Ospreys V Perpignan - Team Announcement

17th October
Rugby

The Ospreys team to face Perpignan in the Heineken Cup on Saturday 18th October 2008 at the Liberty Stadium, kick off at 3.30pm, will be as follows:-

15 Lee Byrne 14 Tommy Bowe 13 Andrew Bishop 12 James Hook 11 Shane Williams 10 Daniel Biggar 9 Rhys Webb   8 Filo Tiatia 7 Marty Holah 6 Ryan Jones © 5 Ian Evans 4 Alun-wyn Jones 3 Adam Jones 2 Huw Bennett 1 Paul James

Replacements:

16 Richard Hibbard 17 Duncan Jones 18 Ian Gough 19 Andrew Lloyd 20 Tom Smith 21 David Bishop 22 Jonny Vaughton

The following players were not considered due to injury:

  • Jonathan Thomas will undergo surgery on an ongoing groin injury today (Friday) and will be out of action for up to six weeks
  • Rhodri Wells took an impact to his shoulder during the Heineken Cup match against Leicester Tigers that could see him sidelined for up to four weeks
  • Nikki Walker suffered a fracture to a small bone in his hand against Leicester. We will be able to resume playing when the pain and swelling settles sufficiently and is hopeful of returning to action against London Irish in two weeks time
  • Sonny Parker is recovering well after tearing a chest muscle against Harlequins and is hopeful of being available for selection against London Irish
  • Jamie Nutbrown resumes light training next week and is optimistic about making the London Irish match
  • Kristian Phillips is responding well to rehab following a shoulder injury and is about four weeks from a come back
  • Cai Griffiths is regaining strength and function in his injured ankle and hopes to start running within two weeks, with a view to making himself available in mid-November
  • Gareth Owen is sidelined for up to four months following ankle ligament surgery
  • Mike Phillips underwent a minor keyhole procedure last week to help his knee settle down and is looking to return to action in December
  • Ben Lewis is approximately one month off returning to competitive rugby following his ACL reconstruction

      Ospreys Coach Sean Holley commented:

      "We're all looking forward to our first home game in this season's Heineken Cup and playing in front of our biggest crowd of the season, it's going to be a great afternoon of rugby and a tremendous occasion. In our opening Pool match at Leicester last Sunday we showed great character and could have got a lot more than the bonus point we achieved.

      "Perpignan have had a very good start to the season and will present a very different proposition for us, but it is a challenge we are looking forward to. They have a strong squad and are one of the wealthiest clubs in the competition with huge ambitions. Traditionally they are a handful up front, they possess an effective kicking and running game so it will be a real test for us.

      "We welcome back Huw Bennett and Filo Tiatia in the pack after strong performances off the bench last week. There is real competition for places in the squad, despite some injuries, and the players selected are going into his match knowing that they have the responsibility of keeping hold of the shirt. All the boys are looking forward to coming back to the nest for what is a big game in the context of this Pool, and well aware that a big performance and a win is essential to us if we want to progress to the knockout stages of the tournament."

      PERPIGNAN have announced a 24 man squad which is as follows:   Mas, Freshwater, Pulu, Bozzi, Guirado, Tincu, Geli, Olibeau, Alvarez-Kairélis, Vilaceca, Britz, Perez, Chouly, Vaki, Guiry, Cusiter, Durand, Mélé,Manas, Sid, Planté, Candelon, Porical, Burger   Forthcoming fixtures are as follows:
    • Sunday 26th October - Ospreys V Worcester - EDF Energy Cup - Liberty Stadium - 3.05pm
    • Sunday 2nd November - London Irish V Ospreys - EDF Energy Cup - Madejski Stadium - 3.30pm
    • Friday 28th November - Edinburgh V Ospreys - Magners League - Murrayfield - 7.30pm

        All fixtures are subject to change