By David Parsons
Wales World Cup wing Mason Grady claims there is a new “brotherhood” of local talent ready to take Cardiff Rugby out of the doldrums and push them up the URC table.
Speaking in the wake of his man of the match performance in his side’s dramatic 31-24 home win over the Stormers, the 21-year-old said the region’s investment in young, home-grown talent is reaping rewards.
Cardiff may have won the Welsh Shield last season, but they lost their head coach, suffered wage cuts and had their squad numbers slashed.
Perfectly timed throw from Evan Lloyd, brilliant decoy from Mackenzie Martin and some sharp hands from Ellis Jenkins, all building up to getting Mason Grady hitting a gap at speed.
No stopping him from there. pic.twitter.com/G6QsEy5lkh
— Cardiff Rugby Life (@CardiffRugbyWeb) November 27, 2023
But the last gasp win over last season’s runners-up, and the 2022 champions, on Friday night had the Arms Park crowd buzzing and the players feeling they are at the dawn of a new age.
“If you put a bit of belief into younger boys they will show you what they can do. All they need is a bit of game time,” said Grady.
“I’m playing with players I’ve grown up with and we all stick together. It’s a really good environment to be in at the moment – it’s like a brotherhood. I’ve been playing with Evan Lloyd since U11 and to see him coming through is just great.”
11 – @Cardiff_Rugby’s Mason Grady beat 11 defenders v the Stormers, the most by any player in the #URC at the weekend and his highest tally in a @URCOfficial match; in fact, it was the most by a Cardiff player since Willis Halaholo beat 12 v the Cheetahs in April 2018. Threat. pic.twitter.com/0N06HDx8Jn
— OptaJonny (@OptaJonny) November 27, 2023
Grady was one of four try scorers as Cardiff posted their second win of the campaign and he believes the fighting spirit and backs-to-the-wall approach adopted by head coach Matt Sherratt is proving crucial.
“We have been underestimated this season. As Tomos Williams told us last week, we need to be playing with a chip on our shoulder,” added Grady.
“We showed a lot of character to stick in it after being 14-0 down. We’re a very young team but that showed there is potential to build on this over the next few years – it’s very exciting.
“We’ve lost three, but we could be six from six. It’s always good to be the underdogs and it is a really good environment at the moment.
“I feel as though I’ve got my MoJo back and playing on the wing is giving me a bit more freedom.
“When I was younger, I used to hate the fact they played me on the wing, but now I just look at it as an opportunity to have a bit more freedom and do what I’m good at.
“I get involved in more first phase attack. I’ve been given a licence to get my hands on the ball as much as possible and then do what I want.
“I’ve always said I’m a centre who can play wing, but I’m happy as to play wherever. Matt has given me a licence to roam.
“I was frustrated game time wise during the World Cup. That motivated me to start well this season.
“I learned a lot off the senior players, and I improved my rugby knowledge from watching so many games.”
Second-half tactic for Cardiff: Get the ball in Mason Grady’s hands as often as possible.
Takes some stopping. pic.twitter.com/3CrYTrWgvG
— Ben James (@benjames1796) November 24, 2023
