Cardiff first team coaches Richie Rees and Duane Goodfield were out on the road this week, assisting Cardiff Met and Cardiff University in their preparations ahead of Wednesday’s sold out BUCS Super League derby at the Arms Park.
Thousands of students are expected to embark on the iconic home of Cardiff Rugby on Wednesday for one of the highlights of the university rugby calendar. With only five points separating the sides in their three encounters last season, another thriller is expected under the lights as they face off for the first time in this campaign.
The Cardiff University side includes academy members Theo Bevacqua, Gwilym Evans and Adam Williams, while Cardiff Met will be led by captain and Wales under-20 international Joe Cowell, who featured for Cardiff in last season’s memorable Champions Cup tussle with Toulouse.
Rees and Goodfield, who progressed from the academy into the first team backroom staff, attended the team’s final sessions ahead of the capital showdown, giving their insight both on and off the field.
Up first were Danny Milton’s Cardiff Met, with the Cardiff duo presenting to members of the squad at the university’s Cyncoed campus about in a team meeting environment.
Later on Monday evening, they travelled to Cardiff University’s facilities at Llanrumney, undertaking an on-field session alongside the coaches team of Alan Flowers, Chris Davies and former Cardiff and Wales prop, Scott Andrews - who is also a member of the club’s academy staff.
The work with both sides focused on structure and tactical detail, as well as more technical aspects of the contact area.
Speaking following the event, Rees - who studied at both universities - said: “It was a privilege to be able to attend the sessions and give our professional insight, but also share ideas with the playing group and coaching team of both sides.
“We’re very fortunate here in Cardiff to have two excellent university sides competing in the BUCS Super League, and I’m sure Wednesday is set to be another closely fought encounter between these two teams and a night to remember.
“We were able to speak to both coaching teams to find out how we could best assist the sides in the build-up to one of the biggest fixtures of the season, and in fairness the players were engaging throughout and the sessions proved to be valuable.
“We’re excited to see their work coming to fruition on Wednesday in front of a packed Cardiff Arms Park.”