Congratulations

Llantrisant RFC would like to extend congratulations to current and former players making a name for themselves at the highest levels of Welsh Rugby.

Recently, Patrick Palmer played his first Magners League regional game, appearing in the starting line-up for the Newport Gwent Dragons in their 31-26 victory over Leinster. This is a great achievement for ‘Paddy’ who has also been named in this summer’s Wales U20 World Cup Squad.

Jevon Groves has also been named in this squad. This follows on from him captaining the Wales U20′s in their recent Six Nations campaign. Julian Andrews also makes the squad.

More good news was received this week on hearing that scrum-half Glenn Holloway has been named in the Pontypridd squad to play in Saturday’s Konica Minolta Cup Final at the Millennium Stadium. Good luck Glenn.

And finally, the week was topped off with the news that Dan Caerlan boy, Bradley Davies has been named in Warren Gatland’s squad to tour South Africa in the summer. This is a huge achievement for Bradley who has steadily been improving in his regional performances for the Cardiff Blues and is now being put on a development path for the 2011 World Cup.

Well done boys. You’re doing the club proud!!

Summer Sevens

It looks like its going to be an exciting summer for the Black Army. Training start dates have been confirmed — Saturday, 7 June at 1pm — and now news of the club competing in two sevens tournaments.

The first tournament is Abercynon’s 7′s. This will be held at the beginning of August (date to be confirmed).

The second tournament will be the  Aberavon Green Stars 7′s, held on the August Bank Holiday, 24th. The Black Army will be entering two squads into this tournament.

These tournaments will be an ideal opportunity for players to test their fitness and skill levels before the season begins.

Autumn Internationals — Ticket Requests

Could any players/club members wishing to purchase tickets for the Autumn Internationals please make themselves known to Lee Kerslake.

Wales play hosts to South Africa, Canada, New Zealand and Australia during November, tickets range from £20—£65. See fixtures below:

08/11/2008     Wales v South Africa     KO: 14:30
14/11/2008     Wales v Canada     KO: 19:30
22/11/2008     Wales v New Zealand     KO: 17:15
29/11/2008     Wales v Australia     KO: TBA

Book early to avoid disappointment.

Planning ahead for 2008–09

Senior team training will begin on Saturday, 7 June at 1pm. Players to meet at the clubhouse. New, existing and old players are all encouraged to attend.

A long summer of rebuilding is being planned, in preparation for our return to Division 2 East rugby. Hopefully we can learn from our experience in Division 1 and be much stronger for it.

Further information can be obtained from Team Manager, Lee Kerslake on 07969 970423.

Annual Dinner — Date Confirmed

The much anticipated Llantrisant RFC Annual Dinner has been confirmed for Saturday, June 28.

Tickets are priced at £20 each. To book your ticket, please see Lee Kerslake, Jason Alford or Alun David.

Due to the high-demand for tickets, they are sold on a first come, first served basis.

Youth Coach for 2008–09 Season

Llantrisant RFC  are looking to appoint a Youth Team coach for the 2008–09 Season.

The selected candidate will have the responsibility of developing the younger talent within the club. It is also anticipated that the coach will have a major input into the running of the Black Army U20′s development team.

Youth Team rugby is crucial to a club such as Llantrisant, which relies on home grown talent. Dedication, commitment and strong coaching skills are a necessary.

For more information, please call 07831 134434.

Thank you Arena

Yet again, thank you to all the team at Arena for their continued and appreciated support throughout the season. On Saturday, prop Chris Worgan, an employee of Arena was presented with a framed team jersey by Team Manager, Lee Kerslake and First XV Captain, Huw David.

Thank you boys for all your help. Really is appreciated.

Congratulations Thom

Saturday night was the chance for Llantrisant’s Supporters to pick their Supporters Player of the Year. This year, that nomination went to wing/fullback Thom Botwood. Thom has had an impressive season to-date. Shining in difficult games for the Black Army and also gaining Welsh Amateurs honours.

Other names on the short list included centre Jonny Williams and second row Sam Williams. Both players are only just out of youth, so will surely be candidates for this award in future seasons.

Upcoming fixtures — First XV

Some rearranged dates below for your diaries. The remaining league fixtures look as follows:

Saturday, 12 April — Rumney (h)
Wednesday, 16 April — Llanharan (a)
Saturday, 19 April — Llanharan (h)
Tuesday, 22 April — Bargoed (a)
Saturday, 26 April — UWIC (a)
Tuesday, 29 April — Newport Saracens (a)

An evening for the supporters

On Saturday, 19 April Llantrisant RFC will be holding an evening to thank the supporters. This will be the last home game of the season — Llanharan at home. It will be an evening to enjoy and look back on the season. Live music will be in the form of top band Cornerstone. Supporters will also be asked to give their nominations for the Supporters Player of the Year award.

Tickets for this event are on sale behind the bar in the club, priced at £5.00 each.

All votes must be handed to Team Manager, Lee Kerslake.

As an added extra, there is also a pre-match buffet for all the players wives, girlfriends etc to thank them for their support through the season.