General Chat

SCARLETS 29 ~ La ROCHELLE 17

Yes, The Scarlets have beaten French Team La Rochelle and are through to

THE EUROPEAN CUP 2018 SEMI FINALS ..... THE FIRST TIME FOR 11 YEARS!

Sadly, I was forced to listen to this game on Radio 5 Live Sports Extra as BT had the televising rights to this game .... so much for taking out a Sky Sports subscription! :-| :-D


SCARLETS
Tries: 2 ~ Rhys Patchell; Scott Williams
Conversions: 2 ~ Leigh Halfpenny
Penalties: 5 ~ Leigh Halfpenny

La ROCHELLE
Tries: 2 ~ R. Sazy; P. Boudehent
Conversions: 2 ~ A. Bales
Penalties: 1 ~ A. Bales

MAN OF THE MATCH : KEN OWENS (SCARLETS 2)



Full Match Report:
https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/scarlets-v-la-rochelle-live-14475545

The above post has been amended and the match report link changed as the Telegraph's Report was wrong.

GARETH "ALFIE" THOMAS & HIS SILVER SKYDIVERS!<3

What an amazing achievement ... and what a fantastic group of people!

INSPIRATIONAL!<3

Former Wales and Lions Captain Gareth Thomas overcomes his terror of heights to Skydive from 12,000 feet for Sports Relief .... taking with him a group of recruited OAPs ranging from 61 to 85 ..... to raise awareness for MENTAL HEALTH!

One elderly gentleman is suffering from Parkinsons Disease. Another had escaped poverty, hardship and racial hatred in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe).
The World's Oldest Woman Skydiver, Dilys Price, at 85 was a source of great encouragement as she urged Alfie- "FEEL THE FEAR BUT DO IT ANY WAY!"

Gareth and Dilys
https://www.genesreunited.co.uk/keepsafe/asset/details/69664327



<3 <3 THIS PROGRAMME IS A MUST WATCH! IT'S SO MOVING! <3 <3


If you didn't get a chance to see it last Wednesday night, catch it on the iPlayer on the link below....
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b09wwlql

A WALES STAR OF THE FUTURE ....

My Great Grandson's young Uncle received his first WRU West Wales Cap last night!

CONGRATULATIONS WG <3

Avatar: My little darling is wearing his Uncle's Cap with pride xxxx

FORMER WALES RUGBY CAPTAIN GARETH THOMAS.....
........is TERRIFIED OF HEIGHTS!

But to raise money for SPORTS RELIEF this year he struggled to overcome this fear by SKYDIVING with a group of OAPs.


Watch....
GARETH THOMAS' SILVER SKYDIVERS FOR SPORT RELIEF

TONGHT (Wednesday March 21) at 9,00pm ON BBC WALES

or on the BBC iPLAYER
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b09wwlql



Watch Gareth do other height challengers in preparation for the BIG JUMP

Gareth 'Alfie' Thomas' aerial ladder platform challenge (Clip)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p061bhdl

TO BE TERRIFIED ..... BUT TO DO IT ANYWAY .... NOW THAT TAKES GUTS!

Well done Gareth <3

WALES CAPTAIN ~ SAM WARBURTON ~ OBE!

Wales and Lions Captain, Sam Warburton, collected his OBE from Buckingham Palace today!

29 year old Sam, who has been a Flanker for Cardiff Blues since 2009, was presented with the award by Prince William who is a Wales Rugby Union Patron :-)


SAM BECAME THE SECOND YOUNGEST WALES CAPTAIN at the tender age of 22. Second to SIR GARETH EDWARDS, who at just 20 took the title!


Sam Kennedy Warburton, the youngest of twin boys (His identical twin Ben is a physiotherapist for the Cardiff Blues) was born in Cardiff, South Wales. He also has an older sister, Holly.

As a youngster he was more in to football and played for his school team alongside schoolmate Real Madrid and Wales left winger GARETH BALE.


Sam married his long term partner, RACHEL THOMAS, on 5 July 2014 in a church ceremony in Newport. The couple held a reception at the Celtic Manor Resort.


INTERNATIONAL CAREER:

2007 ~ Wales Under 19 ~ 5 Caps
2008 ~ Wales Under 20 ~ 4 Caps
2009 - to Present ~ WALES ~ 74 Caps
2013, 2017 ~ British & Irish Lions ~ 5 Caps


Congratulations to Sam from Jem and The Rugby Gang! <3

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/article-5523491/Wales-Lions-flanker-Sam-Warburton-gets-OBE-services-rugby.html

SIX NATIONS CHAMPIONSHIP 2018

Dedicated Thread
https://www.genesreunited.co.uk/boards/board/general_chat/thread/1370118?jump=1370118

Radio Jem Announcement ;-)


I would like to announce the arrival of my new little Great Granddaughter!

LILLY ELIZABETH <3 was born on Friday Afternoon weighing 5lbs 13oz

A beautiful little sister for 19 month old ASHTON <3

Sorry to hear you news Kandj, love & hugs for you <3 <3 <3 <3

Oh Kandji I'm so sorry to read that your husband as passed away.
You have so many friends here on GR so we are all thinking of you and sending Love, hugs, cwtchs and support for you and your family at this very sad time. <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3.

Shaun

Dear Kandji sending you love and hugs at this very sad time <3 <3 <3 <3

((((((((((((((((( Kandj )))))))))))))) Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx thinking of you xxxx

I'm very sorry to have to relay some very sad news to the Rugby Gang and readers of the Rugby Thread.

Our lovely Kandj's husband passed away yesterday.

On behalf of Kandj's friends on this thread, I would like to send heartfelt sympathy, condolence and love to our dear friend xxx

We are thinking of you ((((((( Kandj ))))))) <3 <3 <3

:-) :-) :-) HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! :-) :-) :-)

Wishing all my Mad, Rugby Loving, Lovely Friends every happiness in 2018 <3

Thank You to Everyone who has supported "Radio Jem" throughout the year <3
Thank You, too, to all who have taken the time to read the Rugby Thread <3


Love Jem xxx


Kandj <3 <3 <3

SAM WARBURTON OBE <3

WALES CAPTAIN, SAM WARBURTON, HAS RECIEVED AN OBE IN THE NEW YEARS HONOURS!

Sam, who also led the British & Irish Lions to a Series draw in New Zealand in the summer, has said he was “overwhelmed” to receive an OBE, describing the achievement as the “pinnacle” of his career.

Sam, who is known as a "True Gentleman" has won 74 international caps for Wales, was also the squad's youngest skipper at 24 before the 2-1 victory over the Wallabies in 2013.

The 29-year-old is a Flanker for Cardiff Blues since 2009.

http://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/12321/11188221/lions-captain-sam-warburton-heads-sporting-inclusions-in-new-year-honours


CHARITY WORK:
Sam is also involved in doing a lot of work for charity.
He has been an Ambassador for the Velindre Centre (A cancer charity) for the past 5 years.
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/sam-warburton-surprises-cancer-patients-14054997

He regularly involves himself in raising money and awareness for the charity, as he did with "The Winter Walk" in 2016.




OTHER RUGBY UNION PEOPLE HONOURED

* Former Scotland captain IAN McLAUGHLAN is appointed OBE,
* ED MORRISON- England's first full-time professional rugby union Referee- OBE
* Scotland and Lions team doctor JAMES ROBSON is appointed MBE.


Congratulations to Sam and all other recipients of honours this year :-)

OUR DEAR KANDJ <3

Kandj's wonderful Hubby has had a bad relapse and is back in hospital.
This is a very emotional, worrying and stressful time for Kandj and her family.

Jem and all the Rugby Gang are sending you lots of love and (((((((hugs))))))) Kandj, and praying that your lovely hubby will rally again.


We are all thinking of you, Kandj, at this very difficult time xxxx <3 <3 <3

WALES FANS OWE A HUGE DEBT OF GRATITUDE TO AN ENGLISH CLUB!!

BATH HAS BEEN FINED £60,000 FOR RELEASING A WALES EIGHTMAN!

Bath has been fined for releasing TAULUPE FALETAU to play for Wales against South Africa on December 2nd- Wales' last Autumn International Game of 2017- because it was played outside World Rugby's international window.

This is the second time an English Club has been fined for this "crime"!
In 2013 NORTHAMPTON were also fined for releasing Wales Winger GEORGE NORTH for International duty enabling him to play for Wales v Australia.


Bath have urged for a resolution to the ongoing conflict between the international and domestic schedules.
"This is not good for players, clubs or unions," said Bath chief executive Tarquin McDonald.....

Full Story
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/42494188


THE FINAL SCORE OF THE GAME IN QUESTION:
WALES 24 ~ SOUTH AFRICA 22

ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST!

... And another one gone, and another one gone, another one bites the dust,
ARGH :-0 :-0


NOW TAULUPE FALETAU IS INJURED OUT OF THE SIX NATIONS!

Wales' Eightman Taulupe (formerly known as Toby) Faletau injured his knee while on European duty for his club Bath. The 70-times capped number eight will be out until at least early March with damaged medial knee ligaments, and may require surgery!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/42329104


So ...
NO SAM WARBURTON

NO JONATHAN DAVIES

and now NO FALETAU!

Who's next?:-(

More bad news for Wales ....

SAM WARBURTON WILL NOT MAKE THE SIX NATIONS 2018! :-(

On top the the neck injury that he has, He will also need knee surgery.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/42284990


Has our Wales Captain has been injured out of more competitions that he's actually played in? Well it feels that way to me anyway! :-0 :-0 :-0

HE DID IT!!!!!!! :-D

I don't know .... perhaps WE did it (page 97) ;-) :-D ......


JONATHAN DAVIES <3 ~ BBC WALES SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR 2017


Yes, Wales, Lions and Scarlets Centre, 29 year old Jonathan Davies, has been voted BBC Wales Sports Personality of the Year 2017.


Of course we are talking about Jonathan "FOX" Davies (His parents kept the Fox and Hounds Pub in Bancyfelin) .....Not to be confused with Jonathan (Jiffy) Davies the former Wales International now TV Presenter and Pundit.


Jonathan is hailed by many ~ Rugby Experts and Colleagues throughout the rugby playing world ~ as one of the best (if not THE best) Centre today!


Despite being injured out of much of the Autumn Internationals, this is a very well deserved honour in my opinion. Jon was amazing in his role as Centre for the British & Irish Lions Tour in the summer, earning him the title "MAN OF THE SERIES"
Not to mention helping his Club THE SCARLETS win the Pro 12 this year!


Jonathan was not able to attend the award ceremony himself, being laid up with his leg in plaster- He sees the surgeon today .... but he recorded a thank you video.
His proud parents were at the ceremony and accepted the award for him.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/wales/42053313


CONGRATULATIONS LOVELY BOY .... ONWARDS AND UPWARDS <3

THE FINAL GAME OF THE AUTUMN INTERNATIONALS WAS PLAYED LAST SATURDAY AFTERNOON


Final Score:
WALES 24 ~ SOUTH AFRICA 22

Rugby Thread Fun Commentary and Participation: Pages 100 - 111
Match Report:
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2017/dec/02/wales-v-south-africa-rugby-union-international-live


"UNDER ARMOUR" MAN OF THE MATCH"
HADLEIGH PARKES

New Zealander, Hadleigh Parkes, made his first debut for WALES in this game.
This was ON THE VERY DAY that Hadleigh (who plays for the Llanelli based club SCARLETS) qualified for to play for Wales due to the THREE YEAR RESIDENCY RULE.

Yes, three years ago, Hadleigh was docking sheep on a Farm in New Zealand.
Then a contract with the West Wales Club meant a move to Wales from the other side of the world.

Centre Hadleigh has flourished with the Scarlets, earning 80 Scarlets' Caps and putting a total of 50 points on the score board.

Hadleigh had a fantastic first Wales game, scoring not one but two Tries against the Springboks. His all round contribution to this game earned him the well deserved "Man Of The Match" honour.

When asked how he was feeling after the game he said ...
"Amazing - A dream come true! I thought this day would never come!
I'm extremely humbled by the opportunity. It's a huge privilege and an honour to be able to come out here and play in front of a fantastic stadium, a fantastic crowd.
It's a lovely country, Yeah!"


The touching moment Hadleigh Parkes chokes up after watching heartfelt messages from friends and family in New Zealand
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/touching-moment-hadleigh-parkes-chokes-13989150


HADLEIGH & THE WALES ANTHEM:

Fellow Wales and Scarlets team mate, RHYS PATCHELL, has been teaching Hadleigh how to sing the Welsh Anthem "Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau" phonetically.
When the men were on the field and singing the anthem, and the camera worked it's way down the line of men, I could see that Hadleigh was correctly singing it!

The post match Interviewer then asked Hadleigh "What was it like to stand there singing loud and proud?"
He replied "An amazing feeling! I really made quite a hard effort to try to learn the anthem. Hopefully I didn't stuff it up!":-D

WELL YOU DIDN'T HADLEIGH! :-D

You are so proud to be representing Wales....
.... AND WALES in turn IS PROUD OF YOU! WELL DONE <3




More news from the last International...

DAN BIGGAR'S 60th WALES CAP!

Something I missed before the Wales v South Africa Game last Saturday.
Our Fly Half (10) Dan Biggar won his 60th Wales Cap!

This is excellent news for Dan and Wales fans .......
........ because if Dan choses at some point to leave Wales to play his rugby elsewhere, he will still be able to qualify to play for Wales.
I'm sure that his current club the Ospreys will be hoping that that scenario will not happen some time soon!

Under the new rules, if a player leaves Wales to play for a Non-Welsh Club, they will not be eligible for Wales selection unless they have earned 60 or more Caps for Wales.

Sadly, Dan's playing partner - Scrum Half RHYS WEBB - will not qualify to play for Wales from next autumn. He will be leaving the Ospreys and will be joining the French Club TOULON.
Having won only 29 Wales Caps so far, it will be impossible for him to reach the 60 Cap landmark by then.



THAT MARKS THE END OF THE AUTUMN INTERNATIONAL GAMES FOR THIS YEAR

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HAVE JOINED IN <3 <3 <3
or taken the trouble to look in at the Rugby Thread :-)




NEXT CHAMPIONSHIP ....
THE SIX NATIONS 2018 WHICH BEGINS ON SATURDAY FEBRUARY 3rd
:-|