Dan answers Cardiff SOS after announcing his pro retirement
JUST days after announcing his retirement from professional rugby, Dan Fish has answered an SOS call to turn out for Cardiff in Saturday’s Welsh derby clash with the Dragons.
The hugely popular 30-yearold revealed he was calling it a day during half-time of last Saturday’s meeting with the Sharks at the Arms Park.
A presentation was made to him on the pitch by life president Peter Thomas, with Fish declaring he was stepping away from the pro squad to focus on coaching the Academy and playing for the Premiership club side.
But now, less than a week later, he is back on duty due to Cardiff being hit hard by international call-ups and other absentees.
Rhys Priestland, Josh Adams, Ben Thomas and Owen Lane are all away on Wales duty, while Jason Tovey is ruled out due to Covid protocols, fellow No.10 Luke Scully is sidelined following knee surgery and Aled Summerhill is also unavailable.
So there is a surprise return for the versatile Fish, who will cover fly-half and full-back from the bench.
If he comes on, it will be his 115th appearance for the region, who he first lined up for way back in 2010.
Given the absence of Priestland and Thomas, there is a welcome comeback from Jarrod Evans who will wear No 10, having recovered from the sternum injury he suffered against Connacht just under a month ago.
Cardiff show nine changes from the side that beat the Sharks, with Rey Lee-Lo returning to form a new-look centre partnership with Max Llewellyn, while Hallam Amos comes in on the wing against his former region.
Prop Brad Thyer joins Fish on the bench, with his loan deal with Glasgow having come to an end last week, as young Ellis Bevan provides the scrum-half cover.
While the home side have 10 players in Wales camp, the Dragons have six unavailable for the same reason – all forwards.
Their boss Dean Ryan has made 11 changes from the side beaten by the Stormers last weekend, with Fijian tighthead Mesake Doge the only survivor in the pack.
Harrison Keddie comes back into captain the side from the blindside flank, with Rio Dyer returning on the wing.
Cardiff director of rugby Dai Young said: “We’d certainly like to think the boys stepping up are looking forward to their opportunity and to put their hands up.
“When Cardiff go out there to play Dragons, it’s a big rivalry and everyone wants to get that result.
“It’s been great to hear the singing and cheering of the home supporters getting right behind the team in recent weeks.
“It does make a difference and we’re hoping for more of the same. It would be great to see a lot of Dragons supporters here as well.
“Hopefully they come out in their numbers and have a really enjoyable occasion.”
Cardiff Rugby: Matthew Morgan; Jason Harries, Rey Lee-Lo, Max Llewellyn, Hallam Amos; Jarrod Evans, Lloyd
Williams; Corey Domachowski, Kirby Myhill, Dmitri Arhip, Matthew Screech, Rory Thornton, Josh Turnbull (capt), Will Boyde, James Ratti. Reps: Kristian Dacey, Brad Thyer, Will Davies-King, Teddy Williams, Shane LewisHughes, Ellis Bevan, Dan Fish, Garyn Smith
Dragons: Jordan Williams; Jonah Holmes, Jack Dixon, Aneurin Owen, Rio Dyer; Sam Davies, Rhodri Williams; Aki Seiuli, Taylor Davies, Mesake Doge, Joe Davies, Joe Maksymiw, Harrison Keddie (capt), Ben Fry, Ollie Griffiths. Reps: Ellis Shipp, Greg Bateman, Chris Coleman, Huw Taylor, Dan Baker, Gonzalo Bertranou, Josh Lewis, Jared Rosser.
Referee: Ben Whitehouse (WRU)