Welsh Rugby

  • Home
  • Rugby
  • Mason Grady Reckons Arms Park Brotherhood Can Inspire Cardiff

Mason Grady Reckons Arms Park Brotherhood Can Inspire Cardiff

David ParsonsDavid Parsons28 November 2023
Mason Grady in action against Vodacom Bulls - Credit Andrew Dowling

Mason Grady in action against Vodacom Bulls - Credit Andrew Dowling

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.

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.

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.”

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.”

Related News

Lionhearts, British and Irish Lions 2025

Jac Morgan And Tomos Williams Make Lions Tour . . . But It’s A New Low For Wales

Back in 2013, 10 Welsh players made the Lions XV for the final Test against Australia. Now, only two have made the squad.

David Williams | 13 hours ago
Jac Morgan of Ospreys. Pic: Alamy

Ospreys Need Perfect South Africa Trip . . . But Hope Lions Boost Will Inspire

The Ospreys are in South Africa as they search for a late surge to take them into the URC knockout stages.

Graham Thomas | 16 hours ago
Clwb Rygbi Cymry Caerdydd celebrate: Pic: Mike Jones/Replay Images.

Clwb Rygbi Cymry Caerdydd Celebrate Double Success After Worthington’s Malcolm Thomas Cup Final

Cardiff may be leading the Welsh charge in the URC this season, but they are not the only club from the capital enjoying a successful season, as Carl Field reports.

Carl Field | 16 hours ago
Gareth Anscombe of Wales. Pic: Alamy

Gareth Anscombe Excited For French Challenge As He Swaps Gloucester For Bayonne

Some people wrote him off years ago after successive knee injuries, but Gareth Anscombe insists he has plenty left in the tank.

Paul Jones | 18 hours ago
Wales Jac Morgan. Pic: Alamy

Only Two Welsh Players Considered Likely To Make Lions Tour

It’s the game everyone in Welsh rugby likes to play before Lions squad announcement day . . . how many Welsh Dragons will become British and Irish Lions?

Graham Thomas | 21 hours ago
Wales hooker Dewi Lake. Pic: Alamy

Lions Should Take Dewi Lake And Three Other Welshmen, Says 2013 Hero Richard Hibbard

Dewi Lake, Jac Morgan, Tomos Williams and Nicky Smith - those are the four Welsh players 2013 Lions tourist Richard Hibbard would take to Australia, as he tells Graham Thomas

Graham Thomas | May 07, 2025