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THE UK IS LEAVING. THE FT ISN’T. Stay connected to what matters in Europe. Read more at ft.com/europe
IN TODAY’S ISSUE TOBY BOOTH’S WELCOME
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EPCR WELCOME
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OPEN LETTER TO MARK DRAKEFORD
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FESTIVE CLUB SHOP OPENING HOURS
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Q&A: MORGAN MORRIS
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PLAYER FEATURE: ADAM BEARD
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OSPREYS V CASTRES OLYMPIQUE
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DYCHWELYD I EWROP
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OZZIES ARMY
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OSC
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OSPREYS IN THE COMMUNITY
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OSPREYS ACADEMY
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20/21 FIXTURES
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PLAYER SPONSORS
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TEAM LINEUP
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toby booth’s welcome We welcome Castres to the Liberty Stadium, this evening, as we kick-off our European Challenge Cup campaign. Europe is always an exciting part of the season and we are all looking forward to playing in a different competition, against teams from different competitions and testing ourselves against them. It is an opportunity to test ourselves, as players and as coaches, and all of us at the Ospreys are looking forward to that challenge. There are a lot of unknowns in Europe, especially with the Covid-19 pandemic, with a new and very different competition structure this season, along with the usual challenge of very different venues, teams and referees. There will be lots of different things we have to deal and contend with but ultimately the question will be the same? One of the big differences with the Pro14 and the Premiership is the travel element. Teams in the Pro14 are used to dealing with taking flights to play opponents, while Premiership teams travel by bus. That, of course, may be a factor why Pro14 sides are so successful in Europe. We will face two very, very different challenges against Castres from the Top 14 and Worcester Warriors of the English Premiership. A competition I am familiar with. Both sides have very different approaches to the game and we will have to prepare for the very different challenges they will pose. Castres are a very big team, playing a very abrasive style of rugby and it’s quite low-risk but highly effective. We know we have to be able to physically live in their world.
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They will bring a very set piece orientated game and that will pose a real challenge to us in an area we have made some real strides in the last few months. Worcester will pose a very different challenge. Firstly, the play on an artificial surface and really try to be positive with a game full of attacking threats. We know we will have to prepare to play on a different surface and we also know that Premiership teams are always very well prepared. The Warriors will also have some local inside knowledge about us too, with Matt Sherratt and Jonathan Thomas, both former Ospreys, now part of their coaching team. But the Challenge Cup is a cup competition and it requires a different approach. We know we have six games to get into the semi-finals and that means we cannot afford any mishaps or slipups because you don’t recover from them. League rugby always gives you an opportunity to get back on the horse and give you a chance to rediscover form, but cup competitions are unforgiving and don’t allow that. That means we need to be consistent and competitive early in the piece. Every cup competition demands that of you. We are establishing our own identity and a style of play and the challenge of European rugby will provide us with a good insight into if we are robust enough to handle the demands of a very different competition and against very different opposition. This is all part of our journey of becoming the Ospreys side we want to become. The team thank you for your continued support. Toby Booth, Head Coach.
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Photos © Pressesports
WE ARE RUGBY
Chairman welcome message
European Rugby Challenge Cup Rounds 1&2 2020/21 Only 56 days after Bristol Bears lifted the European Rugby Challenge Cup trophy in Aix-en-Provence, the tournament kicks off again with a new, dynamic format to meet the challenges that club rugby has been presented by the containment of the COVID-19 pandemic. Wherever you are watching the action, the whole EPCR team joins me in hoping that you enjoy it. When the global health crisis struck, we were well on course to have the final of this tournament in 2019/20 watched live in the stadium by a record attendance, with more than 50,000 expected for a showpiece in Marseille. As we set out on the pathway to the Stade VĂŠlodrome again this term, we will not be swayed from our purpose of lobbying for fans to return to stadiums across Europe. We believe that it is essential for the sport and for the mental health of a public and of clubs who have suffered enough in recent months. Of course, we say that believing that this can be achieved safely and consistently with guidelines of various governments across other industries.
FRONT PAGE
European club rugby tournaments will be played across eight weekends on an exceptional basis this season and that means 14 runners and riders in this Preliminary Stage of the Challenge Cup. The top eight will progress to an exciting and expanded knockout round, where they will be joined by the clubs classified between fifth and eighth place in each pool of the Heineken Champions Cup. They will form a Round of 16, who will battle it out from the start of April in a series of straight shootouts ahead of the final on Friday 21 May in the South of France.
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This tournament features three clubs who are previous winners (Pau, Cardiff Blues, Stade Français Paris) and the pedigree of the participants in the Preliminary Stage is highlighted by a repeat of the 1997 Heineken Cup Final, with twice-European champions Leicester Tigers coming up against the winners that day, Brive. There is no doubting in the quality of the matches as this tournament goes from strength-to-strength. We thank our broadcast partners – BT Sport, beIN SPORTS and France Télévisions domestically – for their dedication to taking the action to homes across the world, which has been appreciated even more during the pandemic. Their service is supplemented by the online offering through official channels of the tournament online, where streaming is available on matches which are not broadcast via linear or digital broadcasters. We share this journey with you, the fans, but also with the support of partners Tissot, the Financial Times, Gilbert and Kappa, and hope to be in your company soon once more as we make our way through what promises to be an exciting 2020/21 season. Yours in Rugby, Simon Halliday, Chairman, EPCR
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Open letter to Mark Drakeford, First Minister of Wales 4th December 2020
Dear First Minister, We are writing as executives and senior representatives of rugby, cricket, horse racing and football - the elite stadium sports in Wales. Sport is a fundamental part of life in Wales. It puts our nation on the global stage and provides communities across Wales with a sense of belonging and identity. We form part of an an industry that employs thousands of people across the country, our contribution to the Welsh economy, employment and well-being is significant, but this is now at risk. We urge Welsh Government to reconsider its approach to the socially distanced return of fans to our sports grounds by embracing the current Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA) guidance known as “SGO2” and withdraw the variant “SG02W” which has been requested by Welsh Government. On Monday 30th November, an in-person and virtual meeting was held at Cardiff City Stadium to consider the socially distanced return of fans to our stadia. It was attended by Welsh Government and representatives from WRU, FAW, the Welsh regions, Glamorgan cricket, horse racing and Welsh professional football clubs as well as SGSA, EFL and SAG. The meeting noted the publication of the SGSA guidance known as SG02, which is generally based on a social distance of one metre plus mitigations. The SGO2 guidance was issued following extensive consultation, it has underpinned the detailed planning for the return of fans to English stadia from 2nd December, and indeed has been widely acclaimed and shared by the SGSA with countries around the world. Taking a more cautious approach, the Welsh Government asked the SGSA to prepare a version of SG02 based on a social distance of two metres. A draft (SG02W) has been received and circulated, but not published. We as a group of national governing bodies and senior clubs urge that this draft be withdrawn and that the Welsh government also
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embrace the highly regarded SG02 version and subsequently allow test events to be run using this guidance with events taking place as soon as possible. We say this because while SG02 reduces expected attendances to between 25% and 35% of capacity depending on concourse densities and stadium layouts. The Welsh version would further reduce capacity to under 10% a level which in effect closes our businesses to the public indefinitely. At the meeting, all sporting organisations were extremely disappointed by the lack of prior consultation and the entrenched position adopted by Welsh Government officials during the meeting left us full of concern. The situation is grave; the lack of a clear roadmap for the return of spectators in Wales poses the real risk of bankruptcy for our sports. We manage highly regulated stadia, which are overseen by the SGSA who issue our licenses and Safety certificates in conjunction with our respective Safety Advisory Groups (which includes local authority, building control and the emergency services). We respect the need to return when it is safe to do so and acknowledge the need to follow science, yet highlight the reluctance of Welsh Government to look at a “managed and engineered solution� not
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present in the retail, construction, transport or hospitality sectors. SG02W will be a significant roadblock that does not offer us a pragmatic or sustainable solution and believe in order to move forward it is essential to have a transparent and collaborative approach with Welsh Government combined with Public Health Wales. This will ensure as a collective, we are able to produce a clear roadmap for meaningful pilot test events and the safe return of fans to sporting grounds and events. You will also be very conscious that Welsh sports fans are watching what is happening over the border. The clamour for the return of fans to supporting their clubs and national teams can only now continue to increase as the governing bodies and sports clubs suffer without direction or a viable road map in a time when their finances are crumbling before them. For a nation that is small in size, Wales punches well above its weight in sporting terms; we want to work with Welsh Government to ensure the survival of our people, clubs, businesses and the future of sport in Wales. So, as we stated at the beginning of this letter, we call on Welsh Government to withdraw SG02W and embrace the published SGSA guidance SG02, commit to transparency on the science and a collaborative approach between the sporting bodies, senior clubs, Public Health Wales and Welsh Government in order to provide a clear roadmap for meaningful pilot test events and the safe return of fans to sports grounds. Steve Borley Executive Director - Cardiff City Football Club For and on behalf off: Steve Phillips – CEO, WRU Jonathan Ford - CEO FAW Hugh Morris – CEO Glamorgan Cricket Club Julian Winter – CEO Swansea City FC Gavin Foxhall – Director of Operations, Newport County Mark Jones – Managing Director, Newport Gwent Dragons Richard Holland – CEO Cardiff Blues Philip Morgan – COO Scarlets Andrew Millward – Managing Director, Ospreys Rugby Phil Bell – Executive Director, Chepstow and Ffos Las Racecourse Jeannie Chantler – General Manager, Bangor on Dee Races Mark Williams – Executive Director, Wrexham FC Todd Kelman – Managing Director, Cardiff Devils.
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FESTIVE CLUB Shop Opening Hours The Liberty Stadium Club Shop will have extended opening hours through the month of December, for Swans and Ospreys supporters to complete their Christmas shopping. Please note, days marked with an * highlight home fixture dates. Fans are advised there will be no parking available within the Liberty Stadium car park on these days. THURS 17 Dec. 9.30am – 5.30pm
FRI 18 Dec. 9.30am – 5.30pm
*SAT 19 Dec. 9.30am – 1pm
THURS 17 Dec. 9.30am – 5.30pm
FRI 18 Dec. 9.30am – 5.30pm
*SAT 19 Dec. 9.30am – 1pm
MON 21 Dec. 9.30am – 5.30pm
TUES 22 Dec. 9.30am – 5.30pm
WED 23 Dec. 9.30am – 5.30pm
THURS 24 Dec. 9.30am – 2pm
Social distancing measures will be in place while supporters will be unable to try on clothes in store. Masks must be worn in store. The shop will remain closed after this period and January opening times will be announced in due course. Our online store remains open 24/7 and is available here. Christmas Returns policy to the Liberty Stadium store to help with your Christmas shopping, we’ve extended our returns policy. Any purchases placed later than Monday November 16 can be returned after Christmas (with proof of purchase), up until January 29, 2021 (subject to club shop opening times).
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Q & A:
Morgan Morris 1) WHAT WERE YOUR FIRST MEMORIES OF RUGBY AND WHO HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST INFLUENCE ON YOUR CAREER? I was ten or 11 when I started playing rugby at Primary school. I used to play football, but as soon as I played rugby that was pretty much it for me. I just remember loving running at people. I stopped playing football as soon as I discovered rugby. My mum and dad have been the biggest influence on my career, driving me to training and games, and they have always just been there for me. 2) WHEN DID RUGBY START TO GET SERIOUS FOR YOU AND WHEN DID YOU REALIZE IT WAS SOMETHING YOU WANTED TO DO PROFESSIONALLY? I went to Hartpury College and then I came back home. I had about three years away, it was an amazing experience because you learn so much and to come back was really refreshing too. I was 16 when I first moved away, it made me pretty independent and I was used to being on my own a lot. It probably made me grow up, which was a good thing. To see all the pitches, the gyms there, it was a no-brainer for me, at the time. I had some contact with Gloucester Under-18s but mainly just played for Hartpury. Then, I came back and was picked up almost straight away by the Ospreys Academy.
Morgan Morris, Back Row
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3) HAVE YOU ALWAYS PLAYED IN THE BACK ROW AND WHAT POSITION DO YOU THINK YOU ARE MORE SUITED TO? I have always played in the back row and I love playing there because you get the ball a lot. You get a chance to run with the ball, use your hands and are just more involved with the ball and the play when you play across the back row. My preferred position is Number 8, for the same reasons really. You get your hands on the ball more and you are competing for the ball, with carrying, tackle-jackals and running with the ball. It just means you have lots of involvement and touches in a game. Ball carrying is my biggest strength and getting over the gain line is a key part of my game and beating defenders. One thing I am working on is becoming more dominant in defence. The challenge for me is to get my attack and defence at the same level, making my game more rounded.
4) DO YOU HAVE ANY RUGBY HEROES OR PLAYERS YOU LOOKED UP TO AND BASED YOUR GAME AROUND? I always looked up to and admired Talupe Faletau and Justin Tipuric. Those are the back rowers who I really looked up to and watched. Then, of course, there is somebody like Richie McCaw. They are the players I loved and love watching, just because they are the best at what they do. It’s still crazy, to me, just training and playing alongside, Justin. I have started to get used to it but he is always available
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and willing to help out the younger players at the Ospreys. Dan Lydiate is exactly the same. They are always willing to give some tips to improve your game and it’s great that they are willing to do that. It gives you a chance to learn from the best. 5) YOU MADE A REAL IMPACT LAST YEAR AND HAD A BREAKTHROUGH SEASON, WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE NEW CAMPAIGN? I just want to play as much rugby as I can. I had a decent year last season. Now I really want to nail down a starting jersey for the Ospreys. I just want to get hold of the Number 8 jersey and play as much as I can now. Toby Booth has brought a big culture theme to the Ospreys and brought all us together and as a team really made all of us feel part of this bigger team. It’s exciting.
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PLAYER FEATURE:
ADAM BEARD Adam Beard has underlined his status and importance for the Ospreys during the first months of the new 2020/21season and produced performances to remind everyone of his ability. The Ospreys lock, who signed a new two-year deal to stay at the Liberty in the summer, was a Grand Slam winner and World Cup semi-finalist in 2019. Enough said. While Alun Wyn Jones has been away captaining Wales and Bradley Davies sidelined through injury, Beard has emerged as a leader for the Ospreys during the opening months of the Pro14 campaign. It’s easy to forget how much he has always crammed into his career and that he is still only 24 years of age. His best years are clearly ahead of him. With experienced second rows Jones and Davies missing, Beard has stepped up and taken on the mantle of senior pro in the engine room for the side and has made a real impact. “I still see myself as a youngster, but for my age I think I’ve done a lot in the game already and it’s something I’m very proud of,” said Beard. “I’m trying to step up with my leadership skills now being back at the Ospreys and enjoying getting a good run of games. “I try and do my little bits in and around training with the likes of Will Griffiths and Rhys Davies to help them out.
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“You look at the second rows in the club and we’ve got a lot of experienced players here that help each other out and we’re lucky to have that.” Beard has shown the resilience and commitment to the cause demanded by Toby Booth, the new Ospreys Head Coach, and is part of a pack of forwards starting to make a dent in their opponents. The 21-times capped Welsh international, who stands at 6ft and 8ins and weighs in at 19st, is clearly relishing the chance to roll up his sleeves for the Ospreys. He is part of an Ospreys eight which has been dominant at the scrum and is proving to be a real weapon for the side as the campaign develops. “You have seen glimpses of the rugby we want to play and the direction we want to go, we need performances and then the results will come,” said Beard. “It’s all about putting the work in and we are all doing that. “We have one of the best scrums in the league and we have scored a few driving lineouts too.” “You have seen the improvements and the style we want to play, we need to put in an 80 minute performance, and, like I say, you are seeing where we want to go as a team, we just need it for the full 80 minutes. “You look at our results since we’ve come back after the lockdown and we have a good performance, then we back it up with a loss.” “It’s important for us all that we celebrate our victories but then get straight back into it the week after and get another solid performance in the bag.“
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Beard’s name was missing from the recent Wales squad for the Autumn Nations cup, an omission that surprised many but has proved to be a motivation for the player himself. “I was disappointed and gutted,” said Beard. “I am not going to lie about that, but my job is to play well for the Ospreys and put my hand up come Six Nations time. “If I am playing well for the Ospreys and getting good game-time, it’s just going to benefit me.” While the big second row has been reminding everyone of what he has to offer as a player with some big performances for the Liberty Stadium side, there has also been a seismic change for him at home and one that has provided some real balance to his life. Beard and his fiancée, Chelsea, welcomed baby Zac to the world during the first lockdown and admits it has given him a different perspective on life and rugby. “Becoming a Dad is definitely the best job in the world and one I’m loving at the minute,” said Beard. “He gives you something else to look forward to coming home to at the end of a day’s training and rugby’s no longer the sole factor in your life. “It’s great to have that balance and good for taking my mind off rugby. Obviously you can’t really relax with a six-month old keeping you on your toes but he really puts things into perspective.”
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Ospreys v Castres Olympique Ospreys and Castres Olympique have gone up against each other on four separate occasions and have both scored a brace of victories over the other. In their most recent bout back in December 2013, it was the Ospreys that came out on top with a 21-12 triumph. No tries were scored, but the then Ospreys outside half Dan Biggar knocked over 7 penalties to Rory Kockott’s four. Ospreys currently sit in third place in Conference A, behind two undefeated Irish sides Ulster and Leinster, and seventh overall in the league with three wins in seven games. Castres Olympique compete in the French Top 14, and currently sit in 12th place, above Brive and Agen, and have won three games in their nine outings this season. However, Castres recently recorded a 13-17 victory over 10th place Pau, which will give them a confidence boost ahead of their European campaign.
QUICK FACTS
• Biggest win was 87-10 against Aberavon in 1998. • Were founded 114 years ago in 1906. • Their home ground is Stade Pierre-Fabre in Castres, & seats 12,500 spectators. • They finished 9th in the Top14 last season. • Castres are coached by Mauricio Reggiardo. • Castres is captained by Mathieu Babillot. • Heaviest defeat was 44-0 at the hands of Newcastle Falcons in 1998.
THREE TO WATCH
Filipo Nakosi The 28-year-old Fijian international is the brother of fellow French-based wing, Josua Tuisova, and is the same mould as the powerful athlete. At 6ft and 15st 6lbs, he certainly has a presence out in the wider channels
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and crossed the try line 10 times in his 18 outings for Toulon two seasons ago. Nakosi featured for Fiji in the 2019 Rugby World Cup, playing one game against Uruguay where he made four clean breaks and beat seven defenders.
Tyler Ardron A familiar name among Ospreys supporters and players alike. Canadian international Ardron spent four seasons at the Liberty, making 64 appearances and scoring seven tries. Ardron can play across the back row and at 6ft 4in, can play in the second row too. After his stint at the Ospreys, the Ontario man moved to New Zealand in 2017 where he represented both Bay of Plenty and super rugby side the Chiefs. During his three years with the Waikato outfit, Ardron made 30 appearances and in the competition and scored five tries. The fan favourite now makes his return to Swansea in the colours of Castres Olympique, and will no doubt be looking to make an impact against his former side. Thomas Combezeu The Frenchman is an experienced presence in the midfield for Castres, having started his career in 2006 with Clermont, and has had successful periods with La Rochelle, Montpellier, and now Castres. At 33, few scenarios will phase the Tulle born man in defence, and with over 260 games under his belt in the French competition, and over 55 tries to his name (34 of which he scored for Castres). If the battle in the midfield proves pivotal, Castres supporters will be reassured having Combezeu’s experience and cool headedness among the backs.
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Castres OlympiqueC TEAM LINEUP
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BEST TRY The best tries, place kicks and drop goals from 25 years of the Heineken Champions Cup are being voted for in the exciting new Tissot 10s series – and you can have your say in the winner on official digital channels of the tournament. Takudzwa Ngwenya’s stunning try for Biarritz Olympique in their 2009/10 quarter-final win over Ospreys landed the accolade of the top try from an outstanding shortlist as EPCR team up with Official Partner Tissot to bring you some top class action from a quarter of a century of elite club rugby.
2010 TA K U DZ WA N G W EN YA B I A R R I T Z O LY M P I Q U E V O S P R E Y S
The shortlist is revealed with a series of video vignettes on HeinekenChampionsCup.com and official social media channels before a public vote for the fans, which is combined with the views of an expert to determine the winner. European Cup winner Bryan Habana was on hand as Ngwenya’s try was selected and the countdown of the best place kicks has already started. Fans who have their say on their favourite
selection enter a draw to win a Tissot watch as part of this exciting activation.
Mae’r Gweilch yn dychwelyd i Gwpan Her Ewrop y penwythnos yma wrth i ni groesawu Castres Olympique i’r Liberty. Dyma ein canllaw bach i’r bencampwriaeth eleni. Mae’r bencampwriaeth wedi ei symleiddio ychydig ar gyfer tymor 2020-21, yn cychwyn gyda 14 clwb yn unig am y tro – chwech o’r TOP 14 Ffrengig, pedwar o’r Uwchgynghrair yn Lloegr, a phedwar o’r PRO14. Bydd y bencampwriaeth yn cael ei gystadlu dros wyth penwythnos, gyda phedwar rownd rhagarweiniol.
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Yn herio’r Gweilch bydd Rhyfelwyr Caerwrangon a Castres Olympique, gyda’r cyntaf o’r ddwy gêm yn cael ei chwarae yn y Liberty ddydd Sadwrn am 8pm. Dros y penwythnos ar ôl hynny, bydd y Gweilch yn teithio o Abertawe i Stadiwm Sixways i herio Rhyfelwyr Caerwrangon. Bydd y bencampwriaeth yn ailgychwyn ym mis Ionawr 2021, pan fydd y Gweilch yn croesawu Caerwrangon i’r Liberty ddydd Gwener 15fed o Ionawr. Y penwythnos dilynol, sef penwythnos terfynol y gemau rhagarweiniol, bydd y Gweilch yn hedfan i Ffrainc i wynebu Castres, ond nid oes dyddiad nag amser wedi ei gadarnhau ar gyfer y gêm hon eto.
DILYNWCH YR ANTUR AR S4C
Bydd S4C yn dangos gemau’r Gweilch yn y rowndiau rhagarweiniol yn Gymraeg, tra bydd sylwebaeth Saesneg ar gael ar y botwm coch. Fedrwch hefyd gadw llygad ar bob gêm y rhanbarth wrth lawr lwytho ap y Gweilch.
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Ozzie’s Army Here we go! Our first game of the season in the European Rugby Challenge Cup. We’re welcoming French team Castres Olympique to the Liberty this round. The last time they visited Swansea, Ospreys defeated them 21-12. We hope you’re as excited as we are and will be shouting loudly at the television, wherever you may be, in support of the boys! Dyma ni! Ein gêm gyntaf y tymor yng Nghwpan Her Rygbi Ewrop. Rydym ni’n croesawu Castres Olympique o Ffrainc i’r Liberty y rownd yma. Tro diwethaf iddyn nhw ymweld ag Abertawe, llwyddod y Gweilch i’w curo 21-12. Gobeithio eich bod mor gyffrous am y gêm â ni, ac byddech yn bloeddio ar y teledu lle bynna yr ydych i gefnogi ein bois! CYMRAEG Cais Trosiad Cic gosb Gôl gosb Gôl adlam Hanner amser Scrym Prop Bachwr Ail rheng Rheng ôl Mewnwr Maswr Canolwr Asgellwr Cefnwr Abertawe Dyfarnwr
ENGLISH Try Conversion Penalty Penalty goal Drop goal Half time Scrum Prop Hooker Second row Back row Scrumhalf Outside Half Centre Wing Fullback Swansea Referee
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FRANCAIS Un essai Une transformation Une pénalité Un but Un drop La mi-temps Une mêlée Un pilier Un talonneur La deuxième ligne La troisième ligne Un demi de mêlée Un demi d’ouverture Un centre Un ailier Un arrière -L’ arbiter
WHO’S BEHIND THE BEARD?
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Osc
r y w g o n f e C b w l C i a n f f y t o H Gweilch es n i y cynnes iaw n o i o g s e o cro ewyr, swydd es a r r t s a a chw hefnogwyr C y gêm a c Mwynhewch ea, s ! n o a n he nvenue a Sw tres! Bie amis aux Cas nos Bon match
The Ospreys Supporters Club would like to extend a warm welcome to the Castres players, officials and supporters today! Enjoy the match! Digon i’w ddathlu yn y gêm yn erbyn Benetton, gyda’r bois yn dal ati tan y chwiban ola! Gwych cael mwynhau buddugoliaeth melys! Maw paw yn gobeithio am yr un ysbryd achanlyniad heno! Plenty to celebrate during our last home game, against Benetton! The boys displayed plenty of determination and ground out a well deserved win, a great result! Everyone is hoping for the same spirit and result tonight.
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New OSC Sponsors Noddwyr Newydd CCG!
We are delighted to announce that we have, not one but two new sponsors! Here is a brief introduction to both of our sponsors! Croeso cynnes iawn i Glwb Cefnogwyr y Gweilch! A very warm welcome to the Ospreys Supporters Club!
Evans Brewery, Llandeilo, have kindly agreed to sponsor the OSC, we are excited about forming this new partnership! Purveyors of fine beer, the company are eager to provide offers for OSC members and we look forward to sharing these with you, in the very near future!! Cheers! Rydyn with ein bodd, croesawu ein noddwyr newydd, sef Bragdy Evans, Llandeilo! Cyhoeddwn manylion cynnigion yn y dyfodol agos! Iechyd da!
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We are delighted to announce sports breaks.com as our official travel partner! Sports breaks.com provide unforgettable fan experiences, to some of the biggest events in the sporting calendar! The travel packages remove the stress of organising travel and logistics, while allowing fans to soak up the best of the local culture, everything from rugby union, to football and Formula1! To celebrate the new partnership, sportsbreak.com are offering Ospreys supporters an exclusive discount on next year’s Scotland v Wales 6 Nations Match Break! Go to http://www.sportsbreak.com/Rugby/Club–Rugby
OSC Ambassadors Llysgenhadon CCG
We are delighted to announce our new initiative, that sees Scott Otten and Sam Cross become our first ever OSC ambassadors! Given the commitment shown on the pitch, by both these lads, we are sure that they will prove to be an enormous asset, to both the Ospreys and the OSC, in promoting the most successful side in Cymru!
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Seren yn y Dyfodol Future Star
Pleser yw cyflwyno ein seren heddiw, sy’n dod o’r Dyfnant ac yn chwarae i’w dîm lleol! Dyma Callum Powell! Pob lwyddiant yn y dyfodol Calum! Today we are delighted to feature future Osprey’ Callum Powell. I will hand over to Callum’s ever so proud mother’ Lisa, herself a massive Ospreys supporter, for a quick bio! “Callum is 9 years old from Tycoch & considers himself to be the No.1 Ospreys’ fan! His first home game as a supporter was when he was just 6 weeks old and he’s not missed a home
game since! Callum started playing rugby when he was 4 for Dunvant RFC, currently playing for the Under 10s and would love to follow in his hero Alun Wyn’s footsteps and become a future 2nd row for the Ospreys! His most memorable moment so far in his life was holding Alun’s hand, running out of the tunnel with him as Ospreys mascot in 2018. You can always spot Callum above that tunnel at the end of matches waiting to high-five his heroes whether in celebration at a win or in commiseration at a loss! Callum loves to go to Ospreys kids’ camps & his claim to fame is being honoured to appear on the side and back of their Ospreys’ vans!
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If you have a budding future star, please send a short bio and jpeg image. keitho@ospreyssupportersclub.com
! S Y E R P S O N O E
` H C W E D Y N E A L M ! H C L I E W G COM
! E M A G E H T Y O J
H C W E H N Y MW ! O N E H M ĂŠ G Y EN
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For the fifth consecutive season, the Champions Try of the Round competition will bring fans and leading broadcasters together to decide the best score of each weekend of matches in the Heineken Champions Cup, giving supporters the chance to also win some top-class rugby prizes.
CHAMPIONS TRY OF THE ROUND WINNERS 2019/20
Racing 92 dotted down for some outstanding tries in 2019/20, with Teddy Thomas twice lauded for different scores against Munster Rugby in the pool stage before Juan Imhoff’s sensational, matchwinning try in the Paris semi-final against Saracens plucked the Try of the Season award having earned praise from Channel 4’s Nolli Waterman, Virgin Media’s Alan Quinlan and the fans.
Round 3: James Lowe Northampton Saints v Leinster Rugby
Round 1: James Lang ASM Clermont Auvergne v Harlequins Round 2: Teddy Thomas Munster Rugby v Racing 92
Round 4: Lewis Ludlow Connacht Rugby v Gloucester Rugby Round 5: Teddy Thomas Racing 92 v Munster Rugby Round 6: Luke Northmore Harlequins v ASM Clermont Auvergne
Imhoff’s success followed Nick Abendanon (2016/17), Tadhg Beirne (2017/18) and Maxime Médard (2018/19) to the annual accolade after impressive growth of engagement with the public vote through HeinekenChampionsCup.com. On the Monday after each round of matches in European club rugby’s blue riband tournament, a shortlist of five tries is compiled by EPCR’s editorial team and opened to the public in the vote.
Quarter-Final: Alex Goode Leinster Rugby v Saracens Semi-Final / Champions Try of the Season: Juan Imhoff Racing 92 v Saracens
Enjoy some high-calibre rugby and HAVE YOUR SAY in the winner!
EP C R U G BY.COM / T O T R
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Ospreys in the Community OSPREYS EXPAND ACTION FOR CHILDREN PARTNERSHIP WITH GUIDE DIGITAL Ospreys in the Community is expanding its mental health partnership with Action for Children by adopting the charity’s Guide Digital mental health literacy platform. The programme was developed in Canada and provides a complete set of online resources proven to increase the understanding of mental health and mental disorders, decrease the stigma of mental illness and increase the ability to seek help. Action for Children brought the evidence-based initiative to high schools all over Wales in 2018 and have been funded by Welsh Government to produce Guide Digital to broaden the scheme out on a digital platform free until March 2021. The Ospreys rugby region is passionate about improving the mental health and wellbeing of the children and young people that play for its many affiliated regional clubs. Action for Children has already worked with Ospreys in the Community team on establishing ‘Bouncing Back’ in the region to support and improve the mental health and wellbeing of young people in secondary schools. Keen to expand their mental health programmes, they have also successfully piloted the Guide Digital and have booked over thirty more places to roll out across their regional clubs. Ospreys in the Community Foundation Manager, Tom Sloane commented: “We are passionate about supporting our communities, schools and clubs. Having the opportunity to work closely with Action for Children to support the mental well-being of young people in our area is very welcome and builds on the recently launched “Bouncing
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Back” programme in secondary schools. Rugby clubs are the heart of so many communities in Wales and the Ospreys region, so it’s a perfect place to work closely with them to tackle stigma and increase awareness around mental health. Sport has a fantastic way of bringing people together, breaking down barriers and has been proven to support mental & physical well-being.” Chris Dunne oversaw the establishment of the Guide in Wales for Action for Children and said: ‘We are absolutely thrilled the Ospreys have come on board with Bouncing Back and now, Guide Digital. They recognise the value of Action for Children’s work and see the impact we have on the mental health of our children and young people through our evidence-based initiatives. ‘The rugby community is famously tight-knit and is the perfect platform to engage young people on these critical issues just as mental health is being challenged even further by the Covid-19 pandemic. The Ospreys are leading the way as pioneers showing that however tough a sport’s reputation may be, the mental health and wellbeing of their young people must be addressed, free of stigma, in an open and engaging way. I’m very proud to work with such a forward thinking and compassionate organisation.’
OSPREYS IN THE COMMUNITY ARE DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE THE APPOINTMENT OF MELISSA SARTAIN AS EMPLOYABILITY OFFICER WITHIN THE REGION.
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With thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund, Ospreys in the Community are able to expand their team to extend their work within the region and engage with the wider community. Melissa joined back in October , linking up with employability coordinator, Dorian Evans. The pair will work together to deliver the TACKLE programme across the region, which works with people aged between 12-24 who are either NEET (Not in employment, education or training) or at risk of becoming so. Having worked at Bath Rugby Foundation for the past two years, Melissa recently made the move across the bridge before joining the team at OitC. Speaking about her new role, Melissa said: “Having worked in a similar role at Bath Rugby Foundation, I was excited to be bringing my knowledge and experience to the OitC Team, hoping that I can have the same impact and influence in this region. It’s obviously been challenging starting a new role during the pandemic, not being able to engage fully with the rest of the team and our partners, but I’m looking forward to developing the role and my relationship with colleagues and partners alike.” “I enjoy giving something back to the community, getting young people to believe in themselves more and supporting them in reaching their goals.”
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Proud Partner Proud Partner of The Ospreys of The Ospreys
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Rugby’s family values have never been more literally emphasised than at Bristol’s Ashton Gate Stadium back in October. Joe Simmonds was already the Heineken Star of the Match before the penalty that took Exeter Chiefs to their first European crown against Racing 92 in the final and, soon after, brother Sam was presented with the Anthony Foley Memorial Trophy as EPCR European Player of the Year. The number eight was the tournament’s top try scorer during the season, crossing eight times to become the fourth Englishman in five seasons to win the prestigious accolade. Simmonds was selected by a combination of an expert panel deliberating right until the end of the Heineken Champions Cup final and more than 20,000 votes cast through HeinekenChampionsCup.com. This season, stars of the global game will have more intense periods to prove they are Europe’s standout player with the pool stage of the Heineken Champions Cup played over four rounds in December and January on an exceptional basis, with an expanded knockout stage leading a path to Marseille for Finals Weekend on 21-22 May 2021, before which a list of nominees will have been streamlined to five candidates. By taking part in the public vote through official channels of the tournaments, fans can be in with a chance of winning outstanding rugby prizes.
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2019
2020 EPCR European Player of the Year Past Winners
1995-2010 Ronan O’Gara 2011 Sean O’Brien 2012 Rob Kearney 2013 Jonny Wilkinson 2014 Steffon Armitage 2015 Nick Abendanon 2016 Maro Itoje 2017 Owen Farrell 2018 Leone Nakarawa 2019 Alex Goode 2020 Sam Simmonds
OSPREYS
ACADEMY The Ospreys commitment and success at finding homegrown talent has seen the region win more Wales international caps than any other region during the professional era. The region’s ability to find raw talent, hone it and give it an opportunity to wear the famous Ospreys jersey has been the very bedrock of its success since it was formed in 2003. The Ospreys expertise in mining the rich seam of natural rugby talent produced throughout the area has also been one of the foundation stones of Wales’ success at international level. Percentage of Wales caps won by each region until Autumn 2020: OSPREYS
29.4%
SCARLETS
23.6%
CARDIFF BLUES
20.7%
DRAGONS
9.9%
The Ospreys Academy program has produced players who have joined the professional ranks with the Ospreys senior side, being capped by Wales and represented the British and Irish Lions. Alun Wyn Jones, the world’s most capped rugby player, is a product of the Ospreys Academy system and captained the Ospreys, Wales and the British and Irish Lions. Justin Tipuric, the Ospreys captain, a Welsh international and British and Irish Lion, is another who graduated through the Ospreys world class Academy system. Both are a prime example of the type of quality players the Academy and the Player Pathway Programme at the Ospreys has produced but also the type of people and leaders that have come through the system. Mike Ruddock, who was appointed as the Ospreys Development Director in July, has underlined that commitment to the Ospreys Academy and the Ospreys Player Pathway Programme.
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The Ospreys commitment to uncovering and honing its own talent has been demonstrated with its close relationships with Swansea University, Bridgend College, Neath and Port Talbot College and Gower College, along with a new Partnership with Llandovery College. “The Ospreys have a world class development programme, and we all know how important unearthing, developing, and honing that talent has been for the team down the years”, said Ruddock. “We have seen the benefit of developing our own people and our commitment to that is as strong as ever. We want to give everybody the opportunity to make a contribution to the Ospreys” “This team represents us all and the Ospreys represents the people of the region. We are reaffirming our intention to deliver high standards as part of a high-performance culture in order to identify and develop players for the region and the nation. “From the Ospreys Academy and through our Player Pathway Programme, we provide a unique opportunity and environment to produce elite athletes, excellent rugby players and role models for the community. “This a region rich in rugby talent and history and we all recognise the emotional pull and attachment we feel when we see one of our own pull on the Ospreys jersey and the jersey of Wales. “But we all have a part to play in keeping the engine of the Ospreys going, whether you are a parent, grandparent, schoolteacher, youth team coach, a club secretary, a commercial partner or sponsor, we value the role you play and the support you give to allow us to develop our own. “At the Ospreys we provide a high-performance development programme and aspiring professional players no longer need to leave home and Wales to fulfill their potential. “Our Player Pathway Programme is focused on long term player development and off field success, through partnerships with our Colleges, Swansea University and with our commercial partners.
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“Overall, this is a great time to be in the Ospreys Player Pathway Programme as our Head Coach, Toby Booth, wants to align the team to his playing philosophy. Some players enter the pathway through the Academy program, others enter the pathway later on via regional Clubs or Swansea University. “Whatever the route into the pathway the players involved can be assured of a driving ambition to be the best regional team in Wales.” The Ospreys Academy and aligned Player Pathway Programme has built a solid foundation in the communities of the region and puts the person and the player at the heart of its development process. The Academy and integrated Player Pathway Programme has links with schools, colleges, Swansea University and rugby clubs in the region designed to make sure no stone is left unturned in the bid to find the next generation of Ospreys. Through expert coaching and skill acquisition development, the Ospreys Player Pathway Programme’ s ‘Six Key Pillars’ promotes incremental and goal orientated improvements, while the holistic nature of the Academy programme helps develop and underline the importance of promoting leadership skills and humility. The Six Key Pillars: • Technical – Skills sessions • Tactical – Game management and decision making • Physical – Strength and conditioning • Nutritional - Diet • Psychological - Performance • Holistic – Education, communication and leadership skills. The Ospreys Academy and Player Pathway Programme provides expert coaching and medical support with a constant review process designed to help players to realise their full potential. The Academy and Pathway programme is the engine room of the Ospreys senior side and provides us with our identity and secures the future of rugby at the highest level in the region.
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www.eastsidedental.co.uk 01792 642733
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REINFORCER
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