Blues duo keen to play in opener
CARDIFF Blues boss John Mulvihill has revealed what will happen now with Jarrod Evans and Owen Lane following their disappointment at missing out on the World Cup.
Fly-half Evans and winger Lane failed to make the cut for the 31-man squad for Japan after starting against Ireland at the Principality Stadium last weekend.
They have now been told by their region to take a complete break from rugby for the next two weeks.
But they have made it clear they want to play in the Blues’ opening Guinness PRO14 game against the Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth on September 28.
So they will travel out with the rest of the squad for a nine-day stay in South Africa, which includes a training camp in Cape Town and culminates in the clash with the Kings at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
Head coach Mulvihill revealed how the two youngsters have taken their World Cup omission.
“Both Jarrod and Owen came in and spent some time with the coaches and the players this week,” he said.
“Both of them were very disappointed about not making it. “They will get over that in time. “They have spent four or five months absolutely at the grind, getting their bodies ready for a World Cup.
“They have both played Test matches recently, so they are forever grateful for that.
“For those guys now, it’s about having a bit of time away.
“We don’t expect them back into the programme until September 19.
“I have said to them if they don’t need to be treated, just don’t come in.
“We want two fresh players walking back in the door because they are important to our programme.
“More importantly, both of them really want to play in the Kings game and get started again.
“We will welcome them back with open arms and they will be available for that game.”
A number of the players who will feature in the PRO14 opener in South Africa get a run out today for the region’s A team against a Dragons XV in the Celtic Cup at the Arms Park (3.30pm).
Former Scarlets back rower Will Boyde makes his Blues bow among the replacements, with fly-half Jason Tovey also on the bench as he begins his second spell with the Cardiffbased side.
For the Dragons, there will be first outing for Welsh international No 10 Sam Davies following his move from the Ospreys.
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