the one that won the Harry Jepson Cup last August. 12 members of last seasons Blue Bulls squad have represented the Crusaders so far this summer although most will be available to play for the Bulls when not required by the Crusaders and will be duel registered.

But a number of new players have agreed to join the Bulls this season including Bridgend Ravens fullback Matthew Hutchings and Swansea fly-half Luke Richards, both of whom are very eager to play League in the summer after shining in the 15 man code.

Bridgend Athletic RFC duo Stuart Morris and Dylan Mafi will also be joining the British Cup winners. Morris, an Athletic stalwart who is currently with Maesteg has amassed many 100s of points during his career while Tongan wing Mafi has been a prolific try scorer with Bridgend Athletic this season and has also played for the Crusaders Academy.

Bridgend also welcome on board forward Neil Templeman who has represented the Wales Student this year and played for the Harlequins Academy. He can play at either prop or 2nd row and actually played against the Blue Bulls for South London Strom in last years Harry Jepson Cup semi-final.

Teenager Nick Roberts, who impressed in a one off appearance with the Bulls last season will join the squad after returning from Canada with the Crawshays U20s team while others who played a small part last season are likely to feature more this year including Maesteg trio Lee Ronan, Craig Hopkins and Ross McGraw and Ravens prop Craig Voisey.

As well as all the new signings many of the players who have kept the Bulls going over the past three years will return including Geraint Lewis who scored a hat-trick in this fixture last season and Craig Fox who has scored in all eight previous meetings between the two sides.

Despite having a strong squad the Bulls have been dealt a blow before their opening match with a number of players involved in Maesteg RFCs Premiership play-off match v Division 1 Champions Bonymaen, including Nathan Strong who is playing for the Old Parish side on permit from Pontypridd.

Bulls Chairman Simon Green said “it’s a big blow because the games v the Fighting Irish are always tough, but we have a good squad and can still put a good team out. But it will be tough and Aberavon will chuck everything at us”.

Ahead of the big game Fighting Irish coach Chris O’Callaghan said “the Bulls match is the biggest of the year for most clubs as everyone wants to defeat them. We are hoping to take full advantage as they are missing lots of good players due to Maesteg’s play off game and although we will fully respect them we will as always be showing our Fighting Irish spirit and doing our best to become just the third team ever to beat them. It will be a massive game, we want to start our season with a win and we’ll be doing everything possible to achieve it”

Prior to the match a minutes silence will be held in memory of Daryl Dyke a member of last seasons Blue Bulls squad who sadly past away shortly before Christmas. A special award, named after Daryl will be handed out at the end of the season to the player who shows the most commitment to the side.

Also in the Western Conference this Saturday the Swansea Valley Miners host the West Wales Sharks at Ystalyfera. It will be the Sharks first ever outing but they should not be underestimated and have many very good players to chose from The Miners will hope to get their season off to a good start after a disappointing season last summer

Article by Ian Golden & Simon Green
19 May 2006