Welsh captain Ryan Jones has pulled out of the Wales vs Australia game tomorrow with a back problem he suffered in training on Tuesday.
This is a MAJOR loss for Wales as far as I am concerned.  On one hand we have a backrow that is far more balanced now.  Andy Powell has been moved to 8, his natural position.  That is great news in itself as he has been truly shocking at 6 and Gatland must have been mad to pick him there in the first place.  Dan Lydiate coming …

Well on rugby blogs and forums all over the world people are writing their preview of the big game, I wanted a turn at it!
So it happens like last year, we get to the end of the Autumn Internationals having won the games we were expected to and losing the games we expected to.  The question now comes – is this a game we expect to win or expect to lose?  In the last 3 Autumn International games we have won 2 and drawn one.  But in the World Cup …

Not the team, though I would be surprised if they are not, but the fans. It seems that despite the chance of being one of the worst Aussie teams ever they are confident of a win. Wonder what I am talking about? Check out the comments below this Aussie blog post.
Now the reason that I bring it to your intention is not to mock them, good for them if they are confident, nor is it to declare war on them – it is because it emphasized a …

Next on the list of items that might interest rugby fans we have – 2010 Rugby Hunks Calendar.  Of course this will only interest certain types of rugby fan really, women and gay men mostly, but it doesn’t stop it being a good present – even to those who aren’t really rugby fans!

Rugby Hunks
I certainly know my other half would love one… though to be honest I would rather get her a calendar of rugby’s greatest props, at least they make me look roughly normal sized. Maybe. OK, …

South African scrum half Ricky Januarie is to join the Ospreys on a short-term two week loan. It is in an effort to give him some game time, say Western Province, and find some form. This is all from this article here.  Further checking shows it is likely to be end of December/start of January.
From the Ospreys perspective this is an interesting loan signing. There is a need for cover as first choice Mike Phillips is out injured for a while yet, Nutbrown also has some time …

Part of the series of great presents for rugby fans everywhere – first up, a walking cane with seat attachment.

Walking Cane With Seat
If you have ever watched amateur rugby you know how good an idea a walking cane with seat is.  The ability to have an easily moveable seat with you when you are standing on the touchline is one that has crossed many a rugby fans head.
Lets face it, good as it is to watch amateur rugby, you still, at times, crave the comfort of being able to …

The Welsh team to play Australia in this years Autumn International has been named, and only one change has happened, with Dwayne Peel starting ahead of Gareth Cooper. Other than that head coach Warrent Gatland has said pretty much same again.
That means Tom Shanklin doesn’t recover in time to play, with Jon Davies staying at twelve and Jamie Roberts continuing at 13.
The bad news is that it means that Andy Powell continues at blindside flanker. God knows how, the guy hasn’t got the skills or technique to pull …

Cardiff Blues 2nd row Bradley Davies and Llanelli Scarlets full back Morgan Stoddart have both pulled out of the Welsh squad. Bradley Davies was due to be on the bench for the clash with the ‘Pumas’.
Bradley Davies injured his ankle on Tuesday and will be replaced on the Welsh bench by Jonathon Thomas, the Ospreys blindside flanker who has been playing most of his rugby at 2nd row this season.
Stoddart has a hamstring tear which will see him having to go tthrough 2 to 3 weeks rehabilitation.
No decision yet made …

Welsh and Ospreys full back is expected to be back in action very soon, at least according to team mate James Hook, who is currently occupying the full back position for Wales.
In an interview with the Western Mail, in which he again talks about his desire to play outside half, he says that Lee Byrne is expected back by the time James returns to the Liberty stadium from International duty.
“And with Lee expected back around the time I return to the Ospreys, they probably will move me back to 12. …

Moving on from what I am assured is a big steaming pile of dog waste, Forever Strong, we have a REAL rugby movie being released – Invictus, and man does it have some big names in it.
It is the story of the South Africa World Cup told from the perspective of Nelson Mandela (played by Morgan Freeman) and Francois Pienaar (played, oddly, by Matt Damon). I haven’t see it yet, only the trailer below, but I have to say i am excited by it.
Have to admit some confusion over …