URC
Update from the CEO
Firstly, welcome back Ospreys!
We are well into block one of the BKT URC 22/23 season and it’s great to be back. As CEO, I have never been shy about where I want to take Ospreys and the vision I have for the team. Last season, we saw this start to materialize, and despite the issues faced, we finished strong.
- Winning the Welsh Shield and only a few bonus points away from the Top 8
- Jac Morgan (Turnover King) and Gareth Anscombe (Gilbert Golden Boot) both won top URC accolades
- Highest contribution to the Wales senior and U20 teams of all Regions
- Our social media channels were the 2nd fastest growing in the league
- We were the most watched team in Wales and 6th overall
- Ospreys v Munster was the 2nd most watched game in the URC
It has been an interesting start to the season as we have already experienced highs and lows, with a tough draw to Scarlets and a narrow loss to the Emirates Lions. Our convincing win against Glasgow Warriors proved what we are capable of.
Last week’s loss to Ulster was an unfortunate by-product of Welsh Rugby commitments but I was incredibly proud of the resilience shown by the younger players. Unfortunately the loss of our international players has a significant impact on our performance, but we will continue to invest in player development to mitigate this.
Off field, our revamped hospitality offers have received rave reviews as we launched a new, modern menu in the Executive Lounge, the inclusion of live entertainment in the Nest, and of course, exclusive player Q&As. Our Nest hospitality attendance has increased by over 60% compared to this time last season, and with new hospitality offers on the horizon, we have something to suit all supporters.
We have seen amazing support from the community thus far as they have come out in numbers to support us and take part in our ever-popular half-time tag. Our match against the DHL Stormers will host over 970 people from our community groups, clubs and schools. I’m proud of the work Ospreys in the Community is delivering as leaders in their field across the UK.
This season we will see the return of the biggest game of the year, the West Wales Derby on Boxing Day. After 10 years, Ospreys will finally host this illustrious event once again. We are gearing up to make this the biggest one yet and ensure it’s a match experience like no other. Make sure you mark it down in your calendar and get your tickets now.
Toby has said it time and again, and it couldn’t be more true, supporters in the stands really do make all the difference. Late kick off times have led to smaller crowds than we would like. While there are complexities on the league’s side with broadcast partner requirements, there is an understanding among us all of the need to balance what is good for our supporters and TV partners. We are in constant dialogue with the league and broadcasters on how we can work together to find the best median.
We are constantly testing and looking for new ways to raise the in-stadium experience to ensure all our supporters have an unforgettable time and return to our next home game.
Our supporters’ attendance is crucial to the players performance – your backing makes all the difference, and they need your support when taking to the field. The roar of the crowd, the waving of flags, the chants and the cheers, that’s what pushes the players harder and drives them on. We need as many supporters as possible, so make sure you come on down and support the boys.
We will soon be launching our 22/23 alternate kit, and it’s bound to turn a few heads. Without giving too much away, when we don the kit in Heineken Champions Cup matches, we will be taking a piece of our community with us as we pay homage to all our 77 grassroots clubs. Keep an eye on our social media channels for this exciting jersey.
As everyone is aware, there is some speculation on the discussions happening around the Welsh Pro Game that is understandably causing concern among some of our supporters. The reality is, until a decision is made and communicated, this information is just speculation.
I am looking forward to the remainder of the season as we visit new stadiums, play new teams and break new ground. Despite the issues we face, I remain positive about the future of the Ospreys.
Nick Garcia
Ospreys CEO
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Image & Content Source – Ospreys Rugby
The Munster squad have started preparations at the HPC ahead of Saturday’s sold-out clash against the All Blacks XV at Thomond Park (5.30pm).
The game will be exclusively live-streamed on Access Munster, sign up here.
Pinergy, Munster Rugby’s official energy partner, are the presenting partners for the clash.
On the injury front, there were no fresh concerns following Saturday’s clash against the Sharks in Durban.
Peter O’Mahony (hamstring), who has been included in Ireland’s Autumn Nations Series squad but is continuing his rehabilitation at the HPC, will increase his training load this week. His availability for this weekend’s clash against the All Blacks XV will be determined later in the week.
Brian Gleeson (shoulder) and Diarmuid Kilgallen (leg) came through the weekend with no issues after returning to action with Garryowen in the AIL.
On the international front, Tadhg Beirne, Craig Casey, Jack Crowley, Conor Murray, Calvin Nash and Alex Kendellen have travelled to Portugal with the Ireland squad ahead of the Autumn Nations Series.
Continuing to rehab: Shane Daly (leg), Jeremy Loughman (knee), Alex Nankivell (hip), Josh Wycherley (neck), Mark Donnelly (ankle), Dave Kilcoyne (ankle), Oli Jager (neck), Liam Coombes (leg), Thaakir Abrahams (thigh), Patrick Campbell (shoulder), Cian Hurley (knee), Edwin Edogbo (Achilles), Roman Salanoa (knee).
Tickets
Saturday, November 2
Munster v All Blacks XV, Thomond Park, 5.30pm; SOLD OUT – Watch live on Access Munster here
URC Round 7: Saturday, November 30
Munster v Emirates Lions, Thomond Park, 7.35pm; Buy tickets here
Champions Cup Round 1: Saturday, December 7
Munster v Stade Francais, Thomond Park, 5:30pm; Buy tickets here
Champions Cup Round 3: Saturday, January 11
Munster v Saracens, Thomond Park, 5.30pm; Buy tickets here
URC Round 9: Friday, December 27
Munster v Leinster, Thomond Park, 7.35pm; Buy tickets here
URC Round 11: Saturday, February 15
Munster v Scarlets, Thomond Park, 5.15pm; Buy tickets here
URC Round 12: Friday, February 28
Munster v Edinburgh, Virgin Media Park, 7.35pm; Buy tickets here
URC Round 15: Saturday, April 19
Munster v Bulls, Thomond Park, 5.15pm; Buy tickets here
URC Round 17: Friday, May 9
Munster v Ulster, Thomond Park, 7.35pm; Buy tickets here
URC Round 18: Friday, May 16
Munster v Benetton, Virgin Media Park, 8pm; Buy tickets here
Images & Content from Munster Rugby
Ulster ready for interpro derby against Connacht in Belfast
41 minutes ago
Fixture News
Ulster Head Coach, Richie Murphy, has named his Ulster side to take on Connacht on Saturday night in Round 4 of the BKT United Rugby Championship (kick-off 8pm).
Iain Henderson captains the side and is joined in the second row by Kieran Treadwell.
Prop, Andrew Warwick, and lock, Alan O’Connor, are in line for their 200th Ulster caps this weekend.
Limited tickets are still available for Saturday’s big game via the link below.
Warwick starts at loosehead prop, joined by experienced hooker, John Andrew, and Irish international prop, Tom O’Toole, at tighthead prop.
In the back row, David McCann, starts as the openside flanker, with Sean Reffell starting on the blindside.
Nick Timoney starts at eight and marks a milestone of his own, making his 150th cap for Ulster.
The half-back partnership this weekend sees John Cooney start alongside Aidan Morgan, who has two tries in his opening three matches for Ulster.
After scoring a superb individual try against the Bulls last weekend, Jacob Stockdale, starts on the left wing, with Werner Kok making his first start at Kingspan Stadium on the right wing.
Jude Postlethwaite returns to the team, following an impressive Emerging Ireland tour, that saw the Lisburn man score a try against Western Force last weekend, before being released to play for the province.
He starts at inside centre and is joined by Stewart Moore, who scored a great try last weekend against the Bulls.
Ethan McIlroy starts at full-back, completing the back-field.
Murphy opts for a 5:3 split on the bench, with James McCormick, Callum Reid, Corrie Barrett, Alan O’Connor and Marcus Rea providing the forward replacement options.
Nathan Doak, Ben Carson and Mike Lowry provide the back options from the bench.
Ulster Rugby v Connacht Rugby, Saturday 12 October, 8pm, Kingspan Stadium (Live on BBC Two, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sounds, Premier Sports and TG4):
(1-8) Andrew Warwick, John Andrew, Tom O’Toole, Iain Henderson (C), Kieran Treadwell, David McCann, Sean Reffell, Nick Timoney;
(15-9) Ethan McIlroy, Werner Kok, Stewart Moore, Jude Postlethwaite, Jacob Stockdale, Aidan Morgan, John Cooney.
Replacements: James McCormick, Callum Reid, Corrie Barrett, Alan O’Connor, Marcus Rea, Nathan Doak, Ben Carson, Mike Lowry.
The Opposition:
Images & Content – Ulster Rugby
The Munster squad started preparations on Monday ahead of Saturday’s URC round four clash against Leinster at Croke Park (5.45pm).
In player news, Seán O’Brien returns from the Emerging Ireland tour to South Africa ahead of Saturday’s game.
Following Munster’s win over Ospreys on Saturday, Oli Jager (neck) and Peter O’Mahony (hamstring) are both going for scans and are unavailable this weekend.
Mike Haley has a leg contusion and his availability will be determined later in the week.
There is good news for Tom Ahern (ankle) and Alex Nankivell (shoulder) as they are both returning to training this week. Their respective availability for Croke Park will be determined later in the week.
Ruadhán Quinn is following the return to play protocols and his availability will be determined later in the week.
Billy Burns is increasing his training exposure this week and the out-half’s availability will be determined later in the week.
Shane Daly is unlikely to be available this week as he continues to recover from an elbow injury.
Thaakir Abrahams sustained a low-grade thigh injury against Zebre and is unavailable this week.
Long-term absentees Rory Scannell (ankle) and Paddy Patterson (knee) are making good progress and will increase their training exposure this week.
Patrick Campbell will have surgery on a shoulder injury he sustained in AIL action last month.
Josh Wycherley will visit a specialist this week for a neck injury.
Continuing to rehab: Liam Coombes (leg), Diarmuid Kilgallen (leg), Brian Gleeson (shoulder), Cian Hurley (knee), Edwin Edogbo (achilles), Roman Salanoa (knee).
Tickets
Saturday, November 2
Munster v All Blacks XV, Thomond Park, 5.30pm; SOLD OUT
URC Round 7: Saturday, November 30
Munster v Emirates Lions, Thomond Park, 7.35pm; Buy tickets here
Champions Cup Round 1: Saturday, December 7
Munster v Stade Francais, Thomond Park, 5:30pm; Buy tickets here
Champions Cup Round 3: Saturday, January 11
Munster v Saracens, Thomond Park, 5.30pm; Buy tickets here
URC Round 9: Friday, December 27
Munster v Leinster, Thomond Park, 7.35pm; Buy tickets here
URC Round 11: Saturday, February 15
Munster v Scarlets, Thomond Park, 5.15pm; Buy tickets here
URC Round 12: Friday, February 28
Munster v Edinburgh, Virgin Media Park, 7.35pm; Buy tickets here
URC Round 15: Saturday, April 19
Munster v Bulls, Thomond Park, 5.15pm; Buy tickets here
URC Round 17: Friday, May 9
Munster v Ulster, Thomond Park, 7.35pm; Buy tickets here
URC Round 18: Friday, May 16
Munster v Benetton, Virgin Media Park, 8pm; Buy tickets here
Images & Content from Munster Rugby
IRFU Announces Return Of ‘A’ Interprovincial Championship
Squad Update | Munster Prepare For All Blacks XV At Thomond
