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United-rugby-championship
After participating in just a single match in the previous year, Mason Grady is very eager to return to the field this weekend.
He was unable to play for around ten months after incurring a significant ankle injury while representing Wales against Fiji during last season’s autumn international series.
Subsequently, during his return for Cardiff Rugby in September’s exhibition game against Richmond, he suffered a shoulder issue that necessitated additional surgery and another period of absence.
It has been a particularly challenging period for a player who has consistently been regarded as one of Wales’ most promising talents, owing to the speed and strength he brings to the backline.
However, he has now recovered and is prepared to play on the right wing in Saturday’s BKT URC match against Zebre Parma in Italy.
Game Details
United Rugby Championship
Zebre
Cardiff Rugby
Cardiff’s head coach, Corniel van Zyl, stated: “Mason is undeniably eager to get back into action.
“Having not been involved with Wales during the summer, he actually had a good pre-season and trained exceptionally well.
“So it was unfortunate that he sustained that injury against Richmond.
“But he has worked diligently since then. He’s been really dedicated to getting back on the field. Now we can begin to evaluate him.”
There has been considerable discussion regarding Grady’s optimal position, with the 6’5, 117kg 23-year-old having played at wing and centre for both his club and country.
So, what are Van Zyl’s opinions on this matter?
“If you were to ask me personally, I believe he prefers to play on the wing,” said the South African-born former Italy international.
“He has played at inside centre for Wales and at outside centre for us in a couple of matches.
“However, considering everything that has transpired, I believe it is best for him to concentrate on a single position.
“While he is versatile, athletic, and physically imposing, I still believe it is best for him to focus on the wing for the time being.”
The player partnering the 15-times capped Grady against Zebre in the centre will be Harri Millard, who is excited about the opportunity to collaborate.
“I am an admirer of him and his playing style,” said Millard.
“I simply want to see him excel this weekend. Hopefully, he can put us on the offensive. I am genuinely excited to watch him perform.
“Perhaps he can pass the ball back inside to me, and I can score some more tries!”
Cardiff has had a strong start to the season in the BKT URC, winning four of their first five games and earning two bonus points in their only narrow defeat away to the in-form Munster Rugby.
Their victories were at home against the Lions, Connacht Rugby, and Edinburgh Rugby, and away against Dragons RFC.
“At the conclusion of many of those games, we were looking at each other and wondering, ‘How did we manage to achieve that?’” admitted Van Zyl.
“But the boys simply persevere. You can see how much they are fighting for the jersey, which is the only thing you can ask for.
“If you achieve the result while doing that, it’s even better.”
He continued: “We are striving to secure that victory outside of Wales, and this week presents another opportunity.
“It’s not going to be easy. Zebre has definitely made progress over the past 18 months. You only have to consider the victories they have achieved.
“They are a very difficult team to defeat. They pride themselves on some fundamental aspects of the game. They excel at the breakdown on both sides of the ball, and they have a few dangerous backs who can influence a game at any moment.”
In addition to Grady, fourth-placed Cardiff also welcomes back fellow Welsh internationals Cam Winnett and James Botham from injury, with Winnett starting at full-back and flanker Botham scheduled to make his first appearance of the season off the bench.
Botham is joined among the replacements by newly signed South African centre Cornel Smit and Bath hooker Max Pearce, who has arrived on a short-term loan to cover for the absence of Wales squad members Liam Belcher and Evan Lloyd.
