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The clash between Swansea University and Cardiff University was abandoned in the 78th minute.(Image: BUCS)
These are your evening rugby headlines on Thursday, January 29.
Investigation launched into Welsh match controversy
British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) says it will investigate after Wednesday evening’s clash between Swansea University and Cardiff University was abandoned in the 78th minute.
The match at Dunvant RFC ended in violence and controversy just two minutes from time, as members of both teams brawled on the sidelines following a high tackle on a Cardiff player.
Spectators then joined in with the pitchside confrontation, throwing beer over the fighting players as referee Adam Jones tried to stop the clash by continually blowing his whistle.
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Describing the situation as “totally unacceptable”, WRU official Jones – who also ordered security to remove a fan from the ground – told players and coaches that he was not prepared for the game to continue after the events that had unfolded.
As a result, he called it off with Cardiff winning 28-19 in a match that was of huge significance, as both teams are at the bottom of the BUCS Super League and in danger of being relegated from the top tier.
With uncertainty hanging over what the game being abandoned means in terms of a result, BUCS have issued a statement saying it will investigate the controversial ending to the match, adding that the result is set to stand, subject to any diciplinary action.
“BUCS wishes to express its sincere disappointment that the Men’s BUCS Super Rugby fixture between Swansea University and Cardiff University was abandoned on Wednesday 28 January,” the statement read.
“An incident involving both teams led the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) appointed referee to abandon the fixture in the 78th minute.
“BUCS will progress quickly with an investigation into this incident, working with its members at both institutions as well as the WRU,” it continued.
“Under BUCS’ Regulation 9.3.4.3. as more than 75% of the fixture had been played, results can be taken at this time and will stand – subject to any potential disciplinary action. BUCS will make no further comment at this stage.”
Ospreys star commits future amid uncertainty
Welsh prop Garyn Phillips has signed a new deal with the Ospreys.
The 24-year-old has made 48 appearances for the region since breaking into the senior side in the 2020/21 season. He has now put pen to paper on a contract extension, the duration of which has not been specified.
It comes as uncertainty continues to hang over the Ospreys after owners Y11 Sports & Media were revealed as the WRU’s preferred new owners of Cardiff Rugby last week.
The development has thrown the region’s future into doubt, with the Welsh Rugby Union wanting to reduce the number of professional teams in Wales from four to three, with just one of these set to be in the west.
On signing his new deal with the Ospreys, Phillips said: “This club means a lot to me and it’s great to have the opportunity to continue my career with the team that I made my professional debut for.
“Some of my best mates play for the Ospreys and I will always remember coming through the ranks with them. I’m looking forward to continuing to improve here and getting as much time in the jersey as I can.”
Head coach Mark Jones added: “Garyn has become a hugely important part of our squad, and we see him as a player with the potential to represent club and country for years to come.
“He is one of many quality front rowers that the club has produced, and that is credit to [forwards coach] Duncan [Jones] and the rest of our coaching staff.”
Scarlets make 12 changes
Highly-rated teenager Carwyn Leggatt-Jones has been handed a first URC start for the Scarlets, with interim director of rugby Nigel Davies making 12 changes to his side to face Benetton.
The region are without nine players, who are on Six Nations duty with Wales, as they travel to Treviso on Friday night, with 18-year-old Llandovery College student Leggatt-Jones taking another big step forward in his development by starting at fly-half.
He will be partnered by scrum-half Gareth Davies who, at 35, is nearly twice his age.
A new-look back three sees Jac Davies start at full-back with Macs Page and Tomi Lewis on the wings, while Joe Roberts returns from injury to partner captain Johnny Williams in midfield.
In the forwards, Alec Hepburn, Marnus van der Merwe and Archer Holz make up the front three, with Jac Price making his first URC start of the season as he partners Sam Louis in the engine room.
Max Douglas returns from injury to start in the back row alongside Jarrod Taylor and Fletcher Anderson, while Jake Ball is set to make his 100th URC appearance after being named among the replacements.
The bench also features emergency signing Billy McBryde who has joined the Scarlets on a short-term loan, nine years on from his last appearance for the region.
“We have looked at these URC games, Ulster and Benetton, as a two-game series and it’s important we back up last weekend’s win – we’ve done the first bit, now our focus is on another massive game,” said Davies.
“Benetton have recruited well, are coached well and play a good brand of rugby. Like us, they have players missing but will still be very strong. We have selected a side with a lot of talented young players who I am excited to see step up to the challenge on Friday night.”
Scarlets: 15 Jac Davies; 14 Macs Page, 13 Joe Roberts, 12 Johnny Williams (capt), 11 Tomi Lewis; 10 Carwyn Leggatt-Jones, 9 Gareth Davies; 1 Alec Hepburn, 2 Marnus van der Merwe, 3 Archer Holz, 4 Jac Price, 5 Sam Lousi, 6 Max Douglas, 7 Jarrod Taylor, 8 Fletcher Anderson.
Replacements: 16 Harry Thomas, 17 Josh Morse, 18 Henry Thomas, 19 Jake Ball, 20 Dan Davis, 21 Dane Blacker, 22 Billy McBryde, 23 Iori Badham
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