SCARLETS STARS LINE-UP FOR MARK JONES’ TESTIMONIAL GAME THIS WEEKEND

SCARLETS STARS LINE-UP FOR MARK JONES’ TESTIMONIAL GAME THIS WEEKEND

Parc y Scarlets will pay tribute to one of Wales’ most popular and committed rugby wingers, Mark Jones, this Saturday afternoon (21^stAugust, 3pm) as the Scarlets take on Worcester Warriors at home for the former captain’s testimonial match.

And as a mark the standing and respect held by the career Scarlet, who announced his retirement from playing this summer through injury, the region will field a top billing line-up against Worcester Warriors for the pre-season friendly.

Returning to action at Parc y Scarlets for the afternoon kick-off (3pm) will be a host of the Scarlets first team players including Regan King, David Lyons, Morgan Stoddart, Josh Turnbull and Rhys Priestland.

As well as showing their pride and respect for Mark Jones, Scarlets supporters will get their first chance to give a warm Parc y Scarlets welcome to new signing on loan from Bath, 26-year old Samoan international, Jonny Fa’amatuainu.

The skillful Samoan international, who can play both in the back or second row has won 11 test caps between 2005 and 2009 and is known for dynamic running and flair which has made him a firm favourite amongst Bath fans.

And with plenty of experience up front in the shape of Deacon Manu and Iestyn Thomas, Scarlets supporters can look forward to an exciting afternoon of summer rugby.

Team selection Scarlets – starting XV will be:  Morgan Stoddart, Joe Ajuwa, Gareth Maule, Regan King, Rhys Priestland, George North, Martin Roberts, David Lyons, Josh Turnbull, Jonny Fa’amatuainu, Damien Welch, Lou Reed, Deacon Manu, Emyr Philips, Iestyn Thomas. Replacements will be finalised on Thursday.

Scarlets Head Coach Nigel Davies said:  “Our philosophy and commitment to developing talent from within our region was fully demonstrated last weekend against Gloucester, when we played nine development players and an additional three from within our region who are not contracted within our first team squad.

“Against a pretty much full strength Gloucester side, we took a lot out of the game and saw some very promising displays from a number of our emerging players.  It was important to test them in the pre-season and for them to come-up against some top-class players away from home.

“We also employed a number of new playing systems for the first time. Pre-season is all about planning and getting our preparation right for the forthcoming season, and we had a clear strategy on team selection for the trio of friendly games which balances the needs of the squad and phasing of our players into match play at the right time.

“One of the main priorities of the pre-season phase is to ensure we get good conditioning gains with regard to power, strength and speed. This is the only real time that we can significantly affect this without the demands of the season and happens over a minimum period of four weeks, without any major contact sessions, which may cause injury and impact this crucial part of our preparation.

“Many of our international players have only been back in full training with us for three weeks now after their rest and recovery period from the summer tours,” said Davies, adding that that the final friendly of the pre-season (Fri 27^thAugust, Parc y Scarlets 7pm v Exeter Chiefs) would see the return of some of the squad’s international talent including Ken Owens, Jon Davies, Rob McCusker and Tavis Knoyle.

The Scarlets Head Coach said that that the team were looking forward to Saturday’s clash against the Warriors and hoped Scarlets supporters would turn out in numbers to support Mark Jones’ big game.

Davies said: “We’re hoping for a good crowd for our first home game of the summer to support Mark, who has been a great player and ambassador for this rugby region.

“He’s always been a team player and has been a committed Scarlet for more than a decade.  This is our chance to thank him for that commitment and service and I’m sure knowing how popular he is both with fellow players and our supporters, that the game on Saturday afternoon will be something to look forward to and have a great atmosphere.”

Mark Jones enjoyed 12 seasons with the Scarlets and was granted a testimonial year by his region last year.  A career Scarlet, Jones has been a hugely popular amongst fellow players and supporters, playing 164 times for his region and scoring 425 points (85 tries). He played his first Scarlets game against Saracens on 26 August 1998. He has won 47 caps for Wales, scoring 13 tries for his country and was part of the Grand Slam winning team in 2008. Jones has recently been appointed the Scarlets new Skills Coach working across the region’s structure from age-grade through to first team players.

For tickets and more information about Mark Jones’ testimonial game please contact the ticket hotline on 0871 871 8088 or visit www.scarlets.co.uk.