Judgement Day - Lloyd Ashley

Lloyd Ashley of Ospreys was speaking at the GUINNESS PRO12 Supporters’ Night ahead of Judgement Day IV, we asked him a few questions about the big day, his role as captain and Wales’ chances in the Summer Tour.

Judgement Day in Cardiff, unfortunately injury will prevent you from being on the pitch, but you must be looking forward to the big day nonetheless?

Absolutely, I would love to be running out with the guys onto one of the best pitches in the world. It’s a huge honour for any Welsh team and to experience that in a big club derby is great for players and fans alike, so cannot wait to see it.

How would you describe the season so far from an Ospreys perspective?

The season hasn’t gone to plan really. Back in October, we were 1 from 6 which is not the start you want. We had a good European run and were in a great position going into the final round, but just fell short to Exeter which was disappointing. The important thing now is that we finish the season on a high with two big wins, the first here at Judgement Day.

You captained the side earlier in the season, how did you find that?

It’s huge honour to captain your region and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I took a lot of learning out of the experience and am a better player for it. Ospreys means so much to me, so to captain the side was a dream come through.

You’ve been fortunate to have some great mentors in the second row at Ospreys over the years, that must have helped.

Absolutely, playing alongside some greats such as Ian Gough, Alun Wynn Jones and Ian Evans teaches you so much, so I’ve been really lucky. My game wouldn’t be the same without them. They push you further and harder than you think you can go and have so much experience which is invaluable.

We heard you have a nickname in the dressing room. “Loud Lloyd” How did that come about?

Well it’s probably partly down to my loud monotone voice! It came about 3 years ago in a forwards meeting, I may have grunted to get my point across and it just took off from there! Haha

Looking towards the Summer tour, how do you rate Wales’ chances against the All Blacks:

If you look at the world Cup and how close we were to beating South Africa, I think it shows you the quality in the Welsh team. New Zealand on home soil will always be an incredibly tough ask, but I think Wales have it in them to take a scalp.

Lloyd Ashley of Ospreys was speaking at the GUINNESS PRO12 Supporters’ Night ahead of Judgement Day IV, an event that brings together all four Welsh regions and fans for one great day of rugby.

Interview by Fred Culazzo from www.TheRugbyPod.com