Relaxed Ring Reaping Rewards

"It's a massive achievement for Caerphilly to progress to the PARKER PEN SHIELD semi-final," said Ring, speaking after the draw for the home-and-away status was made.

"At the start of the season we didn't set out to win competitions. I told the players to go out and enjoy your rugby, and as a result I think we've been that bit more relaxed in Europe and that has shown in out play.

Caerphilly will travel to Italy for the first-leg on the weekend of April 11-13 (kick-off tbc) before the return leg two weeks later at Virginia Park.

"Personally I'm not bothered if we play home or away first, but the players have told me they are happy to play away first, so they have the result they wanted.

"Now it's just down to us performing over the two legs and hopefully we make it to the final.

"I think the draw had been kind to. Looking at the way Pau but away Ebbw Vale last weekend, they are clearly a strong side, as are Castres.

"This season we have managed to get to this stage by narrowly winning our home games by more than we have lost away - and we are going to need to play well again to beat Petrarca Padova.

The draw for the home and away status in the two legs of the PARKER PEN SHIELD semi-finals is:
FIRST LEG - 11 / 12 / 13 April, 2003
Castres Olympique v Pau
Petrarca Padova v Caerphilly

SECOND LEG - 25 / 26 / 27 April, 2003
Pau v Castres Olympique
Caerphilly v Petrarca Padova