Sam Warburton Interview

T. M. Lewin have been unveiled as the new suppliers of formal wear for the WRU. The deal will run until 2018 and T. M. Lewin will therefore be the supplier of formal wear for the national squad at the 2015 World Cup. After the formalities of announcing the deal were dealt with, the players spoke to the media about the recent tour of South Africa. The side left the country with one midweek win and two test defeats. With Cory Allen, Sam Warburton and Jon Davies all suited and booted, they were ready speak on a range of topics.

Jon Davies, Sam Warburton and Cory Allen at the partnership launch

Jon Davies Talks Tours and BBQ's

Being one of the most laid back men in rugby, it is a miracle that Jon Davies makes it on to the pitch to play some days. I spoke to the Wales centre in the changing rooms of T.M. Lewin in Cardiff. Davies was there modelling the stock as the WRU announced a new sponsorship deal with the store. He sipped on his glass of water as he mulled the questions over in his mind before answering them. The hot topic unfortunately was the devastating news of Owen Williams’ injury, but Davies also spoke happily about his move to France and the recent tour to South Africa.

Jon Davies in the T.M. Lewin gear

So Close, But Yet So Far

It may not always be the happiest camp in terms of results, but fans do get their money’s worth from a Wales game. The final test in South Africa was no different. Although Wales held the lead from the 13^th minute to the 79^th, the momentum of the game swung from side to side throughout. Comfortably the most entertaining contest of the summer series’ this year, Wales weren’t just out to entertain they wanted the elusive win against a Southern Hemisphere nation.

Welsh Clubs to take Part in Ballot

Following last weekend’s EGM, the WRU have announced a ballot on one of the major issues that caused the meeting in Port Talbot. A ballot of all Welsh Rugby Union clubs is to take place, asking which National League structure format for the amateur game they would prefer to see adopted, from next season.

Summer Tour Game Reviews

Unquestionably the stand out game of the weekend was England facing the All Blacks in the second test of the series. It is the glamour tie of this weekend saw Stuart Lancaster roll the dice and put Manu Tualagi on the wing. Although he was not at his best on the wing he did have an opportunity late on to run in a try from his own goal line, an opportunity that a more adept winger might have finished. Although England only lost by one point as the game finished 28-27, this score line somewhat flattered the English side. At times in the second period the All Blacks had played some great rugby and not capitalised. However, as the All Blacks continue to dust off the cobwebs at the start of their season they have already won a series.

Wales Taught A Lesson In Style

Wales were poor on Saturday this is now well documented. Instead of looking back over an appalling Welsh performance, let us salute the Springboks and in particular their maestro at full-back, Willie Le Roux. The Cheetah’s full-back has grown year on year and has become one of the best full-backs in world rugby. Quality full-backs are readily available at the moment and are beginning to become the glamour boys in the same way that outside-halves have been before. Rob Kearney, Leigh Halfpenny, James O’Connor, Israel Dagg and Stuart Hogg all makeup the current crop of quality full-backs. This is without mentioning Mike Brown and one of the most talented all round rugby players of this generation, Israel Folau.

Welsh EGM - Battle Lines

Next Sunday the WRU will experience its first EGM in six years. It is arguable that an earlier EGM back in 2003 led to many of the problems that this EGM will aim to solve. The 2003 EGM created the regions and with it, some of the problems that Welsh rugby is now trying to solve. Only four years before this EGM the WRU built the magnificent Millennium Stadium. This in many ways was the root of the problem. The debt that the WRU incurred as a result of building the venue has been something they have been forced to juggle ever since.

Argentina Needs A Team In Super Rugby

Argentina peaked in a rugby sense in 2007 at the world cup and since then it has never managed to live up to the highs of that team. A few things happened after that world cup. Argentinian talent was bought up by French and English clubs, leaving no stars in Argentina to play in their domestic league. On a more positive note this good performance at the world cup was a catalyst for them being allowed into the Tri-Nations as it became ‘The Rugby Championship’ in 2012.

Argentina now sits at the top table internationally with two games against the SANZAR nations every year. This not only improves players but also grows interest as some of the best players come to Buenos Aries. However, Argentina is the odd one out in the rugby championship. South Africa, Australia and New Zealand each have five Super Rugby franchises.

Views On Gareth Anscombe From Down Under

As the Blues trail Gareth Anscombe, the deal looks more likely to go through as the days go by. What do we actually know about this boy wonder, most people have simply seen highlight videos on YouTube. Unsurprisingly in these he nails every single kick.

England XV V Barbarians Match Report

A young English outfit took the field against a foray of international stars at Twickenham on Sunday afternoon. Stuart Lancaster put his faith in youth as England welcomed the Barbarians to London. England's line-up was unrecognisable from the team that had finished the Six Nations, with the main squad having already left for New Zealand. It allowed the young players, like Henry Slade, the chance to impress.

Welsh Trial Gives Youth A Chance

The possibles-probables game at the Liberty on Friday night was criticised by many as just another chance that players might get injured. After all the players came through Friday night’s game unscathed the game has to go down as a success from whichever way you look at it. The game made thousands of pounds for charity, it saw a new shirt sponsor on the Wales kit creating better links with sponsors of the national team and it also sold out a the Liberty Stadium something the Ospreys have struggled to do all season. Most importantly of all however, it allowed the young players to show exactly what they are capable of against some of the top internationals in Wales.