Wales coach Warren Gatland says his side must believe in themselves if they are to beat New Zealand tomorrow at the Millenium Stadium. Wales haven’t beaten the All Blacks for 55 years, but Gatland is confident that if all his players do their jobs and perform to their maximum ability, they can get a result. [...]
Jones injury blow for Wales
Duncan Jones will miss the remainder of the Autumn tests for Wales after a long term foot injury flared up, leading to his withdrawal from the squad. The 30-year-old Ospreys forward was only on the bench against South Africa but was expected to play some part against Canada on Friday. Wales physio Mark Davies commented, [...]
Hook to come back stronger – Jenkins
Wales fly-half James Hook has been tipped to come back stronger against Canada after his error effectively saw the match slip away against South Africa. It was Hook’s pass that was intercepted by Jean De Villiers that led to the decisive try, which was then converted to give the world champions the 20-15 victory. However, [...]
Gatland happy with Welsh improvement
Wales coach Warren Gatland remained upbeat despite the defeat to South Africa on Saturday. The home side went down 20-15 to the world champions with Gatland insisting the performance showed they can compete with anyone. “We’re very pleased with our effort up front. There’s a development and progression in the side and I’d like to [...]
Cooper wins battle for Welsh position
Gareth Cooper has been named at scrum-half for Wales’ clash with world champions South Africa on Saturday. Dwayne Peel had been expected to be given the nod ahead of Cooper, but the Gloucester man has emerged as Warren Gatland’s preferred choice. Meanwhile, Leigh Halfpenny and Andy Powell are set to win their first caps in [...]
Wales star doubtful for big game
Wales coach Warren Gatland doesn’t believe star wing Mark Jones will be fit in time to place world champions South Africa on November 8. The Scarlets man was taken off in the win over Bristol with a knee injury, but it was anticipated he would return for the start of the Autumn tests. However, Gatland [...]
Henson included in Wales squad
Gavin Henson has been included in the Welsh squad for the upcoming autumn Tests, despite only playing one match so far this season. The Ospreys centre only recently returned from a long lay-off due to a ankle injury, but is currently serving a two match suspension for breaking club discipline rules. However, Wales coach Warren [...]
Williams injury not as bad as first feared
Wales and Cardiff Blues star Martyn Williams hopes to be fit for his club’s first match in the Heineken Cup, after picking up what looked like a serious injury against Ulster. The 33-year-old flanker has suffered ligament damage in his left ankle but won’t need an operation to repair the damage, meaning he will be [...]
Angry clubs set for showdown talks
Welsh Premiership clubs are set for showdown talks with WRU chief executive Roger Lewis. A number of the clubs involved in the competition are said to be dissatisfied with how it is being run and the prospects for the future. Funding is the main issue and Bridgend chairman Derrick King is adamant that more money [...]
Grassroots Welsh rugby gets boost
A £250,000 grant has been secured by the WRU to invest into grassroots Welsh rugby. The Foundation for Sports and Arts has provided the money and it is hoped that the cash will be used by clubs to improve facilities. WRU Chief Executive Roger Lewis commented, “Grassroots rugby clubs are the heart and soul of [...]
Ospreys hooker to miss season opener
Richard Hibbard has undergone surgery on his right shoulder and will miss the start of the new season. The 24-year-old Welsh hooker will definitely miss the first game of the campaign against Connacht and could be absent for further matches. However, Osprey’s team physio Chris Towers is optimistic on his condition commenting, “We’ll assess his [...]
Henson out until September
Gavin Henson is likely to miss the start of the season after Ospreys revealed that the centre is likely to be out of action until the end of September. The Welsh international underwent surgery on his ankle in April after suffering an injury against Saracens in the Heineken Cup. Originally, Henson had been optimistic about [...]
Gatland has faith in Welsh team
Wales coach Warren Gatland believes his Welsh side still have a lot to offer after their 2-0 series defeat to World Champions South Africa. Gatland pointed to improved performances over the two matches against the Springboks as reason enough to hope for better things in the future. He commented, “The guys realise that with some [...]