a lot of things to do in rugby union.
“We’ll now have a bit more time together and hopefully next week’s game will take place and then we can get out there and get the thing going.”
RGC will now turn their attention to their next scheduled fixture, a trip to Chester next Wednesday to take on the Antiassassins.
But for now Griffiths is relishing the arrival of the nine Canadians, with one Nanyak Dala, still to arrive pending recovery from an eye injury.
“It is a new challenge,” added the Grand Slam winning coach.
“But the first thing I’ve got to say is how quickly these boys have taken to the venture and the whole plan of raising the standard of rugby in the whole of North Wales.
“They’re very, very coachable and I’ve really looked forward to the whole thing, but now they are here it has added impotence to the whole venture and I’m really looking forward to getting a team out on the field and integrating the Welsh boys with the Canadians.”
And Griffiths was also full of praise for the homegrown North Walian players, who are being asked to fill the gaps around the Canadians for the time being.
He said: “They’ve (the North Wales players) been terrific as well, but I think they’ve been a bit nervous too.
“The first few sessions they knew they were under the spotlight and they knew these boys were coming over and it could be their position that was being taken, so I think there was a little bit of nervousness about that, but we’ve told them all to relax and what will be will be.
“It’s a long term thing and for some of these boys to rub shoulders with these guys, last night we had a training session and we could see it rubbing off on them and the North Wales boys raising their levels and level of skill so it’s working already, having just had one session together.
“It’s a great part of history for North Wales rugby and Welsh rugby, and we looked good last night and I could see a couple of the boys who’ve been involved in setting up this initiative for a long time sitting in the corner and just purring away and they were delighted with what they were seeing.
“It’s a great challenge and very excited and looking forward to it and the next few months are going to be very, very exciting and challenging along the way.”
Griffiths added: “I’m here until the end of April and things will be assessed along the way, whoever it is takes this thing forward it is exciting.
“The goal (semi-professional rugby) is achievable as I’ve said earlier, but it needs a great deal of support on and off the field, it needs some finance and it needs quality players and the idea of these Canadian boys will help raise that standard.
“But not only the players, but the coaches as well, if we can all be singing off the same hymn sheet and playing the same type of game and philosophies towards rugby then it will be a big factor in the success as well.”
Jan 15 2010 by Rob Griffiths, Daily Post
North must wait bit longer for first test
NORTH Wales will have to wait an extra few days before seeing a new chapter of rugby union in the region finally get underway.
Renamed RGC 1404 last week, the newly branded Gogledd Cymru side were due to play a Leicester Tigers Development XV tonight at Eirias Park, their first match since the arrival of nine professional players from Canada.
However, a frozen pitch at the Colwyn Bay ground has seen the match cancelled, but head coach Clive Griffiths admits it could prove to be a blessing in disguise.
“We’ve only had a few days and it’s been a quick fix,” said Griffiths. “The boys (Canadians) arrived on Tuesday and we had a session on Tuesday, two yesterday and one this morning, that’s just four sessions and there’s a lot of things to do in rugby union.
“We’ll now have a bit more time together and hopefully next week’s game will take place and then we can get out there and get the thing going.”
RGC will now turn their attention to their next scheduled fixture, a trip to Chester next Wednesday to take on the Antiassassins.
But for now Griffiths is relishing the arrival of the nine Canadians, with one Nanyak Dala, still to arrive pending recovery from an eye injury.
“It is a new challenge,” added the Grand Slam winning coach.
“But the first thing I’ve got to say is how quickly these boys have taken to the venture and the whole plan of raising the standard of rugby in the whole of North Wales.
“They’re very, very coachable and I’ve really looked forward to the whole thing, but now they are here it has added impotence to the whole venture and I’m really looking forward to getting a team out on the field and integrating the Welsh boys with the Canadians.”
And Griffiths was also full of praise for the homegrown North Walian players, who are being asked to fill the gaps around the Canadians for the time being.
He said: “They’ve (the North Wales players) been terrific as well, but I think they’ve been a bit nervous too.
“The first few sessions they knew they were under the spotlight and they knew these boys were coming over and it could be their position that was being taken, so I think there was a little bit of nervousness about that, but we’ve told them all to relax and what will be will be.
“It’s a long term thing and for some of these boys to rub shoulders with these guys, last night we had a training session and we could see it rubbing off on them and the North Wales boys raising their levels and level of skill so it’s working already, having just had one session together.
“It’s a great part of history for North Wales rugby and Welsh rugby, and we looked good last night and I could see a couple of the boys who’ve been involved in setting up this initiative for a long time sitting in the corner and just purring away and they were delighted with what they were seeing.
“It’s a great challenge and very excited and looking forward to it and the next few months are going to be very, very exciting and challenging along the way.”
Griffiths added: “I’m here until the end of April and things will be assessed along the way, whoever it is takes this thing forward it is exciting.
“The goal (semi-professional rugby) is achievable as I’ve said earlier, but it needs a great deal of support on and off the field, it needs some finance and it needs quality players and the idea of these Canadian boys will help raise that standard.
“But not only the players, but the coaches as well, if we can all be singing off the same hymn sheet and playing the same type of game and philosophies towards rugby then it will be a big factor in the success as well.”
14.1.10
14.1.10. Green light for Parc Eirias -DPost
Green light for £6m sports and concert venue at Eirias Park
Jan 14 2010 by Richard Evans, Daily Post
Eirias Park
A £6m new sports complex and concert venue will be built in a move hoped to kick start the regeneration of Colwyn Bay.
Councillors yesterday granted planning permission for a new 2,000 all seater stand to be the new home for Welsh rugby at Eiras Park.
The development, paid for out of Assembly and European funding, will also include a new pitch cover system, indoor training centre containing four indoor football pitches, and a high-performance gym.
It is hoped it will attract North Wales top athletes, pop stars, international conferences, and kick-start Colwyn Bay’s massive regeneration effort.
The complex is scheduled to be complete by December 2010- ready for preparation for the London 2012 Olympics.
A North Wales rugby academy has already been established at Eirias Park to hone top talent together with the Welsh Rugby Union.
Councillors were eager for the project to get the go-ahead and were excited at the prospect of Eirias Park’s capacity being boosted to a 3,000 seater stadium, with room for 3,000 more standing.
The stadium will also include corporate VIP boxes and new floodlights.
Speaking after yesterday’s planning meeting Cllr Brian Cossey said it was great news for the town and its image: “It will be a tremendous boost for Colwyn Bay.
“To have what will be a regional rugby team playing out of Colwyn Bay will be a great benefit. Then there is the spin-off of all the other sports; having a regional sports centre will attract top athletes and open air concerts, so it isn’t just sport, we could well have pop stars and opera stars performing in Colwyn Bay.”
Cllr Abdul Khan agreed: “This is good news for Colwyn Bay, it is positive, it will put Colwyn Bay on the map and the Gogledd Cymru rugby team will make the town its home and bring more people into Colwyn Bay.
Rhiw ward councillor Trevor Stott added: “I think this is fantastic news. For a few years now there has been a bit of pessimism about Colwyn Bay so this just the thing we need.
“This can be the forerunner for the regeneration of Colwyn Bay. We now need to look at the amenities and leisure facilities in terms of tourism and hotels providing first class accommodation and facilities for visitors.”
As part of the planning process a visit was made to Arsenal Football Club’s training facilities to get a feel for how the Eirias Park development would be
Jan 14 2010 by Richard Evans, Daily Post
Eirias Park
A £6m new sports complex and concert venue will be built in a move hoped to kick start the regeneration of Colwyn Bay.
Councillors yesterday granted planning permission for a new 2,000 all seater stand to be the new home for Welsh rugby at Eiras Park.
The development, paid for out of Assembly and European funding, will also include a new pitch cover system, indoor training centre containing four indoor football pitches, and a high-performance gym.
It is hoped it will attract North Wales top athletes, pop stars, international conferences, and kick-start Colwyn Bay’s massive regeneration effort.
The complex is scheduled to be complete by December 2010- ready for preparation for the London 2012 Olympics.
A North Wales rugby academy has already been established at Eirias Park to hone top talent together with the Welsh Rugby Union.
Councillors were eager for the project to get the go-ahead and were excited at the prospect of Eirias Park’s capacity being boosted to a 3,000 seater stadium, with room for 3,000 more standing.
The stadium will also include corporate VIP boxes and new floodlights.
Speaking after yesterday’s planning meeting Cllr Brian Cossey said it was great news for the town and its image: “It will be a tremendous boost for Colwyn Bay.
“To have what will be a regional rugby team playing out of Colwyn Bay will be a great benefit. Then there is the spin-off of all the other sports; having a regional sports centre will attract top athletes and open air concerts, so it isn’t just sport, we could well have pop stars and opera stars performing in Colwyn Bay.”
Cllr Abdul Khan agreed: “This is good news for Colwyn Bay, it is positive, it will put Colwyn Bay on the map and the Gogledd Cymru rugby team will make the town its home and bring more people into Colwyn Bay.
Rhiw ward councillor Trevor Stott added: “I think this is fantastic news. For a few years now there has been a bit of pessimism about Colwyn Bay so this just the thing we need.
“This can be the forerunner for the regeneration of Colwyn Bay. We now need to look at the amenities and leisure facilities in terms of tourism and hotels providing first class accommodation and facilities for visitors.”
As part of the planning process a visit was made to Arsenal Football Club’s training facilities to get a feel for how the Eirias Park development would be
14.1.10. Canadians beef up RG1404
WRU PRESS RELEASE
Issued: 14 January 2010
Canadians to beef up northern ambition
Nine elite Canadian rugby players have arrived to beef up the newly-launched North Wales regional rugby side, RGC (Rygbi Gogledd Cymru) 1404.
The nine were unveiled today at a special press conference at Parc Eirias, Colwyn Bay, headquarters of the ambitious new region.
RGC 1404 - 1404 commemorates the date when Welsh hero Owain Glyndwr was crowned Prince of Wales - will play at least ten fixtures this season, in a bid to raise the standard of representative rugby in north Wales while developing home grown talent through the establishment of a WRU academy for north Wales.
And this week's snow and ice gave the cream of Canada's up and coming rugby talent an early reminder of home - though back row forward Jebb Sinclair pointed out: "Back in New Brunswick it's -25C and there's two foot of snow. I actually began the trip over here on a skidoo."
For 23-year-old Jebb Wales is a lot closer to home than the headquarters of Canadian rugby in British Columbia on the west coast - New Brunswick on the Atlantic is just 3,000 miles from Colwyn Bay - it's another 4,000 to Vancouver, BC.
No-one was more pleased to see the Canadianms than RGC 1404 coach Clive Griffiths, the dual code international who masterminded the defence strategy of the 2005 Wales Grand Slam side.
He said: "They've settled in very quickly and are really looking forward to getting out on the pitch.
"They're a very committed bunch, their attitude is superb and it's just a question of integrating them along with the boys we have coming up from South Wales with the players we have in the North.
"Certainly the skill levels and the attitude and professionalism is something we want to rub off on our lads.
"They're from different cultures but at the end of the day we're all rugby people and they know what it's all about.
"They can offer us a lot and we can offer them the chance to get a higher level of competition and a higher standard of rugby than they could back home."
Overseeing the introduction of the Canadians to North Wales is former Canada and Wales lock forward John Tait, now Canada's Assistant National Team Coach (Forwards) who will be using video monitoring to keep a check on his charges even after he returns to Canada.
He said: "These players are all part of the National Elite squad and train full time and I'm over to help them bed in.
"It's a fantastic opportunity and now it's up to them. They're under some pressure because if they don't cut it the other half of the squad are chomping at the bit to come out and get their chance.
"They're all in contention for places in our World Cup squad in New Zealand next year so this gives them a real opportunity to see them at a higher level.
"We're also delighted to be in at the start of such an ambitious project and to be able to give something back to Welsh rugby."
Jebb Sinclair, with ten caps already including an appearance at the Millennium Stadium against Wales in 2008 - alongside full back Ciaran Hearn who is also in the party - is certainly eying a World Cup place.
He plays for the Castaway Wanderers in Victoria, British Columbia, and said: "It's a great opportunity for me to play at a higher level and I'm really excited about it.
"It's fantastic to be in at the start of this project for North Wales and we can't wait to get out and play."
Prop Tom Dolezel, 25, from London, Ontario, originally chose American football as a career when he was at university and was signed for the Candian Football League by the Calgary Stampeders.
He was a 295-lb defensive tackle but has made the switch back, slimmed down to 262lbs and is now a loose head prop: "It's a lot easier on the knees being 262," he said: "But I'm ecstatic to be here and can't wait to get some games and some experience. It's a huge opportunity for me.
"I'm very raw but I've got a lot of physicality - I just need to learn how to use it."
RGC 1404's first match is scheduled for tomorrow night at Parc Eirias against Leicester Tigers Development XV and nine other fixtures have also been lined up against good quality opposition.
WRU Board representative for North Wales Peredur Jenkins said: "This heralds a new era for rugby in north Wales and is an exciting and innovative development in Welsh rugby.
"Our aim is to give young talented players in north Wales, the chance to develop to their potential within their own area, and to give the people of north Wales high quality rugby on their doorstep.
"I appeal to everyone across north Wales to attend the matches at Parc Eirias to support our own representative team."
Kenton Morgan, chair, CIC Rygbi Gogledd Cymru said: "This is an historic moment in North Wales rugby. It's a new era and a lot of people have contributed from Rugby Canada, the International Rugby Board, the Welsh Rugby Union and Conwy County Borough Council.
"We believe that one day North Wales will be the best team in Europe and it's because of the effort that all those organisations and all the people involved in this have made."
Canadians in RGC 1404:
Nick Blevins
Current Team: Canada
Position: C
Height: 188
Weight: 98
Hometown: Vancouver, BC
Birthday: September 11, 1988 (21 Years)
Caps 2
Nick won his first test cap appearance vs Japan in Sendai this past November.
Luke Cudmore
Current Team: BC Bears
Position: Lock
Height: 200 cms
Weight: 140 Kgs
Hometown: Squamish, BC
Date of Birth: September 5, 1984 (25 years)
Caps 1
Debut vs USA at Toyota Park - June 21, 2008
Nanyak Dala (injured)
Current Team: Canada
Position: Flanker
Height: 178
Weight: 94
Hometown: Jos, Nigeria,
Date of Birth: June 18, 1984 (25 years)
Caps 9
Debut vs USA at Twickenham - June 2nd, 2007
Tom Dolezel
Current Team: Canada
Position: Prop
Height: 172
Weight: 104
Hometown: Calgary, AB
Date of Birth: -
Caps 1
Earned his first cap vs Russia in Vancouver on November 28th.
Ciaran Hearn
Current Team: Canada
Position: Full Back
Height: 190
Weight: 100
Hometown: Conception Bay, Newfoundland
Date of Birth: December 30, 1985 (24 years)
Caps 9
Debut: Ireland v Canada at Limerick, Nov 8, 2008
Chauncey O'Toole
Current Team: Canada
Position: Flanker
Height: 184
Weight: 80
Hometown: Belleisle, NB,
Date of Birth: February 22, 1986 (23 years)
Caps 5
Debut: Canada v Ireland at Vancouver, May 23, 2009
Jebb Sinclair
Current Team: Canada
Position: Flanker/second row
Height: 182
Weight: 108
Hometown: Fredericton, NB,
Date of Birth: April 8, 1986 (23 years)
Caps 10
Debut: Portugal v Canada at Lisbon, Nov 1, 2008
Sean White
Current Team: Canada
Position: Scrum-Half
Height: 180
Weight: 83
Hometown: Victoria, BC
Date of Birth: June 28, 1988 (21 years)
Caps 3
Japan v Canada at Sendai, Nov 15, 2009
Doug Wooldridge
Current Team: Canada
Position: Tight-head Prop
Height: 184
Weight: 99
Hometown: Lindsay, Ontario,
Date of Birth: December 19, 1985 (24 years)
Caps 4
Debut: Canada v Georgia at Denver, Colorado, Jun 6, 2009
Stephen Woodward
Current Team: Prairie Wolf Pack
Position: Fly-half
Height: 175 cms
Weight: 83 kgs
Hometown: Calgary, AB
Date of Birth: November 19, 1984 (25 years)
Uncapped
For further information contact
Alistair Syme
Ceidiog Communication
01824 703073
07758 841012
Issued: 14 January 2010
Canadians to beef up northern ambition
Nine elite Canadian rugby players have arrived to beef up the newly-launched North Wales regional rugby side, RGC (Rygbi Gogledd Cymru) 1404.
The nine were unveiled today at a special press conference at Parc Eirias, Colwyn Bay, headquarters of the ambitious new region.
RGC 1404 - 1404 commemorates the date when Welsh hero Owain Glyndwr was crowned Prince of Wales - will play at least ten fixtures this season, in a bid to raise the standard of representative rugby in north Wales while developing home grown talent through the establishment of a WRU academy for north Wales.
And this week's snow and ice gave the cream of Canada's up and coming rugby talent an early reminder of home - though back row forward Jebb Sinclair pointed out: "Back in New Brunswick it's -25C and there's two foot of snow. I actually began the trip over here on a skidoo."
For 23-year-old Jebb Wales is a lot closer to home than the headquarters of Canadian rugby in British Columbia on the west coast - New Brunswick on the Atlantic is just 3,000 miles from Colwyn Bay - it's another 4,000 to Vancouver, BC.
No-one was more pleased to see the Canadianms than RGC 1404 coach Clive Griffiths, the dual code international who masterminded the defence strategy of the 2005 Wales Grand Slam side.
He said: "They've settled in very quickly and are really looking forward to getting out on the pitch.
"They're a very committed bunch, their attitude is superb and it's just a question of integrating them along with the boys we have coming up from South Wales with the players we have in the North.
"Certainly the skill levels and the attitude and professionalism is something we want to rub off on our lads.
"They're from different cultures but at the end of the day we're all rugby people and they know what it's all about.
"They can offer us a lot and we can offer them the chance to get a higher level of competition and a higher standard of rugby than they could back home."
Overseeing the introduction of the Canadians to North Wales is former Canada and Wales lock forward John Tait, now Canada's Assistant National Team Coach (Forwards) who will be using video monitoring to keep a check on his charges even after he returns to Canada.
He said: "These players are all part of the National Elite squad and train full time and I'm over to help them bed in.
"It's a fantastic opportunity and now it's up to them. They're under some pressure because if they don't cut it the other half of the squad are chomping at the bit to come out and get their chance.
"They're all in contention for places in our World Cup squad in New Zealand next year so this gives them a real opportunity to see them at a higher level.
"We're also delighted to be in at the start of such an ambitious project and to be able to give something back to Welsh rugby."
Jebb Sinclair, with ten caps already including an appearance at the Millennium Stadium against Wales in 2008 - alongside full back Ciaran Hearn who is also in the party - is certainly eying a World Cup place.
He plays for the Castaway Wanderers in Victoria, British Columbia, and said: "It's a great opportunity for me to play at a higher level and I'm really excited about it.
"It's fantastic to be in at the start of this project for North Wales and we can't wait to get out and play."
Prop Tom Dolezel, 25, from London, Ontario, originally chose American football as a career when he was at university and was signed for the Candian Football League by the Calgary Stampeders.
He was a 295-lb defensive tackle but has made the switch back, slimmed down to 262lbs and is now a loose head prop: "It's a lot easier on the knees being 262," he said: "But I'm ecstatic to be here and can't wait to get some games and some experience. It's a huge opportunity for me.
"I'm very raw but I've got a lot of physicality - I just need to learn how to use it."
RGC 1404's first match is scheduled for tomorrow night at Parc Eirias against Leicester Tigers Development XV and nine other fixtures have also been lined up against good quality opposition.
WRU Board representative for North Wales Peredur Jenkins said: "This heralds a new era for rugby in north Wales and is an exciting and innovative development in Welsh rugby.
"Our aim is to give young talented players in north Wales, the chance to develop to their potential within their own area, and to give the people of north Wales high quality rugby on their doorstep.
"I appeal to everyone across north Wales to attend the matches at Parc Eirias to support our own representative team."
Kenton Morgan, chair, CIC Rygbi Gogledd Cymru said: "This is an historic moment in North Wales rugby. It's a new era and a lot of people have contributed from Rugby Canada, the International Rugby Board, the Welsh Rugby Union and Conwy County Borough Council.
"We believe that one day North Wales will be the best team in Europe and it's because of the effort that all those organisations and all the people involved in this have made."
Canadians in RGC 1404:
Nick Blevins
Current Team: Canada
Position: C
Height: 188
Weight: 98
Hometown: Vancouver, BC
Birthday: September 11, 1988 (21 Years)
Caps 2
Nick won his first test cap appearance vs Japan in Sendai this past November.
Luke Cudmore
Current Team: BC Bears
Position: Lock
Height: 200 cms
Weight: 140 Kgs
Hometown: Squamish, BC
Date of Birth: September 5, 1984 (25 years)
Caps 1
Debut vs USA at Toyota Park - June 21, 2008
Nanyak Dala (injured)
Current Team: Canada
Position: Flanker
Height: 178
Weight: 94
Hometown: Jos, Nigeria,
Date of Birth: June 18, 1984 (25 years)
Caps 9
Debut vs USA at Twickenham - June 2nd, 2007
Tom Dolezel
Current Team: Canada
Position: Prop
Height: 172
Weight: 104
Hometown: Calgary, AB
Date of Birth: -
Caps 1
Earned his first cap vs Russia in Vancouver on November 28th.
Ciaran Hearn
Current Team: Canada
Position: Full Back
Height: 190
Weight: 100
Hometown: Conception Bay, Newfoundland
Date of Birth: December 30, 1985 (24 years)
Caps 9
Debut: Ireland v Canada at Limerick, Nov 8, 2008
Chauncey O'Toole
Current Team: Canada
Position: Flanker
Height: 184
Weight: 80
Hometown: Belleisle, NB,
Date of Birth: February 22, 1986 (23 years)
Caps 5
Debut: Canada v Ireland at Vancouver, May 23, 2009
Jebb Sinclair
Current Team: Canada
Position: Flanker/second row
Height: 182
Weight: 108
Hometown: Fredericton, NB,
Date of Birth: April 8, 1986 (23 years)
Caps 10
Debut: Portugal v Canada at Lisbon, Nov 1, 2008
Sean White
Current Team: Canada
Position: Scrum-Half
Height: 180
Weight: 83
Hometown: Victoria, BC
Date of Birth: June 28, 1988 (21 years)
Caps 3
Japan v Canada at Sendai, Nov 15, 2009
Doug Wooldridge
Current Team: Canada
Position: Tight-head Prop
Height: 184
Weight: 99
Hometown: Lindsay, Ontario,
Date of Birth: December 19, 1985 (24 years)
Caps 4
Debut: Canada v Georgia at Denver, Colorado, Jun 6, 2009
Stephen Woodward
Current Team: Prairie Wolf Pack
Position: Fly-half
Height: 175 cms
Weight: 83 kgs
Hometown: Calgary, AB
Date of Birth: November 19, 1984 (25 years)
Uncapped
For further information contact
Alistair Syme
Ceidiog Communication
01824 703073
07758 841012
13.1.10
13.1.10 Details of Canadian Players arrival in NWales
RUGBY Canada have named the 10 professional players who arrived yesterday to bolster Gogledd Cymru’s bid for semi-professional rugby.
The players are all part of the Sport Canada government carding programme
and will receive their regular salary while participating in the four-month schedule that will see the North Wales side play a variety of professional academy sides and semi-pro clubs.
Four of the Canadian players come via the Prairie Wolf Pack of the Americas Rugby Championship.
Centre Nick Blevins, prop Tom Dolezel (also an Ontario Blue) along with fly-half Steve Woodward make the move, while flanker Nanyak Dala is delayed while recovering from a facial injury sustained during Canada’s recent tour to Japan.
Second-row Luke Cudmore and Sean White of the BC Bears will also figure into the squad, while the Ontario Blues add prop Doug Wooldridge.
The Rock contribute three key players with Newfoundland’s Ciaran Hearn fulfilling a back three role, and flanker Chauncey O’Toole and second row/back row Jebb Sinclair also getting the nod.
Former Grand Slam-winning coach Clive Griffiths was announced as head coach for Gogledd Cymru last month, with existing coach John Aby staying on as an assistant.
THE CANADIAN 10: Nick Blevins – centre (Prairie Wolf Pack), Luke Cudmore – second-row (BC Bears), Nanyak Dala – flanker (Prairie Wolf Pack), Tom Dolezel – prop (Prairie Wolf Pack and Ontario Blues), Ciaran Hearn – back-row (Atlantic Rock), Chauncey O’Toole – back-row (Atlantic Rock), Jebb Sinclair – second-row/back-row (Atlantic Rock), Sean White – scrum-half (BC Bears), Doug Wooldridge – prop (Ontario Blues), Steve Woodward – fly-half (Prairie Wolf Pack).
NORTH WALES FIXTURES 2010: January 15 v Leicester Tigers Development XV (Eirias Park), January 20 v Antiassassins – Chester (away), January 30 v Glamorgan Wanderers (away), February 2/3 v Scarlets (Llandovery), February 17 v Worcester (Eirias Park), February 23 v Sale Jets (Eirias Park), March 10 v Leeds (Eirias Park), March 19 v Oxford University (Eirias Park), April 17 v Cross Keys (Eirias Park).
The players are all part of the Sport Canada government carding programme
and will receive their regular salary while participating in the four-month schedule that will see the North Wales side play a variety of professional academy sides and semi-pro clubs.
Four of the Canadian players come via the Prairie Wolf Pack of the Americas Rugby Championship.
Centre Nick Blevins, prop Tom Dolezel (also an Ontario Blue) along with fly-half Steve Woodward make the move, while flanker Nanyak Dala is delayed while recovering from a facial injury sustained during Canada’s recent tour to Japan.
Second-row Luke Cudmore and Sean White of the BC Bears will also figure into the squad, while the Ontario Blues add prop Doug Wooldridge.
The Rock contribute three key players with Newfoundland’s Ciaran Hearn fulfilling a back three role, and flanker Chauncey O’Toole and second row/back row Jebb Sinclair also getting the nod.
Former Grand Slam-winning coach Clive Griffiths was announced as head coach for Gogledd Cymru last month, with existing coach John Aby staying on as an assistant.
THE CANADIAN 10: Nick Blevins – centre (Prairie Wolf Pack), Luke Cudmore – second-row (BC Bears), Nanyak Dala – flanker (Prairie Wolf Pack), Tom Dolezel – prop (Prairie Wolf Pack and Ontario Blues), Ciaran Hearn – back-row (Atlantic Rock), Chauncey O’Toole – back-row (Atlantic Rock), Jebb Sinclair – second-row/back-row (Atlantic Rock), Sean White – scrum-half (BC Bears), Doug Wooldridge – prop (Ontario Blues), Steve Woodward – fly-half (Prairie Wolf Pack).
NORTH WALES FIXTURES 2010: January 15 v Leicester Tigers Development XV (Eirias Park), January 20 v Antiassassins – Chester (away), January 30 v Glamorgan Wanderers (away), February 2/3 v Scarlets (Llandovery), February 17 v Worcester (Eirias Park), February 23 v Sale Jets (Eirias Park), March 10 v Leeds (Eirias Park), March 19 v Oxford University (Eirias Park), April 17 v Cross Keys (Eirias Park).
11.1.10
11.1.10. "N.Wales crucial and needs own identity" -Nigel Davies per DPost
North Wales is crucial claims Scarlets boss
Jan 11 2010 by Our Correspondent, Daily Post
SCARLETS head coach Nigel Davies believes each of the four professional sides have the right to cherry pick the best from North Wales.
North Walians Rob Higgitt, Rob McCusker and Andy Fenby are current Scarlets, while academy starlets Joel Galley, Rhodri Jones and George North also all hail from the north, but Davies accepts each of Wales’ regions now has the right to seek out the North’s top talent.
And he also acceptss the Scarlets’ efforts to develop rugby in North Wales have not been entirely fruitful.
“We’ve obviously tried to do it with varying degrees of success,” said Davies. “It’s been difficult, I think, due to the geography and the financial resources to do it properly.
“And obviously now North Wales has been set up as a development region, which almost sets them apart a little bit from ourselves, but we are still very keen to continue some of the links we have in North Wales.
But Davies was all in favour of a North Wales region, adding: “I’m not too sure on how the region are looking at it, but I’m a firm believer that the north of Wales does need its own identity.
“That will only help grow the game in Wales and the north of Wales and means that we have more player numbers in the whole of Wales to choose from.
“So I’m a firm believer in that.”
Jan 11 2010 by Our Correspondent, Daily Post
SCARLETS head coach Nigel Davies believes each of the four professional sides have the right to cherry pick the best from North Wales.
North Walians Rob Higgitt, Rob McCusker and Andy Fenby are current Scarlets, while academy starlets Joel Galley, Rhodri Jones and George North also all hail from the north, but Davies accepts each of Wales’ regions now has the right to seek out the North’s top talent.
And he also acceptss the Scarlets’ efforts to develop rugby in North Wales have not been entirely fruitful.
“We’ve obviously tried to do it with varying degrees of success,” said Davies. “It’s been difficult, I think, due to the geography and the financial resources to do it properly.
“And obviously now North Wales has been set up as a development region, which almost sets them apart a little bit from ourselves, but we are still very keen to continue some of the links we have in North Wales.
But Davies was all in favour of a North Wales region, adding: “I’m not too sure on how the region are looking at it, but I’m a firm believer that the north of Wales does need its own identity.
“That will only help grow the game in Wales and the north of Wales and means that we have more player numbers in the whole of Wales to choose from.
“So I’m a firm believer in that.”
10.1.10
10.01.10 NWRC MOURNS THE DEATH OF BETHESDA PRESIDENT
North Wales Rugby Council would like to offer condolences to the family of Brian Williams, President of Bethesda Rugby Club who died tragically this week.He was a true friend of the game and to everyone associated with the game of rugby in North Wales. He will be sadly missed.
Other tributes have also been paid to the Gwynedd lorry driver who died in a road accident with another heavy goods vehicle on the A470 in Powys.
Brian Williams, 64, was well-known as the president of Bethesda Rugby Club near Bangor.
He owned Ogwen Transport at Sling near Tregarth, Bangor, and was driving one of his own lorries.
His friend, Huw Jones, said he would not have wanted to let his customers down during the bad weather.
He added Mr Williams was very well liked and respected within the community and was always ready to lend a hand.
"He could have retired but he liked to drive, and he would not have wanted to let his customers down," Mr Jones, who is chairman of Bethesda Rugby Club said.
"Apparently he got up at five to check the conditions, which were too bad to start off, but by 9am he decided he would chance it," he added.
Mr Williams leaves a wife, Helen, and daughter Lucy.
"We had known each other for years, and he was really quiet, but still quite a character," said Mr Jones.
"He only went to the rugby club to drink, because he said he liked it there with the boys, and he used to play rugby for the club when he was younger."
Mr Jones said the death had shocked the whole community.
"A friend was over from America to see him at the weekend, and they were laughing and joking, he only went back on Monday... and then this happened, and he's coming back again now for the funeral."
"Everyone thought the world of Brian, he was a real gentle giant," he added.
Mr Williams died when his truck was in collision with another heavy goods vehicle in an area known locally as Quarry Corner near Rhayader, Powys.
The other driver suffered serious injuries and is being treated at Morriston Hospital in Swansea.
Other tributes have also been paid to the Gwynedd lorry driver who died in a road accident with another heavy goods vehicle on the A470 in Powys.
Brian Williams, 64, was well-known as the president of Bethesda Rugby Club near Bangor.
He owned Ogwen Transport at Sling near Tregarth, Bangor, and was driving one of his own lorries.
His friend, Huw Jones, said he would not have wanted to let his customers down during the bad weather.
He added Mr Williams was very well liked and respected within the community and was always ready to lend a hand.
"He could have retired but he liked to drive, and he would not have wanted to let his customers down," Mr Jones, who is chairman of Bethesda Rugby Club said.
"Apparently he got up at five to check the conditions, which were too bad to start off, but by 9am he decided he would chance it," he added.
Mr Williams leaves a wife, Helen, and daughter Lucy.
"We had known each other for years, and he was really quiet, but still quite a character," said Mr Jones.
"He only went to the rugby club to drink, because he said he liked it there with the boys, and he used to play rugby for the club when he was younger."
Mr Jones said the death had shocked the whole community.
"A friend was over from America to see him at the weekend, and they were laughing and joking, he only went back on Monday... and then this happened, and he's coming back again now for the funeral."
"Everyone thought the world of Brian, he was a real gentle giant," he added.
Mr Williams died when his truck was in collision with another heavy goods vehicle in an area known locally as Quarry Corner near Rhayader, Powys.
The other driver suffered serious injuries and is being treated at Morriston Hospital in Swansea.
7.1.10
7.1.10 Rob would play tighthead !! Daily post
McCusker: 'I will play anywhere for Wales'
Jan 7 2010 by Rob Griffiths, Daily Post
ROB McCUSKER is living proof there is genuine rugby talent in North Wales, and the former Mold youth player is confident more can be harnessed with the measures being put in place within the region.
McCusker, 24, made his first Mangers League start of the season last Thursday in the Scarlets 14-9 win at Welsh rivals Newport Gwent Dragons, playing at number six in place of the injured Simon Easterby.
And the young back-row is hoping that will not be the end of his stint as a starter for the region, adding: “I hope I can still get more opportunities.
“With the injuries at the moment at the club it’s probably more through necessity than anything else the reason why I’m starting. Hopefully it’s not the only reason, and I think I put in a good performance in the game.
“I came off the bench to play against the Ospreys after Simon (Easterby) broke his hand, but I like to think I am playing well at the moment anyway and am doing okay.”
McCusker, however, is not the only North Wales native making a name for himself at the Scarlets, with winger Andy Fenby (from Rhos-on-Sea) and centre Rob Higgitt (Ruthin) also plying their trade at the Llanelli based region.
But McCusker is hoping this influx of players might be the last for a while, as more emphasis is being placed on the newly named RGC 1404 (Gogledd Cymru).
“It’s nice to have a few lads from up in North Wales down here at the Scarlets, but there isn’t too many Gog accents around the place with those two,” McCusker joked.
“Rob has been over in Bristol for a long time and Andy sounds very posh coming from the Colwyn Bay area, and having lived in Newcastle for so long.
“But it’s nice, I actually travelled home with Andy for Christmas. He dropped me off in Wrexham on the way through and it was nice to have someone to talk to on what is a really long drive back home.
“But I think we could be the last for some time to be coming down here what with everything they are doing in North Wales.”
And McCusker is delighted to finally see some excellent progress being made in a area starved for so long of top flight rugby.
Last month former Grand Slam winning coach Clive Griffiths was unveiled as the new head coach of RGC 1404, and that is a massive positive in the eyes of McCusker, who added: “There are a lot of really good coaches in North Wales, but none with the experience and ability of Clive Griffiths.
“It’s massive for rugby up there that they have attracted a coach like Clive Griffiths.”
But would McCusker fancy a move back home if RGC 1404 became a fully fledged professional region?
“Never say never,” he responded. “I think if they get to where they want to be and are playing at elite level, then you never know. But I’m happy here at the Scarlets for the moment.”
It was from his performances last season with the region that earned him a place in the Wales training squad for the summer tour to North America.
While he was eventually cut from the touring party, it was a big enough confidence boost to the player that he is doing something right.
And the call up has also acted as a spark for the former Wales Sevens player to kick on and make the break through for further international honours.
Head coach Warren Gatland recently intimated he was looking for a destructive openside following Wales’ inability at the breakdown during the autumn internationals.
While he has been playing at blindside for the Scarlets in the absence of Easterby, McCusker has been talked about in the same sentence as Sam Warburton and Dan Lydiate as possible international sevens of the future.
But none of that matters to McCusker, who added: “I would play at tighthead if they wanted me too.
“It’s not something I’ve really thought about too much, my first goal is to try and become first choice for my region, once I’ve done that then I can think of going higher. There’s only the four regions to pick from so if you are first choice for that then you give yourself a really good chance of selection.
“But my priority is to play for the Scarlets as much as I can and then maybe give anyone watching something to think about.”
Jan 7 2010 by Rob Griffiths, Daily Post
ROB McCUSKER is living proof there is genuine rugby talent in North Wales, and the former Mold youth player is confident more can be harnessed with the measures being put in place within the region.
McCusker, 24, made his first Mangers League start of the season last Thursday in the Scarlets 14-9 win at Welsh rivals Newport Gwent Dragons, playing at number six in place of the injured Simon Easterby.
And the young back-row is hoping that will not be the end of his stint as a starter for the region, adding: “I hope I can still get more opportunities.
“With the injuries at the moment at the club it’s probably more through necessity than anything else the reason why I’m starting. Hopefully it’s not the only reason, and I think I put in a good performance in the game.
“I came off the bench to play against the Ospreys after Simon (Easterby) broke his hand, but I like to think I am playing well at the moment anyway and am doing okay.”
McCusker, however, is not the only North Wales native making a name for himself at the Scarlets, with winger Andy Fenby (from Rhos-on-Sea) and centre Rob Higgitt (Ruthin) also plying their trade at the Llanelli based region.
But McCusker is hoping this influx of players might be the last for a while, as more emphasis is being placed on the newly named RGC 1404 (Gogledd Cymru).
“It’s nice to have a few lads from up in North Wales down here at the Scarlets, but there isn’t too many Gog accents around the place with those two,” McCusker joked.
“Rob has been over in Bristol for a long time and Andy sounds very posh coming from the Colwyn Bay area, and having lived in Newcastle for so long.
“But it’s nice, I actually travelled home with Andy for Christmas. He dropped me off in Wrexham on the way through and it was nice to have someone to talk to on what is a really long drive back home.
“But I think we could be the last for some time to be coming down here what with everything they are doing in North Wales.”
And McCusker is delighted to finally see some excellent progress being made in a area starved for so long of top flight rugby.
Last month former Grand Slam winning coach Clive Griffiths was unveiled as the new head coach of RGC 1404, and that is a massive positive in the eyes of McCusker, who added: “There are a lot of really good coaches in North Wales, but none with the experience and ability of Clive Griffiths.
“It’s massive for rugby up there that they have attracted a coach like Clive Griffiths.”
But would McCusker fancy a move back home if RGC 1404 became a fully fledged professional region?
“Never say never,” he responded. “I think if they get to where they want to be and are playing at elite level, then you never know. But I’m happy here at the Scarlets for the moment.”
It was from his performances last season with the region that earned him a place in the Wales training squad for the summer tour to North America.
While he was eventually cut from the touring party, it was a big enough confidence boost to the player that he is doing something right.
And the call up has also acted as a spark for the former Wales Sevens player to kick on and make the break through for further international honours.
Head coach Warren Gatland recently intimated he was looking for a destructive openside following Wales’ inability at the breakdown during the autumn internationals.
While he has been playing at blindside for the Scarlets in the absence of Easterby, McCusker has been talked about in the same sentence as Sam Warburton and Dan Lydiate as possible international sevens of the future.
But none of that matters to McCusker, who added: “I would play at tighthead if they wanted me too.
“It’s not something I’ve really thought about too much, my first goal is to try and become first choice for my region, once I’ve done that then I can think of going higher. There’s only the four regions to pick from so if you are first choice for that then you give yourself a really good chance of selection.
“But my priority is to play for the Scarlets as much as I can and then maybe give anyone watching something to think about.”
5.1.10
05.01.10 NEW NAME AND IDENTITY FOR GOGLEDD CYMRU TEAM
NEW NAME AND IDENTITY FOR NORTH WALES RUGBY TEAM
NB Logo attached
A date of major significance in ancient Welsh history has been revived to form the new name and emblem for the reshaped North Wales development team.
The team, previously known as Rygbi Gogledd Cymru, will now be called RGC 1404 which will be emblazoned on a heraldic badge above a golden Welsh dragon alongside an ornate celtic graphic within a knight’s shield.
1404 is the year when Owain Glyndwr was crowned Welsh Prince at Machynlleth and led his Welsh army and supporters under the golden dragon standard.
Now these landmarks from history are being revived to spearhead the RGC 1404 campaign to become a new and powerful force in the representative game.
The newly designed branding is being launched today (Tuesday 5 January) along with details of RGC 1404’s finalised fixture list which kicks off in mid-January 2010.
Ten fixtures have been confirmed for the team starting on Friday 15th January when RGC 1404 take on a Leicester Tigers Development XV at their new home ground in Parc Eirias, Colwyn Bay. Other fixtures are still to be added to the schedule.
The team’s golden dragon standard will be raised above their new home base for the first fixture to be played by the relaunched side.
The WRU Head of Rugby Performance and Development, Joe Lydon, said: “We are delighted with the new branding which the players, supporters and officials can wear with pride.
“RGC 1404 signifies the focus to raise the profile and development of rugby across the whole of North Wales and provides an opportunity for the whole region to unite and support that focus.
“The people of North Wales have already proved they have a hunger for top class rugby and this branding proves we want to engage with their hopes and aspirations for the team.”
WRU Group Chief Executive Roger Lewis said: ”Rugby is our national sport here in Wales and it is fitting that our aims for the future are closely linked to our history and heritage off the field as well.”
“Amongst other things rugby is about dedication, loyalty, and honour which are all symbolised in the life story of Owain Glyndwr.
RGC 1404 Head Coach Clive Griffiths said: “We have an exciting fixture list to kick off a new era of north Wales rugby. We have had a great level of cooperation from Premiership clubs in England and Welsh clubs and Regions. The quality of opposition will enable players from north and south Wales along with the Canadians in the squad to challenge themselves against full time and semi-professional players.
“It’s important the players gel as a team under one identity. RGC 1404 will provide that identity and with continued support from the north Wales public, I’m sure that brand will grow year on year.”
WRU Board representative for North Wales, Peredur Jenkins, said: "The new branding of the Gogledd Cymru team - RGC 1404 - heralds a new era for rugby in north Wales – an exciting and innovative development in Welsh rugby.
"Our aim is to give young talented players in north Wales, the chance to develop to their potential within their own area, and to give the people of north Wales high quality rugby on their doorstep.
"I appeal to everyone across north Wales to attend the matches at Parc Eirias to support our own representative team."
Kenton Morgan, chair, CIC Rygbi Gogledd Cymru said:
"Gogledd Cymru has become more than just a team. It also represents the culture of the north Wales region. RGC 1404 was commissioned to make the brand more accessible to supporters from all over the region but the aspirations of Gogledd Cymru remain the same - to provide supporters and players in north Wales with access to high quality rugby."
The RGC 1404 team has already unveiled former Wales defence coach Clive Griffiths as its new Head Coach and announced that ten Canadian international players will arrive next month to bolster the competitive standard of the squad.
The WRU link up with Canadian rugby will involve hosting the players while reducing their numbers as the new National Academy structure in North Wales gradually develops more local players to take their places.
The new logo for RGC 1404 has been designed by Worldspan of Abergele after being commissioned by the WRU.
Today RGC 1404 can confirm ten fixtures for the forthcoming season with all home games to be
played at Parc Eirias.
RGC 1404 fixtures 2010:
Friday 15 Jan v Leicester Tigers Development XV Parc Eirias
Wed 20 Jan v Antiassassins (Chester) away
Sat 30 Jan v Glamorgan Wanderers away
2 / 3 Feb v Scarlets, Llandovery RFC
Wed 17 Feb v Worcester Parc Eirias
Wed 23 Feb v Sale Jets Parc Eirias
Wed 10 March v Leeds Parc Eirias
Fri 19 March v Oxford University Parc Eirias
Sat 17 April v Cross Keys Parc Eirias
23/24 April v Dragons, Parc Eirias
For further information, contact:
WRU: Liz Jones Communications manager tel 07736 056669 / lizjones@wru.co.uk
CYHOEDDI DELWEDD NEWYDD RGC 1404 AR GYFER RYGBI GOGLEDD CYMRU
Mae dyddiad pwysig yn hanes Cymru wedi’i adfywio i ffurfio enw ac emblem newydd ar gyfer tîm datblygu Gogledd Cymru.Rŵan, bydd y tîm yn cael ei alw yn “RGC (Rygbi Gogledd Cymru) 1404” fydd wedi’i nodi ar fathodyn uwchben draig euraidd yn ymyl patrwm Celtaidd addurnedig mewn tarian.
1404 yw’r flwyddyn pan goronwyd Owain Glyndŵr yn Dywysog Cymru ym Machynlleth ac arweiniodd ei fyddin a’i gefnogwyr dan faner y ddraig euraidd.
Rŵan, mae’r cerrig milltir hanesyddol hyn yn cael eu hadfywio i arwain ymgyrch RGC 1404 i fod yn rym newydd a phwerus yn y gêm gynrychioliadol.
Bydd y ddelwedd newydd yn cael ei lansio heddiw gyda manylion rhestr gemau RGC 1404 a gadarnhawyd, fydd yn dechrau ganol Ionawr 2010.
Mae deg gêm wedi’u cadarnhau ar gyfer y tîm, gan ddechrau ddydd Gwener 15 Ionawr pan fydd RGC 1404 yn chwarae yn erbyn Leicester Tigers Development XV yn eu cartref newydd ym Mharc Eirias, Bae Colwyn. Bydd gemau eraill hefyd yn cael eu hychwanegu at y rhestr bresennol.
Bydd baner draig euraidd y tîm yn hedfan uwchben y stadiwm yn ystod gêm gyntaf y tîm.
Dywedodd Pennaeth Perfformiad a Datblygiad Rygbi URC, Joe Lydon: “Rydym wrth ein bodd gyda’r ddelwedd newydd y gall y chwaraewyr, y cefnogwyr a’r swyddogion ei wisgo gyda balchder.
“Mae RGC 1404 yn cynrychioli’r ffocws i wella proffil a datblygiad rygbi ledled Gogledd Cymru ac mae’n rhoi cyfle i’r rhanbarth cyfan uno a chefnogi’r ffocws hwnnw.
“Mae pobl Gogledd Cymru eisoes wedi dangos eu bod yn awyddus i weld rygbi o’r safon uchaf, ac mae’r ddelwedd newydd hon yn profi ein bod yn dymuno cyflawni’r gobeithion a’r dyheadau hyn.
Dywedodd Prif Weithredwr Grŵp URC, Roger Lewis: ”Rygbi yw ein camp genedlaethol yma yng Nghymru ac mae’n briodol felly bod ein hamcanion ar gyfer y dyfodol yn cysylltu’n agos â’n hanes a’n treftadaeth oddi ar y cae hefyd.”
“Ymysg pethau eraill, mae ymrwymiad, teyrngarwch, ac anrhydedd i gyd yn bwysig mewn rygbi, ac mae’r rhain i gyd hefyd yn rhan o stori bywyd Owain Glyndŵr.
Dywedodd Prif Hyfforddwr RGC 1404, Clive Griffiths: “Mae gennym gemau cyffrous i ddechrau cyfnod newydd yn hanes rygbi Gogledd Cymru. Rydym wedi cael cydweithrediad ardderchog gan glybiau’r Prif Gynghrair yn Lloegr a gan glybiau a rhanbarthau Cymru. Bydd ansawdd y timau rydym yn chwarae yn eu herbyn yn rhoi her i’r chwaraewyr o ogledd a de Cymru, yn ogystal â’r chwaraewyr Canadaidd yn y sgwad, wrth iddynt chwarae yn erbyn chwaraewyr llawn amser a lled broffesiynol.
“Mae’n bwysig bod y chwaraewyr yn uno fel tîm. RGC 1404 yw enw a hunaniaeth newydd y tîm, a gyda chefnogaeth barhaus gan y cyhoedd yng Ngogledd Cymru, rwy’n siŵr y bydd yn tyfu blwyddyn ar ôl blwyddyn.”
Dywedodd cynrychiolydd Bwrdd y WRU yng Ngogledd Cymru, Peredur Jenkins: "Mae delwedd newydd tîm Gogledd Cymru - RGC 1404 – yn cyhoeddi dechrau cyfnod newydd ar gyfer rygbi yng Ngogledd Cymru – sy’n ddatblygiad cyffrous ac arloesol i rygbi Cymru.
"Ein nod yw rhoi cyfle i chwaraewyr ifanc a thalentog gogledd Cymru i ddatblygu eu potensial yn eu hardal eu hunain, a rhoi cyfle i bobl gogledd Cymru weld rygbi o safon uchel ar garreg eu drws.
"Rwy’n erfyn ar bawb, ledled gogledd Cymru i ddod i weld y gemau ym Mharc Eirias i gefnogi ein tîm."
Dywedodd Kenton Morgan, cadeirydd CIC Rygbi Gogledd Cymru: "Mae Gogledd Cymru wedi datblygu i fod yn fwy na thîm. Mae hefyd yn cynrychioli diwylliant rhanbarth gogledd Cymru. Comisiynwyd RGC 1404 i wneud y ddelwedd yn fwy hygyrch i gefnogwyr o bob rhan o’r rhanbarth, ond mae dyheadau Gogledd Cymru yn aros yr un fath – darparu rygbi o safon uchel i gefnogwyr a chwaraewyr yng ngogledd Cymru."
Mae tîm RGC 1404 eisoes wedi cyhoeddi mai cyn hyfforddwr amddiffyn Cymru, Clive Griffiths, yw eu Prif Hyfforddwr, ac wedi cyhoeddi y bydd deg chwaraewr rhyngwladol o Ganada yn cyrraedd fis nesaf i gryfhau safon gystadleuol y sgwad.
Mae’r cyswllt rhwng y WRU a rygbi Canada yn golygu y bydd y chwaraewyr o Ganada yn chwarae gyda’r tîm, ond wrth i’r strwythur Academi Genedlaethol yng Ngogledd Cymru ddatblygu yn raddol bydd y niferoedd yn lleihau wrth i ragor o chwaraewyr lleol ymuno â’r tîm.
Mae’r logo newydd ar gyfer RGC 1404 wedi’i gynllunio gan Worldspan o Abergele ar ôl iddo gael ei gomisiynu gan y WRU.
Heddiw gall RGC 1404 gadarnhau deg gêm ar gyfer y tymor sydd i ddod, a bydd pob gêm gartref yn cael eu chwarae ym Mharc Eirias.
Gemau RGC 1404 yn 2010:
Gwener 15 Ionawr v Leicester Tigers Development XV – Parc Eirias
Mercher 20 Ionawr v Antiassassins (Caer) – oddi cartref
Sadwrn 30 Ionawr v Crwydriaid Morgannwg – oddi cartref
2 / 3 Chwefror v Scarlets, Clwb Rygbi – Llanymddyfri
Mercher 17 Chwefror v Caerwrangon – Parc Eirias
Mercher 23 Chwefror v Sale Jets – Parc Eirias
Mercher 10 Mawrth v Leeds – Parc Eirias
Gwener 19 Mawrth v Prifysgol Rhydychen – Parc Eirias
Sadwrn 17 Ebrill v Cross Keys – Parc Eirias
23/24 Ebrill v Dreigiau – Parc Eirias
I gael rhagor o wybodaeth, cysylltwch â:
WRU: Liz Jones, Rheolwr Cyfathrebu. 07736 056669 / lizjones@wru.co.uk
ends
© 2010 Microsoft Privacy Terms of use Account Feedback
NB Logo attached
A date of major significance in ancient Welsh history has been revived to form the new name and emblem for the reshaped North Wales development team.
The team, previously known as Rygbi Gogledd Cymru, will now be called RGC 1404 which will be emblazoned on a heraldic badge above a golden Welsh dragon alongside an ornate celtic graphic within a knight’s shield.
1404 is the year when Owain Glyndwr was crowned Welsh Prince at Machynlleth and led his Welsh army and supporters under the golden dragon standard.
Now these landmarks from history are being revived to spearhead the RGC 1404 campaign to become a new and powerful force in the representative game.
The newly designed branding is being launched today (Tuesday 5 January) along with details of RGC 1404’s finalised fixture list which kicks off in mid-January 2010.
Ten fixtures have been confirmed for the team starting on Friday 15th January when RGC 1404 take on a Leicester Tigers Development XV at their new home ground in Parc Eirias, Colwyn Bay. Other fixtures are still to be added to the schedule.
The team’s golden dragon standard will be raised above their new home base for the first fixture to be played by the relaunched side.
The WRU Head of Rugby Performance and Development, Joe Lydon, said: “We are delighted with the new branding which the players, supporters and officials can wear with pride.
“RGC 1404 signifies the focus to raise the profile and development of rugby across the whole of North Wales and provides an opportunity for the whole region to unite and support that focus.
“The people of North Wales have already proved they have a hunger for top class rugby and this branding proves we want to engage with their hopes and aspirations for the team.”
WRU Group Chief Executive Roger Lewis said: ”Rugby is our national sport here in Wales and it is fitting that our aims for the future are closely linked to our history and heritage off the field as well.”
“Amongst other things rugby is about dedication, loyalty, and honour which are all symbolised in the life story of Owain Glyndwr.
RGC 1404 Head Coach Clive Griffiths said: “We have an exciting fixture list to kick off a new era of north Wales rugby. We have had a great level of cooperation from Premiership clubs in England and Welsh clubs and Regions. The quality of opposition will enable players from north and south Wales along with the Canadians in the squad to challenge themselves against full time and semi-professional players.
“It’s important the players gel as a team under one identity. RGC 1404 will provide that identity and with continued support from the north Wales public, I’m sure that brand will grow year on year.”
WRU Board representative for North Wales, Peredur Jenkins, said: "The new branding of the Gogledd Cymru team - RGC 1404 - heralds a new era for rugby in north Wales – an exciting and innovative development in Welsh rugby.
"Our aim is to give young talented players in north Wales, the chance to develop to their potential within their own area, and to give the people of north Wales high quality rugby on their doorstep.
"I appeal to everyone across north Wales to attend the matches at Parc Eirias to support our own representative team."
Kenton Morgan, chair, CIC Rygbi Gogledd Cymru said:
"Gogledd Cymru has become more than just a team. It also represents the culture of the north Wales region. RGC 1404 was commissioned to make the brand more accessible to supporters from all over the region but the aspirations of Gogledd Cymru remain the same - to provide supporters and players in north Wales with access to high quality rugby."
The RGC 1404 team has already unveiled former Wales defence coach Clive Griffiths as its new Head Coach and announced that ten Canadian international players will arrive next month to bolster the competitive standard of the squad.
The WRU link up with Canadian rugby will involve hosting the players while reducing their numbers as the new National Academy structure in North Wales gradually develops more local players to take their places.
The new logo for RGC 1404 has been designed by Worldspan of Abergele after being commissioned by the WRU.
Today RGC 1404 can confirm ten fixtures for the forthcoming season with all home games to be
played at Parc Eirias.
RGC 1404 fixtures 2010:
Friday 15 Jan v Leicester Tigers Development XV Parc Eirias
Wed 20 Jan v Antiassassins (Chester) away
Sat 30 Jan v Glamorgan Wanderers away
2 / 3 Feb v Scarlets, Llandovery RFC
Wed 17 Feb v Worcester Parc Eirias
Wed 23 Feb v Sale Jets Parc Eirias
Wed 10 March v Leeds Parc Eirias
Fri 19 March v Oxford University Parc Eirias
Sat 17 April v Cross Keys Parc Eirias
23/24 April v Dragons, Parc Eirias
For further information, contact:
WRU: Liz Jones Communications manager tel 07736 056669 / lizjones@wru.co.uk
CYHOEDDI DELWEDD NEWYDD RGC 1404 AR GYFER RYGBI GOGLEDD CYMRU
Mae dyddiad pwysig yn hanes Cymru wedi’i adfywio i ffurfio enw ac emblem newydd ar gyfer tîm datblygu Gogledd Cymru.Rŵan, bydd y tîm yn cael ei alw yn “RGC (Rygbi Gogledd Cymru) 1404” fydd wedi’i nodi ar fathodyn uwchben draig euraidd yn ymyl patrwm Celtaidd addurnedig mewn tarian.
1404 yw’r flwyddyn pan goronwyd Owain Glyndŵr yn Dywysog Cymru ym Machynlleth ac arweiniodd ei fyddin a’i gefnogwyr dan faner y ddraig euraidd.
Rŵan, mae’r cerrig milltir hanesyddol hyn yn cael eu hadfywio i arwain ymgyrch RGC 1404 i fod yn rym newydd a phwerus yn y gêm gynrychioliadol.
Bydd y ddelwedd newydd yn cael ei lansio heddiw gyda manylion rhestr gemau RGC 1404 a gadarnhawyd, fydd yn dechrau ganol Ionawr 2010.
Mae deg gêm wedi’u cadarnhau ar gyfer y tîm, gan ddechrau ddydd Gwener 15 Ionawr pan fydd RGC 1404 yn chwarae yn erbyn Leicester Tigers Development XV yn eu cartref newydd ym Mharc Eirias, Bae Colwyn. Bydd gemau eraill hefyd yn cael eu hychwanegu at y rhestr bresennol.
Bydd baner draig euraidd y tîm yn hedfan uwchben y stadiwm yn ystod gêm gyntaf y tîm.
Dywedodd Pennaeth Perfformiad a Datblygiad Rygbi URC, Joe Lydon: “Rydym wrth ein bodd gyda’r ddelwedd newydd y gall y chwaraewyr, y cefnogwyr a’r swyddogion ei wisgo gyda balchder.
“Mae RGC 1404 yn cynrychioli’r ffocws i wella proffil a datblygiad rygbi ledled Gogledd Cymru ac mae’n rhoi cyfle i’r rhanbarth cyfan uno a chefnogi’r ffocws hwnnw.
“Mae pobl Gogledd Cymru eisoes wedi dangos eu bod yn awyddus i weld rygbi o’r safon uchaf, ac mae’r ddelwedd newydd hon yn profi ein bod yn dymuno cyflawni’r gobeithion a’r dyheadau hyn.
Dywedodd Prif Weithredwr Grŵp URC, Roger Lewis: ”Rygbi yw ein camp genedlaethol yma yng Nghymru ac mae’n briodol felly bod ein hamcanion ar gyfer y dyfodol yn cysylltu’n agos â’n hanes a’n treftadaeth oddi ar y cae hefyd.”
“Ymysg pethau eraill, mae ymrwymiad, teyrngarwch, ac anrhydedd i gyd yn bwysig mewn rygbi, ac mae’r rhain i gyd hefyd yn rhan o stori bywyd Owain Glyndŵr.
Dywedodd Prif Hyfforddwr RGC 1404, Clive Griffiths: “Mae gennym gemau cyffrous i ddechrau cyfnod newydd yn hanes rygbi Gogledd Cymru. Rydym wedi cael cydweithrediad ardderchog gan glybiau’r Prif Gynghrair yn Lloegr a gan glybiau a rhanbarthau Cymru. Bydd ansawdd y timau rydym yn chwarae yn eu herbyn yn rhoi her i’r chwaraewyr o ogledd a de Cymru, yn ogystal â’r chwaraewyr Canadaidd yn y sgwad, wrth iddynt chwarae yn erbyn chwaraewyr llawn amser a lled broffesiynol.
“Mae’n bwysig bod y chwaraewyr yn uno fel tîm. RGC 1404 yw enw a hunaniaeth newydd y tîm, a gyda chefnogaeth barhaus gan y cyhoedd yng Ngogledd Cymru, rwy’n siŵr y bydd yn tyfu blwyddyn ar ôl blwyddyn.”
Dywedodd cynrychiolydd Bwrdd y WRU yng Ngogledd Cymru, Peredur Jenkins: "Mae delwedd newydd tîm Gogledd Cymru - RGC 1404 – yn cyhoeddi dechrau cyfnod newydd ar gyfer rygbi yng Ngogledd Cymru – sy’n ddatblygiad cyffrous ac arloesol i rygbi Cymru.
"Ein nod yw rhoi cyfle i chwaraewyr ifanc a thalentog gogledd Cymru i ddatblygu eu potensial yn eu hardal eu hunain, a rhoi cyfle i bobl gogledd Cymru weld rygbi o safon uchel ar garreg eu drws.
"Rwy’n erfyn ar bawb, ledled gogledd Cymru i ddod i weld y gemau ym Mharc Eirias i gefnogi ein tîm."
Dywedodd Kenton Morgan, cadeirydd CIC Rygbi Gogledd Cymru: "Mae Gogledd Cymru wedi datblygu i fod yn fwy na thîm. Mae hefyd yn cynrychioli diwylliant rhanbarth gogledd Cymru. Comisiynwyd RGC 1404 i wneud y ddelwedd yn fwy hygyrch i gefnogwyr o bob rhan o’r rhanbarth, ond mae dyheadau Gogledd Cymru yn aros yr un fath – darparu rygbi o safon uchel i gefnogwyr a chwaraewyr yng ngogledd Cymru."
Mae tîm RGC 1404 eisoes wedi cyhoeddi mai cyn hyfforddwr amddiffyn Cymru, Clive Griffiths, yw eu Prif Hyfforddwr, ac wedi cyhoeddi y bydd deg chwaraewr rhyngwladol o Ganada yn cyrraedd fis nesaf i gryfhau safon gystadleuol y sgwad.
Mae’r cyswllt rhwng y WRU a rygbi Canada yn golygu y bydd y chwaraewyr o Ganada yn chwarae gyda’r tîm, ond wrth i’r strwythur Academi Genedlaethol yng Ngogledd Cymru ddatblygu yn raddol bydd y niferoedd yn lleihau wrth i ragor o chwaraewyr lleol ymuno â’r tîm.
Mae’r logo newydd ar gyfer RGC 1404 wedi’i gynllunio gan Worldspan o Abergele ar ôl iddo gael ei gomisiynu gan y WRU.
Heddiw gall RGC 1404 gadarnhau deg gêm ar gyfer y tymor sydd i ddod, a bydd pob gêm gartref yn cael eu chwarae ym Mharc Eirias.
Gemau RGC 1404 yn 2010:
Gwener 15 Ionawr v Leicester Tigers Development XV – Parc Eirias
Mercher 20 Ionawr v Antiassassins (Caer) – oddi cartref
Sadwrn 30 Ionawr v Crwydriaid Morgannwg – oddi cartref
2 / 3 Chwefror v Scarlets, Clwb Rygbi – Llanymddyfri
Mercher 17 Chwefror v Caerwrangon – Parc Eirias
Mercher 23 Chwefror v Sale Jets – Parc Eirias
Mercher 10 Mawrth v Leeds – Parc Eirias
Gwener 19 Mawrth v Prifysgol Rhydychen – Parc Eirias
Sadwrn 17 Ebrill v Cross Keys – Parc Eirias
23/24 Ebrill v Dreigiau – Parc Eirias
I gael rhagor o wybodaeth, cysylltwch â:
WRU: Liz Jones, Rheolwr Cyfathrebu. 07736 056669 / lizjones@wru.co.uk
ends
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