Last Saturday saw the four Welsh regional clubs battle it out, in the 2023 Judgement Day event at the Principality Stadium. A double-header day of action took place at the home of Welsh Rugby, as Ospreys took on Cardiff, and the Scarlets faced the Dragons.
Judgement Day marked the end of the regular season for the United Rugby Championship, as the event took place for the first time in three years. Cardiff lifted the Welsh Shield, as after the eighteen rounds of the regular URC season, they had performed the best out of the four Welsh clubs this season.
Cardiff put the sudden suspension of director of rugby Dai Young behind them, as they secured a 21-38 victory over Ospreys. This win took Cardiff to secure their spot in Europe for next season, with a tenth placed league finish in the URC table.
Cardiff back-rower Thomas Young shone at the Welsh national stadium despite his father Dai’s late withdrawal from the day, as the Head Coach was suspended after reported ‘staff complaints’. The former Wasp was reportedly ‘visibly upset’ in training ahead of the showdown against Ospreys, but was an integral part of his side’s victory, as he contributed two tries on the day.
Cardiff also saw tries from centre Max Llewellyn, winger Mason Grady, and replacement prop Rhys Carre. Fullback Rhys Priestland made no mistake from the tee, adding five conversions and two penalties to build an unobtainable lead for the Blues. Ospreys responded through tries by Sam Parry, Gareth Thomas and Dewi Lake, but could not catch up with Cardiff’s significant deficit.
The other game that was played at the Principality Stadium, saw the Dragons record a memorable victory over the Scarlets, to end their 10-match losing streak. The Newport side cruised to a 31-14 triumph over the Scarlets, with three out four tries opening the floodgates in a ten-minute window, during the first half.
Elliot Dee, Jordan Williams and Sio Tomkinson all scored in quick succession, with Angus O’Brien adding all three conversions. The Scarelts were left dazed by the sudden Dragons 21 point tally, yet crossed over for a first half try through scrum-half Kieran Hardy.
Carwyn Tupulotu gave the Scarlets a second half score, but a fourth Dragons try by Steff Hughes took the match out of sight for the Llanelli side, in the matches closing moments.