WALES TEAM TO PLAY AUSTRALIA

Shane Williams was the first name on the team sheet today - as promised by Wales head coach Warren Gatland - when the side was announced to take on Australia in the Dove Men Challenge match at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday (kick-off 2.30pm).
Williams is one of nine players retained in the starting line-up from the third-place Rugby World Cup play-off defeat to the Wallabies early last month, with just two starters selected from outside of the Wales 30-man squad which reached the semi-finals in New Zealand.
Ospreys second row Ian Evans returns to the starting line-up after a three year absence, having last featured under Gatland against New Zealand in November 2008, and Blues prop Scott Andrews – who was part of the preliminary RWC training squad – makes his first start.
Evans replaces Dragons lock Luke Charteris, originally named in the Wales squad for this match but now ruled out with a wrist injury. Andrews is in for Adam Jones who was ruled out with a calf problem last week.
Captain Sam Warburton (Blues) returns in the back row, replacing Osprey Ryan Jones, who moves to the bench, with Dragon Toby Faletau reverting to his normal position at No 8.
In the backs a groin problem has also ruled out Scarlets centre Jonathan Davies and he is replaced by his Regional colleague Scott Williams. Blues scrum half Lloyd Williams replaces the unavailable Mike Phillips but elsewhere the Wales coaches have been able to name the same back line which finished the World Cup so strongly.
On the bench Scarlets hooker Matthew Rees completes his return from the shoulder problem which ruled him out of the RWC squad at the last minute, Ospreys outside half Dan Biggar returns alongside his regional colleague, flanker Justin Tipuric, and uncapped Blues wing Alex Cuthbert is also named.
“It does not often happen in professional sport that a player gets the opportunity to call time on his international career then play one last match like this one in front of his home fans and the people he has given so much joy and entertainment to,” said Gatland.
“Saturday is a great opportunity for the fans to show Shane what he has meant to them and we all hope to send him off on the right note.
“But as we remember the highs and lows of New Zealand and the World Cup the focus must now be to build for the next four years, the immediate future of the 6 Nations next year and towards the 2015 World Cup, with players like Scott Andrews, Ian Evans and Lloyd Williams with an immediate opportunity to impress and also the likes of Justin Tipuric, Dan Biggar and Alex Cuthbert with a chance from the bench.”
WALES: Leigh Halfpenny; George North, Scott Williams, Jamie Roberts, Shane Williams, Rhys Priestland, Lloyd Williams; Gethin Jenkins, Huw Bennett, Scott Andrews, Bradley Davies, Ian Evans, Dan Lydiate, Sam Warburton (C), Toby Faletau
REPLACEMENTS: Matthew Rees, Ryan Bevington, Ryan Jones, Justin Tipuric, Tavis Knoyle, Dan Biggar, Alex Cuthbert 

Cardiff Devils v Nottingham Panthers - TONIGHT (Wed)

Coming up on tonight's Tuesday Night Sports Show - 29th November 2011

We’re here on 98.7FM in Cardiff and online at www.radiocardiff.org with award-winning sporting discussion and debate.
- Coming up tonight we pay tribute to Wales manager, Gary Speed, who passed away on Sunday. We reflect on his league and international career and assess his contribution to Welsh football.
- Simon Williams is at the Cardiff City Stadium tonight as the Bluebirds face Blackburn in the Carling Cup quarter final. He’ll bring us the fans’ thoughts and his own tribute. We also have team news from Ian Golden.
- With three wins in their last three games, there was a sense of optimism that Speed’s young squad could make a realistic push for the World Cup. Where does his death leave Welsh football?
- Yousef and I are keen to hear your thoughts, so contact the show with your tributes.
- We’ve also got reaction to the Wales team to face Australia and your chance to WIN a pair of tickets in association with match sponsors, Dove Men+ Care.
- Plus we have our latest Fantasy League Top Ten Countdown.
Give us a call on: 02920 235 664
Send us a Text: 07728 758 759
Email: sports@radiocardiff.org
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WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS TO WALES V AUSTRALIA THIS SATURDAY!

This is your chance to WIN a PAIR of PREMIER TICKETS to WALES v AUSTRALIA at the MILLENNIUM STADIUM this Saturday, KO 2:30pm in association with Dove Men+ Care.

Listen in to the Tuesday Night Sports Show from 7pm on 29th November, answer a simple question and you could be watching our World Cup heroes back on home soil against the mighty Australians!

Dove Men+Care™ offers a range of personal care products that are formulated especially for men that deliver superior care. The deodorants offer 48 hour protection with unique caring ¼ moisturizer technology and the shower gels are clinically proven to fight skin dryness. For more information about Dove Men+ Care products visit, www.dovemencare.co.uk

Gary Speed MBE - 1969-2011

Following the tragic news of the untimely death of Wales manager, Gary Speed, the Tuesday Night Sports Show is inviting you to send in your thoughts and tributes to be included as part of our own tribute on the show this coming Tuesday at 7pm.




Welsh and British sport has lost a model professional who was at the very top of his game and leading a new era in Welsh football.


Tune in to Radio Cardiff this Tuesday at 7pm - 98.7FM and online www.radiocardiff.org.


Email: sports@radiocardiff.org
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Wales Rugby League Statement - Gary Speed

Everyone at Wales Rugby League would like to send their sympathies and condolences to the family and friends of the Wales' national football team manager, Gary Speed MBE.

The Football Association of Wales have announced that Gary sadly died today aged just 42.

A number of us at Wales Rugby League knew Gary either through media work, coaching or socially. He was a well loved person who will be missed by all who knew him.

WRU Statement - Gary Speed

The Welsh Rugby Union offers its deepest sympathy and condolences to the family, friends and associates of the late Wales soccer manager Gary Speed following his tragic death.
The thoughts of everyone involved in rugby are with you all at this sad time.
Wales has lost a great sportsman, a true gentleman and a man who was working extremely hard and succeeding to deliver a bright future for Welsh football.

Cardiff City vs Nottingham Forest - MATCH REPORT

By Yousef Haider
Today saw Cardiff play hosts to lowly Nottingham Forest. No matter their standing, Forest have been a thorn in the side of the blubirds over the last few seasons and many expected today to be no different.


Forest sent down enough fans to mostly fill their away seating and there was a feisty atmosphere around the ground.


The match was backwards and forwards with both teams huffing and puffing with no genuine threat being posed to either goalkeeper.


Cardiff continued to play their usual brand of thoughtful possesion passing, while forest seemed to be keen to exploit the fast breaking counter attacking pace of there forward players with experienced playmaker Jonathan Greening trying to pick the pass to put our defence to the sword......with little success.


The first real clear cut chance of the match fell to Cardiff, as a good passing build up, lead to Kenny Miller being put clean through on goal with only the keeper to beat. Unfortunately he lost his footing and only managed to flick at the ball and not capitalise.

Not long after Cowie broke down the right on the end of a wide ball and put in a cross that beat Wittingham in the air and fell to Conway, who side footed over, but there seemed to be a real belief everytime City broke forward.


A goal mouth scramble in the Nottingham's box raised a loud cheer from the fans, but not the score line, as it remained goal less on the half hour mark as Cardiff failed to find the net, and forest failed to creat a genuine scoring opportunity.


With 5 minutes of the first half remaining, forest broke forward, with their usual counter attack. Gerrard was first to step forward from the blueburds defence, his tough tackle left him lying on the floor as the opposition continued forward around him. Rising star Lewis McGugan darted into the box and shaped to shoot, thwarted by the outsretched body of Don Cowie who ghosted in from nowhere to block his shot in a magestic fashion that would Gerrard himself would have been proud of.


Moments later with Cardiff down the other end, a cross from one side struck a defenders hand, the obvious shouts for handball, were ignored completely by the officials and then a cross from the other side was met with the head of Gunnarson which resulted in probably the widest header in the history of professional football.


All of this in the longest 40th minute of all time as the cardiff city clocks seemed to have a moment of silence for the standard of shooting we were witnessing, as another attack ended with a city player shooting over. Either way, 3 minutes of the clock showing 40:00 is either excessive mourning, or a hangover from the 40 minute halves of the rugby that was held here last thursday. Maybe the shooting boots were also a throw back to the conversions. The whistle blew for half time, and personally, I hoped to watch some football in the next half rather than reporting on my first ever rugby league match.

The second half commenced with no changes being reported but a definite change in the flow of the game. Nottingham forest came out determined to change the game. Their attck seemed more structured, and they looked to have spread wider when going forward. In the first 10 minutes there was a succesion of half chances and a couple of corners, and even a claim for a penalty of their own, again it was denied by the officials, but this time, the attacking player was booked.


In the 55th minute, came Cardiff's first shot of the match, this time from action man Kevin McNaughton, who cut inside, and struck the ball, which flew........you guessed it, over the bar.


Again, the action went straight down the other end with a remarkable 8 city players making it back into their own box to defend, the attack sizzled out and 10 seconds later, every player on the pitch, in red or Blue was in the other half of the pitch, excluding Dave Marshal, which goes to explain just how end to end this match was at times, even though the game remained scoreless.


Joe Mason made it onto the pitch for a half hour run out, just in time to see a Wittingham free kick smashed into the box, just over millers head, and a Cowie cross drilled in from the other side, which was met by the head of a defender, and both teams reset their stalls. Everyone in the ground was wondering if they had braved the cold, in vain, and I started to feel this match had started to resemble many of the matches I watched under Dave Jones, where, city were the architects of their own demise, with their continued inability to put the match to bed, inspired the confidence of their opponents that they could nick an extremley valuable three points, at the risk of losing one.


When you are 17th place in the league and its 0-0 after 60 plus minutes, away at Cardiff. you have a decision to make.


Luckily for Cardiff it seemed the decision had been made, with the Nottingham strikers doing all the pressure work, while the majority of the players sat back to defend.


The third penalty claim of the match resulted from another Kevin McNaughton cross which again raised the scream of handball from around the ground, and again, it was denied, b ut Cardiff remained in and around the City box, and eventually Wittingham got a free kick out wide. It was delivered hard and low which produced some classic goalmouth scrambling action with the ball eventually coming back out to Wittingham, who this time put a superb cross, which met the head of fresh legged Joe Mason, who glanced the ball across goal and past the goalkeeper to put Cardiff......finally.....1-0 up.
 
73 minutes in, and now in the business of defending a lead, Wittingham who of course created the goal, was chasing former bluebird Chris Gunter, who was a little too quick for him, and the challenge was late which earned him Cardiff's first yellow card.



On 75 minutes it was announced that the attendence was 22 thousand plus, and more importantly, Stephen McPhail made way for who I think looks an oustanding prospect, Joe Ralls.


While I watched the subtlties of Joe Ralls game, trying to get a glimpse into how good this kid couod be, it was Peter Wittingham who showed him how the pro's do it, as he struck a thunderous shot towards goal, which was saved, but spilled, and finally gathered, but it wasn't over, and forced a save, which was a massive bonus considering the shooting on display in yhe first half.

As we entered the final 10 minutes of normal time, it was still all Cardiff, as the attacks continued to come, Joe mason played a perfect slide rule pass out wide, which was picked up by Miller who fed the ball to Joe Ralls for his first real contribution to the match, a curling low cross into the box which was cleared away.


Quite a few fans decided to start to evacuate the ground in order to save what must be valuable seconds in the race to ensure they got home intime for the X-Factor, which is a decision I always find strange, but even more today, as Cardiff's continued efforts to attack, left gaps at the back, and Nottingham Forest seemed to get closer to scoring than they had previously in the match. The match was far from over.


Four minutes of injury time were announced just as Forrest got ready to take a corner. Joel Lynch rose to meet the ball, and directed the ball with good power behind it, but fortumatley it was headed wide.


Forest continued to attempt to get back to a draw as the crowd passionately whistled at a deafening volume to somehow make the four minutes go that little bit faster, maybe they too wanted to get home for the X-Factor, or maybe they were worried that this may be an all to familiar story as we have seen points like these vanish in the past, however under new management, this is far more rare, and today was no different. The full time whistle blew and Captain for the day Kevin McNaughton was announced as Man of the match.


The rest of the fans poured out of the stadium and for city fans thoughts no doubt turned to Blackburn midweek in the cup.


I'm sure for Forest fans, there was talk of playing in another league next season, and it wasnt the Premiership.

JENKINS COMMITS TO WALES

Neil Jenkins is the latest coach to pledge his future to the Welsh Rugby Union, it was confirmed today.
Jenkins, who has been the contracted skills coach since 2006, has now been employed as a full-time member of staff by the WRU meaning he will remain a part of the national squad coaching set-up indefinitely.
The former British and Irish Lions and Wales fly-half and world record points scorer has been an integral part of Warren Gatland’s coaching staff, alongside assistant coaches Shaun Edwards, Rob Howley and Robin McBryde, since Gatland’s appointment and also joined his colleagues on the coaching staff of the Lions tour of South Africa in 2009.
WRU chief executive Roger Lewis, says Jenkins has a specific set of coaching attributes which make him invaluable to Welsh rugby and he plans to make full use of his skills at all levels of the game.
"Neil is a unique individual, with a unique set of skills," said WRU group chief executive Roger Lewis.
"He's one of the great points-scorers of all time, an amazing coach, an amazing mentor and you couldn't meet a nicer, more honest man.
"There's always been offers for all of our coaches consistently over the past four years and Neil is a person who will be in huge demand.
"That's why I'm so pleased we've secured his services for the long term."
Jenkins will continue as National Squad skills coach and, like Edwards and Howley who have both recently re-committed themselves to the national cause as the squad builds for the 2015 Rugby World Cup, he will have daily contact with the WRU National Academy sides when he is not in camp with Wales.
“I couldn’t think of anywhere else I’d rather be at the moment than with Wales, there are exciting times ahead of us,” said Jenkins.
“We have a great group of young players with the national squad and more coming through the system every year.
“The production line is alive and well in Welsh rugby and we are all relishing the opportunity at national level to work with these young players in the seasons ahead.”

Heat up the BBT for the 25th anniversary weekend

Millennium Stadium wins Rugby Expo award

The Millennium Stadium has been declared the best rugby venue of the year over competition from around the world.
The honour was presented by the Expo Awards 2011 organisation which recognises excellence from both the professional and grassroots game.
The stadium was announced as the Rugby Venue of the Year at an award ceremony held at the Spirit of Rugby in Twickenham stadium in front of guests from around the world.
As the best rugby venue the Millennium Stadium had to prove it offered exceptional entertainment, comfort and customer service in rugby and fended off the challenge of other finalists Eden Park, which staged this year’s Rugby World Cup final, and Wembley.
The prize was presented to the WRU Group Financial Director, Steve Phillips who said: “This is a great honour for Welsh rugby and the Millennium Stadium.
“We’re very proud of our stadium especially as nowadays we attract around a million paying visitors a year to see the games and events we stage.
“We stay ahead of the game by investing in the future and a great example of that is the £3m we invested in a stadium vision system to transform the way we engage with fans.
“The Welsh Government supported that initiative because they clearly recognise the benefits the stadium brings to Wales now and will do in the future.
“Of course the stadium boasts a closing roof, a removable pitch and a great city centre location but we also have a tremendously hard working and efficient team of people who make it work for rugby and for Wales.
“This is a prestigious award and will give us even greater incentive to continue to achieve excellence in the way the stadium is operated and developed.”
The Millennium Stadium is the home of Welsh international rugby but also staged other major games including the Heineken Cup final last year.
International soccer regularly features along with speedway, world title boxing , motorsport and an array of community events each year.
It has also played host recently to the Michael Forever tribute concert and last year held the Ryder Cup Concert to celebrate the opening of the major golf tournament in Wales.
Take That, the Rolling Stones, Madonna and Paul McCartney have all held concerts at the stadium which is now a major international music venue.
The next major event at the stadium will be the Wales v Australia rugby international on December 3 between the two teams which last met in the third place play of at the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

Blues side selected to face Aironi

Cardiff Blues return to RaboDirect PRO12 action tonight when they take on Aironi, 7.30pm kick off.

The Blues have won their last two games in the RaboDirect PRO12, but both were played away from home. At Cardiff City Stadium the Blues have lost their last two in this competition and will aim to rectify that trend against Aironi.

Aironi Rugby’s last two encounters in the RaboDirect PRO12, against Munster and Glasgow, both were tryless games which ended in 6-18 defeats. The two teams have already met this season, with Blues winning 37-26 in Viadana in round six.

Speaking ahead of the match Cardiff Blues backs coach, Gareth Baber, said,

“When we went out to Italy in October to face Aironi both teams wanted to play open rugby and it was a nice, fine afternoon which allowed both teams to play a running game.”

“The weather at the moment might mean we have to deicide to play a slightly different game,” added Baber.

“Aironi are a physical side and although they scored four tries in our last encounter, two of them came from scrums on our five meter line and one was from a driving lineout.”

“That gives you an indication of how they build their game and where they feel their strength lies.”

“I think that this game will be a physical, competitive one again and we are going to have our wits about us to allow us to get want we need.”

15 Chris Czekaj 14 Richard Mustoe 13 Gavin Evans 12 Dafydd Hewitt 11 Tom James 10 Dan Parks 9 Richie Rees

8 Maama Molitika 7 Josh Navidi 6 Michael Paterson 5 Paul Tito (C) 4 Cory Hill 3 Taufaao Filise 2 T Rhys Thomas 1 John Yapp

16 Marc Breeze 17 Nathan Trevett 18 Sam Hobbs 19 Macauley Cook 20 Ellis Jenkins 21 Lewis Jones 22 Ceri Sweeney 23 Casey Laulala

AIRONI
15 Ruggero Trevisan; 14 Giulio Toniolatti, 13 Sinoti Sinoti, 12 Gilberto Pavan, 11 Giovanbattista Venditti; 10 Naas Olivier, 9 Tito Tebaldi;

8 Josh Sole, 7 Filippo Ferrarini, 6 Nicola Cattina; 5 George Biagi, 4 Quintin Geldenhuys (cap); 3 Fabio Staibano, 2 Tommaso D’Apice, 1 Alberto De Marchi.

Replacements: 16 Fabio Ongaro, 17 Salvatore Perugini, 18 Lorenzo Romano, 19 Joshua Furno, 20 Frans Viljoen, 21 Tyson Keats, 22 Roberto Quartaroli, 23 Matteo Pratichetti.

Tiger Bay Brawlers opening season comes to an end with Brawl I want for Christmas

After a storming first season on the roller derby circuit, Cardiff’s Tiger Bay Brawlers are set to take on Central City Rollers’ B Team, the Slay Belles. Brawl I want for Christmas will be held in the Newport Centre on Saturday 3 December and will be the Brawlers’ last bout of 2011.

Since making their bouting debut in January 2011, the Tiger Bay Brawlers A Team has played eight public bouts and notched up six wins; a phenomenal record for such a young league. They were the first roller derby league in Wales to be affiliated with the UK Roller Derby Association (UKRDA). The Brawlers recently debuted their B Team and are looking to expand the league with the implementation of a rolling recruitment programme.

As if that's not exciting enough, the Tiger Bay Brawlers are also preparing for their biggest challenge yet when they face off against London Rollergirls’ (LRG) team the Ultra Violent Femmes in their opening game of an already jam-packed 2012 season.

BB Bombshell, Tiger Bay Brawlers league member and former head coach said “when I joined the Brawlers 18 months ago I immediately had high expectations but I had no idea of what the future held and just how successful the league would be; these women have progressed from hobbyists to highly focused athletes. Our bouting calendar for next year sees us up against some tough opponents, but we are ready for the challenge and whatever 2012 has to throw at us!”

Tiger Bay Brawlers vs. Central City Rollers’ Slay Belles is on Saturday 3 December at Newport Centre, Newport, NP20 1UH. Doors open at 17:30 with wheels in motion at 18:30. Tickets and information are available now from www.tigerbaybrawlers.com. Tickets are £7.00 in advance or £9.00 on the door (under 12s go free).

For information about sponsorship opportunities please contact Claire ‘Boba Fettish’ Andrews on sponsorship@tigerbaybrawlers.com. For any media queries or to attend this event in your capacity as a media professional, please contact Laura ‘Lola Coaster’ Joyce via PR@tigerbaybrawlers.com.

Tuesday Night Sports Show - 22/11/2011

Coming up on tonight's Tuesday Night Sports Show - 22nd November 2011

We’re here at 7pm on 98.7FM in Cardiff and online at www.radiocardiff.org with award-winning sporting discussion and debate.


- Coming up tonight we look back on another away win for Cardiff City as they continue their excellent run in the Championship and ask if the Bluebirds are genuine promotion prospects.


- In the Premier League pressure mounts on Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas after defeat at home to Liverpool and we’ll debate the controversial corner which led to Blackburn’s second goal against Wigan.


- The Cardiff Blues made it two wins out of two in the Heineken Cup, plus coaches Gareth Baber and Justin Burnell will take charge until the end of the season. We’ll also have our reaction to the Wales squad to face Australia.


- Simon looks back at the weekend’s Cardiff Devils and ice hockey news and Yousef brings us up-to-date with the latest UFC and Ultimate Fighter news.


- Plus we have our latest Fantasy League Top Ten Countdown.


You can get involved with the show by sending us your thoughts about any sporting issue.
Give us a call on: 02920 235 664
Send us a Text: 07728 758 759
Email: sports@radiocardiff.org
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ROB HOWLEY AGREES NEW CONTRACT TO REMAIN AS A WALES COACH THROUGH TO 2016

Wales Assistant Coach Rob Howley has agreed a new contract with the Welsh Rugby Union which will ensure he continues at the helm of the senior team for at least a full season after the next Rugby World Cup in 2015.
The agreement means that Howley is assured to represent a continuation of the current coaching regime policies until the middle of 2016.
It is a move which removes the potential for a scenario in which all currently contracted coaching staff could theoretically decide to move from Wales at the same time following the next Rugby World Cup.
It is currently commonplace throughout rugby for senior coaches to be contracted up to and including Rugby World Cup competitions.
Howley is a key member of Warren Gatland’s coaching team and has been his Assistant Coach in charge of attack since 2008.
He played for Bridgend and Cardiff winning 59 caps for Wales, 22 as captain before joining London Wasps where he completed his playing career.
Howley also earned selection for two British & Irish Lions tours to South Africa in 1997 and Australia in 2001 where he won two Test caps.

WALES SQUAD v AUSTRALIA

Sam Warburton will continue as national captain for Wales’ Dove Men Challenge clash with Australia at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday, 3 December (2.30pm)– and he leads a 28-man squad which retains the majority of Wales’ much heralded 2011 Rugby World Cup side.
Shane Williams, who has announced his retirement from international rugby, plays his final match in Welsh colours, but the game is also billed as a ‘homecoming’ for the Wales squad which boosted national pride by reaching the RWC semi-finals in New Zealand and is a re-match of the tournament’s third-placed play-off game, which saw the Wallabies victorious last month.
Scarlets hooker Matthew Rees, who was originally set to lead Wales in New Zealand before withdrawing through injury, returns to the squad alongside two other players who featured in head coach Warren Gatland’s preliminary RWC training squad - Blues prop Scott Andrews and Ospreys flanker Justin Tipuric,
Ospreys pair Dan Biggar and Ian Evans both return to the international fold, with 22-year-old fly-half Biggar set to add to his eight caps after last featuring for Wales in November 2010 against Fiji.
Lock Evans, 27, made his last appearance three years ago, against New Zealand in November 2008 at Millennium Stadium,and will bid to add to the 16 caps which saw him make his debut on tour to Argentina in 2006 and earned him a Grand Slam winners medal with four RBS 6 Nations appearances in 2008.
Elsewhere three uncapped players join Wales’ RWC stars, Dragons flanker Lewis Evans, Blues wing Alex Cuthbert and Scarlets full-back Liam Williams all look to make their Wales and Millennium Stadium debuts.
“As we have gone with the majority of our Rugby World Cup squad we have maintained continuity by selecting Sam again as captain for this game, but it is a significant boost for us to have someone of the experience and stature of Matthew Rees back in the squad which, in turn, means there is considerable competition in the hooker’s position with both Huw Bennett and Lloyd Burns also with us,”said Gatland.
“The fans have a chance to show the players how proud they are of them after their World Cup performances and it should be quite an occasion at the Millennium Stadium, especially with the Shane Williams factor thrown in, but we won’t be sitting back and soaking up the atmosphere - Shane will want to go out in style and this squad wants to, and needs to, get back to winning ways.
“We have another chance to beat a Southern Hemisphere team, which is always a yardstick by which we measure ourselves, we have the opportunity to avenge the play-off defeat in New Zealand, but we can also send a message to our Six Nations opponents next year, that our RWC performances should not be seen in isolation and this young squad will continue to be a force to be reckoned with as we build tothe next world cup in 2015.”
Welsh qualified players based overseas were not made available for selection.
Wales squad, Dove Men Challenge v Australia (alphabetical order)
FORWARDS: Scott Andrews, Huw Bennett, Ryan Bevington, Lloyd Burns, Luke Charteris, Bradley Davies, Ian Evans, Lewis Evans, Toby Faletau, Gethin Jenkins, Adam Jones, Ryan Jones, Danny Lydiate, Matthew Rees, Justin Tipuric, Sam Warburton (Captain)
BACKS: Dan Biggar, Alex Cuthbert, Jonathan Davies, Leigh Halfpenny, Tavis Knoyle, George North, Rhys Priestland, Jamie Roberts, Liam Williams, Lloyd Williams, Scott Williams, Shane Williams 

Heineken Cup Round 2 - Cardiff Blues v London Irish Teams

Cardiff Blues v London Irish Teams

Cardiff Blues: C Czekaj, A Cuthbert, C Laulala, D Hewitt, T James, D Parks, L Williams, G Jenkins, T Thomas, T Filise, B Davies, P Tito [capt], M Paterson, S Warburton, X Rush
Replacements: M Breeze, J Yapp, S Andrews, M Molitika, J Navidi, R Rees, C Sweeney, G Evans

London Irish: T Homer, T Ojo, J Ansbro, S Shingler, A Thompstone, D Bowden, R Samson, C Dermody [capt], D Paice, F Rautenbach, N Kennedy, M Garvey, D Danaher, R Thorpe, J Sinclair
Replacements: J Buckland, A Corbisiero, P Ion, J Sandford, J Gibson, J Spratt, A Jarvis, P Hodgson

Referee: Jerome Garces (France)

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SHANE SET TO GO OUT IN STYLE

Shane Williams is currently the first name on Warren Gatland’s team sheet for the “Dove Men Challenge” clash against Australia at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday, 3 December (kick-off 2.30pm).
Gatland names a 26-man squad this Sunday for the ‘re-match’ with the Wallabies, which replicates the 21-18 Rugby World Cup third place play-off defeat in New Zealand less than a month ago – the game which finally ended Welsh RWC medal hopes.
And the national head coach has declared that the 86-times capped Wales record try scorer (57) will not only be in the squad, but is guaranteed to start his final game for his country, assuming fitness.
“Shane is playing well at the moment, we will be selecting him on Sunday and we want him to start against the Wallabies,” said Gatland.
“He has been a magnificent servant, not just to Welsh rugby, but to the world game and fans who believe he deserves a magnificent send-off will not be disappointed.
“This game is important to us, it will help us put the disappointment of those final two matches in the World Cup behind us and can be a springboard to our 2012 Six Nations campaign.
“We will name a 26-man squad this weekend which will largely contain everyone in that World Cup squad who is available to us.”
At 34-years-old Ospreys wing Williams, who won the IRB World Player of the Year award in 2008 and has featured on two British & Irish Lions tours (2005, 2009) - scoring a further two tries to add to his total for Wales - had suggested he would retire after the RWC in New Zealand, but has been persuaded to postpone his decision.
But Gatland says he will now allow Williams to go gracefully into the international retirement he so richly deserves and resist any temptation to try to persuade him to return should future circumstances tempt him to do so.
“Shane is still playing very well and you never say ‘never’ as a coach, but if this was the first game of the Six Nations we would be selecting players who we know will be around for the next RWC and he would not be in that category,” said Gatland.
“In the New Year the philosophy will very much be to start planning for 2015, so if fans want to see the top try scorer Welsh rugby has ever seen in international action for one last time at the Millennium Stadium, then this game with the Wallabies should be their final opportunity.”

Coming up tonight on a special 2-hour Tuesday Night Sports Show - 15th November 2011

We’re here on 98.7FM in Cardiff and online at www.radiocardiff.org with 2 hours of sporting discussion and debate.


- Up until 8pm we have special studio guests Sunil Patel and Simon Richards from Show Racism the Red Card Wales and Welsh footballer, Nana Baah.


- With more and more allegations of racism in sport, particularly football, surfacing in the wake of the John Terry incident, we discuss the role charities, campaigners, sportsmen and women and the public can play in eradicating the problem.


- We also hear about peoples’ personal experiences of racism in the sporting environment and about the work of Show Racism the Red Card Wales in schools and local clubs.


- Is the lack of black and Asian managers and coaches indicative of racial problems in football, or is it more a cultural consequence.


- And within Wales and the UK what more need to be done to eradicate racism once and for all?


We want to hear your views on this issue so get in touch with the show.
Give us a call on: 02920 235 664
Send us a Text: 07728 758 759
Email: sports@radiocardiff.org
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In our second hour we feature our usual mix of award winning sporting discussion and debate, including the Cardiff Blues, Wales 4-1 defeat of Norway, Simon's Ice Hockey round-up, the latest boxing news and Yousef's UFC and Ultimate Fighter report.

A Special Tuesday Night Sports Show!

Tune in to the Tuesday Night Sports Show from 7pm on Radio Cardiff 98.7FM for a 2-hour special!

We feature studio guests Sunil Patel and Simon Richards from Show Racism the Red Card Wales and footballer Nana Baah for a debate about racism the sport, both here in Wales and the UK between 7-8pm.

Between 8pm-9pm we have our regular hour of award winning sporting discussion and debate.

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EDWARDS STAYING WITH WALES

Shaun Edwards will be retained as the Wales national squad assistant coach for at least the next four years, the Welsh Rugby Union confirmed today after concluding negotiations to re-sign its highly sought after defence coach.
Edwards will remain at the side of head coach Warren Gatland up to and including the 2015 Rugby World Cup and, under the new deal, will now also be a part of the WRU National Academy system and so be able to pass on his considerable expertise to the players that will form Welsh rugby’s international future as well as its present.
Edwards joined the WRU national squad coaching team in 2008 on a part time bais and, alongside Gatland and fellow coaches Rob Howley, Robin McBryde and Neil Jenkins, oversaw Wales’ RBS 6 Nations Grand Slam in his debut season as an international coach.
The former Rugby League playing great, who captained England in both League and Union at schoolboy level, began his coaching career in Union alongside Gatland at London Wasps in 2001, where the duo won three consecutive Premiership titles and the Heineken Cup during the four seasons they were together.
In 2009 the pair, with the WRU's blessing along with Howley and Jenkins, coached the British & Irish Lions on tour to South Africa under head coach Sir Ian McGeechan.
Once Edwards returned from the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand which saw Wales reach the semi-final stages for only the second time in their history, negotiations with WRU Chief Executive Roger Lewis intensified as rugby institutions around the globe expressed their interest in his services.
"I concluded negotiations with Shaun over the weekend and am extremely pleased to be able to announce we have secured his services for the WRU up to and including the Rugby World Cup in 2015,” said Lewis.
"We have an outstanding team of coaches and back room staff working under WRU Head Coach, Warren Gatland, and Shaun's role as defence coach within that team is something quite unique.
"Talks began informally and discreetly in New Zealand with Shaun, and have continued over the past two weeks.
“I am particularly pleased to add that in addition to his extended senior national team duties under Warren, Shaun will also be working with WRU Head of Rugby, Joe Lydon, within the WRU National Academy.
“Shaun will work with the Wales U20's, 18's and 16's. This is part of our strategy to ensure our coaches have influence over our elite players early in their development.
"Under the terms of the contract Shaun will be released one day a week, save Test match weeks, to work with an English Premiership club.
“However I have also negotiated the opportunity for Shaun to also work at times with Welsh Premiership clubs, which is particularly exciting for this level of our game.
"Our structures are in place both on and off the field to take us up to and beyond the Rugby World Cup in 2015, all underpinned by sound financial management.
“The Welsh rugby public, who have been so loyal to us, all can look forward to the next four years with great anticipation."  

Lee Briers announces his retirement from international Rugby League

Following long discussions with management and coaching staff, Wales Rugby League captain Lee Briers has announced that he will be retiring from International Rugby after the completion of the Gillette Four Nations tournament.

The match on Sunday against Australia at the Glyndŵr University Racecourse Stadium in Wrexham (kick-off 5.45pm), will be the last time that supporters will be able to see his mercurial talents in the red of Wales.

Briers has been an ever present force in the national side since 1998 and it is somehow fitting that a star of his calibre should be bowing out in such a great tournament as the Gillette Four Nations against the former world champions Australia on home soil.

The 33-year old is set to win his 23rd Wales cap and will hope to score at least one goal on Sunday against the Kangaroos to give him 100 points for his country.

Mark Rowley, General Manager of Wales Rugby League, said: “Whilst we are very sorry to lose such a world class player on the field I am delighted to confirm that Lee will, from immediate effect, be joining the National team coaching staff. His experience and knowledge of the game will be invaluable as we look to develop the next generation of Rugby League players in preparation for the World Cup in 2013 which we will be co-hosting.

“I cannot underestimate his contribution to the game in Wales. He is a true icon in the sport and has been a fantastic personality, a great role model and example for all those players striving to reach the top of their profession.”

Lee Briers said of his time with Wales: “It has always meant something very special to me to represent my country and I felt honoured to have led Wales in this 2011 Gillette Four Nations campaign.

“But there comes a time in your international career when you realise that it’s difficult to keep putting yourself out there. It’s been a really tough decision because of the pleasure I’ve had, but sometimes you’ve just got to realise that it’s time for the next generation.

“What Wales have achieved has been remarkable given the resources they have and a huge amount of credit must go to Iestyn on the coaching side and Mark Rowley behind the scenes and I’m really pleased to have been asked to be part of that set up on the coaching front going forward.”

Wales coach Iestyn Harris paid tribute to his captain saying: “Lee’s played against Australia a few times in his career and it’s a fitting tribute to what he’s done for Wales Rugby League to finish against arguably the best team in the world and the team that everybody wants the opportunity to play against.

“To finish his Welsh career on this sort of a high, whatever the result, is certainly a good send off for him and I think the players will embrace that and look to put in a good performance, not only for Wales and themselves, but in respect of Lee who has been captain for the last two years and a very high performer for us for over 10 years.”

Tickets for Wales v Australia at the Glyndŵr University Racecourse Stadium on Wrexham Sunday 13th November (kick-off 5.45pm) are still available, priced £10 adults and £5 concessions. Tickets can be purchased by calling 0844 856 1113, by visiting www.rugbyleaguetickets.co.uk or in person from the ticket office at the Glyndwr University Racecourse Stadium situated in the Yale Stand.

Blues side selected for Racing Metro

Blues ready for Paris match in their opening Heineken Cup Pool 2 game

Cardiff Blues travel to Paris on Friday to face a star studded Racing Metro side. The rugby season is set to explode into life across Europe as the 17th Heineken Cup takes centre stage with all roads leading to the final at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday, 19 May, 2012.

The Blues open their campaign against Racing Metro on Friday 11 November, 9pm kick off local time, at Stade Colombes, the match is shown on the red button on Sky Sports.

With the match against Dragons being postponed last Friday night, the Blues had to change their preparation this week. Speaking ahead of the trip to France, Cardiff Blues forwards coach Justin Burnell said,
“Due to the cancelled game, on Monday morning we had two XV’s playing against each other, which was interesting.”
“It was an eye opener with the XV that was due to play against the Dragons playing against another XV.”
“There was some good match up’s so selection has been very difficult.”
“Obviously having the game against Dragons postponed wasn’t ideal.”
“A lot of players have performed fantastically for us during the opening of the PRO12 so it would have been good to mix them with the World Cup players.”
“The Welsh players have come back from a very successful campaign and they showed they are some of the best players in the world.”
“Physically and mentally they are ready for the Heineken Cup.”

Looking at the strength of the Racing Metro side Burnell added,
“When you play a French team first up, on their own patch, it is perhaps the most difficult game of the pool.”
“However, we have got the mindset that we have to perform and win the game.”
“They are typically French, in so much as they have good set piece, strong scrum, one second row doesn’t jump and is 120kilos and an outstanding kicking outside half.”
“It will be a massive physical battle, that’s what we’re planning for and working towards.”

Cardiff Blues 15 Chris Czekaj 14 Alex Cuthbert 13 Casey Laulala 12 Jamie Roberts 11 Tom James 10 Dan Parks 9 Lloyd Williams
8 Xavier Rush 7 Sam Warburton 6 Michael Paterson 5 James Down 4 Bradley Davies 3 Taufa’ao Filise 2 T Rhys Thomas (c) 1 Gethin Jenkins

16 Marc Breeze 17 John Yapp 18 Scott Andrews 19 Paul Tito 20 Andries Pretorius 21 Richie Rees 22 Ceri Sweeney 23 Gavin Evans

The Blues have been dealt a blow with the news that Deiniol Jones will be out for 8 to 10 weeks with a shoulder injury.
The Blues are also without the following players due to injury:
Deiniol Jones - shoulder
Leigh Halfpenny – foot
Martyn Williams - wrist
Gavin Henson - wrist
Kristian Dacey - shoulder

TEAM GB TO PLAY AT MILLENNIUM STADIUM

Here we go: Team GB fixture dates confirmed and London 2012 Football tickets to go back on sale
- Team GB men’s team to play first matches in Manchester, London and Cardiff
- Team GB women’s team to play in Cardiff and London
- Tickets for the Olympic Football Tournament go back on sale on 29 November 2011 from 11.00am
- Competition draw will take place on 24 April 2012
The Millennium Stadium will host both the Team GB men’s and women’s Olympic football teams at next year’s London 2012 Games, it was confirmed today.
The men’s team, coached by Stuart Pearce, play their final group game – the potential group decider – at the iconic Cardiff city centre venue on Wednesday 1 August.
The women’s team, coached by Hope Powell, will also appear at the home of Welsh international rugby in their group stages, opening the tournament on Wednesday 25 July and playing the second of their three knock-out stage qualification matches, on Saturday 28 July.
The Millennium Stadium, which can count each of the FA Cup finals, FA Community Shield games and Football League Div 1, 2 & 3 Play-offs held between 2001 and 2006 already as part of its illustrious history in football, also has the added honour of hosting the first event of the London 2012 Olympics – the women’s competition kicks off in Cardiff two days before the official opening ceremony at Olympic Park.
The Welsh national stadium’s famous retractable roof will watch over 12 football matches in total, with one men’s quarter final match, a women’s quarter final match and the men’s bronze medal final also promising to be highlights.
“It is a huge honour not just for the Millennium Stadium but for Cardiff and Wales to be able to play such an important part in the London 2012 Olympics,” said Millennium Stadium general manager Gerry Toms.
“We are particularly excited about the prospect of hosting those three games in the knockout stages and the fact that we will actually host the first event of the games on 25th July is also a great honour.
“But to now find out that we are guaranteed to see both Team GB sides at the Millennium Stadium should really capture the imagination of the football watching public in Wales.
“The Olympics is a once in a lifetime event for many people and, with the football tournament providing easy access to tickets and a capacity of 74,600 here at the Millennium Stadium, we fully expect fans to turn out in their droves for the chance to be able to say ‘I was there’ and to cheer on Team GB or their adopted side.”
The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) has confirmed all of the dates of Team GB’s group stage fixtures ahead of London 2012 Olympic Football tickets going back on sale on 29 November 2011.
The men’s team begin their London 2012 campaign at Old Trafford on Thursday 26 July, followed by Wembley Stadium on Sunday 29 July before playing their final group game at Millennium Stadium.
The women’s team begin the tournament in Cardiff and also play their second game at Millennium Stadium, before their final group stage match takes place on Tuesday 31 July at Wembley Stadium.
Tickets for the London 2012 Olympic Football Tournaments will go back on sale from 11am on 29 November 2011 on a first come, first served basis at www.tickets.london2012.com or via telephone on 0844 847 2012. In recognition of Visa's longstanding support of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, only Visa (debit, credit and prepaid) can be used to purchase tickets.

A big in day of Rugby League in Wrexham is being planned on Sunday with the Wales v Australia Gillette Four Nations match at the Glyndŵr University Racecourse Stadium (kick-off 5.45pm) being the exciting conclusion.

The visit of Darren Lockyer’s Kanagaroos to North Wales has sparked massive interest around the area and a lot of events are being planned in and around Wrexham before the match.

Across the town at the Queensway International Stadium at 1pm, Wales under 18s take on England Community Lions and for the first time in a number of years, the side has been selected from youngsters from North and South Wales thanks to the success of the North Wales Crusaders under 18s side who were formed only this year.

At Glyndŵr University there is a Rugby Football League run safeguarding and protecting children course being run for the new North Wales community clubs who hope to kick off a new competitive league in 2012.

While at the Racecourse itself, there are a number of events leading up to the match. The newly formed Wrexham Bradley Raiders junior Rugby League club will be split into two and playing a competitive training match while there will also be an exhibition of Touch Rugby League following the successful weekly activities held in Wrexham throughout this year.

Special cricket update

By Zaheer Haque

PAKISTAN v SRILANKA 3 TEST MATCH SERIES.

Pakistan won this series 1-0 all Tests Played in UAE.

It was all round team effort to win the series but in all honesty
Pakistan should have won all 3 of them. It was a combination of slow
batting and abject fielding in Test 1 & 3 that impacted on victory.

ZIMBABWE v NEWZEALAND 1 OFF TEST.

This was a very exciting Test Match and Zimbabwe pushed Newzealand all
the way and didn't play it safe for a draw. Newzealand set Zimbabwe
366 to win and just held on to win by just 34 runs when they bowled
out Zimbabwe for 331.

INDIA v WESTINDIES 1ST TEST COP DAY 3

This Test Match has seen loads of crazy cricket from both sides. Day 2
saw fall of 17 wickets. Day 3 saw Tendulkar become 1st man to pass
15,000 runs in Test Cricket. He will resume on Day 4 33no with India
152-2 require further 124 runs with 8 wickets. I wouldn't discount
West Indies chances of victory as well after what has taken place in
the first 3 days and can see a really tight finish on Day 4.

SOUTH AFRICA v AUSTRALIA 2 TEST SERIES START 9 NOV

This is the most eagerly anticipated Test Series since the non event
of Engalnd v India cwhich finished couple of months ago. It is only 2
test matches. It is very hard to call who has the edge in this series.
I believe it will be a very tough battle and can see positive result
in both Test Matches.

OCTOBER PLAYER OF THE MONTH

RAVENS WINGER SWOOPS IN FOR PREMIERSHIP AWARD
Teenage wing Luke Morgan has impressed in his Bridgend Ravens shirt after scoring nine tries during this years’ Principality Premiership, earning himself October’s Principality Player of the Month Award.
The 19-year-old came through the ranks at Bridgend Athletic and Bridgend college, trains with the Ospreys full-time and is a regular starter for Bridgend each week and has made a huge impact this year during his first season in the Principality Premiership.
Bridgend Head Coach, Steve Tandy, who also coaches Luke at the Ospreys, is pleased with Morgan’s progress.
“Luke joined us just after Christmas last year and in fairness he has been scoring tries left right and centre for us,” he said.
“This season he has been working hard and has improved again on last year. He’s really energetic and finishes tries well.
“He’s really pulled it out of the bag for us the past month and he’s becoming very consistent and helping us to win games. He’s great with ball in hand and we’re very pleased with the way he’s playing at the moment, he deserves this award.”
Speaking after being presented with his award, Morgan commented: "I’m delighted to have received this award. It’s great to have recognition for doing well after putting in the hard work. I’m really enjoying playing at Bridgend and we’re doing pretty well so far so I’m just hoping I can carry on scoring tries for the team.
“Playing on the wing I really enjoy having the ball in hand and I’ve had that opportunity at Bridgend this season. Hopefully I will continue to play well and work hard at improving my game further.”
Sue Parks, Manager of Principality Building Society branch in Bridgend, presented Luke with a cheque for £100.
“We’re delighted that the prestigious Player of the Month award for October has gone to a talented local player,” she said. “Bridgend RFC has shown great determination on the field since rejoining the league and it was exciting to see them beat previous champions Neath in just the second month of the season. It was a pleasure to meet Luke in the branch and we wish him and the team all the best in the coming months – they certainly have the talent to succeed.”