Jump to main content

Parker Pen Shield Final Teams Named

Parker Pen Shield Final Teams Named

Castres coaches Christophe Urios and Philippe Berot have named a powerful side for Sunday’s PARKER PEN SHIELD final against Caerphilly at the Madejski Stadium, Reading – despite not having the services of inspirational hooker Raphael Ibanez.
The French star is on Barbarians duty, but hot favourites Castres Olympique have an able deputy in 27-year-old Remi Vigneaux.

Share this page:

International players are dotted throughout the side, with former French winger Ugo Mola teaming up with Italian Christian Stoica in a dangerous-looking backline. The multi-talented Laurent Marticorena lines up at fullback and French international Alexandre Albouy gets the nod at scrum-half.
The side will be captained by powerful lock David Barrier and also includes Argentinian international prop Mauricio Reggiardo and Uruguayan backrower Rodrigo Capo, while South African prop Brent Moyle and Moroccan hooker Djalil Narjissi are on the bench.
Caerphilly coach Mark Ring has named one of his strongest possible lineups in recent months as players return from injury.
All eyes will be on play-making fly-half Justin Thomas, while Joe El-Abd makes a welcome return to the backrow.
Reserve prop Robert Bilton will get a special mention if he takes part in the match – at 44, he would be easily the oldest participant in a European rugby final.

CAERPHILLY: F Tuipulotu; R Howells, R Higgett, R Boobyer, T Taufahema; J Thomas, A Chilten; L Manning, C Ferris (capt), D Sweet, D Davies, P Jones, G Jones, M Workman, J El-Abd.
Replacements: L Richards, G Lewis, R Bilton, G Liddon, F Vunipola, N Watkins, S Grainger.

CASTRES OLYMPIQUE: L Marticorena; U Mola, S Roque, A Stoica, L Arbo; R Teulet, A Albouy; M Reggiardo, R Vigneaux, J Garcia, D Barrier (capt), N Spanghero, R Froment, R Capo, G Taussac.
Replacements: J Narjissi, B Moyle, P Furet, J-M Bisaro, N Nadau, N Raffault, M Sans.

Partners and Suppliers

Principal Partners
Principality
Official Broadcast Partners
BBC Cymru/Wales
S4C
Official Partners
Heineken
Isuzu
Guinness