Scarlets v Sale Sharks Matchday programme

v SALE SHARKS 04.04.21 k.o. 17:30

issue / rhifyn 11

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rhaglen diwrnod gêm swyddogol 20-21

SCARLETS 20-21 official matchday programme

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CLUB DIRECTORY Scarlets Regional, Parc y Scarlets, Parc Pemberton, Llanelli, SA14 9UZ Website: www.scarlets.wales Phone: 01554 783900 Email: comments@scarlets.wales Twitter: @scarlets_rugby Facebook: Official Scarlets Instagram: @ scarlets_rugby Youtube: @ScarletsTV Shop Macron Siop Phone: 01554 783932 Website: scarletsmacronshop.com Ticket office I Swyddfa Docynnau Phone: 01554 292939 Website: tickets.scarlets.wales

CONTENTS cynnwys v SALE SHARKS 04.04.21 KO 17:30

10

Officers I Swyddogion Chairman I Cadeirydd: Simon Muderack President I Llywydd: Phil Bennett Chief Operating Officer I Prif Swyddog Gweithredol: Phil Morgan General Manager of Rugby I Rheolwr Rygbi Cyffredinol: Jon Daniels Head Coach I Prif Hyfforddwr: Glenn Delaney Chaplain I Caplan Reverend Eldon Phillips Historian I Hanesydd Les Willaims

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Y Cyfarwyddwyr Simon Muderack Philip Davies Robin Cammish Jon Daniels Sean Fitzpatrick Emyr Wyn Evans Huw Evans Meurig Griffiths Tim Griffiths

Brian Jones Ron Jones Phil Morgan David Owen Bleddyn Phillips Nigel Short Peter Thomas Granville Wise

Benjamin Button, banter with Sams and a big few weeks ahead. An interview with the skipper Ken Owens

22

The latest from the press room. Injuries and a preview of Sharks clash

48

Captain America to the rescue! A classic from the vaults

51

PROGRAMME I RHAGLEN Editor/Golygydd Rob Lloyd Photography/Ffotograffiaeth Huw Evans Picture Agency Riley Sports Photography Design/Cynllunio Adam Bourne - Galant Designs Aimee McHugh - Scarlets

Beating the bullies. Read about our new partnership on our community page

THE UK HAS LEFT. THE FT HASN’T. Stay connected to what matters in Europe with the Financial Times Read more at ft.com/europe

Simon Muderack

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

I

watched a clip on social media this week of that memorable European night against La Rochelle three years ago. Parc y Scarlets packed to the rafters, flags waving, supporters singing their hearts out for 80 minutes, what a night it was. There were goosebumps all over again.

With Covid restrictions still in place, that all seems a lifetime ago as we continue our season without our loyal fans here with us.

I am certain that a knockout game against a side of the quality of Sale Sharks would have seen another bumper crowd here and another European night to remember. Let’s hope it won’t be too long before we can welcome you back once more because we are certainly pushing hard for that to happen.

If the current dip in infection rates continue, we are assuming we will be able to have supporters back for the start of the 2021-22 campaign and we are currently looking at the possibility of partial crowds in one of our remaining fixtures this season. We hope to have a better idea in a few weeks time and will keep you updated on any news.

What about that game against Connacht a couple of weeks ago? A stunning comeback and show of character from the boys to turn it around playing the Scarlets way. That second half was something special and congratulations to the playing and coaching staff on securing Champions Cup rugby for another season. I have said it many times in this column that our ambition is to be regularly going toe to toe with the heavyweights of European rugby and it is brilliant news for everyone involved with the club that our name will be in the hat alongside the likes of Leinster, Toulouse, Exeter and Racing next season.

Big games against big names is what we all want to see. It’s what brings the big crowds here, it’s what the players want to be involved in, pitting themselves against the best. Knockout rugby against a top side like Sale is what we are striving for year after year.

A huge congratulations again to Wales on their Six Nations Championship success. All the Scarlets boys did us proud and were fantastic ambassadors for the club on the big stage. It has been brilliant to see them back here for the last week or so with broad smiles on their faces.

It would also be remiss of me not to mention the sacrifice that all the professional sides, Scarlets, Ospreys, Dragons and Cardiff Blues, have made this season towards the success of the national team. There has been a lot of international rugby over the last six months or so which has seen our best players away from us for long periods of time. The players too, have made big sacrifices being away from their families while in camp.

The last year has seen us all make significant changes to our lives and as we start emerging from the worst of this pandemic, as Scarlets, we recognise our ability and obligation to help our community reconnect as well as to deliver joy into people’s lives. I not only look forward to welcoming people back into Parc y Scarlets, but doing so even more warmly, fully and inclusively.

On that note, a warm West Wales croeso to the players, coaches and officials of the Sharks.

To our fans, enjoy what promises to be another European classic.

C’mon the Scarlets Simon

Chairman welcome message

Heineken Champions Cup RETURNS that Gloucester Rugby’s thrilling win over Ulster Rugby in Round 2 was one of the best matches in the history of the tournament and that was immediately followed by Munster Rugby’s class and never-say-die attitude in France as they came from behind to beat ASM Clermont Auvergne. It highlights that fans can’t take their eyes off this tournament for a moment!

After the temporary suspension of this season’s proceedings, it is my pleasure to send my belated best wishes for 2021 at the start of a Heineken Champions Cup knockout stage that has been further expanded as a result of the global pandemic.

We were, of course, disappointed to have to take the decision to cancel Rounds 3&4 of the Pool Stage this season due to COVID-19 and the solution to complete the tournament includes this series of straight shootout weekends, starting with this Round of 16, including the top-eight ranked clubs from the two pools from the point at which the season was paused.

We are grateful to the shareholder leagues and unions for joining us in brokering a compromise for the remainder of the campaign but take nothing for granted and remain committed to implementing the robust processes that merge the numerous different local authority directives to determine whether matches are safe to go ahead or not. The safety of all concerned is of paramount importance.

Just as at the business end of the 2019/20 season, so the early rounds of this campaign have showcased some of the world’s best rugby.

Many commentators have forwarded the belief

After last month’s draw, we now have a clear pathway to the semi-finals and it threw up some matches with historic significance. Munster against Toulouse is not only a repeat of the 2008 final in Cardiff but pairs two clubs together sharing six titles.

Combined with another Irish-French battle – that of Leinster and RC Toulon – the two matches feature clubs accounting for more than half of the European titles since the tournament was launched in 1995.

There are plenty of excellent matches to savour across this Easter weekend; Bristol Bears’ Challenge Cup semi-final against Bordeaux-Bègles last season was of the highest quality – settled after extra-time – and it will be a treat to see that head-to-head once more, this time in France.

We thank our broadcast partners – BT Sport, Channel 4, Virgin Media, beIN SPORTS, France Télévisions and Sky Italia domestically – for their dedication to taking the action to homes across the world, which has been appreciated even more with limited or no crowds over the last year.

We share this journey with you, the fans, but also with the support of title partners Heineken and official 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 a compelling conclusion to this season of European club rugby tournaments.

Yours in Rugby, Simon Halliday, Chairman, EPCR

Photos © Pressesports

WE ARE RUGBY

GLENN DELANEY

COACH’S MESSAGE T

here has been a real buzz around the place this week as we’ve welcomed our Six Nations winners back into the fold.

Unsurprisingly, they have had a real spring in their step after such a great tournament with Wales, it is just a shame they were denied a deserved Grand Slam in those cruel final minutes in Paris.

With us having secured Champions Cup qualification with a win over Connacht a couple of weeks ago, making it three wins out from our last four matches, spirits have been high.

I mentioned to the press this week, to borrow a line from the classic Blues Brothers film, it’s been like having the band back together again and with the sun shining down west, we’ve had a brilliant week or so of prep for another huge match in our season.

For our first day back we enjoyed some squad bonding, a bit of fun and games and a catch-up over a few coffees. We’ve all stayed connected during the Six Nations, but there is nothing like having everyone back in the environment.

We have had a good look at Sale and we know they are a quality side with world-class performers across the board. A lot is made of their South African influence, particularly up front, but they also have game-breakers behind the scrum, players like Marlon Yarde who I know well from my time at London Irish. It is going to be a huge challenge this evening, but one we are all relishing.

The knockout stages of Europe’s top tier is where we want to be playing every year, it is just a shame that Parc y Scarlets won’t be rocking for such a big match. A huge thanks to you all for your well wishes that we have received across our social media platforms.

The boys are fully aware of their responsibility to the supporters, to the jersey and to the proud European history of this great club.

Enjoy the game and get behind the boys.

Diolch

There has been a lot of Test rugby this year which has meant a lot of our international players have been away from Parc y Scarlets for lengthy periods of time. Those guys have come back knowing that the players who have been here have done a great job in securing our place in next season’s Champions Cup. They also know that there are no guarantees over selection. I’ve got to admit, I’ve had a couple of 2am wake-ups thinking about selection for this game, it’s always the toughest part of the job when you have so many players in form and putting their hands up.

Glenn

PLAYER PROFILE

‘I’m just loving my rugby at the moment’ F

or those unfamiliar with the 2008 film ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’, it’s basically about a man, played by Brad Pitt, who ages in reverse.

So when Glenn Delaney compared his skipper Ken Owens to the aforementioned central character during his weekly media conference this week, it brought a few smiles from the virtually assembled press pack.

He may have blown out the candles on his 34th birthday cake in January, but The Sheriff is still proving a sharp shooter on the international stage and has put himself firmly in line for a second British & Irish Lions tour following an outstanding Six Nations tournament with Wales.

Delaney also believes that Owens has stood head and shoulders above his hooking competition over the last six weeks or so and not many will argue with that assertion.

As for the man himself, typically, he was in no mood to roll with the compliments when he joined the media call.

Asked if he felt he was playing the best rugby of his 15-year professional career, Ken replied: “I don’t know; it is always nice to hear those things, but I still think I can be better and that is what I aim to do every time I take the field. I am just enjoying my rugby and being back out there playing. If the coach wants to say those things,

that’s great, it means I keep getting selected and I keep my job!”

With another Six Nations winners medal to add to his collection, Ken reflects on the 2021 tournament with mixed emotions.

Wales defied all pre-Championship predictions to top the roster, but those final minutes in Paris still hurt - a lot.

“How do I look back at the Six Nations? With frustration, being completely honest. We got better as the tournament got on, stuck together, got results; we knew we had to improve which we did and we gave ourselves an opportunity to finish it off but didn’t quite manage to do it. In the grand scheme of things it will be a good learning curve in how to deal with certain situations. Yes, overall, I’m happy to have won the Six Nations again, but, there is frustration.”

Considering he had barely played half an hour of rugby prior to the tournament following shoulder surgery it was a remarkable effort from the Carmarthen man.

“There was a little bit of apprehension because I hadn’t played a lot beforehand, I wasn’t going into the tournament in any sort of form,” he adds.

“I would have liked to have had a couple more games under my belt, but I was pretty happy with how the Six Nations went in all. I felt a little bit rusty in the first game and as the tournament went on I found my feet and got back into the rhythm and swing of it.”

Now back at the Scarlets, there is no let-up with a mouthwatering Champions Cup date with Sale Sharks in Llanelli to focus the mind.

“Europe means a lot to this club and this region. We have a lot of history in this competition,” adds Ken, who was part of the Scarlets squad that reached the semi-finals in 2007 and three years ago.

“Having been out of the top tier last season, it has been great to be back in there again and in the knockout stages.

Obviously, it will be different with no supporters here, but it is still another knockout game in Europe, it is another opportunity for us to continue the journey we are on and to create history for this group of players and our own history within the Scarlets.

“Sale are a team with worldclass players right across their squad, but we will back ourselves. We went to Toulon in September and if we are being honest should have got a result out there. We matched them on the night and then had a good away win in Bath. We are able to compete with the big clubs. The boys who have been here have done a great job in securing a place in the Champions Cup again for next season and us internationals are coming into a confident squad and environment because of the work they have done over the last six weeks or so. It is up to us international boys who have been away to deliver a performance that is worthy of the efforts of the boys who have been here all season.”

So what of the threat of the Sharks, a side who have struggled to make their mark in Europe down the years, but who boast some of the game’s biggest names in the likes of Springboks Faf de Klerk and Lood de Jager and England openside Tom Curry.

Ken adds: “It is always a challenge playing against the English sides and especially

Sale who have always prided themselves on their strong setpiece game, but are a side who also have variety in their back line. They have a big South African influence so you know where they are coming; they are a direct side and sometimes even when you know what’s coming it is still difficult to stop.

We are going to have to be on the top of our game because they have quality throughout their squad and with Faf you have to expect the unexpected.

But that is what Europe is about, playing against a different style and different players.

“The boys involved with Wales are coming back after a Six Nations title and the boys not involved secured a great result against Connacht, showing huge resilience and character coming back how they did which has given everyone a massive lift.

“There has definitely been a bounce and a buzz around the place the last week or so.

It is now up to us to deliver a performance on Sunday.”

“Europe means a lot to this club and this region. We have a lot of history in this competition”

AUTOGRAPH PAGE TOM ROGERS

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guinness pro14 round 16 MON 22 MARCH 2021, PARC Y SCARLETS, LLANELLI

Scarlets secure Champions Cup place with stunning second-half comeback

S

carlets secured their place in next season’s Heineken Champions Cup after an incredible secondhalf comeback win over Connacht at Parc y Scarlets.

Back came the Scarlets and a lovely overhead pass from Steff Evans found Steff Hughes for a beautifully-crafted score, converted by Dan Jones, but the rest of the half belonged to Connacht.

In one of the most remarkable games of the Guinness PRO14 season, the home side trailed 33-12 at half-time before scoring 29 unanswered points in a stunning resurgence.

Prop Dominic Robertson-McCoy and scrum-half Kieron Marmion added tries before the break as Connacht held a commanding lead at the interval, but the game was turned on its head after the restart.

It was a Monday night epic from start to finish, from the moment flanker Aaron Shingler had given the Scarlets a second minute lead to when ferocious defence prevented the Irish province from stealing the spoils at the death.

The five points, coupled with Cardiff Blues’ win over Edinburgh at the Arms Park, means the Scarlets are guaranteed a third-place finish in Conference B. A bright start saw the home side free Shingler in the corner for his first try since returning from injury.

Connacht’s response, though, was swift and strong and a period of pressure led to the sinbinning of hooker Marc Jones on his own line.

The Scarlets defended manfully, but eventually the dam broke and full-back John Porch was put away for the score.

Connacht were celebrating their second try soon after when No. 8 Abraham Papalli’i powered over, then the Scarlets thought were had their second through Tom Rogers, only for the score to be chalked off following the intervention of the television match official who had spotted an illegal elbow from prop Pieter Scholtz, who was sent to the sin-bin.

The visitors took full advantage by racing down the other end of the field for their third try through centre Sean O’Brien.

Replacement Johnny Williams made an instant impact, powering through and off-loading to Hughes for his second, then five minutes later Sam Lousi made the bust before finding scrum-half Dane Blacker for his sixth try of the campaign and Scarlets’ bonus-point try.

Jones’s conversion took the Scarlets to within seven points with half an hour still on the clock and four minutes later the home side had their fifth thanks to a moment of magic from Tom Rogers.

Rogers had been shifted from full-back to wing at the break and the former Wales sevens speedster showed his talent with a stunning step to beat his man before racing to the corner.

With Scarlets having the bit between their teeth, amazingly, they regained the lead on 59 minutes through a Dan Jones penalty and it was an advantage they were never to lose.

More pressure led to another penalty and the Scarlets went for the jugular instead of the posts, a decision which reaped its rewards when replacement prop Javan Sebastian drove over from close range.

Jones added the extras to push the lead out to eight points and although replacement Jack Carty landed a 79th minute penalty for Connacht, the Scarlets were able to hold on to an amazing win.

41

36 TRIES Porch 12’, Papali’i 17’, O’Brien 27’, RobertsonMcCoy 35’, Marmion 38’

Shingler 2’, Hughes 30’,44’, Blacker 50’, Rogers 55’, Sebastian 72’

penalties/cons D. Jones 31’, 45’, 51’, 69’, 73’

Fitzgerald 13’, 28’, 36’, 40’, Carty 79’

T. Rogers

15

J. Porch

T. Prydie

14

B. O’Donnell

T. Morgan

13

S. O’Brien

S. Hughes

12

T. Daly

S. Evans

11

A. Wootton

D. Jones

10

C. Fitzgerald

D. Blacker

09

K. Marmion

S. Thomas

1

J. Duggan

M. Jones

2

S. Delahunt

P. Scholtz

3

D. Robertson-MCcoy

L. Rawlins

4

N. Murray

S. Lousi

5

G. Thornbury

A. Shingler

6

P. Boyle

J. Morgan

7

C. Oliver

S. Kalamafoni

8

A. Papali’l

LATEST NEWS

SCARLETS IN THE NEWS

WALES international back-rower Aaron Shingler has signed a new contract.

Shingler made his long-awaited comeback from a health issue against Munster last month and notched up his 191st appearance and 21st try in Scarlets colours against Connacht.

Man of the match in the Guinness PRO12 final in Dublin in 2017, he has won 27 caps for his country and was a member of the Wales squad that reached the 2019 Rugby World Cup semi-finals in Japan.

The Hendy product, who had previously played first-class cricket for Glamorgan, made his Scarlets debut in 2009 after shining for Llanelli RFC in the Welsh Premiership.

He has been a mainstay of the Scarlets side ever since, establishing himself as a dynamic ball-carrier and one of the leading line-out forwards in Welsh rugby.

The 33-year-old said: “It has been a tough year getting back to full fitness and I have had incredible support from my family and the club to help me through it. I can’t thank the medical team at the Scarlets enough.

“Signing a new contract with the Scarlets was an easy decision. Pulling on the Scarlets jersey means a huge amount to me having been here for over 12 years. We have a strong squad; competition across the board with a good mix of experience and youth and as a group we have ambitions to be competing regularly with the best in Europe. I am looking forward to what lies ahead.”

SECOND row Tevita Ratuva has flown home to Fiji to be with his family, bringing to an end his time at the Scarlets.

Tex played his last game in Scarlets colours against Connacht last month, coming off the bench to play his part in a stunning second-half comeback win. His son Iliesa was born in Fiji and Tex headed back to join his family before taking up a contract with French Top14 side Brive ahead of next season.

Tex, who played for Fiji at the 2019 Rugby World Cup, played 21 matches in two seasons for the Scarlets

Four Scarlets ladies were named in the Wales side for yesterday’s Six Nations opener against France in Vannes Olympian Jasmine Joyce was joined by vice-captain Hannah Jones, Caryl Thomas and Jess Roberts (pictured) in the starting line-up with scrum-half Roberts handed her international debut.

Wales will continue their campaign when they host Ireland at Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday (5pm).

YSBYTY Enfys Scarlets field hospital has been decommissioned following a decision by the health board.

The hospital, based at the training bar at Parc y Scarlets.

Has been returned to the club after being handed over to the Hywel Dda University Health Board at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

FLASHBACK PHOTOGRAPHY: Huw Evans Picture Agencyphy

SCARLETS 28 SALE SHARKS 11 - October 15, 2016 DTH van der Merwe celebrates as he crosses for a first-half try to help the Scarlets to a 28-11 victory over Sale Sharks in their last European meeting in Llanelli. The Canadian speedster crossed twice as the Welsh side kicked-off their campaign in impressive fashion.

FROM THE PRESS ROOM

Blues Brothers, Benjamin Button and South Aftrican steel There was plenty of news to emerge from an entertaining weekly press conference with head coach Glenn Delaney. Here’s what he had to say ahead of today’s Euro showdown with Sale Sharks.

Glenn, how good has it been to have the international players back?

GD: “We are really proud of them, it was a shame they didn’t get the Grand Slam because they deserved that. The boys have come in and they have raised the spirits, the first day back was a non-rugby day, we had a bit of fun, the boys were having cups of coffee and just catching up. We have stayed connected throughout the Six Nations, but it has just been great to have the boys back in our environment. It’s almost like the Blues Brothers said ‘We’re putting the band back together’ - it certainly feels like that.”

What are your thoughts on the strengths of Sale?

GD: “Their coach has said they’re a team of northern grit and South African steel which pretty much sums it up. They’ve got some world-class performers and also some big-game performers.

They’re a very good team and very physical as you would expect with their South African influence, but that creates lots of opportunities. For us it’s about playing our game our way and I’d like to think how they’re trying to consider how they can impose their game on us. It’s a game of chess with two incredibly contrasting styles so it’s going to be a great battle.”

How good has it been to have someone like Ken back in the environment?

GD: “He is a bit like Benjamin Button, he seems to be getting better with age. His body is in great condition, he looks after himself really well, far better than most at that age. His aura and the presence around the group is immeasurable, around the group people look around and go ‘Ken is here we’ll be alright’, that is something you can’t put into words, he is our leader, our skipper and we back him to make the big calls on the field. You are seeing

him possibly playing the best rugby of his career and one of the big reasons why the Welsh team went so well is because Ken was fit and healthy and it is just great to have him back in the environment. In that Six Nations there was one hooker who was head and shoulders above the others.”

Another setback for Rhys Patchell, how is he?

GD: “He has tweaked a hammy so to get another six to eight week setback is devastating for all of us. He is approaching it like the guy he is and is outwardly optimistic and cheerful but I know deep down he’s really disappointed he never got the chance to play because he was ready. He might be back for the back end of the Rainbow Cup but we’ll do the right thing. If we can get him on the track then that would be great.”

N U M

E L E V E N

Wales caps won by Scarlets lock Jake Ball

ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY ONE

191

turnovers won by Jac Morgan in the PRO14 this season. Joint highest with Munster’s Chris Cloete

tries scored by scrumhalf Gareth Davies for the Scarlets in Europe.

Dafydd James (15) heads the list

50 the amount of Scarlets appearances made by back-rower Aaron Shingler

14

f o u r t e e n

FIFTY

11

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SWANSEA UNIVERSITY

WHERE BRIGHT FUTURES BEGIN

PRIFYSGOL ABERTAWE DRWS I DDYFODOL DISGLAIR

RANKED TOP IN WALES

AR Y BRIG YNG NGHYMRU

(The Times and Sunday Times, Good University Guide 2020)

(The Times and Sunday Times, Canllaw Prifysgolion Da 2020)

APPLY NOW YMGEISIWCH NAWR

GUINNESS SIX NATIONS 2021

CHAMPIONS!!

Congratulations to Wales on their Six Nations title triumph, confirmed on another dramatic night under the Parisian lights.

Scotland’s last-gasp 27-23 victory over France at the Stade de France meant Wayne Pivac’s side were crowned winners of the 2021 tournament with captain Alun Wyn Jones picking up the trophy at Wales’ training base at The Vale Resort the following day.

In all, nine Scarlets featured for Wales during the campaign - Wyn Jones, Ken Owens, Jake Ball, Gareth Davies, Kieran Hardy, Jonathan Davies, Johnny Williams, Liam Williams and Leigh Halfpenny - while Ryan Elias and Josh Macleod were also part of the squad.

Wyn and Ken started every game; Gareth was involved in all five matches, while Ken (twice), Liam (twice), Wyn and Kieran were among the try-scorers as Wales broke their previous record for tries scored (20) in one Championship campaign.

Leigh kicked 11 points against Ireland to move himself up to sixth in the tournament’s all-time points-scoring list.

SALE SHARKS

TODAY’S OPPOSITION S

ale Sharks boss Alex Sanderson is hoping his side can make the most of what he has described as a ‘wild card’ into the knockout stages of the Heineken Champions Cup. Sharks lost both their pool matches in December - 2614 to Toulon at the Stade Mayol and then 16-15 at home to Edinburgh.

However, the losing bonus point they picked up against the Scotsl was enough to see them claim a place in the last 16 of Europe’s top tier and Sanderson, who took over the reins from Steve Diamond in January, is relishing this unexpected opportunity.

“It feels a lot like a wild card into the play–offs,” he said. “Sometimes they don’t, but every now and again things go your way, and this is one of those instances, so we see it as a real opportunity.

“It’s been a really tough year for some people and for Sale too. A lot of the lads here missed out on an opportunity at a semi-final last season due to Covid.

They wanted recognition for their efforts and they will never get that.

“So, when a lifeline like this is offered to you, to compete in the last 16 of the Heineken Champions Cup, with the best teams in Europe, wherever it is, you take it with both hands and we’re massively excited to be travelling to Llanelli.”

Sharks maintained their Premiership challenge last weekend thanks to a last-gasp win over Wasps in Coventry.

However, they had to do it the hard way, becoming the first side to have four players yellow carded and go on to win a Premiership game.

“We’re trying to build belief, a northern grit with South African steel, and that brought us through,” added Sanderson (pictured).

“In every game there’s a sin-bin. We’re top of the leaderboard by some way so we’ve got to sort that out.

It’s a really fine line, that intensity, that aggression and the discipline. What I don’t want to do is take anything away from this emotive, physical team that I’m lucky to be a part of, but we’ve got to get better discipline-wise.”

HEAD TO HEAD MEETINGS

20

SCARLETS WINS

10

SALE WINS

8

DRAWS

2

PREVIOUS MATCHES

SCARLETS SALE SHARKS

18 45

FEB 2, 2018 (ANGLO-WELSH CUP)

SALE SHARKS SCARLETS

25 23

JAN 21, 2017 (CHAMPIONS CUP)

SALE SHARKS

FA F D E

KLERK

AGE

29

WILLGRIFF

JOHN

AGE

29

POSITION: SCRUM-HALF

POSITION: PROP

TEST CAPS: 30 (SA)

TEST CAPS: 0

EUROPEAN APPEARANCES: 13

EUROPEAN APPEARANCES: 15

EUROPEAN TRIES: 1

EUROPEAN TRIES: 0

STRENGTHS: ONE OF THE LEADING NINES IN THE WORLD. PLENTY REVOLVES AROUND THE DIMINUTIVE SPRINGBOK NINE.

STRENGTHS: THE SCARLETS-BOUND TIGHT-HEAD IS A POWERFUL SCRUMMAGER WHO MAKES HIS PRESENCE FELT AROUND THE FIELD

AJ

MCGINTY

AGE

31

TOM

CURRY

AGE

23

POSITION: FLY-HALF

POSITION: FLANKER

TEST CAPS: 28 (USA)

TEST CAPS: 33 (ENGLAND)

EUROPEAN APPEARANCES: 14

EUROPEAN APPEARANCES: 16

EUROPEAN POINTS: 99

EUROPEAN TRIES: 0

STRENGTHS: THE EAGLES PLAYMAKER IS ENJOYING AN OUTSTANDING SEASON FOR THE SHARKS. A CLEVER TACTICIAN AND DANGEROUS RUNNER.

STRENGTHS: FEROCIOUS OPENSIDE FLANKER BEING TIPPED AS A TEST LION THIS SUMMER

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www.aber.ac.uk/ysgoloriaethau

Gwnewch gais ar-lein heddiw! www.aber.ac.uk/ysgoloriaethau www.aber.ac.uk/scholarships Apply online today! www.aber.ac.uk/scholarships

Ysgoloriaethau Scholarships Ysgoloriaethau Scholarships a Bwrsariaethau and Bursaries a Bwrsariaethau and Bursaries

gwerth hydworth at up to gwerth hyd at £40,000 upworth to £40,000 £40,000

£40,000

• Ysgoloriaethau Mynediad gwerth hyd at £2,000 y flwyddyn, ynghyd â chynnig diamod. Dyddiad cau 16 Chwefror 2021.

• Entrance Scholarships worth up to £2,000 a year, along with an unconditional offer. Closing date 16 February 2021.

CANLLAW PRIFYSGOLION DA 2020

GOOD UNIVERSITY GUIDE 2020

PRIFYSGOL Y FLWYDDYN YNG NGHYMRU

WELSH UNIVERSITY OF THE YEAR

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• Gwobrau Adrannol ar gyfer rhai cyrsiau.

• Departmental Awards for some courses.

• Ysgoloriaethau ychwanegol ar gael am ddewis astudio trwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg.

• Additional Scholarships available if you choose to study through the medium of Welsh.

• Ysgoloriaethau Cerddoriaeth a Chwaraeon hefyd ar gael.

• Music & Sport Scholarships also available

Castell Howell Foods Ltd

Supporting Welsh Communities Cross Hands Order Line:

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Castell Howell Foods Ltd Cross Hands Food Park, Cross Hands Llanelli, Carmarthenshire SA14 6SX Luxury Welsh Dairy Ice Cream

www.chfoods.co.uk

MAIN SPONSORS | PRIF NODDWYR

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SCARLETS LADIES | MENYWOD Y SCARLETS

RAINBOW CUP

SCARLETS TO KICK OFF RAINBOW CUP CHALLENGE AGAINST DRAGONS S

carlets will open their Rainbow Cup campaign away to the Dragons on the weekend of April 24.

Opponents have been confirmed for the opening three weekends of the new crossborder competition with specific dates and kick-off times to be confirmed.

The tournament will begin with three Welsh derbies with home matches against the Ospreys and Cardiff Blues following the Dragons opener.

The weekends of derby action will be followed by cross-hemisphere fixtures where the existing Guinness PRO14 teams will face the Vodacom Bulls, the Emirates Lions, Cell C Sharks and DHL Stormers for the very first time.

Ahead of the British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa, these games should help to ignite the rivalries that will play out in the summer when the Lions and the reigning World Champion Springboks go head-tohead.

Changes to scheduling and format of the Guinness PRO14 Rainbow Cup have been made to limit travel where possible with the opening three rounds accounting for derby fixtures across Ireland, Italy, Scotland, South Africa and Wales.

Rounds four to six will see the four South African ‘Super’ franchises play their away games in Europe and those fixtures will be confirmed once all appropriate travel approvals have been confirmed by the relevant authorities and governments. This format means that no teams from Europe will travel to South Africa for Guinness Rainbow Cup games.

A total of six rounds (eight games per round) will take place with all teams ranked in a single league table. The top two teams will then play each other in the Guinness PRO14 Rainbow Cup Final on June 19.

PRO14 Rugby is currently consulting with our broadcast partners to select kick-off times and will confirm the scheduling as soon as possible.

Round 1 - April 24 Ulster v Connacht, Leinster v Munster, Ospreys v Cardiff Blues, Dragons v Scarlets, Benetton v Glasgow, Edinburgh v Zebre, Vodacom Bulls v Emirates Lions DHL Stormers v Cell C Sharks Round 2 - May 8 Connacht v Leinster, Munster v Ulster, Zebre v Benetton, Glasgow v Edinburgh, Cardiff Blues v Dragons, Scarlets v Ospreys.

May 1, 2021 (EPCR Semi-Final Weekend) DHL Stormers v Vodacom Bulls Cell C Sharks v Emirates Lions Round 3 - May 15, 2021 Munster v Connacht, Leinster v Ulster, Benetton v Zebre, Edinburgh v Glasgow Warriors, Scarlets v Cardiff Blues, Dragons v Ospreys May 8, 2021: Vodacom Bulls v Cell C Sharks, Emirates Lions v DHL Stormers Round 4: Weekend of May 29 Round 5: Weekend of June 5 Round 6: Weekend of June 12 Final: Weekend of June 19

TRY. CONVERT

Two significant accolades have already headed to TOP 14 clubs this season, with Cheslin Kolbe (Toulouse) and Alivereti Raka (ASM Clermont Auvergne) landing Champions Try of the Round for the two December weekends.

South African Kolbe displayed exquisite footwork and impressive speed with the first of his two tries in the opening round win for the four-time winners away to Ulster Rugby, earning the praise of beIN SPORTS’ Rodolphe Pires as well as approval via the fan vote on HeinekenChampionsCup.com.

One week later, BT Sport’s Ugo Monye joined forces with the public to give Raka the nod for his scintillating score in Clermont’s defeat to Munster Rugby at Stade Marcel-Michelin.

For the fifth consecutive season, the Champions Try of the Round activation is launched on the Monday after each match round, with Try of the Season opening immediately after Finals Weekend.

Juan Imhoff won the annual award in 2019/20 for his critical score in the semi-final win for Racing 92 over Saracens. Previous tries of the season had been scored by Nick Abendanon (2016/17), Tadhg Beirne (2017/18) and Maxime Médard (2018/19).

Enjoy some high-calibre rugby and HAVE YOUR SAY in the winner!

EP C RUGBY.COM / TOT R

PLAYER OF THE MONTH

Steff Hughes voted your player of the month for March

C

entre Steff Hughes has topped the voting for the Oil 4 Wales Scarlets’ supporters’ player of the month for March.

Steff polled close to 50% of the online votes, seeing off the challenge of centre partner Johnny Williams, lock Sam Lousi and back-rower Aaron Shingler for the monthly award.

Captaining the side for the majority of the campaign, Steff has been an assured midfield influence and played a huge role in the remarkable comeback win over Connacht that secured the club’s place in next season’s Heineken Champions Cup. Steff follows Sione Kalamafoni and Jac Morgan as the monthly winners in 2021.

01554 77 22 55 www.dyfedsteels.co.uk

Scarlets Business Brand Exposure Packages From just £399 In-stadia Advertising Digital Activations with amplification for your social posts Social Media Exposure to over 200K fans Global Media Exposure

For more info, please email commercial@scarlets.wales

OWAIN BADGER

THOUGHTS FROM THE HALFWAY It was probably the most boring game of rugby ever seen. That’s what Sale supporters thought of their first home game against the Scarlets.

But Welsh rugby clubs were only a cheque book away for becoming victims of that rugby league powerhouse in the north west of England.

The local press was even more scathing. Perched on a cold press bench a bored reporter wrote that the game had not been a good advert for rugby union. He was witnessing a less than entertaining 0-0 draw between Sale and the Scarlets.

The next season in 1934-35 Llanelli lost scrumhalf Bert Jones who signed for St Helens. Later in the season Bryn Howells, who was viewed as the best Scarlets full-back for 20 years, was tempted north by Broughton Rangers one of the most successful rugby league clubs in the Manchester area.

This was in 1934 in a period when rugby union and rugby league were fierce rivals, especially in the Manchester area. Sale, a more affluent part of the city, was hemmed in by first-class rugby league clubs like Salford and Broughton Rangers. They were all competing for supporters and a scoreless draw wasn’t the way to attract fans.

Sale were new opponents for the Scarlets.They had already beaten them 12-6 at Stradey a few months earlier.

In that same season Scarlets were competing to be the unofficial Welsh champions against old rivals Neath.

A 17-3 home win against Neath was the highlight of the campaign with twelve internationals playing in the match, eight from Llanelli and four from Neath.The legendary Ivor Jones was the Scarlets captain. It was such a good game that the local Guardian scribe wrote “scenes of enthusiasm reminiscent of the days of Albert Jenkins were relived when 9,000 fans, the largest for several seasons, saw Llanelli trounce Neath.”

The Scarlets ended up the season unbeaten at home, won all four games against Cardiff and were known for scoring brilliant tries. They were second in the unofficial championship. Neath finished top. This was certainly not the boring Scarlets side that the Manchester press would have us believe.

As usual, Llanelli found new players from the talent pool of West Wales and carried on playing entertaining rugby.

Incidentally, the Scarlets as an amateur club side and before professional and regional rugby, played Sale eight times and were undefeated.

As for Sale, they continued to fly the union flag in league territory and are now a successful club in the English Premiership.

As for the rugby competition between the two codes in the Manchester area, it is now more amicable. After the Second World War Broughton Rangers soldiered on, but folded in 1954. Their supporters doubtless shifted their allegiance to nearby Salford.

It is the same rugby league club, Salford City Reds, that now share the same ground with the Sharks. How times change.

As for today’s game, no nil-nil draw please.

Llanelli 17 Sale 12 (Stradey Park; December 13, 2002)

FROM THE VAULT A

75th-minute try from replacement Dave Hodges saw Llanelli to victory over Sale, putting the Scarlets’ Heineken Cup destiny firmly in their own hands.

It was a strangely lifeless performance from the Scarlets at a subdued Stradey Park as they were outscored two tries to one by the fired-up Sharks.

Llanelli seemed to think that the hard work had been done with last week’s win at Heywood Road.

But it was a fiery performance from the English side who were eager to make up for that 1930 home reverse.

The home side were first on the scoreboard with a Stephen Jones penalty, but in the 20th minute their defence went to sleep. A Sharks attack appeared to break down in midfield, but as Llanelli waited for the referee to signal a knock on the ball was shipped to Apollo Perelini.

The former St Helens rugby league star strolled under the posts without a finger laid on him, and Nick Walshe added the extras.Back came Llanelli to take the lead with two Jones penalties, but the visitors’ defence was resolute and denied them quick ball.

The Scarlets were guilty of too many handling errors and, in the absence of Salesi Finau, lacked a bruising ball-carrier in the back line.

The home scrum was coming under unexpected pressure and when their put-in was turned over on the 22 a series of concerted Sharks attacks ended with centre Graeme Bond going over in the corner.

That gave Sale a 12-9 half-time lead, and the home side’s discomfort was increased when their

talisman, Scott Quinnell, went off with a rib injury. USA international Hodges replaced him at the break.

The pattern continued in a bad-tempered second-half. Llanelli repeatedly tried the battering ram approach, but the admirable Sharks defence was handling their thoughtless thrusts with some ease. It took until the 75th minute, but from another head-on attack the Llanelli backs at last showed some adventure.

Matthew Watkins took the ball in midfield, looked up and put in a perfectly weighted kick to the corner.

On hand was seagulling number eight Dave Hodges to cross for the all-important try.

Desperate Sale attacks saw them kill the ball near their own line, allowing Jones to make it slightly more comfortable for the Scarlets with a late penalty.

Llanelli coach Gareth Jenkins was full of praise for the Sale efforts: “Their defence was awesome, their composure admirable,” he said.

“We didn’t have the answers for 90% of the game, but credit to my team for changing their tactics towards the end. Hodges was the catalyst, he gave us the impetus.

Ref: Alain Rolland (Ireland). Att: 7,182 Llanelli: Garan Evans; Wayne Proctor, Matthew J Watkins, Leigh Davies (capt), Mark Jones; Stephen Jones, Dwayne Peel; Iestyn Thomas, Robin McBryde, Martyn Madden, Vernon Cooper, Chris Wyatt, Simon Easterby, Dafydd Jones, Scott Quinnell.

Reps: John Davies, Marcus Thomas, Luke Gross, David Hodges, Guy Easterby, Gareth Bowen, Barry Davies.

Sale: Jason Robinson (capt); Mark Cueto, Dan Harris, Graeme Bond, Steve Hanley; Vaughan Going, Nick Walshe; Jim Thorp, Johnny Roddam, Barry Stewart, Iain Fullarton, Chris Jones, Apollo Perelini, Richard Wilks, Alex Sanderson.

Reps: Stuart Turner, Kevin Yates, Stuart Pinkerton, Pete Anglesea, Stuart Brown, Mel Deane, Richard Wigglesworth.

OFFICIAL TIMEKEEPER

TISSOT supersport chrono.

T I S S OT WATC H E S . C O M

COMMUNITY NEWS

Scarlets team up with BulliesOut to help combat social media abuse Scarlets have teamed up Welsh-based anti-bullying charity BulliesOut to address and raise awareness of social media abuse in sport.

BulliesOut is a charity that does fantastic work in combating bullying of all forms.

At the Scarlets, we have a great group of supporters who back us through thick and thin, but over the last year or so we have seen more and more abuse creeping in online and as a club and on behalf of our players we feel it is important that we support the work of charities like BulliesOut to spread the message that online abuse is not acceptable.

Our team manager Sara Davies recently wrote a powerful programme article on how abuse can impact players and their families, while Scarlets and Wales star Liam Williams has also brought the issue into the spotlight after receiving a string of abusive messages following Wales’s Six Nations defeat to France.

Writing in his BBC Online column this week, Liam said; “It hurts my mum, dad, sister, brother and nephew and that is not nice to see. My worry is also if it affects somebody else I am playing with. I know a lot of guys in the Wales squad who are affected by messages they receive, it hurts them personally. I have seen comments like players should come off social media if they don’t like it, but you should not have to do that because of abuse.

“I have also seen two Welsh footballers being racially abused this week. These things should not happen. I don’t have the answer on how it should stop because I am just a rugby player. But it has to stop because remember what we are receiving abuse for – playing for our country.”

Linda James, founder of BulliesOut, said: “BulliesOut are really pleased to be working with the Scarlets on raising awareness of trolling. The impact of trolling shouldn’t be underestimated – it can greatly affect the mental health of those targeted. Many trolls often target high-profile individuals with a large social

media following in order to provoke reactions from their fans and followers. Not only is it an awful thing to do, something that can destroy a person’s life, a person who engages in this type of online behaviour is risking their own future as we all have a digital footprint.

“Trolling behaviour is unacceptable and more must be done to stop it from happening. Working with the Scarlets to highlight the issue is a step in the right direction and one we hope many others will take.”

Established in May 2006, BulliesOut are one of the UK’s most dedicated and ambitious anti-bullying charities. Their award winning work is delivered across the UK and each year, through work with individuals, schools, youth and community settings and the workplace, the charity provides education, training and support to thousands of people. Their ambassadors include former international rugby referee Nigel Owens.

To find out more about the charity go to bulliesout.com

TODAY’S VIRTUAL MASCOT NAME: Ifan Davies AGE: 10 years old School: Ysgol Bryn Teg Club: Ammanford RFC Favourite player: Kieran Hardy

YO UR ACCE SS TO T HE HE AR T OF EUR OP E A N RUGBY H A S N E VER B E EN B E T T ER

HE I NEKEN CH A MP I O N S C U P.COM

#HE INE KE NCH A M P IONS CUP

SCARLETS IN TRAINING

Pics from the training field

2016

2017

2018

The expanded knockout stages of both the Heineken Champions Cup and European Rugby Challenge Cup are critical, with clubs having no margin for error in their quest for glory. These two April rounds will also go a long way towards defining the list of 15 nominees for EPCR European Player of the Year, which will be announced after the quarterfinal matches.

Sam Simmonds won the Anthony Foley Memorial Trophy last season as Europe’s standout player. The Exeter Chiefs star dotted down for his eighth try of the campaign in the thrilling final victory over Racing 92 to seal the prestigious accolade and he was in no mood to let up on that form when he got 2020/21 off to a flying start with a try against Glasgow in Round 1 at Sandy Park.

More than 20,000 votes were cast last season through HeinekenChampionsCup.com and the opinions of the fans will again be canvassed this time, combined with the expertise of a prominent panel of pundits working on the tournaments who will deliberate until the conclusion of Finals Weekend to determine the winner.

The 15 nominated stars of the global game will then be trimmed down to just five candidates after the semi-finals, at the start of May.

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

FROM THE ACADEMY

QUESTION AND ANSWERS WITH LUKE DAVIES Age: 18

Favourite app: Spotify

School: Ysgol Maes y Gwendraeth

Best Netflix/Amazon Prime recommendation: Narcos

Sporting hero: Mike Phillips Favourite music artist: Drake Dream holiday: Vegas Biggest fear/phobia: Drowning

Best and worst haircut in the academy: Best: Cal Wils - Worst: Lewis Morgan

PROUD SPONSOR

Getting to know our commercial partners

Company Name Princes Gate Mineral Water Name Cloudy Position Senior Company Mascot Where are you based?

Princes Gate Mineral is based just outside Narberth, in the little village of Princes Gate, Pembrokeshire.

They employ only one mascot - that’s me; but I also have 60 colleagues. I have my own office situated in the marketing cupboard and I am allowed to come out and play when there is important Princes Gate business.

Tell us a bit about the business?

It all began on an organic dairy farm in a remote corner of Pembrokeshire in 1991. Two brothers and their parents started botting Princes Gate water by hand as an experiment in the family’s efforts to diversify their farming practices. The diversification was a success as the demand for Princes Gate grew and we built a purpose-built bottling facility in 2004 boasting cutting edge technology, providing us with a site capacity of more than 400 million bottles.

Although a much bigger business than the Princes Gate of 1991, our family business brand values still shine through, ensuring we look after our people, our community, our environment and our planet. Mother Nature is kind to us so in return we will do all that we can to take great care of her.

What attracted you to become a Scarlets commercial partner?

Sport has always been a key part of our brand as we are passionate about promoting healthy lifestyles. We endeavour to support grassroots sports throughout our sponsorships and that is why we love working with Scarlets so we can offer opportunities to our local community and schools.

Favourite Scarlets moment?

Boxing Day Mascot Race 2019, when I made my debut on the field, but the damn Nando’s chicken got me. Next time I’ll be sure to stock up on my protein as well as my water!

Favourite Scarlets player?

All of them but Cochyn the mascot will always hold a special place in my heart.

What are you looking forward to this season?

To continue the great partnership alongside my best bud Cochyn and the Scarlets. Let’s hope we can socialise soon over some special Princes Gate bubbly.

Meleri Williams

Codi Llais I’r cefnogwr sy’n codi ei lais yr wythnos hon, mae cael cyfrannu i raglen y Scarlets yn fraint mwy na’r arfer...

Daw Gareth Powell o Droedyrhiw, Merthyr Tydfil ac ers y 70au, mae Gareth wedi bod yn casglu rhaglenni gemau rygbi’r Scarlets a Chymru.

“Ers 1972, dw i wedi cefnogi’r Scarlets. Roedd fy nhad wrth ei fodd ac yn hoff iawn o Carwyn James.

Roedd tîm Pontypridd yn dda yn ystod y 70au ond roedd Phil Bennett a’r Scarlets yn rhedeg popeth ac yn diddanu drwy’r amser.”

Ond o ble ddechreuodd y diddordeb mewn casglu rhaglenni?

“Dechreuodd y cyfan ar ôl gweld y Scarlets yn y cup finals yng Nghaerdydd ac ar ôl mynd i weld y Barbariaid yn Erbyn Awstralia 1976. O hynny, os oes siawns gyda fi i weld Cymru, neu’r Scarlets yn chwarae, dw i ddim yn gadael heb gael copi o raglen y dydd. Ac oherwydd hynny, dw i’n dal i chwilio am hen raglenni o Gymru.”

Ymhlith ei gasgliad, rhai o hoff raglenni Gareth yw Dwyrain Morgannwg v Seland Newydd 1972 (y gêm gyntaf iddo fynd i weld gyda’i dad), Llanelli yn Erbyn Seland Newydd 1972 (y clasur!) a’r Llewod v Seland Newydd 1904 (Prawf cyntaf y Llewod yn Seland Newydd).

“Y rhaglen hynaf sydd gyda fi yw Lloegr v Cymru 1893 yn Birkenhead. Dim ond hanner y rhaglen sydd yna, ac mae’n cwympo i ddarnau!”

“Dw i’n dal i chwilio. Hoffwn gael copi o Lanelli neu Gymru yn Erbyn De Affrig 1906, 1912.”

Felly beth sy’n gwneud y Scarlets mor arbennig i Gareth?

“Mae gyda fi lawer o atgofion hapus o eistedd gyda deiliaid tocynnau tymor rheolaidd yn stondinau’r Gogledd neu’r De ym Mharc y Strade, neu gyda fy mrodyr neu chwaer y tu ôl i’r pyst.”

“Fy mhrif atgofion yw gweld y Scarlets yn curo Seland Newydd a ‘dw i wedi teithio i weld pob ‘Welsh Cup Final’ ac eithrio’r un cyntaf.”

Ac un stori ddoniol sy’n aros yn y cof...

Ond beth am yr un atgof yna sy’n fwy byw na’r lleill?

“Gweld cais Ieuan Evans yn Erbyn Awstralia.

Roedd pob un o’r cefnogwyr cyson yn adnabod y symudiad. Gweithiodd y symudiad yn berffaith.

Ar ôl y gem, casglais i llofnodion mwyarif y dau dîm. Dw i’n dal angen llofnod Mark Perego a Lyn Jones...”

“Es i a fy chwaer (14 oed) i weld Llanelli yn Erbyn Abertawe yn St. Helens 1992. Amhosib cael mynediad i’r gêm. Felly aethon ni mewn i dy oedd ar ganol cael ei ddymchwel, roedd e mewn lleoliad perffaith i weld y gêm! Ar ôl i’r tymor orffen, roedd y BBC yn dangos uchafbwyntiau’r tymor. Shot ola’r rhaglen oedd fi a fy chwaer yn eistedd ar sil ffenest y ty yn y pellter... y ddau ohonom yn ein crysau coch â gwen o glust i glust!”

Hoff chwaraewr Gareth?

“Anodd iawn dewis, ond mae rhwng Phil Bennett, Ray Gravell a Ieuan Evans.”

Gobeithio y byddwn ni gyd yn ôl ym Mharc y Scarlets cyn hir, a dyma beth sy’n cadw Gareth i fynd...

“Mae’r awyrgylch ym Mharc y Scarlets yn rhywbeth arbennig a ‘dw i wir yn gweld eisiau hyn. Dw i’n sicr bod y cefnogwyr i gyd yn edrych ymlaen at fod yr 16eg chwaraewyr ar y cae i wthio’r tîm ymlaen.

“Yr hyn dw i’n edrych mlaen ato fwyaf yw gobeithio mynd i weld y Scarlets gyda fy mrodyr a fy chwaer yn fuan. Dw i eisiau sgrechian “Scarlets” ar ôl curo Caerdydd neu Leinster!”

Felly mae’n siwr y bydd Gareth yn edrych mlaen i gael copi o’r rhaglen hon i ychwanegu at ei gasgliad!

NEW 2020/21 HOME & ALTERNATE SHIRTS

SCARLETS MACRON SHOP Parc y Scarlets T: 01554 783932

Jarrad GRIFFITHS Head Performance Analyst Pennaeth Dadansoddi Perfformiad

Head of Medical Services /Pennaeth Gwasanaethau Meddygol

General manager of rugby Rheolwr Cyffredinol Rygbi

BEN FRANKS Scrum Coach Hyfforddwr Sgrym SARA DAVIES

JON DANIELS

Forwards coach Hyfforddwr y Blaenwyr

MATTHEW REES Attack coach Hyfforddwr Ymosod

Backs Coach Hyfforddwr y Cefnwyr

Team Manager Rheolwr y Tîm

Rhys Jones - Senior Conditioner / Uwch Gyflyrydd Sam Handy - Assistant Conditioner/ Cyflyrydd Cynorthwyol Ieuan Probert - 1st Team Support Analyst / Dadansoddwr Cefnogol Rowan O’Brien - first team analyst /Dadansoddwr tim gyntaf

HUW DAVIES

RICHARD WHIFFIN

Head Coach Prif Hyfforddwr

RICHARD KELLY

GLENN DELANEY

DAI FLANAGAN

COACHING AND RUGBY STAFF 2020-21

Head of Conditioning Prif Gyflyrydd

Matthew Look - Senior Physiotherapist / Ffysiotherapydd Uwch Oli Morris - Physiotherapist / Ffisiotherapydd Owain Binding - Physiotherapist / Ffisiotherapydd Huw Evans - Lead Doctor / Prif Feddyg Gwen Williams - Doctor / Meddyg Katy Guy - Doctor / Meddyg Kat Edwards - Doctor / Meddyg Sarah Goff - Doctor / Meddyg Craig Dyson - Doctor / Meddyg Kevin George - Development Pathway Manager/ Rheolwr Datblygu Paul Fisher - Academy Skills Coach / Hyfforddwr Sgiliau’r Academi Emyr Phillips - Academy Skills Coach / Hyfforddwr Sgiliau’r Academi Matt Evans - Head of Academy Strength & Conditioning Coach / Pennaeth Hyfforddwr Cryfder a Chyflyru’r Academi

SQUAD / CARFAN 2020-21 TO SPONSOR A PLAYER PLEASE CONTACT - I NODDI CHWARAEWR CYSYLLTWCH Â COMMERCIAL@SCARLETS.WALES

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25/10/90 @cubbyboi @cubbyboi 183CM 98KG

17/09/98 N/A @joemiles8 190CM 109KG

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javan sebastain

james davies

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29/07/99 N/A @kemsleyy 185CM 118KG

PR PROP / Y RHENG FLAEN HK HOOKER / BACHWR LK LOCK / YR AIL RENG FL FLANKER / BLAENASGELLWR NO.8 NO.8 / WYTHWR FR FRONT ROW BR BACK ROW SH MEWNWR / SCRUM HALF FH MASWR / FLY HALF WG WING / ASGELLWR CTR CANOLWR / CENTRE FB CEFNWR / FULL BACK

SQUAD / CARFAN 2020-21 TO SPONSOR A PLAYER PLEASE CONTACT - I NODDI CHWARAEWR CYSYLLTWCH Â COMMERCIAL@SCARLETS.WALES

14/04/92 @Revsprop1 @robevs1 186CM 118KG

03/04/87 @Marc_jones2 @Marc_jones2 185CM 109KG

23/05/99 N/A N/A 200CM 110KG

LIAM WILLIAMS

ctr

07/01/00 N/A N/A 189CM 100KG

12/08/93 N/A N/A 182CM 85KG

Andrea Thomas

17/05/93 @rhys_patch @patchell10 191CM 92KG

05/02/99 @ryanconbeer11 @ryan_conbeer 178CM 92KG

07/01/95 @RyanJElias @ryan_elias2 187CM 110KG

lk

sam lousi

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ryan elias

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ryan conbeer

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rhys patchell

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phil price

09/04/91 @SanjayWills @SanjayWills 188CM 89KG

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osian knott

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paul asquith

13/04/90 @lewis_rawlins @lewisrawlins 198CM 111KG

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10/11/88 @PhilPrice88 @phil_price88 184CM 117KG

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LEWIS RAWLINS

LEIGH HALFPENNY 22/12/88 @LeighHalfpenny1 @LeighHalfpenny 178CM 85KG

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rob evans

hk

FB

morgan jones

30/11/95 @Kieran_Hardy9 @kizhard_ 184CM 92KG

03/01/87 @KenOwens1088 @KenOwens1088 184CM 110KG

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KIERAN HARDY

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HK

20/07/91 @samlousi @sam_lousi 198CM 121KG

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30/11/92 N/A N/A 180CM 117KG

10/01/01 @samcostelow2001 @samcostelow10 175CM 85KG

14/09/96 @ShaunEvans19 @shaunevs7 183CM 101KG

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STEFFAN hughes

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sione kalamafoni

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shaun EVANS

fh

samuel costelow

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18/05/88 @s_kalamafoni @stia.kalamafoni 196CM 120KG

17/02/94 @steffhughes @steffhughes 180CM 95KG

Andrea Thomas

22/04/97 N/A N/A 183CM 113KG

01/09/94 @steffevs09 @steffevans09 182CM 93KG

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thomas phillips

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taylor davies

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08/05/95 @TevitaRatuva @texratuva 198CM 120KG

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uzair cassiem

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tyler morgan

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thomas rogers

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23/02/92

17/12/98

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11/09/95

17/03/90

@tomprydie @tomprydie 193CM 93KG

@tomrogers007 @tomrog15 185CM 91KG

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23/01/85 @kruger_werner @wernerkruger3 191CM 125KG

24/10/95 N/A N/A 181CM 85KG

24/10/95 @wynjones2 @wynjones3 181CM 184KG

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PIETER SCHOLTZ

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wyn jones

sh

william homer

werner kruger

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20/03/94 @N/A @pieter_scholtz 187CM 120KG

Date

Co

v

Opponents

Scarlets

Result

Score

T

C

P

Opposition D

T

C

P

3

3

3

2

2

2

D

A. SHINGLER A. BREW A. JEFFRIES A. O’BRIEN B. THOMSON C. TUIPULOTU D. HUGHES D. BLACKER D. DAVIS D. JONES D. DRAKE D. BOOTH D. EVANS E. KENNEDY G. DAVIES I. REES

2020-21 FIXTURES & RESULTS OCTOBER 2020 Sat 3

P14

H

Munster

L

27-30

Sun 11

P14

A

Glasgow

L

20-07

1

1

9

Fri 23

P14

A

Benetton

W

03-10

1

1

L

03-06

1

1

5

1

2

3

NOVEMBER 2020 Sun 1

P14

H

Edinburgh

Sun 8

P14

H

Zebre

W

18-17

2

1

2

Sat 14

P14

A

Connacht

W

14-20

3

1

1

8 2

5 5

2

5

4

Sun 22

P14

A

Ulster

L

26-24

Sun 29

P14

H

Leinster

P

N/A

-

-

-

3

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

DECEMBER 2020 Sat 12

ERC

A

Bath Rugby

W

19-23

2

1

Fri 18

ERC

H

RC Toulon

W

28-0

4

4

Sat 26

P14

A

Ospreys

W

14-16

1

1

3

2

5

3 -

1

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

5

3

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

11

JANUARY 2021 Fri 1

P14

H

Dragons

W

20-3

2

2

2

Sat 9

P14

A

Cardiff Blues

L

29-20

2

2

2

Fri 15

ERC

A

RC Toulon

P

N/A

-

-

-

Sat 23

ERC

H

Bath Rugby

P

-

-

-

Fri 22

P14

H

Cardiff Blues

L

13-10

1

1

Sat 30

P14

H

Leinster

L

25-52

3

2

1 3

1

4

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1

1

1

2

5

2

6

6

1

7

3

5

FEBRUARY 2021 Sat 20

P14

H

Benetton

W

41-17

6

4

1

2

2

1

5

7

Sat 27

P14

A

Edinburgh

W

25-27

3

3

2

3

2

2

5

12

5

11

MARCH 2021 FRI 12

P14

A

Munster

L

28-10

1

1

1

4

MO 22

P14

H

Connacht

W

41-36

7

4

1

5

4 4

1

5 5

APRIL 2021 SUN 4

ERC

H

Sale Sharks

SAT 24

RC

A

Dragons

MAY 2021 SAT 8

RC

H

Ospreys

SAT 15

RC

H

Cardiff Blues

P14

Guinness Pro14

ERC

European Champions Cup

RC

Rainbow Cup

W

Win

L

Lose

D

Draw

27 2

-

-

P -

-

-

-

-

Postponed -

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

5 -

-

5

5

5

5 5 10 5

5

5

Started match 5

5 13 -

-

7 5

-

-

5 8 5

5 4 5 10

5 5

5

10

Used as a replacement

5

5

Points scored in match

I. NICHOLAS J. MORGAN J. PRICE J. BALL JAMES DAVIES J. SEBASTAIN J. MCNICHOLL J. WILLIAMS J. DAVIES J. MILES J. HELPS J. MACLEOD J. ROBERTS K. MATHIAS K. OWNES K. HARDY L. HALFPENNY L. RAWLINS L. WILLIAMS M. JONES R. EVANS M. JONES O. KNOTT P. ASQUITH P. SCHOLTZ P. PRICE R. PATCHELL R. CONBEER R. ELIAS S. LOUSI S. LEE S. COSTELOW S. EVANS S. KALAMAFONI S. HUGHES S. THOMAS S. EVANS T. DAVIES T. RETUVA T. PHILIPS T. PRYDIE T. ROGERS T. LEWIS T. MORGAN U. CASSIEM W. KRUGER W. HOMER W. JONES

THE TEAMS PARC Y SCARLETS, SUN 4 april 2020 KO 5:30PM STARTING XV LEIGH HALFPENNY

T

C

P

D

15

T

C

P

D

SIMON HAMMERSLEY

LIAM WILLIAMS

T

C

P

D

14

T

C

P

D

BYRON MCGUIGAN

STEFF HUGHES

T

C

P

D

13

T

C

P

D

SAM JAMES

JOHNNY WILLIAMS

T

C

P

D

12

T

C

P

D

ROHAN JANSE VAN RENSBURG

JOHNNY MCNICHOLL

T

C

P

D

11

T

C

P

D

MARLAND YARDE

DAN JONES

T

C

P

D

10

T

C

P

D

AJ MACGINTY

GARETH DAVIES

T

C

P

D

9

T

C

P

D

FAF DE KLERK

WYN JONES

T

C

P

D

1

T

C

P

D

BEVAN RODD

KEN OWENS ©

T

C

P

D

2

T

C

P

D

AKKER VAN DER MERWE

PIETER SCHOLTZ

T

C

P

D

3

T

C

P

D

WILLGRIFF JOHN

JAKE BALL

T

C

P

D

4

T

C

P

D

JACOBUS WIESE

FRONT PAGE T

C

P

D

5

T

C

P

D

JOSH BEAUMONT

T

C

P

D

6

T

C

P

D

JEAN-LUC DU PREEZ

JAC MORGAN

T

C

P

D

7

T

C

P

D

TOM CURRY

SIONE KALAMAFONI

T

C

P

D

8

T

C

P

D

DAN DU PREEZ

SAM LOUSI AARON SHINGLER

replacements RYAN ELIAS

T

C

P

D

16

T

C

P

D

CURTIS LANGDON

STEFF THOMAS

T

C

P

D

17

T

C

P

D

ROSS HARRISON

JAVAN SEBASTIAN

T

C

P

D

18

T

C

P

D

COENIE OOSTHUIZEN

LEWIS RAWLIN

T

C

P

D

19

T

C

P

D

JAMES PHILLIPS

BLADE THOMSON

T

C

P

D

20

T

C

P

D

CAMERON NEILD

DANE BLACKER

T

C

P

D

21

T

C

P

D

RAPHAEL QUIRKE

SAM COSTELOW

T

C

P

D

22

T

C

P

D

ROBERT DU PREEZ

JONATHAN DAVIES

T

C

P

D

23

T

C

P

D

LUKE JAMES

match officials REFEREE: MATHIEAU RAYNAL (FRANCE) AR1: DAN JONES (WALES) AR2: MIKE ENGLISH (WALES) TMO: PHILIPPE BONHOURE (FRANCE)

ALBERT TANNER CEFNogwr

Y GAIR OLAF A

r ôl deugain munud agoriadol sigledig yn erbyn Connacht, dyna wledd oedd yr ail hanner i sicrhau ein lle ym mhrif gystadleuaeth Ewrop y tymor nesa’. ‘Na beth oedd perfformiad o gymeriad. Ond cyn meddwl am y tymor nesa’ ma’ angen perfformiad arall heddiw yn erbyn Sale Sharks er mwyn parhau yng nghystadleuaeth eleni.

Wi’n credu mod i’n gywir i ddweud ein bod ni wedi whare Sale yn Ewrop ddwywaith - yn 2002-03 a 2016-17. Dim ond un gêm gollon ni yn y grwp yn 2002-03: yn erbyn Bourgoin mâs yn Ffrainc. A dweud y gwir sgorion ni 30 pwynt neu fwy ymhob gêm ar wahân i’r un yn erbyn Sale gartre ar Barc y Strade.

Does ‘da fi ddim cof o’r gêm yn erbyn Sale ond ma’ sgôr o 17 – 12 yn awgrymu cystadleuaeth ddigon agos. Er i ni fod ar frig y grwp, mae’n flin ‘da fi eich atgoffa aeth pethe o le yn y chwarteri pan gollon ni gatre yn erbyn Perpignan – pan gafodd Dafydd Jones gerdyn coch.

Gyda llaw, erbyn hyn ma’ pethe’n waeth ar Perpignan a Bourgoin – y naill ar frig y ProD2 a’r llall yng ngwaelodion y Fédérale Nationale sef y trydydd lefel o rygbi yn Ffrainc. Dyma gwestiwn trivia i chi: pa ddau gyn-Sgarlet wharaeodd i Bourgoin?

Gwell dweud dim am 2016-17. Ni oedd yr unig dîm o Gymru yn y gystadleuaeth a ddelon ni ddim mâs o’r grwp.

Ond i ddod nôl at Sale. Y tro cynta’ i’r ddau glwb wynebu ei gilydd oedd yn 1934 ond wnaeth y trefniadau ddim parhau tu hwnt i dymor 1938-39. Llanelli enillodd pob gêm

ar wahân i ddwy gêm gyfartal gan gynnwys un “thriller” a orffennodd yn ddi-sgôr. Yn y cyfnod hwn roedd dau Gymro enwog yn whare iddyn nhw sef Claude Davey a Wilf Wooller. Diau taw’r Ail Ryfel Byd ddaeth â’r gemau i ben ond buodd Sale ddim ar fixture list Llanelli yn rheolaidd, os o gwbwl, wedi hynny.

Y tymor nesa allwn ni edrych mlân i groesawu un o wharaewyr Sale i wisgo’r crys sgarlad pan fydd y prop WillGriff John yn ymuno ‘da ni. Bydd e’n dilyn yn ôl troed dau wharaewr arall a ddaeth aton ni o Sale ym mlynyddoedd cynnar y ganrif hon sef y mewnwr Sililo Martens a’r maswr o America, Mike Hercus. Dim un o’r ddau yn llwyddiant ysgubol.

Dros y blynyddoedd, ma’ mwy wedi symud i’r cyfeiriad arall o Llanelli i Sale. Alla i feddwl am sawl un a wnaeth y siwrne o orllewin Cymru i Salford – Dwayne Peel, Mike Phillips (via Bayonne a Racing 92), Dafydd James (via Penybont a’r Gleision), Mark Taylor ac Andy Powell (via Gleision a’r Wasps), Jon Mills a Lou Reed. Ar y cyfan, wi’n credu taw Sale gafodd y gorau o’r symudiadau!

A’r ateb i’r cwestiwn am Scarlets yn whare i Bourgoin? Salesi Finau a Chris Wyatt. Ond wi’n siwr bo’ chi’n gwbod hynny beth bynnag.

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