#002 Ospreys v Glasgow Warriors - Official Matchday Programme by ospreysrugby

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IN TODAY’S ISSUE TOBY BOOTH’S WELCOME

PRO14 WELCOME

CLUB SHOP

OSC

Q&A: STEPHEN MYLER

DYFARNU A CHYFRANNU

YOUR COMMENTS

PLAYER FEATURE: NICKY SMITH

GLASGOW WARRIORS

OZZIE’S ARMY

OSPREYS IN THE COMMUNITY

NEWS AROUND THE REGION

TEAM LINEUP

20/21 FIXTURES

toby boothâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s welcome After the first two games of this Guinness PRO14 campaign we have started to learn about ourselves, about where we are as group and what we need to improve as a team. The international window provides an opportunity for other players to stake their claims and all of us know this is traditionally a really testing time for the Ospreys and all the regions. But we need to embrace that challenge, rather than fear it. We have put 12 weeks into a pre-season and created our own identity and conditioned ourselves to play towards that identity and about players taking opportunities when they come, and this is one of those opportunities for the players, especially our younger players. Young players always bring a real energy to a squad and they always want to show what they can do in training and in a game. The challenge for them revolves around delivering a consistency around their own performance across a number of weeks. Even starting a game and coming off the bench is a different experience for young players. So, there are lots of little micro-challenges for young players to embrace and overcome, but the one thing they always bring is plenty of enthusiasm. Their performances may not always be perfect from an accuracy standpoint, but they often make up for that with highenergy and intensity. The Ospreys have made a commitment to promote young talent and put trust in our younger players because, in the long term, the emotional attachment to the Ospreys for the players and with the supporters is going to be really important. But, ultimately, this not a youth development programme and the people who wear the Ospreys jersey deserve to be there and have earned their place in the side. That does mean there is an onus on the senior players to lead by

example and own their personal performances but the young players will be treated exactly the same because nobody has a divine right to be out there. You have to earn that opportunity and then you have to take that opportunity. We have talked about representing our people in the Ospreys region. How do we articulate that and show it on the field? By working hard, being difficult to beat and always showing a consistency of effort. We will take attitude over talent any day. From that point of view, while the outcomes against Edinburgh and Ulster were very different, I was pleased to see that we showed a real competitive edge and that we hung in the fight. A team that hangs in there is a sure sign of a side that wants to improve and get better. The challenge is to continue to do that across a long period of time when we have a lot of our leading players away on international duty. But the one element we can control is our effort. It was good that the Ospreys new owner, James Davies Yandle, was here and for the players to meet him and listen to him outline his vision for the club going forward. His vision is very much about consistency and about being the best version of ourselves, and making sure we all give our best every time. We are all in this together and we are all very aware of the challenges ahead of us and he has now seen those challenges first hand and knows what we are doing to tackle them and buys into what we are doing.

Toby Booth, Head Coach.

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WHY IT MATTERS KELLY BROWN | GLASGOW WARRIORS

“I had a script I’d written; I’d planned it all out, I stood in front of 100 or so kids, and I completely froze. I just couldn’t say a word. The sound of silence was defeaning.”

I’ve become a patron of Stamma, the British Stammering Association. I’ve been asked for the last couple of years if I’d become a patron, and I feel it’s important to raise awareness around the issue. It’s something I’ve managed my whole life and it’s something that I feel like needs to be talked about more. A lot of people don’t really understand stammering and perceive it as nerves or a weakness – I want to raise awareness and make it easier for stammerers in the future. My first memory of stammering was a school assembly when I was about 11 or so. I’d been on a school ski trip the week before, and I was asked if I would stand up in assembly and speak about it. I had a script I’d written; I’d planned it all out, I stood up in front of 100 or so kids, and I completely froze. I just couldn’t say a word. The sound of silence was deafening. My dad also stammers, so neither of us were very sure about the best course of action – I had a bit of therapy off and on, but it never really bothered me to be honest. I was fortunate enough that I was never bullied because of my stammer, probably because I was quite a big lad! A big turning point for me, though, was the 2010 Six Nations. I’d been picked to start for Scotland in the first game against France, and the BBC had asked to do an interview with me. I did it, and it was

absolutely dreadful. It was so bad I went to the Scotland media manager and asked to make sure the interview never got shown. That was a real catalyst for me.

– I think it’s the only time in Six Nations history they’ve had to do the coin toss twice! I said the same the second time, and guess what? It was tails…

I enrolled in the McGuire Programme, and that was massive. Their big thing is assertive self-acceptance, which is a key message to get across. Stammering is a part of who you are, so to accept that is huge. Acceptance, and understanding of others is also important – you shouldn’t think less of others because they stammer, or look down at them. Learning to accept both yourself and those around you is key.

It felt like the right time to become a patron for Stamma. I felt like I owe it to myself and to everyone that has ever helped me and been supportive of me to speak out about it, because it’s something I’m hugely passionate about. Whilst I’ve been fortunate enough to never have been bullied because of my stammer, there are a lot of people who do. A lot of stammerers hide away because of the adverse reaction they receive from other people. It’s twofold, really – it’s about trying to raise awareness so other people understand what’s going on, as well as encouraging those who have a stammer to accept and embrace that as a part of themselves. You should never let it hold you back, because only you are responsible for your own destiny.

Part of the reason I enrolled in 2010 was that I didn’t want my stammer to hold me back. I felt like I could be a captain, and I could do x,y and z, so that’s why I decided to do something about it. I worked incredibly hard on it, and I continue to do so. I work on my speech every day and challenge myself, because I know that when I do that I’m in control of my stammer instead of my stammer controlling me. The rugby family has been brilliant. Stammering has never been an issue for me throughout my life in rugby, apart from one time. I was waiting to call the coin toss with Nigel Owens when I captained Scotland against France in 2013, and [France captain] Thierry Dusautoir flipped the coin. I started trying to say ‘heads’ but had a block, and the coin bounced

- Kelly Brown

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Croeso cynnes iawn i bawb! Hoffai Clwb Cefnogwyr y Gweilch estyn croeso cynnes iawn i chwaraewyr, swyddogion a chefnogwyr Glasgow heddiw! Mwynhewch y gêm The Ospreys Supporters Club would like to extend a warm welcome to the Glasgow player, officials and supporters today! Enjoy the match!

OSC A DECADE ON

HAPPY BIRTHDAY OSC! This year marks the 10th birthday of Ospreys Supporters Club! Our plans for a big birthday launch and a series of celebratory events throughout the season have unfortunately had to be postponed, or where possible, converted to digital. However, whilst we still aim to hold some events later in the season, we do hope you will join us today and over the coming weeks, in celebrating #OSC10, as we look back on the last 10 years and look forward to the next. Click on the link for a whistle stop video tour of our past 10 years... and some really great old pics! Eleni, byddwn ni’n dathlu penblwydd 10fed CCG! Roeddwn ni’n bwriadu trefnu sawl digwyddiadau trwy’r tymor, ond Covid19 sy wedi achosi ni i gohirio ar y foment. Er hynny, mae croeso mawr i chi dathlu gyda ni heddiw ac ymweld â’n gwefan am daith cyflym dros ein hanes! #OSC10 #OurBloodIsBlack

OSC PLAYER OF THE SEASON

We are delighted to confirm that this season’s winner of the OSC Player of the Season is none other than Ospreys stalwart Dan Lydiate! Congratulations to you Dan, a much deserved award!

CHWARAEWR Y TYMOR CCG

Rydyn ni wrth ein bodd i gadarhau Dan Lydiate fel enillydd Chwaraewr y Fwlyddynn CCG! Llongyfarchiadau Dan, rwyt ti’n haeddu’r wobyr!

SEREN Y DYFODOL

FUTURE STAR

Pleser yw cyflwyno ein seren heddiw, sy’n dod o Ferthyr ac yn chwarae i Gefn Coed y Cymer. Pob lwyddiant yn y dyfodol Jadon! Today we are delighted to feature future Osprey Jaden Webb. I will hand over to Jaden’s ever so proud mother Sue, for a quick bio! “This is Jadon, he plays for Cefn Coed y Cymmer in Merthyr Tydfil. His favourite Osprey is Luke Morgan and he hopes one day to be as good as Luke on the wing . He trains every Sunday and is looking forward to playing again and coming to the Liberty to watch the Ospreys. “ If you would like to feature in this section, please send a short bio and images, to keitho@ospreyssupportersclub.com

! S Y E R P S O E ON

` H C W E D Y N E A L M ! H C L I E GW ! E M A G E H T Y O J N E H C W E H N Y MW ! O N E H M Ã&#x160; G Y COM

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KEEP IN TOUCH WITH US

You can always keep in touch with us by following our social media accounts and website, all listed below; www.ospreyssupportersclub.com Twitter : @OspreysSC Facebook : Ospreys Supporters Club Hope to hear from you soon! Keith Collins. Ysg. CCG. / OSC Sec.

Q & A:

Stephen myler 1) WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS WITH THE OSPREYS? To be as influential as I can be and to help the team to perform as well as it can. Obviously, last season was difficult in terms of results and performances weren’t what people expected. If I can play a small part in helping the team to do better and to keep improving through the season, that is my ultimate focus. What that entails and means, we will find out as we go through some games. As a team, a continual improvement is our focus. We have done that during the summer, with new coaches coming in and new principles being put in place. We want to play as well as we can, as soon as we can. 2) YOU HAVE PLAYED AGAINST SIDES COACHED BY TOBY BOOTH AND PLAYED AGAINST BROCK JAMES, WHAT IMPACT AND INFLUENCE HAVE THEY HAD AT THE OSPREYS SO FAR? It has been really good. I haven’t been coached by Toby before but I know him from the Premiership in England and my time in the same competition. I know he is very well respected in the Premiership and well regarded because of what he has done in the game. It has been good to work with him and with Brock James as well. I played against Brock a few times and he is having an influence in terms of our attack. We are getting a good blend of knowledge and of how we want to go about our business as a team. It has been good personally, because it’s another fresh environment and another view of how the game should be played.

Stephen Myler, Outside Half.

3) YOU HAVE HUGE BANKS OF EXPERIENCE WITH NORTHAMPTON AND YOU ALSO PLAYED FOR ENGLAND, WHAT IS IT LIKE WHEN YOU SEE A BACKLINE OF RHYS WEBB, GEORGE NORTH AND YOUNG EXCITING TALENTS LIKE OWEN WATKIN? When the opportunity came up to join the Ospreys, you think of the names that have been around for a while in Wales, like Alun Wyn Jones, Justin Tipuric and Rhys and then players like George and Owen, but the wealth of talent in this region and in Wales, in general, is quite something. It has been really exciting for me to come here and be a part of it. If I can add something, whether it’s experience or guidance or how I operate around the place, I just want to help people take the next step. If I can just show them what they are capable of. I have seen lots of positive things in training; we just have to put them into games now. Personally, it’s just exciting to be part of a squad with those names.

4) SINCE TOBY BOOTH’S ARRIVAL THERE HAS BEEN A REAL SHIFT IN MOOD AND TALK ABOUT THE ‘NEW OSPREYS”, HAVE YOU FELT ANY HANGOVER FROM LAST SEASON? It just hasn’t been dwelled on since I have been here. We have new coaches and it’s just a given that future is the focus. Last season, obviously, wasn’t where people wanted to be but we have had quite a few months together now and we know we can improve, We know how we are looking to go forward and looking to play this season. It’s about looking forward to how we can work together as a squad and improve our performance rather than dwelling on something in the past because we can’t change that. We are looking to put in performances, week-in, week-out, showing what we are capable of

. That’s exciting to me.

5) YOU ARE ONE OF THE ELDER STATESMEN IN RUGBY UNION NOW, HOW DO YOU KEEP GOING IN SUCH A DEMANDING SPORT? I am getting asked this question a lot. I know I am into the twilight years of my career at the moment, but the thing that has been good for me has been the new environment. It’s about learning new things, new systems and new principals, and learning how my teammates are trying to play. It’s about learning what their playing habits are and things like that. It keep’s me on my toes and makes sure I am paying attention and not slipping into a comfort zone. I had the same when I went to London Irish, two years ago, it gave me another lease of life. People ask me how long are you going to play? And I answer by saying I still feel physically good and mentally I feel like I have something to offer. If I felt I was on one leg and being wheeled out to play, I simply wouldn’t be playing this game. You can’t be a passenger and I feel physically good. The important thing is that mentally I want to put in the work every day, and I believe I still have something to offer on the field.

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Cymry yn y Canol Eleni, byddwn ni’n cyhoeddi cyfres fer o broffiliau dyfarnwyr ifanc o ledled y rhanbarth a’u cyflwyno i chi fesull un. I gychwyn y gyfres byddwn ni’n siarad gyda dyfarnwr o’r enw Elfyn Morris-Roberts, sy’n byw yng Nghwm Twrch gyda Beca ei wraig, ei fab Rhun, a’i gi, Eira. Bu Elfyn yn rheng ôl rhagorol, yn chwarae dros glwb rygbi’r Bala a Rygbi Gogledd Cymru cyn i’w yrfa ddod i ben yn dilyn anaf cas i’w ysgwydd. Fodd bynnag, chwe mis yn ddiweddarach, llwyddodd Merfyn Picton, rheolwr dyfarnwyr yn y gogledd, i’w berswadio i fentro dyfarnu yn lle hynny. Dechreuodd ei daith yn Adran 3 y Gogledd, ond yn fuan symudodd ef â’i wraig i Ystradgynlais i ddechrau swydd fel athro addysg gorfforol. Yn fuan, cafodd Elfyn enw da fel dyfarnwr deallus ac empathetig. Yn fuan, cafodd ddyrchafiad i lefel tri yn dilyn cyfnod hyfforddi gyda’r Gweilch, lle cafodd ryddid i reoli gemau mwy. Dyfarnodd Elfyn ei gêm gyntaf yn Uwch Gynghrair Cymru o dan lifoleuadau St Helens: Abertawe v Bargoed. “Nid fy atgof melysaf” meddai Elfyn wrth chwerthin, “Aeth hi ddim yn grêt, ond diolch byth daeth hi’n haws gydag amser a phrofiad. Ers hynny, ‘dw i wedi cael cyfle i ddyfarnu ledled Cymru yn yr uwchgynghrair a phencampwriaeth Y Principality, rheoli gemau ieuenctid rhanbarthol, rhedeg y lein ar gyfer gemau rhyngwladol o dan 20, menywod Cymru, a chefais gyfle i fod ar dîm hyfforddi gêm EPCRn rhwng y

Gweilch a Racing 92 tymor diwethaf.” Wrth drafod yr iaith Gymraeg, datgelodd Elfyn ei fod wedi cael agoriad llygad o weld y nifer o Gymry Cymraeg sydd yng ngharfan dyfarnu Cymru. “Baswn i’n dweud bod y mwyafrif o ddyfarnwyr URC yn siarad Cymraeg. Dwi wedi arfer trafod rygbi yn y Gymraeg yn y gogledd, ond mae yna lwyth o Gymraeg yma yn y de hefyd. Dwi’n cofio dyfarnu gêm rhwng Tregaron a Chaerfyrddin Athletig, a gallu dyfarnu’r gêm gyfan heb orfod newid i’r Saesneg. Mae’n anodd weithiau trafod rheolau’r gêm yn Gymraeg, gan fod yr eirfa i gyd yn Saesneg oherwydd eu bod nhw’n dod o World Rugby. “Yn aml iawn bydd y tîm rheoli i gyd yn medru siarad Cymraeg a mae’n gysur cael gweithio yn dy iaith dy hun.” Meddai Elfyn bod yna nifer fawr o Gymry talentog yn dod trwy rengoedd dyfarnu Undeb Rygbi Cymru, a bod y dyfodol yn ddisglair o’r safbwynt hynny. Wrth feddwl am y dyfodol, dywedodd Elfyn ei fod am ganolbwyntio ar barhau i ddyfarnu yn yr Uwch gynghrair a chadw ei safon ei hun, gyda’r bwriad o gael cyfle i ddyfarnu yn y Guinness PRO14 a phencampwriaeth Ewrop. “A phwy a ŵyr, efallai ga’i redeg y lein mewn gêm rhyngwladol yn y stadiwm genedlaethol rhyw ddydd!”

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PLAYER FEATURE:

Nicky Smith Like all of us Nicky Smith put some weight on during lockdown, but the difference between him and everyone else is that he meant to. The Ospreys prop, who was one of seven call ups from the Liberty Stadium squad to the Wales squad for the Autumn Nations Cup, used the enforced break to bulk up and improve his physicality ahead of the return to rugby. It has clearly worked too. He crossed the whitewash in the impressive first win for the Ospreys in Edinburgh since 2012. Then, of course, there is the little matter of becoming a father. Smith, 26, admits he felt he needed to add some weight to improve his power at the scrum and some tonnage to his work at the ruck and tackle area. His work rate and mobility around the field have always been key parts of his game, but his desire to improve is impressive. His weight has gone from 109kg when we went into lockdown back in March to 109kg at the start of the new Guinness Pro14 campaign against Edinburgh in October. “I have always struggled with little injuries and my weight and, I know lockdown was tough on everyone, but it was sort of a golden opportunity, with no games, to try to put a bit of weight on,” said Smith. “I spent a lot of time in my garage, trying to put some weight on, so lockdown was good for me.” Nicky Smith, Prop.

“When I was younger I probably was in the category of having a bit of belly on me and I needed to lose that, but the last couple of years I have been paying 109kg or 110kg, which is quite light as a prop. “It is tough to put weight on when you are playing because rugby is such a demanding sport. Even though lockdown was hard on everyone, it was an opportunity for me to go, no games for a while, lock myself in the garage and eat well and try to put a bit of bulk on. “I think I have the balance right at the moment. You are never perfect, and I could probably be a bit heavier, but I am always striving to be fitter and stronger. I feel I am in a good place physically and I am raring to go.” So how did he achieve the desired weight gain? A dozen raw eggs? “It was just consistency around my food and upping the meals a bit, “ said Smith. “Where I was eating four meals a day on average before Lockdown, I was having six or seven meals during Lockdown. “But the main thing was that I was in the gym, my garage, six times a week and limited the running to try and put some bulk on. So far, I feel much better than I did last season.” Smith’s Lockdown regime certainly appears to have paid off, with a try for the Ospreys in the first game of the Pro14 campaign and a recall to the Wales set-up after missing the Six Nations. “I haven’t thought about Wales that much, but it’s nice to be back after getting the axe last year,” said Smith. “Its just Wales at the minute, we just have so much strength in depth. Warren Gatland alluded to it and it was always the case that we would have one or two injuries and would struggle. “Now you look across the board from one-to-15 and there are four or five players who could cover each position. It just shows how far we have come with the regions and the national team.” “Long may that continue because at the end of the day, we all want success for the regions and internationally.”

Smith’s commitment to the Ospreys cause has never been in doubt and his reaction to becoming a new father on the eve of the Edinburgh game in Murrayfield, just underlines it. His young son was born on the Friday morning before the team flew up to Scotland on the Saturday morning. A phone call to Toby Booth, the new Ospreys Head Coach, and Smith reports for work after a momentous 24 hours in his life. How many of us would have called in claiming Maternity Leave? Smith didn’t, he was on the flight and in the side that beat Edinburgh 25-10.

So how are Mum and Dad and what is the name of his young son? “Albie Smith, a little boy,” said Smith. “Both partner and baby are doing really well. Having some sleepless nights at the minute, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. “He was born on the Friday morning, I had a chat with Toby, and I said I feel good. The team flew out on Saturday morning and came back in the early hours of Sunday. “I came back to a crying baby and full nappy, but I wouldn’t trade that for the world.”

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Glasgow Warriors HEAD COACH: Danny Wilson GROUNDS: Scotstoun Stadium FOUNDED: 1872 CAPTAIN: Ryan Wilson TOP TRY SCORER: DTH van der Merwe (58) FORM GUIDE V OSPREYS: W L L L L

LAST TIME OUT

Glasgow Warriors 9 – 3 Ospreys The score belies what was a brutally physical game of rugby up in Glasgow back in January 2019. It was the Ospreys who were on the attack in the first half, with Sam Cross, Tom Habberfield, and Scott Baldwin all missing out on scoring a try by a matter of inches. Outside half Sam Davies eventually converted the pressure into points off the tee, but that would be the only score of the half. It was all Glasgow in the latter half of the game, however, and the hosts’ pivot, Brandon Thomas, secured three unanswered penalties to secure a victory. Ospreys’ earlier penalty meant the visitors left with a losing bonus point.

THREE TO WATCH

Tommy Seymour The American born, Scottish international winger has oodles of experiences, having represented Glasgow over 120 times and his country 55 times since making his professional debut a decade ago. Seymour has racked up 190 points for his club and toured New Zealand with

Warren Gatland’s British and Irish Lions squad in 2011. A classy finisher with an eye for the try line, Seymour is dangerous with ball in hand be it five or fifty metres out. Thomas Gordon Gordon returned from injury last week and was a thorn in the Scarlets’ side all game. He made his debut for Glasgow ahead of the 2018/19 season and on his first start at home, earned the player of the match award for his contribution to his side’s victory over rivals Edinburgh. The openside flanker has since made 20 appearances in the Guinness PRO14 and has scored one try thus far. A tenacious defender and a real scavenger at the breakdown, Gordon fits the mould of a modern day back rower. Ratu Tagive Tagive appeared for the Warriors against the Ospreys in 2017 and has a reputation as a speedy and powerful player. At 6ft 3in and over 16st, the Sydney born speedster is a natural winger with a background in rugby league, having played for Bulldogs, Sydney City Rooster, and West Tigers before switching codes and training with the Brumbies. Two years later Tagive joined Glasgow Warriors and earlier this year was called into the senior Scotland squad ahead of the 2020 Six Nations Championship. Having missed out on a call up this autumn, Tagive will no doubt be eager to put on a display for those watching.

HEAD-TO-HEAD Stafford McDowall Having represented his country at U18, and named captain at U20 level, it seems only a matter of time before the 22-year-old finds himself in the senior Scotland squad. Born in Dumfries, McDowall made his Glasgow Warriors debut against the Isuzu Southern Kings in 2017 Of his 23 appearances has started 19 times, scored three tries, and is capable of playing both inside and outside centre, and as an outside back. McDowall won the Young Player of the Season Award in 2018/19, and is going from strength to strength.

Keiran Williams If pace, balance, and power is what you think of when you think of a centre, then you won’t be disappointed with Williams’ stature and playing style. Often compared to a young Scott Gibbs, many agree that the young Osprey was unlucky not to be included in Wales’ autumn 2020 squad, having shone in his last few appearances in the Guinness PRO14. Hailing from Glynneath, Williams has caught the limelight so far this season, playing a key role in the championship’s try of the round in week one, with a signature line-break at pace followed by great hands to set up Mat Protheroe for a try under the posts. Williams, another Ospreys Academy product, represented Wales U20 between 2016-2018 and forced his way into contention as one of the Welsh regions’ most promising youngsters. It’ll be an interesting clash of styles between McDowall and Williams when they go head to head at the Liberty.

KEIRAN WILLIAMS

STAFFORD MCDOWALL

AGE

Neath

PLACE OF BIRTH

Dumfries

5ft 10in

HEIGHT

6ft 4in

12st 6lbs

WEIGHT

16st 3lbs

LEAGUE APPEARANCES

LEAGUE POINTS

INTERNATIONAL APPEARANCES

INTERNATIONAL POINTS

GLASGOW WARRIORS IN NUMB3R5 3

Position in Conference A

Points Scored (Joint 6th)

Offloads (9th)

634

Defenders Beaten (8th)

Tries Scored (Joint 4th)

249

Clean Breaks (4th)

Metres Gained (5th)

Tackles Made (10th)

Turnovers Won (5th)

92%

Tackle Success (1st)

Turnovers Lost (9th)

3/3

Total Tackles Missed (11th)

1041

Penalties Scored/ Missed (7th)

Kick Metres (11th)

Kick From Hand (9th)

Tries from Kicks (4th)

Yellow Cards (8th)

Red Cards (1st)

12/1

Penalties Conceded (11th)

Scrums Won/ Lost (4th)

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After a short break to enjoy the Challenge and Champions Cup finals, the Guinness PRO14 is back with a crash this weekend. Ospreys got their season off to a flying start, defeating Edinburgh away before being outscored by Ulster at the Liberty. However, there’s no looking back in the Ospreys camp as all eyes are fixed forward on the upcoming challenge in the form of Glasgow Warriors. The Warriors put Scarlets to the sword in Scotstoun, bouncing back after defeat to Connacht and will be looking for back-to-back victories over Welsh regions. Ar ôl egwyl fach i fwynhau’r rowndiau derfynol pencampwriaeth Ewrop, mae’r Guinness PRO14 yn ôl gyda bang! Llwyddodd y Gweilch cychwyn eu tymor â buddugoliaeth dewr dros Caeredin cyn colli i Ulster yn y Liberty. Fodd bynnag, does dim annedd ar y gorffennol yng ngharfan y Gweilch wrth iddyn nhw ganolbwyntio ar y her o Glasgow. Bu’r Rhyfelwyr yn llwyddiannus yn erbyn y Scarlets yn Scotstoun, ond buon nhw golli i Connacht yr wythnos flaenorol. Felly bydd yr Albanwyr yn anelu hawlio buddugoliaethau gefn-wrth-gefn dros dau o rhanbarthau Cymru.

CWIS

QUIZ

1) How many Ospreys forwards were picked for the Welsh squad this autumn? 2) Who scored two tries for the Ospreys on his 2020/21 debut in Edinburgh? 3) Where are the Ospreys training this season?

PWY SY’N TACLO?

WHO’S THAT TACKLER?

Ospreys in the Community Ospreys in the Community’s TACKLE team has seen 95% of the learners on their Summer programme progress onto further education which is the key aim of the project! The team worked hard to redevelop the entire programme to adapt to the lockdown restrictions whilst still providing an accessible and enjoyable project to re-engage young people and focus their minds on a return to education and employment opportunities. They delivered a new distance learning programme with online content as well as distributing a number of booklets, ensuring they were able to work with a wide range of learners, catering for their needs and overcoming barriers. Speaking to some of the learners after their time on the programme has seen a hugely positive result: “I have learned more about myself and done things on the programme that I never would have been able to do or had the confidence to do.” “I’ve made decisions about my future, worked on my CV and started some free online courses after the programme.” Almost every learner commented on how TACKLE had improved their confidence, communication, time management and creative skills and all were thrilled with how TACKLE had opened their eyes to all their future career possibilities.

LEARNER FEEDBACK WHAT HAVE YOU ENJOYED MOST ABOUT THE TACKLE SUMMER SORTED PROGRAMME?

Enjoyed having a new routine

The helpful staff The zoom calls with new people

The variety of different tasks

Know where I want to be when Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m older

Listening to others stories and how they reached their goals

Getting the chance to talk to people doing things I want to do

Tasks are more like activities than actual work so really enjoyed doing them

Thoroughly enjoyed and would recommend to friends

Really good mentors. Easy to talk to

Tasks made me think about my skills and where I want to be

REFLECTION

Speaking about another successful Summer programme, Employability co-ordinator Dorian Evans said: “It’s been really encouraging hearing the feedback off our learners after another hugely successful Summer programme. Having 95% of our learners progress onto further education is a great achievement for us all and great to hear so much positivity on our new look distance learning programme.” “We felt it was important to introduce as much consistency as possible to try getting learners into some kind of routine. Each day 10am & 1pm myself and Nick would be sending over their workshops. We set tasks to develop the key skills we’ve always focused on and challenges which encouraged our learners to keep active. Simple things like going for a walk and taking a photo of their favourite spot helped us learn so much about our learners but it encouraged them to go for that walk with a purpose.” “A big thank you to everyone who supported as always. This additional expertise adds so much to every programme we do. The lockdown actually gave us a chance to reach out to new ones and we hope these new relationships will continue and grow.”

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News around the region CLUB LOCKDOWN A Coronavirus update from Aberavon, Bridgend, Neath & Swansea.

With the return of the PRO14 and international rugby, rugby fans from Ospreylia and beyond finally have some game action back in their lives, albeit behind close doors! With the pro game returning to some sort of normality, the same cannot be said for our semi-pro and amateur clubs across the region. With COVID guidelines preventing any fixtures in the Indigo Premiership and lower leagues going ahead, we thought we’d take the opportunity to provide a lockdown update from the four largest Ospreylian clubs – Aberavon Wizards, Bridgend Ravens, Neath RFC and Swansea RFC.

ABERAVON WIZARDS The biggest rugby news coming out of the Talbot Athletic Ground is the departure of Wizard’s stalwart and former captain James Garland. The Clydach born Fly-Half gained high praise throughout Welsh rugby during his 2 stints with the Wizards tallying 820 points in 160 appearances for the club. Philanthropy has been Aberavon’s rugby filler during the COVID-19 pandemic. The S4C cameras made their way to the Talbot Athletic Ground during lockdown to document the charitable work Aberavon have done for Mind and Age Connect. With many players volunteering as food deliverers for those shielding throughout Aberavon, Wizards Flanker, and former Osprey, Joe Tomalin-Reeves took things further…

he said goodbye to his iconic long hair which was shaved off to raise over ÂŁ4,000 for the NPT Mind. Aberavon have also continued their strong digital presences during lockdown with The Cauldron Podcast, produced by Buffoon Media, giving fans some of the rugby clubhouse chat that they have missed so much during these non-rugby times. Full episodes of The Cauldron are available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

BRIDGEND RAVENS The East Ospreylian outfit have been keeping rather busy during the lockdown period. A plethora of new signings have arrived to bolster the squad in the hopes of climbing the Indigo Premiership table come the new season. With Hemi Barnes, Reuben Tucker, Tom Lucas and Lee Murphy all joining as new recruits, the Ravens have also welcomed back Zac O Driscoll, Joseph Gatt and Keiran Martin who re-join Bridgend from after spells with Cardiff RFC. The backroom staff have welcomed Assistant Forwards and Skills Coach Jeff Pick to their ranks joining the existing coaching set-up of Alun Wyn Davies, Meredith Griffith and, former Ospreys winger, Tom Grabham. Following their decision back in January to become a memberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s club, the Ravens have begun the process of upgrading their facilities at the Morganstone Brewery Field. With plans to renovate the existing hospitality suits into a gymnasium/fitness centre and upgrading the pitch to 3G, Bridgend are seeking local tradesmen and skilled labourers to assist with this exciting project. Away from rugby, a special

mention must be given to Ravens Volunteer and Superfan Simon Green – in the absence of this year’s London Marathon, Simon completed an equivalent 26.2-mile route around Bridgend in his wheelchair. Raising funds for the charity Whizz-Kids, Simon has raised nearly £5,000 for the charity, a caused that has been supported by many in the rugby club and local community.

NEATH RFC The Welsh All-Blacks have announced many new recruits during the lockdown period which will surely make them strong contenders within the Specsavers Championship. Jarryd Davies, Christopher, Steffen Williams, Ian Ellis, Jack Powell, Dan Matthews, Dai Langdon, Josh Clark, Tom Morgan and Jonny Bayliss have all joined the club ready to help Neath bounce back to the topflight of Welsh club rugby. Neath RFC have taken this down-time to upgrade their digital platforms -particularly in video production! Amassing plenty of social media hits, Neath’s new signings and player retention announcements have been popular with fans and players in the region. Sit down interviews and slick editing has rumbled up excitement Neath’s upcoming season. Neath also launched their new website back in September further cementing the club’s digital improvements while rugby remains absent at The Gnoll. Although quiet on the pitch, the Neath volunteers and supporters club have been making a lot of noise off the pitch. Sinking their efforts into charitable causes, Neath’s “Thank You NHS” shirts have been flying off their club shop shelves (digitally that is!) to raise funds and awareness for the heroic efforts our National Health Service have provided during the COVID-19 pandemic. Another example of rugby showing how people are coming together during such isolated times.

SWANSEA RFC The Whites have, arguably, provided the largest contribution to the Ospreys during the pandemic – St Helen’s. With the Ospreys training facility being transformed into a COVID-19 field hospital, the region’s professional outfit were without a training camp until Swansea RFC came forward. As a result, St Helen’s has seen great improvements to the infrastructure to accommodate professional rugby. A new gymnasium, converted offices, new workspaces installed… just to mention a few new touches! With updates on the playing squad on-hold until Premiership rugby returns to St Helen’s, Swansea have announced their coaching setup for the new campaign. Kevin James is the latest addition to the Swansea Coaching set-up – the new backs coach will link up with Head Coach Hugh Gustafson’s backroom team consisting of Liam Capener-Jones, Ben Lewis and JP Bevan. Like the other clubs in the region, Swansea also took this non-rugby opportunity to invest support into charitable causes. The club and its supporters got behind Paul Tabram’s 2.6 challenge – the 26-day challenge to walk 5k everyday raised funds and awareness for Swansea Mind. Tabsy finished the challenge at, of all places, the Liberty Stadium raising over £2,000 in the process.

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