Former Osprey and Crusader returns to Scorpions

South Wales Scorpions have signed former Ospreys and Crusaders utility back Jamie Murphy, plus experienced second row forward Richard Jones on a month loan from Gloucestershire All Golds.

Both will go straight into the side that will face North Wales Crusaders in the Big Welsh Derby on Saturday at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park (kick-off 5pm).

Murphy will need no introduction to Scorpions fans as he played for the club from 2010-12 making 35 appearances, scoring 13 tries and kicking 32 goals. He is sixth on the all-time points scoring chart for the club and made his debut in the club’s second ever game, which was an 18-8 win away at Doncaster. Originally with Bridgend Blue Bulls, where he became a Wales Dragonhearts international, he also made two Super League appearances for the old Crusaders side in 2011.

A Wales under 20 international in rugby union and under 18 and under 16 international in rugby league, the 26-year old started out in Cardiff Blues academy, also playing Premiership for Cardiff. He returned to union in 2012 and joined Ospreys where he made four first team appearances. He also played for Bridgend Ravens, Aberavon and Newport before returning to League with All Golds last year.

Murphy said: “I’m looking forward to pulling on a Scorpions Jersey again. It’s the club that I started out playing professional Rugby League with in 2010 and I have some very good memories from years gone by. I can’t wait to get started in Cardiff on Saturday in what is going to be a massive game for both teams involved and we will be trying our best to put in a performance to get those all-important two points.”

Richard Jones was Gloucestershire All Golds’ first ever professional signing in 2012 when he arrived from Keighley Cougars. He moved to the area to study a Masters degree in physical activity and health at the University of Gloucestershire.

After an excellent spell at Keighley, where he helped them to promotion in 2011, he was one of All Golds’ top performers for the first two years making 26 appearances, but he missed the entire 2015 season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

During that time, he moved into coaching and was Head Coach for Gloucestershire Warriors in Conference League South. He returned to full fitness this year and will be a big boost for the Scorpions pack as they go into the Big Welsh Derby.

Scorpions’ co-captain Paul Emanuelli is looking forward to playing alongside both players.

“I’ve not played alongside Jamie since we both played for the Dragonhearts back in 2009,” he said. “But I obviously know him well and I’ve followed his career over the years. He’s going to a big asset for us in his loan period over the next month when we’ve got three home games, and hopefully we can extend that loan and keep him for longer.

“I’ve played against Richard but not alongside him. Izaac Duffy, who has played with him at All Golds says that he’s a massive unit and will do some damage for us in the forward line. He’s another experienced player who will be a big help to us this month.”

Scorpions have named their 19-man squad but there will be late fitness tests for Emanuelli, Connor Farrer and Dai Evans.

North Wales Crusaders are without their Great Britain internationals Stuart Reardon and Stephen Wild. Tommy Holland is absent through injury and despite reported doubts over Andy Moulsdale, he has been named in their 19-man squad.

The day starts at 12.30pm with a Conference League South match between local rivals Valley Cougars and Torfaen Tigers before Super League Academy side Salford Red Devils give South Wales Scorpions’ under 20s their biggest test yet at 2.30pm. The Big Welsh Derby between Scorpions and Crusaders in Kingstone Press League 1 concludes events.

Tickets are priced at £10 for adults, £5 concessions and £1 for children. Hospitality tickets are priced at £30 per person or £250 for a table of ten. This ticket includes access to all three matches plus the celebrity dinner featuring the three former Wales and Great Britain stars. They can be bought by going to www.scorpionsrl.com.