l u a M & k Brecon Edition c u R A week in the life of..Andy Powell
The Wales & Cardiff Blues star tells us about a typical week in his life...
Mini’s Rugby takes off Clare meets... Sam Hobbs Our roving reporter talks to the Pontypridd & Blues star about his past. present & future rugby career
Autumn/Winter 2009
2 Ruck & Maul Contents
History & Honours
Autumn/Winter 2009
Current Team: Daniel ‘Nelly’ Edwards takes a kick for touch
Page 2- History & Honours Page 3- First XV Page 4- Second XV Page 5- Young Star on the rise Page 6Advertisment Page 7- Mini’s Rugby Page 8- A week in the life of... Andy Powell
A Brief HistoryBrecon RFC BRECON RFC is proud of its long history within the game of Rugby Football. The first recorded match played by a Brecon team can be traced back to 1868. The club was a founder member of the Welsh Rugby Union and successfully celebrated its centenary during the 1979/80 seasons. Now approaching its 140th year, it continues to look to the future backed by a vibrant club, loyal supporters, forward looking and efficient administrators and a playing contingent that covers all age groups from 8 to seniors. The senior squad is made up of a First and Second XV. The first XV play in the WRU National Leagues and have for the past four seasons held their own in National League Division 3 South East. At the start of the National League organisation, Brecon found itself in Division 8 Central and on the playing side the team struggled to make any progress in spite of the fact that the club-
house, newly established in its present Watton premises, was thriving. Thanks to the foresight of the committee and a number of loyal former players, a new recruiting regime was established and Mike Thomas was persuaded to join the Club as Player Coach. The success of this new regime was quickly evident and Brecon climbed from the foot of Division 8 to Division 4 in successive seasons.
“In spite of the present hiatus, the club is ambitious and is looking to the future.” The force generated in those days has subsided but they have progressed to Division 3 where for the two years they occupied a position in the top half. Season 2006/07 was more of a
Andy Powell (7)
E.P. Alexander (5)
Cardiff Blues and Brecon Youth - S.A., Can, N.Z., Aus 2008: Scot, Eng, Fr, It 2009
W.H.(Bill) Clement (6) Llanelli and Brecon - Eng, Soct, Ire 1937: Eng, Scot, Ire 1938 Mark Wyatt (10) Swansea and Brecon - Eng, Scot, Ire, Fr 1983: Aus 1984: Scot, Ire 1985: Eng, Scot, Ire 1987
in inclement weather and an excellent sponsors room on the first floor. The next major project will be to provide full floodlighting for the new pitch and training areas. The First team club coaches are Scott Edwards and Gareth Williams and they are highly respected within the club and we look forward to future successes with them at the helm. The Club have identified that the bulk of future recruitment will come through its successful Youth team. Eighteen of the first XV squad of players were former club youth players and the club is determined to continue to develop its own local talent. The youth team last season was well guided by Coaches Brian Pritchard, a former captain of the Club now making his return in the coaching sphere and Tony Price. The Club is looking to develop these young talents to become part of a senior squad that will
Club Honours
Wales Senior Caps
Cambridge University and Brecon - Scot 1885, Eng, Scot 1886: Eng, Ire, 1887
Plaque showing when the new pavillion was opened on Brecon’s rugby field. Coutesy of Mr Andrew Orchard & Brecon RFC
struggle with the team just staving off relegation. This season also did not start well but at present the team is making progress away from the bottom grouping. The season in fact has been a curious mixture. Like the nursery rhyme “When the team were good they were very, very good, but when they were bad they were horrid.” The fact that they could have been so much more successful was emphasised in that they pulled off outstanding wins at home against Treorchy and away at Penarth. Both these sides were, at the time, challenging for a promotion place in a tight battle at the top of the league. In spite of the present hiatus, the club is ambitious and is looking to the future. The club’s main pitch has been leveled and reseeded and should provide an excellent playing surface in front of the pavilion which can provide shelter for spectators
England Senior Caps Dewi Morris (26) Orrell and Brecon Youth - Aus 1988:Fr, Ire, Scot, W 1989: Can, S.A., Fr, Ire, Scot, W 1992: Fr, Ire, N.Z.(x3), Scot, W 1993: Fr, Rom, S.A.(x2), W 1994: Arg, Aus, N.Z., Sam, Fr, Scot, 1995
British Lions Dewi Morris (3)
New Zealand 1993
encompass both first and second XV’s. The second team has a vital role to play as well. This year it has been more successful thanks to the efforts of Don Howe and Gordon Davies (Tucker) and Huw Morgan. After a season when the 2nd XV barely functioned there is now hope that it can re-establish itself as an important cog in the player development and retention programme. The Club’s future aims are ambitious. If they’re ambition is to stand still then others will forge ahead and leave us them in their wake. The emphasis has to be on providing excellent facilities to encourage the development of local talent and to enable them to play to a level that matches their true potential. They are not there yet and there is much work to be done, but they are looking forward to what this season has to offer and with any luck end on a high note for everyone involved.
Darran Harris - East Wales Under 11 - 2004, Wales Under 16 - 2009 Alwyn Lee - Wales Under 16
Andy Powell
‘A’ (Capt.) 2009
South Africa 2009
Alex Ryan - East Wales Under 11- 2009
Wales Age group Sam Hobbs - Wales Under 19 2008, Wales Under 20 2009 Lewis Smout - East Wales Under 11 - 2003, Wales Under 16 - 2008, Wales Under 18 - 2009
Ian Poley - Wales Schools U16A v Eng,. East Wales Sch. U.18 v Jpn & NZ, Wales Sch. U.18 v
Wales Clubs XV Gethin Davies Wales Clubs XV 2008
3 Ruck & Maul Match Report Brecon 46-5 Llandaff BRECON’S good early season form continued with what can only be described as an impressive and emphatic victory. To some extend the strength of the visitors to Parc de Pugh was something of an unknown quantity but they arrived in Brecon with a good pedigree. Llandaff were promoted at the end of last season as champions of Division 4 East. Undoubtedly their first game at this higher level; a narrow 12 points to 15 defeat against close rivals Llanishen, would have been disappointing but having faced that reverse they would surely have been well motivated to raise their game if they were to be a force in Division 3. “Outside half Dan Edwards is enjoying some very good form” They cannot have anticipated what awaited them. While they received a warm welcome to the ground and afterwards in the clubhouse, on the field they were completely outplayed. Brecon scored seven tries, while Llandaff just avoided a whitewash with a single reply. The fact that all the tries, apart from a penalty try, awarded when full back Rob Price chipped the defence and would have scored if he had not been impeded, were scored by outside backs gives an indication of the type of rugby Brecon are playing at the moment. The tempo is high and players are quick to the breakdown. Good ball is given width and the wide players undoubtedly have pace and finishing power.
The high tempo game, which Llandaff were unable to live with, is based on a high level of fitness and the high tempo of the training sessions led by coaches Scott Edwards and Gareth Williams. Outside half Dan Edwards, who is enjoying some very good form, opened Brecon’s scoring with a drop goal. It wasn’t long before they extended the lead as full back Owen Morgan split the defence for his first try of the season. Wing Eurin Morgan then enjoyed a purple patch. His deceptive pace and great balance tore the opposition to shreds as he scored two tries, both converted by Edwards before half time. He then secured Brecon’s winning bonus point and his hat trick of tries with the opening score of the second half. While this signalled an end to his scoring exploits it certainly didn’t end the home sides scoring. Centre Huw Baldwin joined the party with two excellent tries to add to last week’s opener. Dan Edwards added one conversion before Llandaff scored their one consolation try when wing P. Green crossed the line. On a day when everything went for the home side it was fitting that they should have the last word. Rob Price a replacement at full back chipped the defence and would undoubtedly have scored had it not been for him being impeded. Referee Rob Hale had no option but to award a penalty try which Dan Edwards duly converted.
First XV
Autumn/Winter 2009 2009/2010 Season FIXTURES
September November
5th- Pentyrch Away 12th-Llandaff Home 19th- Llanishen Away 26th- Treherbert Away
October
3rd- Llandaff North Home 10th- Aberdare Away 17th- Heol-y-Cyw Home 24th- Penarth Away 31st- Kenfig Hill (Swalec Plate) Away
7th- Wales V NZ 13th- Wales V Samoa 14th- Tylorstown Home 21st- Wales V Argentina 28th- Wales V Australia
January
2nd-Llandaff Away 9th- Llanishen Home 23rd- Treherbert Home 30th-Llandaff North Away
December February
5th- St Peters Away 19th- Fairwater Home 26th- Pentyrch Home
6th-Wales V England 13th-Wales V Scotland 20th-Aberdare Home 26th-Wales V France
March
6th- Heol-y-Cyw Away 13th- Wales V Ireland 20th- Wales V Italy 27th- Penarth Home
April
3rd- Tylorstown Away 10th- St Peters Home 24th- Fairwater Away
Player Profiles Daniel Edwards &NAME: Howell Morgan
NAME: Daniel Edwards NICKNAME: Nelly HEIGHT: 5’ 10” WEIGHT: 13 stone OCCUPATION: Carpenter POSITION: Outside Half BIRTHPLACE: Brecon
Howell Morgan NICKNAME: Howie HEIGHT: 5’ 11” WEIGHT: 14st 5lbs OCCUPATION: Builder POSITION: Back row BIRTHPLACE: Brecon
Brecon First XV team: Kit Sponsored by- Ian Matthews - B.F.C. Ltd & Gary Bowen - W.W. Bowen Ltd)
4 Ruck & Maul
Second XV
Autumn & Winter 2009
Brecon Seconds XV
Brecon seconds snatch victory in local derby
LOCAL derbys are always good games to watch and this was no different. The derby match between Brecon seconds and Gwernyfed was played in perfect conditions for open rugby and with a good crowd both teams provided an excellent game. Brecon had no recognised scrum half available so Captain Alan Taylor stepped in and gave a stout performance cleaning up much bad ball at the base of the scrum which was seized on by the Gwernyfed Back Row led by blindside flanker Craig Fuller who showed great promise.
“Matthew Watkins
on the left wing shows his pace and scores the second try of the day.” Brecon started lively with good passing skills however silly mistakes broke the play down and the oppositions defence remained intact until a penalty was kicked by Brecon’s fly half Tom Jones.
Gwernyfed’s pack worked well as a unit and put Brecon’s line under severe pressure with line out catch and drives which were eventually rewarded with a try from Craig Fuller, converted by Josh Griffiths. The second half continued with the visitors working hard with a simple game plan and seizing on Brecon’s mistakes which took them within 10 yards of Brecon’s line. From the resulting move Josh Griffiths went over for an unconverted try. The pressure was maintained but Tom Jones’ superb line kicking relieved the pressure and Brecon were able to gain ground. From a ruck on right the ball was moved wide with a miss move in the centre to allow Matthew Watkins on the left wing to show his pace in rounding his opposite number and scoring the try of the day. Tom Jones converted and also kicked a last minute penalty to deny Gwernyfed an away win. This was a true Derby game played in the right spirit, and was a good advert for local rugby.
NAME: Martyn Jones NICKNAME: Marty HEIGHT: 5” 8’ WEIGHT: 13 stone OCCUPATION: Plumber POSITION: Hooker BIRTHPLACE: Merthyr
Player Profiles
NAME: Gari Davies NICKNAME: Gook/Munch HEIGHT: 6” WEIGHT: 14 stone OCCUPATION: Ford assistant POSITION: Full Back BIRTHPLACE: Brecon
Win Big with Brecon RFC’s ‘Light up Lotta’
EACH week Brecon RFC hold a bingo style lottery to help pay for new flood lights for the club’s pitch at Parc-de-Pugh. With the jackpot now at a staggering total of £6,000, you would be crazy to miss out. A draw takes place each friday and the winning numbers are picked at random from a bag of balls. If nobody wins the jackpot
Winning numbe rs for 27th November 2009 6,14,15,20 Next draw 4th D
ecember
then each week a ticket is picked at random and that person wins £25. The ‘Light up Lotta’ costs £1 to play, nothing compared to the massive jackpot now on offer. Half the money raised goes towards the jackpot while the other half goes towards the floodlight fund for the training pitch, which will allow the teams to train in the dark be able to see the ball.
5 Ruck & Maul
Sam Hobbs
Autumn/Winter 2009
Clare meets....Sam Hobbs stadium and I still have that dream. Even though gaining under 19 and under 20 national honours is massive achievement I feel that to gain that senior welsh cap will be another level. C: Of course it would, How did you feel when you got the call up for Wales last year? S:Being named in the squad for the under 20 6nations and Junior World Championships was a great boost and reward for all the hard work over the last few seasons. I was chuffed but being the way I am I knew that I couldn’t just be happy to be in the squad I wanted to be in starting 15. C:It must be difficult sometimes to keep motivated, What keeps you going? S:I’m very lucky to be able to do something I love for a living. There are thousands of boys in wales who’d do anything to be in the same position as I am and I always remind myself of that. Plus I have still not achieved many of my goals in Rugby which means I still need to work extra hard and push myself to the limit all the time.
AS a fellow pupil at Brecon High School, seeing Sam Hobbs step out on to the field in a Wales Rugby Jersey last year was quite something. Coming from a small town like Brecon seeing Sam getting a call up for the Wales under 20’s squad was pretty amazing. Sam started out playing rugby in school and then went on to play for the Brecon Youth team, being picked for the Cardiff Blues regional development team and gaining honours at Wales under 19 and under 20’s level. He was recommended to Pontypridd RFC and at eighteen made his debut at Sardis Road in a pre-season friendly against Carmarthen. He was then drafted in to begin the 2006-2007 season as a permanent fixture in the senior team. In 2008, Sam was selected for the under-20’s Wales squad and took part in all their games. While continuing to play for Pontypridd, he made his Heineken Cup debut for the Cardiff Blues in their home win against Harlequins. He has recently been train-
ing with the senior wales squad as part of their preparation for the 2009 autumn internationals but also in view of his own personal development as a future international. He also plays a big part in helping out with the junior teams in Brecon by refereeing/coaching and helping out whenever possible. I spoke to Sam and asked about his rugby career and his hopes for the future. Clare: Hi Sam Sam: Hello C:When did you first decide rugby was what you wanted to do? S: I’ve always been into sport in a big way since a young age. The time I realised I wanted to be a rugby player was around the 1999 Rugby world cup, which was held in wales. The New Zealand All blacks used Christ College Brecon playing fields as a training base pre-world cup and I can remember seeing all time great players like Jonah Lomu, Justin marshall, Taine Randell etc up close training.
It was an amazing experience being within touching distance of world class players and seeing the skills and sheer physical power they possessed. The exeperience left me in awe. C: Did you ever think when you played in school and for Brecon that you’d be where you are today? S: Ive been lucky to have some quality coaches when I was young in both the school and club environment. I remember my old P.E teacher Lee lewis always pushing me hard in school training and games making me want to work harder and harder never being satisfied, and I suppose it was this attitude that has helped me in the long run. Until recently Powys has never really gained the recognition its deserved in terms of sporting achievement but I knew if I kept working hard in training and in life, anything could happen. C: Was it always your dream to play for Wales? S: Obviously every boy in wales dreams of pulling the shirt on and playing on the millennium
C: How often do you have to train a week? S: Pretty much everyday. We’re lucky to have some quality conditioning coaches and fantastic facilities at the Blues who work out our training programmes, nutritional and recovery advice etc but they always give us a couple of days off a week, usually Wednesday and Sunday to keep us fresh and let us recover. C:How do you prepare for a game? S: Personally I just try and relax as much as I can either by reading the programme or listening to music from my ipod. Closer to the game I start to go through my roles and responsibilities in my head in a sort of check list ticking things off as I go through. This gets rid of any nerves and builds up my
confidence. C:Your family and friends must be really proud of you for getting where you are today, are they a great support? S: Oh yes definitely. My parents come to watch every game and my friends always try to watch either in person or on t.v. My father used to take me all over wales when I was young playing rugby and I will always be grateful for that and I know being a rugby players mother must be tough job with all the cleaning of dirty rugby kit and cooking meals so again im very grateful for that.
“The only person ive ever really been star struck by was Jonah Lomu.” C: If you hadn’t been a rugby player what would you be doing today? S: I think I’d have to be doing something outside I can’t picture myself with an office job but I’d love to be either a P.E teacher or a policeman. C: You must have met some pretty famous faces, have you been star struck by anyone in particular? S: Maybe initially but after meeting them most of the famous rugby players I’ve met have been really genuine people. The only person ive ever really been star struck by was Jonah Lomu. After watching New Zealand train in Brecon in 1999 a few of the players went over the road to the local ice cream parlour to relax and I was in there and I couldn’t believe the size of Lomu and the fact that he was eating a family size tub of ice cream.
FACTFILE NAME: Sam Hobbs AGE: 21 D.O.B.: 13th May 1988 HEIGHT: 6ft 3in WEIGHT: 20st 2lbs CLUBS: Brecon, Pontypridd, Caridff Blues HONOURS: Wales FIRA U19, Blues U20, Wales U20 MARITAL STATUS: Girldfriend Elin
C: You must be pretty pleased to have played in the Heineken Cup for the Blues, do you hope to get a full time place in the team? S: Being at the Blues is a fantastic place to be, especially after the season they had last year winning the E.D.F trophy and coming so close in the Heineken cup. Everyday I’m learning so much and the players there are exceptional. My goal this year is to push hard for a place in the match 22 regularly but I know with props like Gethin Jenkins and John Yapp there the Blues are well stocked in that position. But I know ive got to work hard and learn as much as I can and take my opportunity when it comes. C:You do some refereeing for Brecon with the junior’s, what advice would you give the younger players who want to follow in your footsteps? S: Just to enjoy playing and training as much as you can. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes, don’t be afraid of asking questions and just try watch as much rugby as you can whether its on t.v or live. I found watching rugby a massive learning experience which has helped me a lot. C:What do you hope to have achieved in ten years time? S: That’s a tough one. Hopefully I need to stay injury free and get as much rugby as I can under my belt whether its with the Blues or my premiership club Pontypridd. My goal this year is to become a regular in the match 22 for the Blues so anything else that comes my way will be a bonus. C: Thanks Sam, and good luck for the future! I look forward to seeing you in the Millennium Stadium in that Welsh Jersey S: Thanks, and so do I!
6 Ruck & Maul Advertisment
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Autumn/Winter 2009
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7 Ruck & Maul
Mini’s Rugby
Teams, Tournaments & Coaches By Clare Williams
BRECON Minis section is fortunate to be blessed with a group of dedicated hard working coaches who voluntarily give up a great deal of time effort and expertise to develop the abilities of these talented youngsters. The mini’s consist of four teams, the Under 8’s, Under 9’s, Under 10’s and Under 11’s. The U8’s are coached by Jason Jenkins and Nigel, the U9’s coached by < >, the U10’s coached by < > and the U11’s coached by Paul Am phlett, Alun Witcomb and < >. The mini’s are always competeing in various competitions and here are just some of their achievements from the 2008-9 season: The under 7 and under 8 team won the vast majority of their
games as well as winning the Brecon Tournament and doing exceedingly well at Lucton. The under 9 team even outshone their younger friends by winning at both Merthyr and Brecon and reaching the final at Lucton. The under 10 team had a very good season with results continuing to improve as the year progressed and with everyone looking forward to next season. The under 11 squad followed up their successes of last year by reaching the finals in both Brecon and Lucton Tournaments and the semi finals of the Blues Cup. Each year on Easter bank holiday monday, Brecon Mini’s hold a tournament where teams from around Wales come to
compete against each other. The tournament has been going on for four years now and more and more clubs are wanting to participate each year. The main organiser of the tournament is te the Junior & Mini Secretary Paul Amphlett (pictured in factfile) but without the help of all th other coahces, families and wives/mothers the tournament wouldnt be a great success. At this years festival, Cardiff Blue & Wales payer, Jamie Roberts presented the trophies to all the winning teams and said, “The standard of play by all teams today was remarkable, I would have liked to give each player a medallion for their enterprise, their courage and their commitment.”
Autumn/Winter 2009
Coach Profile
NAME: Paul Amphlett D.O.B: 6th June NICKNAMES: Nobby, Jack MARITAL STATUS: Married to Alison CHILDREN: James, 14 & Ben, 10 POSITION IN CLUB: Junior and mini secretary COACHES: Under 11’s
Brecon Under 8’s
Brecon Under 9’s
Brecon Under 10’s
Brecon Under 11’s
8 Ruck & Maul
Andy Powell
. . f o e f i l e h t n i k e e W A
Autumn/Winter 2009
Andy Powell
BEING from a small town in Mid-Wales with everyone knowing everyone, to see a member of the local community rise to stardom with the Cardiff Blues and then Wales is quite something. Andy Powell, who lives in Pennorth, a small village in Brecon with his dog Barney, started his rugby career in Brecon and now plays for the Cardiff Blues and Wales. His professional career started with Newport, before welsh rugby went regional. He then went on to play in Beziers in France,
the Leicester Tigers, and Llanelli Scarlet’s before settling with Cardiff. He made his Wales debut in the 2008 Autumn Internationals against South Africa and gave a man of the match performance. Here Andy tells us about a week in his life with a rundown of his diet and training schedule. On a Monday I’d normally get up at half past seven and for breakfast I’ll have two weetabix, a cup of coffee and a protein shake. Once I get to training we then have an upper
body weights session in the gym for ¾ of an hour. Following this we have a debrief of the weekends game which is followed by lunch which this week was salmon and broccoli with a pint of squash. We then have a rugby session in the Vale Barn which is followed by another protein shake and then home. I normally have my evening meal about 6.30 which this Monday was Chinese chicken stir-fry. I then went to bed at 10.30. This Tuesday I had Ready Brek and a cup of tea for breakfast with
a bottle of water on my way to training. At ten o’clock we had match analysis, which we do every week as it’s an important part of our training program to see what we did well and what needs improving on. We then have an hour of actual rugby, which consists of set piece training and passing. For lunch then I had Roast Beef dinner and a protein shake.
“We beat
Sale so were all pretty pleased
with ourselves”
Pic:Getty Images
After lunch we did an upper body weight session which was it for the day. I had pizza for tea and just had a lazy night and went to bed at half ten. Wednesday is always our day off so I normally have a lie in and get up about ten. I had a bowl of porridge and a bacon roll for breakfast. I then went to your reporter, Clare’s house where I quite often go for beans on toast and her mum looks after me! I then took my bulldog
Barney for a walk and had a curry for tea. Thursdays back to training and I had Ready Brek again for breakfast with a cup of tea. We started off with match analysis for our next game which was followed by lunch which today was lasagne. After lunch we did upper body weight training in the gym and we finished at 3.30. For tea I had Poached Salmon with new potatoes and Green Beans and bed at 10.30. For breakfast on Friday I had a bacon sandwich and a cup of coffee. We only had a team run on Friday as we had a game on Saturday so after this I had a protein shake and went home. For lunch I had a cheese burger and took the dog for a walk and then for tea I had a massive pizza. Match day’s a little
different from a normal training day and I tend to eat more so I had bacon, egg and toast with coffee and a protein shake. For lunch I had chicken and pasta. Our Heineken Cup game against Sale kicked off at 3.45pm and we won so were all feeling pretty pleased with ourselves after wards. I had plenty of Protein shakes after the game and went out for a meal to celebrate the win. Sunday is another day off and so I just had a lazy day and spent some time at home. If I leave for training early then I will grab some lunch at the Vale of Glamorgan were we train where the cafe is amazing!! If I’m hungry during the day I’ll snack on maxi muscle training bars.
FACTFILE NAME: Andrew Thomas Powell AGE: 28 BIRTHPLACE: Brecon HEIGHT: 6ft 4 CURRENT CLUB: Caridff Blues WEIGHT: 18stone POSITION: Back Row HONOURS: Wales (12 Caps) MARITAL STATUS:Single CHILDREN: Bulldog Barney