JDV A BUZZ FOR ALL

This is as ticket sales for the pro rugby double-header at Principality Stadium on Saturday 15th April soar through the 50,000 mark.

The Newport Gwent Dragons coach, will send his side in search of a first victory in five Judgement Day attempts in nine-days’ time.  

But Jones is unrelenting in his enthusiasm for the big occasion: “Everyone gets excited and there’s a real buzz about,” he said. “Players want to play in it coaches want to be part of it, it’s a great experience. The fact that Gavin Henson [who has recently signed for the Dragons] texted me yesterday and said I can’t wait until next year so I can play in Judgement Day, says it all really, he’s already looking at it a year away.” 

And Robin McBryde, the Wales coach who will lead his country on their summer tour in June, has thrown down the gauntlet to the players on display to show what they are capable of ahead of his selection process. "It will be a huge occasion and we as coaches want to see how the players react under that type of pressure,” said McBryde. “Judgement Day provides a great stage for them to show what they can do. Any experience you get at Principality Stadium is special because it’s just a fantastic venue to play in, plus the fact that it’s a double-header makes it all the more unique."      

Dragons captain Lewis Evans, who was named in Wales training squads in 2009 and 2011 and has played international age grade and sevens rugby, but remains uncapped, is one who will be keen to impress McBryde but he is looking forward to the event for its own sake too. “I’ve been involved in two [Judgement Days] so far and been injured for two so I’ve had the benefit of seeing the on and off-field side of things,” said Evans. “So as far as being a part of it, it’s a fantastic thing for the regions and I know that all the boys are certainly looking forward to this one, but I think it’s fantastic off the field as well.” 

Tickets for Judgement Day V are available at £10 per person from the WRU website (where print-at-home is available), or by calling 0844 847 1881, in person from the WRU Ticket Office on Westgate Street.