Boxing Day derbies: Welsh teams aim for festive bragging rights
- Published
Josh Adams, Lloyd Fairbrother, Gareth Davies and Adam Beard will be in action for their regions on 26 December
As people recover from their Christmas Day excess, Wales rugby players will be preparing for arguably the biggest day of the domestic calendar.
While Judgement Day at the end of the season might collectively attract more supporters, the two local matches on 26 December, the Boxing Day derbies, usually garners more interest and emotions.
The cash-strapped Welsh regions are struggling in the United Rugby Championship (URC) with all sides in the bottom half of the table.
There have been only two wins in eight games in European competitions and the four sides are battling to hold onto their top players for next season.
But for all the trouble and strife, on this day at least, there will bragging rights at stake and the opportunity to impress Wales coach Warren Gatland ahead of the 2024 Six Nations.
Cardiff will host Dragons in the first encounter at 15:00 GMT while Scarlets entertain Ospreys at 17:15 in Llanelli.
Cardiff joy with capacity crowd
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Local authority permission was sought to increase the capacity of the Arms Park to around 12,000 for this Boxing Day derby, such has been the demand for tickets, and a sell-out has been announced.
That comes on the back of a crowd of 10,158 for last weekend's thrilling Champions Cup clash with Bath at the famous old ground.
"This is what it's all about," said Cardiff coach Matt Sherratt.
"It was a great crowd against Bath and it's always busy on Boxing Day. I usually judge it by the amount of texts I get and I've had quite a few requests for tickets, so I've been popular this week.
"It will be fantastic for the guys to play in front of another packed crowd in a massive occasion, it's these type of games we live for as players and coaches."
Cardiff and Wales wing Josh Adams echoed those sentiments.
"The fact we've more or less sold out is brilliant, it makes it what it is," said Adams.
"I remember playing during Covid without crowds, it's just not the same. I'm so glad we can have hopefully a full house here and go after it."
Cardiff have only won two games out of nine this season, which included October's 16-9 victory over the Dragons at Rodney Parade, but have won plaudits with their attacking style.
"If we continue playing an exciting brand of rugby, supporters will carry on getting behind us and hopefully they can carry us to a win over Dragons," said Sherratt.
Dragons look to end losing streak
Dai Flanagan is in his second season as Dragons head coach
Dragons have lost their last 17 league matches against Cardiff.
"We've hidden away from the record too much," said Dragons head coach Dai Flanagan.
"We need to put it on the table in front of our face because we have to win on Boxing Day to change that record.
"We have to get rid of this fear or hindrance whenever we play Cardiff, we need to be brave and stare it in the eye.
"In the three games I've been involved we've been the better team but not got the win.
"We're looking forward to it, we've seen the ticket sales and it's clear the need and want for these ties is still there.
"It's the best time of year for rugby, perhaps the only people who would disagree are the players who sacrifice Christmas Day, but everyone loves being involved.
"We're tribal in Wales and these games mean a lot, it's not just bragging rights but personal battles and the ability to walk away with a win is critical."
Dragons prop Lloyd Fairbrother (left) and hooker Bradley Roberts (right) tackle a Cardiff attacker during a local derby in October 2023
Dragons prop Lloyd Fairbrother knows about the physical and emotional factors of these games having been sent off in 2018 at the Arms Park in a Boxing Day derby for striking then Cardiff prop Dillon Lewis.
"I can't hide away from that but I've matured and learned a lot since then," said Fairbrother.
"Sometimes emotions get the better of you and you make it too personal and start doing things off script.
"I learned a harsh lesson. I used to live opposite Dillon so it was a bit awkward the next morning! It was nothing personal and we shook hands.
"It's a massive game, it means everything. It's going to be a great atmosphere, we'll be smashing into each other and hopefully putting on a show. It's always fiery and niggly but I love it."
The uncapped prop is one of the players looking to catch Gatland's eye after playing for Wales against Barbarians in November.
"I'm up against some boys in the Wales squad and I'd be lying if I said it wasn't in the back of my mind," said Fairbrother.
"Dragons comes first but if Wales came knocking, I'd be honoured."
Scarlets looking to bounce back
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These games can also kick-start a struggling season and Scarlets will be hoping to do just that when they host Ospreys.
Dwayne Peel's side have lost seven of their nine games in all competitions, culminating in last weekend's shock 23-7 defeat at home to Georgian outfit Black Lion in the Challenge Cup.
A supporters group has expressed concern this week towards the hierarchy about how the organisation is being run and released a letter they had sent to the board.
Peel has experienced the derby as a coach and a player and knows what it means to supporters either side of the Loughor Bridge.
"It is good fun, I am on the other side of the fence now I am a coach," said Peel.
"It is always a massive fixture and an emotional game and a great occasion to be a part of.
"Beforehand you had the likes of the Neath and Swansea and Swansea and Llanelli rivalries. Now it is Scarlets and Ospreys."
Scarlets and Wales scrum-half Gareth Davies knows what a home win would mean.
"It's a new week, a derby week and the biggest game of the season for us," said Davies.
"I think it's the perfect game for us. A lot of people will think it would be the worst thing now to play against the Ospreys. But after the week we have had, hopefully we will be up for it. It's a massive fixture."
There will also be an extra emotional factor when former prop Samson Lee leads out the Scarlets onto the pitch after the Wales international was forced to retire earlier this month because of an Achilles injury.
Ospreys aim for west Wales double
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A packed Parc y Scarlets for this festive fixture will be the first for Ospreys head coach Toby Booth but he has been made aware of the occasion's significance.
"I have read a lot about previous games because it will be a new experience for me and it's obvious Scarlets on Boxing Day means a lot," said Booth.
"I know it's a hotly-contested game the respective regions look forward to.
"This is the west Wales derby. There are derbies and there are derbies like this. That is not to undermine any of the others. This is the one we know, especially from a location perspective, means the most."
Ospreys have already defeated Scarlets 31-9 in their home game in Swansea in November.
"We played well enough to earn a good home result but we are expecting a hostile welcome," said Booth.
"Sport is full of emotion which is great because that's what gets the juices flowing and people excited.
"We are in the entertainment business, so let's hope we can put on a good show."
Wales lock Adam Beard is hoping Ospreys will complete the double as he captains the side.
"It's a pretty intense time for a Welsh player," said Beard.
"It's exciting and I know Ospreys players enjoy the festive derbies. It's nice to go up against your counterparts and try and get bragging rights.
"It's always a good time to get the fans into stadiums and as big a crowd as possible.
"We enjoy coming up against the Scarlets. Historically it's always one of the biggest games to be a part of and something we can't wait to get stuck into.
"It's weird to play them so close together, I can't remember the last time we played them just four weeks apart.
"It was a great to get the bonus point win at home and hopefully if we can get our stuff right, maybe the same can happen again."