By Richard Kitzinger richard@westcountrywills.co.uk 07504 991893
Missing your rugby fix? Well, don’t despair. OK, if you’re a fan of the England national side, despair quite a bit, but locally there’s exciting fare at Taunton RFC’s Veritas Park home on Hyde Lane this Saturday where the opposition is international.
Somerset’s county town club has warmed up for the coming season with victories over Clifton and Chard but this weekend may well present a sterner test with the visit of traditional pre-season opponents Cardiff Met University. The students play in the Welsh Championship where they finished sixth last season. Expect a physical encounter on the field and vociferous support in the stand from the legions of rugby-loving undergraduates who will cross the bridge and partake of some cider.
Steeped in rugby tradition, Cardiff Met is the alma mater of such all-time greats as Gareth Edwards and JJ Williams as well as current internationals Alex Cuthbert and Alex Dombrandt. Former Taunton lock Sam Skinner, meanwhile, has this week been announced in the World Cup squad for Scotland and will head to France to compete for the Webb Ellis Trophy.
Titans have recently announced their retained players lists ahead of the new season in National League One. Head Coach Tony Yapp has also been busy recruiting new signings and the fixture against Cardiff Met presents an opportunity for some of them to work their way into the starting line-up with the first league encounter looming a week later at home against Blackheath.
The Warriors play at 1pm ahead of Titans vs Cardiff Met University at 3pm. Entry is just £5 on the gate. Proper Cornish pasties will be available throughout.