Neath ace Gibson in call-up for Blues game

NEATH scrum-half Scott Gibson has been summoned for British and Irish Cup duty ... not by his home region Ospreys, but by Cardiff Blues!

However, Blues Premiership Select coach Justin Burnell insisted the call was made for the clash with Leinster A at Pontypridd because of injuries to Dane Blacker, Lewis Jones and Jamie Hill, and the unavailability of Joel Raikes.

And Burnell, who was in charge of the Blues six years ago the last time they reached the knock-out stage of the European Cup, also believes Gibson was worthy of an opportunity at a higher level.

The 25-year-old from Onllwyn scored a try during an impressive display for Neath against Cardiff RFC in the Welsh National Cup last weekend.

“He looks a good player and wants a chance at a higher level. If the Ospreys can’t or don’t want to give him that opportunity why shouldn’t we?” said Burnell.

“We have got injury problems with Dane out for three months with a back problem while Lewis and Jamie have shoulder damage.

“All three of them are very good rugby players and the British and Irish Cup is about exposing players with potential to a higher level.

“I feel Scott is in that category. His call-up is no different to Dane appearing for the Dragons in the Guinness PRO14 earlier this season and performing very well.

“Wayne Evans, if he wasn’t injured, was an option from within the region, but I’m sure he would have been the first to acknowledge he’s at the latter stage of his career.

“Instead we are giving a lad who shone for Neath against Cardiff a chance which we hope he grasps. You never know where it could lead to and I applaud his attitude and that of Neath.”

Former Wales flanker and Neath team manager Martyn Morris said: “Despite our injury problems, Neath are always happy to see our players move up along the pathway.

“We are glad to see Scott having a chance. We will not hold Scott back and hope he goes well.”

But he added: “Quite what it says about all the scrum-halves in the Blues region, I don’t know.

“You would have thought that with clubs like Cardiff, Merthyr and Pontypridd going well, they might have something to say about it.”

Blues Premiership Select wrap up their British and Irish Cup campaign against Leinster A and English Championship leaders Bristol.

Blues have lost their four fixtures and cannot qualify for the knockout stage.