Welsh Clubs Maintain Challenge Cup Hopes Ahead of Festive Derbies

The four Welsh professional rugby teams—Cardiff, Dragons, Scarlets, and Ospreys—each recorded one victory and one loss during the initial stages of the European Challenge Cup. However, European competition will now be temporarily set aside as the focus shifts to upcoming festive derby matches for these Welsh clubs. After the completion of the first two rounds, the Challenge Cup competition is scheduled to resume in mid-January. The weekend yielded varied results for the Welsh teams. Following an opening round where only Ospreys secured a win, Toby Booth’s team subsequently experienced a record European defeat, losing 59-15 to Montpellier. Conversely, Scarlets and Cardiff both achieved home victories, defeating Black Lion and Cheetahs, respectively. Additionally, Dragons secured an away win against Newcastle at Kingston Park. Consequently, all four Welsh teams are still contenders for advancing to the knockout phase of Europe’s secondary rugby competition. Despite the approaching Christmas period, the upcoming week is anticipated to be eventful for Welsh rugby, with discussions surrounding the future of Wales head coach Warren Gatland among the key topics. The Welsh teams, however, intend to concentrate on their on-field performances. Dragons marked their first away victory of the 2024-25 season by defeating Newcastle. Dragons’ achievement warrants significant attention, as it represents only their second win of the season and their first in nearly three months. This win was their first since the season’s opening day match against Ospreys, and it also marked the inaugural success for interim head coach Filo Tiatia, who assumed leadership after Dai Flanagan’s departure. “I’m proud of the effort and happy we came out the other side,” Tiatia stated. He added, “The boys dug in deep and there were good moments.” The victory was sealed by tries from prop Rodrigo Martinez, number eight Aaron Wainwright, and full-back Huw Anderson. However, there were injury concerns for lock George Nott, who was stretchered off during the second half due to a worrying head injury. Dan Lydiate, aged 36, delivered a standout performance on his 100th appearance for Dragons, showcasing his enduring skill more than 17 years after his debut for the Gwent-based team. Wainwright’s resurgence in form is particularly opportune, given the impending Boxing Day derby against Cardiff, scheduled for 26 December at Rodney Parade. Taulupe Faletau has represented Wales in over 100 international matches. Wainwright might face fellow Wales number eight Taulupe Faletau, who recently returned to play after an eight-month injury layoff, featuring for Cardiff against Cheetahs. Faletau delivered a notable and skillful 52-minute performance, executing 16 carries and 13 tackles. Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt commented, “It was brilliant and I am chuffed for him.” He added, “He’s worked hard and, as always, he goes out there and oozes class. Having his name on the team-sheet gives everyone a boost in Welsh rugby.” Faletau’s return to full fitness coincides with that of fellow British and Irish Lion Josh Adams, the wing having been out of action for six months. Adams, 29, delivered a player-of-the-match performance against Cheetahs, scoring two tries. Sherratt remarked, “He looks sharp at the moment.” He continued, “It was his third game back and while he probably did not have a lot to do but what he did and always does, is top class.” Elsewhere, Liam Williams scored a try on his return for Saracens in their Champions Cup away victory over Stade Francais, while Dafydd Jenkins came off the bench for Exeter in their significant loss to Toulouse. This suggests that the Wales national team, which has been facing challenges, will likely have a greater selection of established and experienced players for next year’s Six Nations, regardless of who is coaching. Tom Bowen, a centre, is the son of former Scarlets fly-half Gareth. Beyond the seasoned players, the second weekend of European competition highlighted the emergence of promising young talent. Wales Under-20s full-back Anderson delivered an impressive player-of-the-match performance for Dragons in his debut start. Tiatia commented, “Huw certainly lit it up, he was exciting.” He added, “We know what he can do, like most young guys they just need a chance and he was very good.” Eighteen-year-old wing Tom Bowen also scored a try for Cardiff on his debut, displaying an electrifying running style that Adams likened to the cartoon character “Road Runner”. Bowen received considerable support during his inaugural start for Cardiff. Sherratt noted, “I’ve just been mobbed by about 50 of his family out there.” He quipped, “I think he brought half his village.” Bowen’s inclusion in the squad followed by one week the debut given by Sherratt to 18-year-old centre Steffan Emanuel. Sherratt articulated, “I wanted two things out of this Challenge Cup competition.” He elaborated, “We’d love to get a home game at the Arms Park in the knockout stages at some point. And we wanted to grow the squad. So rather than chucking them all in at once, putting Tom in a backline with Cameron Winnett and Josh Adams around him, or Steffan last week with Rey Lee-Lo, it’s about giving them that first experience. We’re chuffed for both of them.” Dwayne Peel, the head coach for Scarlets, previously played as a scrum-half for Wales. The initial festive derby match is scheduled for next Saturday in Swansea, where Ospreys will host their west Wales rivals, Scarlets. Both teams enter the upcoming fixture following divergent outcomes from the past weekend. Scarlets are encouraged by their bonus-point 36-18 home win against Georgian team Black Lion, a match that included two tries from their captain, Josh Macleod. Scarlets are mindful of their recent record against Ospreys, having not secured an away league victory in this encounter since October 2017. Head coach Dwayne Peel stated, “It is a big week ahead of us.” He added, “It is potentially the last at the Swansea.com Stadium, so it’s going to be a great occasion. A festive derby is great for everyone and something people in west Wales can get behind.” His squad is also taking this fixture seriously, with Scarlets and Wales prop Kemsley Mathias noting that the date of 21 December is “circled in the calendar.” Mathias commented, “We know how important an Ospreys derby is, so it’s important we get our heads right.” He continued, “It’s special. There are a few new boys in the fold so we need to make sure they know the importance of next weekend. It’s definitely a must win for us.” Ospreys are recovering from a poor performance in France, which also saw injuries to captain Jac Morgan and fellow Wales internationals Gareth Thomas and Owen Williams, in addition to lock Adam Beard who was already out. Ospreys need to rebound in a match they are promoting as “the derby like no other.” The atmosphere generated by both teams and the attendance next weekend will indicate the validity of this ambitious assertion. “I was worried it was going to get dark out there.” This was Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel’s comment regarding his team’s Sunday early afternoon game against Black Lion, which extended beyond two hours due to the all-French refereeing team’s extensive use of the television match official (TMO).