Dai Sport

Cardiff’s two Joshes – Adams and Turnbull – are twinned in their shared determination to lift some of the dark clouds over the Arms Park this weekend. A last 16 meeting at home to Sale Sharks on Saturday evening has taken on added significance, beyond simply trying to make the quarter-finals in a tasty-looking Anglo-Welsh clash.

Russell Martin has done the double and now he is aiming for the quadruple – four successive Swansea City victories over bitter rivals Cardiff. No manager from either club had managed to do what Martin achieved last season, when he led the Swans to home and away victories.

The stage is set for 10 days of non-stop action as clubs and players from all over Wales descend on the home of Welsh rugby for the ‘Road to Principality 2023’ rugby jamboree. Last year saw record breaking numbers in almost every category as the fans flocked to watch the rising stars of the game, as well as established senior players representing clubs from across all divisions chase titles and lifelong memories of playing at the Principality Stadium.

Ashton Hewitt has had plenty of people tell him he should just stick to rugby and not express his opinions on anything else. But the Dragons RFC winger is not about to be silenced. Hewitt has come in for some horrendous abuse on social media over his efforts to combat racism and inequality. He admits it shocked him and got him down, but he is determined to keep on doing what he can to try and make a difference.

Sophie Ingle has moved a step closer to becoming a European champion, although Chelsea boss Emma Hayes was left “exhausted” after watching her side advance to the semi-finals of the Champions League. Wales captain Ingle – who came on as a second half substitute – was part of a Chelsea team who went through on penalties against reigning European champions Lyon at Stamford Bridge.

Steff Evans is the joint leading tryscorer in European rugby this season, has 13 caps for Wales, and is still only 28 – but expects no calls from Warren Gatland. The wing – whose finishing skills helped see off a star-studded Sharks team last week in arguably the best regional result of the season – reckons he won’t be required any more at Test level. It’s a harsh self-judgement, but Evans insists: “That boat has probably sailed for me.

Sioned Harries’ first trip to Scotland for the Six Nations was 12 years ago in her first year in the Wales Women’s team. That was a different world, with the women’s teams from all the nations playing as amateurs and second-class citizens. Not anymore!

Swansea City will be boosted for their derby clash against Cardiff City on Saturday by the return of Joe Allen, Jay Fulton, and Joel Latibeaudiere. While Allen missed the win over Bristol City due to an injury, Fulton and Latibeaudiere were serving suspensions.

Toby Booth believes his Ospreys side will face the best team in England “by some distance” when they tackle Heineken Champions Cup round-of-16 opponents Saracens on Sunday. While the Ospreys contest their first top-flight European knockout game for 12 years, Saracens are on familiar territory.

Wales coach Craig Knight has praised his young dragons after fighting their way back from 2-0 down against Montenegro to seal qualification for the European Under-17 Championships finals. Many teams would have folded under the disappointment of conceding two quick-fire goals in first-half injury time of their deciding group match.