SHANE WILLIAMS TO REMAIN WITH OSPREYS & CO AFTER RETIRING
2nd February 2012
FINALLY all the speculation surrounding retired Welsh international, Shane Williams, has ended with the announcement from his club. Ospreys Rugby are delighted to confirm they have reached an agreement with Shane on a deal that will see him end his playing days with the region in May 2012, before taking up an ambassadorial role which will run for an initial two years until summer 2014.
One of the Ospreys ‘originals’, Shane was part of the first ever Ospreys squad in 2003, and has gone on to make 136 appearances for the region, scoring 276 points including a regional record of 54 tries.
Shane will continue playing for the Ospreys until the end of the current season, and in his new role will promote rugby in and around the region whilst also working in conjunction with the Ospreys existing and future commercial partners, local, national and international.
In addition to the ambassadorial role, he will also take up a similar post with the Ospreys long-term partners Cuddy Group, alongside his media commitments and personal business interests.
Ospreys Managing Director, Mike Cuddy, said:
“I’m looking forward to working closely with Shane the business man for the next 15 years, just as I have with Shane the rugby player for the last 15.”
Speaking about his new role, Shane commented:
“My future with the Ospreys was never in doubt. Things like this take time to sort out but I’m just delighted that I’m going to continue being a part of the region I love, the Ospreys.”
WALLABY CAPTAIN ROCKY ELSOM SET TO LEAD HSBC WARATAHS
31st January 2012
ROCKY ELSOM has been confirmed as captain of the HSBC Waratahs for the 2012 FxPro Super Rugby season.
A world-class flanker and renowned leader, Elsom -who debuted for Australia in 2005- led his country in 24 Test matches between 2009 and 2011, a record matched by only four players in Wallaby history.
In 2008 Elsom spent a year in Ireland with Leinster, and 3 years with ACT Brumbies before returning to NSW. Now 28, he previously represented the state on 66 occasions between 2003 and 2008, winning the 2007 Matthew Burke Cup for HSBC Waratahs Players’ Player of the Year.
Having undergone surgery on his right hamstring last November, Elsom is on course with his rehabilitation program, and is expected to return within the first month of the season.
In preparation, the Tahs will play two trial matches against Pacific Island opposition, firstly against Samoa at Tamworth (Friday February 10) then against Tonga at the Sydney Football Stadium on Friday February 17, kick off 7.40pm.
JOHN EALES MEDAL WINNER DAVID POCOCK TO CAPTAIN WESTERN FORCE
30th January 2012
WALLABY David Pocock has become just the second full time Captain of the Emirates Western Force and will lead the club this season after being elevated to the top job by Coach Richard Graham.
Pocock will take the reins from inaugural skipper Nathan Sharpe who superbly served the side in its first six seasons. Sharpe has given his full endorsement to Pocock to guide the club into a new era.
The transition from Sharpe to Pocock will allow the veteran lock to remain a key sounding board for the 23 year old who has served as an understudy in the position of vice-captain for the past two seasons.
"David aspires to be the best player in the world in his position and he holds himself to very high standards. He exhibits all the attributes you’d want to see in a leader and will be a strong character in representing the Emirates Western Force on and off the field," Emirates Western Force Coach Richard Graham said.
Pocock’s performances has earned nominations in the IRB ‘Player of the Year’ award in the past two seasons while in 2010 he took home the John Eales Medal and RUPA Medal for Excellence. He has played 55 times for the Emirates Western Force and is the fifth most capped player in club history.
The openside flanker grew up in Zimbabwe and emigrated to Australia in 2002. He has represented Australia at Schoolboys, U19s, Australia A, U20s and has been a Wallaby since 2008 with 40 caps to his name so far. Pocock joined Western Force in 2006.
ROBERT BROPHY APPOINTED ACTING IRB CEO
27th January 2012
IRB Chief Financial Officer Robert Brophy has been appointed acting Chief Executive of Rugby’s global governing body and acting Managing Director of Rugby World Cup Limited.
Appointed by the Executive Committee, Irishman Brophy will take up his new position on February 1 to continue to drive forward the IRB’s core business while a thorough independent recruitment process for a permanent successor to Mike Miller is conducted.
Miller is stepping down on January 31 after 10 years at the helm at the IRB and Rugby World Cup Limited, having overseen three massively successful Rugby World Cups, the re-inclusion of Rugby into the Olympics, the growth of the HSBC Sevens World Series and the creation of the IRB’s Strategic Investment Programme and Union Fund which have seen an exponential increase in funding to Tier 1 and Tier 2 Unions and emerging major market countries.
Brophy has served as the IRB’s Chief Financial Officer since 1996 and previously worked for KPMG and Diageo UK. A passionate Rugby man, he also represented Trinity College and Leinster at age grade during his playing days.
A thorough process to appoint a permanent Chief Executive will begin immediately with the IRB to select a leading global recruitment company.
HEYNEKE MEYER APPOINTED SPRINGBOK COACH
27th January 2012
HEYNEKE MEYER is the new Springbok coach after a Special General Meeting of the South African Rugby Union (SARU) ratified his proposed appointment in Cape Town on Friday, with unanimous support from the General and the Executive Councils of SARU.
The 44-year-old Blue Bulls rugby executive takes over from Peter de Villiers, who coached the Springboks from 2008 to 2011. Meyer has been offered a four-year contract and will take charge as head coach of the 1995 and 2007 Rugby World Cup champions for the first time against England in Durban on June 9.
“Having been involved with the Blue Bulls for so long, I’ve experienced first hand how passionate South African rugby supporters are,” said Meyer. “I know the importance of rugby in the South African psyche and will do everything in my power to ensure the Springboks remain among the pace setters of world rugby.
“I’m very happy to accept this enormous honour and massive responsibility,” he said.
Meyer was head coach of the Vodacom Bulls when they became the first South African team to lift the coveted Vodacom Super 14 trophy in 2007. Before that, he steered the Vodacom Blue Bulls to Absa Currie Cup titles in 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2006 (shared).
Meyer also has experience of coaching in the Springbok environment. He served as assistant coach to both Nick Mallett and Harry Viljoen at the Boks. He has also been a Springbok coaching candidate in the past.
SARU CEO Jurie Roux said decisions on Meyer’s support staff will only be taken later, in consultation with the new Springbok coach.
COACHING CAREER
1988-96: Coached a number of High School first teams, U21 sides and Carlton first teams in Pretoria.
1997: SWD Eagles asst coach
1998: SWD Eagles head coach (Vodacom Cup semi-finalists and Absa Currie Cup) 1998: Emerging Springboks head coach
1999: DHL Stormers asst coach (semi-finalists in Vodacom Super 12)
1999: SWD Eagles head coach (semi-finalists in Absa Currie Cup)
1999: Springbok asst coach (third place, Rugby World Cup)
2000: Vodacom Bulls head coach (Vodacom Super 12)
2001: Vodacom Blue Bulls head coach (Vodacom Cup champions) 2001: Springbok asst coach
2002: Vodacom Bulls head coach (Vodacom Super 12), Vodacom Blue Bulls head coach (Absa Currie Cup champions)
2003: Vodacom Blue Bulls head coach (Absa Currie Cup champions)
2004: Vodacom Blue Bulls head coach (Absa Currie Cup champions)
2005: Vodacom Bulls head coach (Vodacom Super 12 semi-finalists), Vodacom Blue Bulls head coach (Absa Currie Cup runners up)
2006: Vodacom Bulls head coach (Vodacom Super 14 semi-finalists), Vodacom Blue Bulls head coach (Absa Currie Cup joint champions)
2007: Vodacom Bulls head coach (Vodacom Super 14 champions)
2008-9: Leicester Tigers head coach
2011: Tuks Varsity Cup – Advisor
2011: Blue Bulls Company – Executive: Rugby
2012: Springbok head coach
PERSONAL
Date of birth: 6 October 1967
Age: 44
Place of birth: Nelspruit
Education: Bergvlam HS (Nelspruit), University of Pretoria
Degrees: BA (Psychology, Geography and Human Movement Science), Hons BA Geography), HED
Family: Married to Linda, three children
MEYER TO BE APPOINTED NEW BOKKE COACH?
25th January 2012
HEYNEKE MEYER, currently with the Blue Bulls, has a had a formal approach by the South African Rugby Union (SARU) for the position of Springbok Head Coach.
Meyer, who previously coached the Leicester Tigers, was expected to take over the position in 2008 from Jake White, but SARU then appointed Peter de Villiers in a decision that appeared to be more political than on merit, and the Springbok fortunes rollercoasted under the coach. Despite being the incumbent championship winners, the Springboks hastily exited the 2011 Rugby World Cup at the quarter final stage beaten by Australia under de Villiers.
A decision likely confirming the appointment will be formerly announced on Friday, 27th January, though it is known that the Blue Bulls are understandably reluctant to let Meyers go.
FRANCE DOMINATE THE EUROPEAN RUGBY SCENE
23rd January 2012
THE weekend saw the culmination of six hard fought rounds of European Cup rugby which was nail biting to the final 5 minutes on Sunday afternoon.
This year sees France dominate the knock-out stages yet again with six teams across the Heineken and Amlin Challenge Cups. But it is Ireland that has three of it's four professional sides in the senior competition, with Munster and Leinster topping the rankings, and Ulster sneaking in eighth position. Saracens is the only team representing England in the Heineken Cup after a thrilling match against Benetton Treviso who put up a spirited fight, but London Wasps, Harlequins and Exeter Chiefs have all qualified for the Amlin Challenge. Wales is represented by the Cardiff Blues who provided an exciting battle against Racing Métro 92 where the lead changed hands continually in the first half.
In front of a record crowd at Murrayfield, the 78th minute of the penultimate match of the Heineken Cup saw Edinburgh bag pole position in Pool 2 with a bonus point try, seamlessly converted by the brilliant Greig Laidlaw, despite the Scottish side losing three core players before kick off. They now have the daunting task of facing the tournament's most prolific champions Toulouse, but they will have home advantage.
The quarter finals shape up like this below, and simply click on the relevant logo for match reports and the semi final draws.
1 Munster |
1 Stade Français |
|
|
MUNSTER vs ULSTER 
LEINSTER vs CARDIFF BLUES
EDINBURGH vs TOULOUSE 
SARACENS vs CLERMONT 
STADE FRANÇAIS vs EXETER
BRIVE vs SCARLETS 
TOULON vs HARLEQUINS 
WASPS vs BIARRITZ 
KIDNEY KEEPS THE STATUS QUO FOR IRELAND
18th January 2012
WITH the exception of injured players and Shane Jennings, Ireland Coach Declan Kidney has announced his Rugby World Cup squad for the RBS Six Nations training camp in Limerick.
In addition to the 24 core players, 6 uncapped players from all four Irish clubs have been named who will train with the team.
The final Six Nations squad will be announced on Monday 30th January once the Irish Wolfhounds have played the England Saxons in Exeter the previous weekend.
IRELAND SQUAD
BACKS: Rory Best, Tom Court, Sean Cronin, Leo Cullen, Stephen Ferris, Cian Healy, Jamie Heaslip, Shane Jennings, Sean O'Brien, Donncha O'Callaghan, Paul O'Connell, Mike Ross, Donnacha Ryan
FORWARDS: Tommy Bowe, Gordon D'Arcy, Keith Earls, Rob Kearney, Fergus McFadden, Conor Murray, Ronan O'Gara, Eoin Reddan, Jonathan Sexton, Andrew Trimble, Paddy Wallace
ADDITIONAL PLAYERS: Ian Nagle*, Peter O'Mahony*, Tiernan O'Halloran*, Paddy McAllister*, Andrew Conway*, Simon Zebo*
Not considered due to injury: Brian O’Driscoll, David Wallace, Darren Cave, Felix Jones, Jerry Flannery, Eoin Griffen*, Denis Leamy, Niall Ronan.
For full details and all the news, schedules, squads etc. from the RBS Six Nations, click here:
THE 22 man O2 Ireland Wolfhounds squad includes several uncapped players as well as full internationals.
Commenting on the announcement, Ireland Coach Declan Kidney said, “The Wolfhounds game gives myself and the other coaches one final chance to give games to players to see possible options before we settle on our match day 22 for the opening game. It also gives us the opportunity to have a closer look in training at some of the younger players, rather than bringing in more experienced players, who are very much still in the frame for selection.
O2 Ireland Wolfhounds
FORWARDS |
BACKS |
Stephen Archer (Munster)* |
Isaac Boss (Leinster)
|
GATLAND NAMES 35-MAN SQUAD FOR PRE-6 NATIONS POLAND CAMP
18th January 2012
WARREN GATLAND has today announced the 35-man Wales squad, captained by Sam Warburton, travelling to Gdańsk, Poland for the 2012 RBS 6 Nations training camp.
Ospreys pair Ashley Beck and Rhys Webb, Blues wing Harry Robinson, Scarlets prop Rhodri Jones and colleague Liam Williams – who both featured in the training squad which faced the Wallabies last month – and Scarlets lock Lou Reed (lock) are the only uncapped players selected.
The extended squad will be reduced following the seven day Polish training camp.
“We have had to strike a balance with this squad, the majority are those players who excelled for Wales during the Rugby World Cup, but are also taking the opportunity to look at one or two youngsters before probably cutting our numbers even further before the start of the RBS 6 Nations,” said Gatland.
WALES SQUAD
BACKS: Mike Phillips, Lloyd Williams, Rhys Webb*, Rhys Priestland, James Hook, Jamie Roberts, Jonathan Davies, Scott Williams, Gavin Henson, Ashley Beck*, George North, Leigh Halfpenny, Alex Cuthbert, Harry Robinson*, Liam Williams*, Lee Byrne
FORWARDS: Craig Mitchell, Adam Jones, Ryan Bevington, Gethin Jenkins, Paul James, Rhys Gill, Rhodri Jones*, Matthew Rees, Huw Bennett, Ken Owens, Bradley Davies, Ian Evans, Lou Reed*, Ryan Jones, Dan Lydiate, Sam Warburton (C),Justin Tipuric, Toby Faletau, Andy Powell
For full details and all the news, schedules, squads etc. from the RBS Six Nations, click here:
BRUNEL NAMES HIS FIRST AZZURRI SQUAD
16th January 2012
THE Federazione Italiana Rugby coach, Jacques Brunel has today named his Six Nations squad for the opening two games of the Championship which Italy begins facing Les Bleus at the Stade de France in the opening match on Saturday, 4th February 2012.
Brunel, who as coach led his team Perpignan to the pinnacle of the Top 14 in 2009, took over from Nick Mallett after the culmination of the RWC 2011. He has named 4 uncapped players in his 30-man squad.
ITALY SQUAD
BACKS: Edoardo Gori, Fabio Semenzato, Kristopher Burton, Luciano Orquera, Tommaso Benvenuti, Gonzalo Canale, Luca Morisi*, Alberto Sgarbi, Angelo Esposito*, Roberto Quartaroli, Giulio Toniolatti, Giovambattista Venditti *, Andrea Masi, Luke Mclean
FORWARDS: Martin Castrogiovanni, Lorenzo Cittadini, Alberto De Marchi*, Andrea Lo Cicero, Leonardo Ghiraldini, Tommaso D’Apice, Marco Bortolami, Quintin Geldenhuys, Antonio Pavanello, Cornelius Van Zyl, Robert Barbieri, Mauro Bergamasco, Paul Derbyshire, Simone Favaro, Sergio Parisse, Alessandro Zanni
For full details and all the news, schedules, squads etc. from the RBS Six Nations, click here:
PATERSON TO SAY HIS FINAL ADIEU AT MURRAYFIELD
16th January 2012
SCOTLAND supporters will have the chance next month to show their appreciation for the record-breaking career of one of the country’s favourite sons.
Chris Paterson, Scotland’s cap and points record-holder, announced his international retirement last month, saying the time was right to bow out from his glittering 12-year Test match run.
Paterson’s last international was the Rugby World Cup match against England at Eden Park, Auckland back in October. Now, next month’s Calcutta Cup clash at Murrayfield – Scotland’s opening match in the 2012 RBS 6 Nations Championship – will give Scotland fans the opportunity to bid him farewell in the stadium that he graced from his debut against Spain in 1999.
Before the action kicks-off on Saturday 4 February, Paterson will present the match ball and fans will have the opportunity to acclaim his contribution.
Paterson said: "I’ve always treasured the support I’ve had throughout my career. I’ve spoken about getting goose-bumps with some of the cheers I’ve had at Murrayfield and the response I’ve had from Scotland fans since I announced my retirement has been almost over-whelming.
"I’ll be at Murrayfield for the Calcutta Cup game, firstly as a Scotland supporter, and secondly to say thanks."
SELORM KUADEY
1987 - 2012
16th January 2012
ONCE a promising young rugby talent at Sale Sharks who represented England at U19, U20 and 7s, Selorm Kuadey sadly passed away yesterday in an apparent suicide.
Tributes are being paid throughout the rugby community to former Sharks' player. Following the shattering news of Selorm's death, RPA CEO Damian Hopley said: "We are all shocked to the core by this tragic news about Selorm. He was an outstanding professional and brilliant young man who was so popular and respected by his team mates and peers across the game.
"On behalf of all the RPA members, we send our sincere condolences to his family and friends at this terrible time."
Born in Odessa, Ukraine, Kuadey was plagued with ankle injuries which cut short his professional rugby career, but he refocused his energies, graduated with a First Class Honours in Human Biology and Infectious Diseases from the University of Manchester last year and was working as a business manager for an orthotics company before his death.
The Rugby Players' Association had been heavily involved in assisting Kuadey following his retirement from the game, and do urge any players who believe they were struggling with mental issues to use their specialised counselling service.
A valuable member of the Sale Sharks for 5 years, Chief Executive Mick Hogan said:
"Everyone at Sale Sharks passes their deepest sympathies to Selorm’s family and friends at this very difficult and upsetting time. Selorm was a very popular young man and a wonderfully talented rugby player. We are devastated to learn about his tragic death and the club is offering our full support to his family, friends and former team mates during this deeply traumatic period."
JONNY SEXTON WINS PLAYER OF THE MONTH
16th January 2012
JONATHAN SEXTON has been voted Bank of Ireland Leinster Rugby Player of the Month for November/December.
Jonny featured in 6 games including all the Heineken Cup matches, and amassed an impressive three Man of the Match performances over that period.
Against defending League champions Munster and in front of a crowd of 48,000 Sexton steered over 7 penalties to ensure Leinster won a captivating tie back in November. There were other memorable kicking feats during this time with perhaps the highlight being the injury-time penalty against Montpellier, salvaging a draw away from home.
Sexton would score all of Leinster’s points in his Man of the Match performance at The Rec against Bath in December. In the return fixture in the Aviva Stadium Sexton again proved key running the line with efficiency and purpose, scoring a try, six conversions and one drop goal.
"I would like to thank Bank of Ireland for their sponsorship of this award, but most of all to the Leinster supporters who voted for me, I am hugely honoured by their backing."
Winning the monthly award puts Jonathan in contention for the Bank of Ireland Player of the Year award which is announced at the Annual Leinster Awards Ball.
ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST AT BAYONNE
16th January 2012
AVIRON BAYONNAIS has shown yet another coach the door after just 6 weeks at the helm. Former Japan coach, Jean-Pierre Elissalde was brought in to turn the fortunes of the club which is fighting to rise into the respectable echelons of the Top 14 table at the start of December.
Since Elissalde took over, Bayonne have drawn one and lost two Top 14 matches, and even though they are topping their Pool 3 table in the Amlin Challenge Cup winning two of the last three matches. But a 50% win rate is not acceptable to the paymasters, the former French half-back, Jean-Baptiste Elissalde's father is now out of a job, and backs coach Didier Faugeron -who arrived from Stade Français Paris last summer- is taking over the reins...for now.
HOW THE ERC QUALIFICATION WORKS...
13th January 2012
GIVEN that calculators will be in hand at many grounds over the coming days, here is a reminder of the quarter-final qualification process for the Heineken Cup and the Amlin Challenge Cup.
HEINEKEN CUP
POOL WINNERS
(i)The Pool winner will be the Club with the highest number of match points earned in each Pool. The runners-up will be the two second placed clubs from all six Pools with the next highest number of points. For the quarter-finals, the Pool winners will be ranked 1 to 6 in terms of the number of points earned. The runners-up will be ranked 7 and 8.
Clubs in the same pool
(ii) if two or more clubs are equal on points and the clubs are in the same Pool, then qualification/ranking will be based on the matches played between the clubs concerned:
(a) the club which has earned the most number of match points from the matches
(b) the club which has scored the most tries in the matches
(c) the club with the best aggregate points difference from the matches
Clubs from different pools
(iii) if still unresolved, or the clubs have not played each other previously in the Pool stage, qualification/ranking will be based on:
(a) the number of tries scored in all Pool matches
(b) aggregate points difference from all Pool matches
(c) the club with the fewest number of players sent off and/or suspended in all Pool matches
(d) toss of a coin
Clubs ranked 1-4 will have home advantage. The quarter-finals will be:
Club 1 v Club 8; Club 2 v Club 7; Club 3 v Club 6; Club 4 v Club 5
Quarter-finals: 6/7/8 April
Semi-finals: 27/28/29 April
FINAL: Twickenham Stadium, Saturday 19 May (17:00 BST)
FOR MORE ON THE HEINEKEN CUP...
AMLIN CHALLENGE CUP
The five Pool winners will qualify for the quarter-finals and will be the clubs with the highest number of match points earned in each Pool. For the quarter-finals, the Pool winners will be ranked 1 to 4 and 8 in terms of the number of points earned.
RANKING
(i) the Pool winner will be the club with the highest number of match points earned in each Pool.
(ii) where two or more Amlin Challenge Cup Pool winners are level on match points then ranking will be based on:
(a) the number of tries scored in all Pool matches.
(b) aggregate points difference from all Pool matches.
(c) the club with the fewest number of players sent off and / or suspended in all Pool matches.
(d) toss of a coin.
The three next best Heineken Cup runners-up (the third, fourth and fifth best) will qualify for the Amlin Challenge Cup quarter-finals. The top four Amlin Challenge Cup Pool winners will have home advantage with the quarter-finalists ranked accordingly:
1 ACC 1 (Top ranked ACC Pool winner)
2 ACC 2 (Second ranked ACC Pool winner)
3 ACC 3 (Third ranked ACC Pool winner)
4 ACC 4 (Fourth ranked ACC Pool winner)
5 Heineken Cup 1
6 Heineken Cup 2
7 Heineken Cup 3
8 ACC 5 (Fifth ranked ACC Pool winner)
The quarter-final pairings will be:
Club 1 v Club 8; Club 2 v Club 7; Club 3 v Club 6; Club 4 v Club 5
Quarter-finals: 5/6/7/8 April
Semi-finals: 27/28/29 April
FINAL: Twickenham Stoop, Friday, 18 May (20:00 BST)
FOR MORE ON THE AMLIN CHALLENGE CUP...
BROWN NAMED AVIVA PREMIERSHIP RUGBY PLAYER OF THE MONTH
12th January 2012
MIKE BROWN of Harlequins and now England Rugby has been voted the Aviva Premiership Rugby Player of the Month for December.
The Harlequins’ full-back was chosen as the month’s stand out performer by a panel of distinguished rugby media – including writers, broadcasters and photographers.
“Mike has reinvented himself this year and turned himself into a world class player who we believe will deservedly make his Test debut in this year's RBS 6 Nations," said Panel Chairman Paul Morgan.
"He exemplifies the reasons why Harlequins sit on top of the Aviva Premiership and the award is our way or showing how impressed we have been with Mike's form."
Brown received a cheque for £500 to donate to a charity of his choice, and he said "I’ve chosen Macmillan Caring Locally. The reason I have chosen this charity is because my Gran recently passed away. Before she passed on, she asked for people to donate to the charity, instead of buying flowers for her funeral, as it was a charity that she supported. So in memory of her, I would like to donate to Macmillan Caring Locally."
GOLD TO SAVE NEWCASTLE FROM RELEGATION...
12th January 2012
NEWCASTLE FALCONS owner Semore Kurdi today announced that former Springbok assistant coach, Gary Gold has been appointed as Director of Rugby for the remainder of the current season.
Joining the Springboks as forwards coach in 2008 under head coach Peter de Villiers, Gold was part of the South Africa set-up which won the Tri Nations as well as the British and Irish Lions series in 2009.
Gold began his coaching career as assistant coach at London Irish in 2001 before being promoted to the position of head coach the following year. After three seasons at Irish, Gold moved to Vodacom Stormers as technical director prior to his switch to Western Province as head coach, and therefore can boast vast Premiership as well as Super 14 experience.
“This is an exciting challenge and I am delighted to have the opportunity to work in the Aviva Premiership,” said Gold.
“Newcastle Falcons is a big club with big ambitions and an owner who is very determined so anything is possible. I know a lot about the players and the traditions of the club so I am really looking forward to the challenge of keeping top-flight rugby in the North East,” added Gold.
He will be joined at Kingston Park by Mike Ford who will fulfil the role of defence coach, formerly of England Rugby, though he will also remain as consultant to Leeds Carnegie as well until the end of this season.
Alan Tait has taken a break from rugby but the remainder of the coaching staff will continue to support Gold and Ford as the club strives to maintain its Aviva Premiership status.
In addition, the Falcons have announced the appointment of James Ponton as the new academy head coach. Ponton, 37, will work alongside academy manager Mark Laycock as the club strives to capture and develop the very best young talent from across the region.
Following a successful stint with West Hartlepool, Ponton moved to Leeds Tykes where he had six seasons with the Premiership outfit and worked under current England coach Stuart Lancaster before becoming player coach at Sedgley Park.
STUART LANCASTER PRONOUNCES IT’S ALL CHANGE AT ENGLAND RUGBY
11th January 2012
THE Acting Head Coach, Stuart Lancaster, alongside his assistant coaches, Graham Rowntree and Andy Farrell, has rung in the changes at England Rugby with a vengeance, all but clearing out the old guard, making 15 changes to the August 2011 senior squad, including nine first time call-ups for Saracens centres Brad Barritt and Owen Farrell, Northampton Saints’ Lee Dickson and Calum Clark, and Scarlets’ Ben Morgan.
If anyone can turn the fortune of England so quickly, Lancaster is the man. A level 5 qualified coach, Stuart Lancaster has been Saxons Head Coach and the RFU’s Head of Elite Player Development, straddling all of England’s age group and development sides, since 2008. During his tenure as England Saxons Head Coach the side won nine out of 10 matches, picking up three Churchill Cups on the way ('08, '10, '11); England U20 have been in three out of four Junior World Championship finals and last year secured an RBS 6 Nations Grand Slam; and the U18 side boast an 89% win record since the start of the 07/08 season.
The squad will meet for their pre-RBS 6 Nations training camp on Monday, January 23, and use facilities around the North Leeds area, including West Park Leeds RUFC and weights facilities at the Leeds Rugby Academy at Kirkstall.
ENGLAND ELITE PLAYER SQUAD
BACKS: Chris Ashton, Brad Barritt*, Mike Brown, Lee Dickson*, Owen Farrell*, Toby Flood, Ben Foden, Charlie Hodgson, Joe Simpson, Charlie Sharples, David Strettle, Manusamoa Tuilagi, Jordan Turner-Hall*, Ben Youngs
FORWARDS: Mouritz Botha, Calum Clark*, Alex Corbisiero, Dan Cole, Tom Croft, Louis Deacon, Phil Dowson*, Dylan Hartley, Courtney Lawes, Joe Marler*, Lee Mears, Ben Morgan*, Tom Palmer, Chris Robshaw, Matt Stevens, Rob Webber*, David Wilson, Tom Wood
For full details and all the news, schedules, squads etc. from the RBS Six Nations, click here:
Also named were the England Saxons, who face O2 Ireland Wolfhounds at Sandy Park, Exeter on January 28 (17:00) and then Scotland A in Galashiels on February 3 (19:30), have an average age of 24 years, five months, with seven players under 21.
Coached by RFU National Academy coaches Jon Callard and Simon Hardy, the Saxons include 10 players who won the Churchill Cup last June as well as Henry Thomas (Sale Sharks), Joe Launchbury (London Wasps) and Jonathan Joseph (London Irish) from the Under-20s squad which reached the final of the IRB Junior World Championship in the same month.
ENGLAND SAXONS EPS
FORWARDS |
BACKS |
David Attwood (Bath Rugby) |
Nick Abendanon (Bath Rugby) |
Temporary replacements for Attwood, Goode, Parling and Trinder and injury replacements for Thomas (knee) and Joseph (shoulder) will be announced in due course.
RICHARD PARKS HONOURED AT RUGBY WRITERS ANNUAL DINNER
10th January 2012
RICHARD PARKS was born in Pontypridd, Wales on 14th August 1977. He is a former Welsh international rugby player, earning 4 caps against South Africa, Fiji, Scotland and Ireland in 2002-3. He also represented the Barbarians and Wales Sevens on the IRB world circuit and in the World Cup.
Having represented Pontypridd, Leeds Tykes and Perpignan, whilst at Newport Gwent Dragons in 2009, the flanker was forced to retire due to a shoulder injury. And after his second operation, Sir Ranulph Fiennes’ book, ‘Mad, Bad and Dangerous to Know’, and a phrase from his Nana’s funeral ‘The horizon is only the limit of our sight’.
The result was a pioneering 7 month race to climb the highest mountain on each of the world's continents and venture to The South and Geographical North Poles. In 6 months, 11 days, 7 hours and 53 seconds from when he set off, Richard completed his world first on Tuesday 12th July 2011, and raised over £250,000 for Marie Curie Cancer Care. His aim is to raise £1 million for the cancer charity.
On Monday 9th January 2012, the Rugby Union Writers Club of the UK awarded Richard Parks with their special award.
To discover more about Richard Parks’ insane journey:
On the same evening, Wales captain Sam Warburton was awarded the prestigious Pat Marshall Award, won the previous year by England Rugby’s Maggie Alphonsi, the first woman to ever win.
FRANCE’S FIRST CASUALTY SEES FORMER CAPTAIN RETURN TO FOLD
10th January 2012
FORMER French captain Lionel Nallet had resigned himself to being the only one from the Rugby World Cup starting line-up to be omitted from Philippe Saint-André’s RBS Six Nations squad. But after lock Romain Millo-Chluski was ruled out after dislocating his shoulder, Racing Métro’s second row, 35 year old Six nations veteran Nallet was Saint-André first call to join the team.
The Coach has made it clear to all those who narrowly missed out on selection to be on standby in case of injuries.
For full details and all the news, schedules, squads etc. from the RBS Six Nations, click here:
STAR-STUDDED LINE UP FOR THE STUART MANGAN CUP 2012 AT THE TWICKENHAM STOOP
9th January 2012
THE England – Ireland Rugby Legends series continues to tempt some of the greatest retired players to put their boots back on, face up to old rivals and raise invaluable funds for their teams’ nominated charities.
England will be hosts for the 2012 England vs Ireland Legends clash at The Stoop. This St Patrick’s weekend fixture is played the night before the two countries meet in the Six Nations at Twickenham.
England vs Ireland Legends
The Stoop - Friday 16th March 2012
KO 7.30pm
The money raised from the match will be donated three charities which raise money to help deal with life threatening injuries for both professional and amateur players within the sport.
Following a crowd of 11,000 in the last home game, the Legends will aim to sell out this highly competitive clash with a capacity crowd of 14,000 at The Stoop. The Irish will be challenging for The Stuart Mangan Memorial Cup, currently held by the English Legends who reclaimed the trophy at Donnybrook in 2011.
England’s team will be led by former captain and British and Irish Lion Martin Corry. Martin is joined by several members of the England 2003 World Cup winning team including, Jason Leonard, most notably England’s most capped player, Josh Lewsey, Kyran Bracken and Dan Luger.
Ireland’s team will be led by Ireland and British and Irish Lion Shane Byrne, previously Leinster’s most capped player. His team will include such Irish legends as Nick Popplewell, Rob Henderson, Mick Galway, Mal O’Kelly, Eric Miller and Girvan Dempsey.
Looking forward to the game Jason Leonard said, “The Legends series has seen some really competitive clashes and the 2012 game will be no exception. We will certainly be looking to entertain in front of a home crowd and retain the Stuart Mangan Trophy with some lightning speed and slick passing….. or perhaps with just a little luck and the buzz of getting back on the pitch! It is such a great opportunity for all our players to support those who need our assistance and to give something back to this wonderful game.”
For details and tickets, click here:
ENGLAND RUGBY 2015 - DOORS OPEN FOR BUSINESS
9th January 2012
MONDAY 9th January 2012 saw the doors formally open on the new headquarters for England Rugby 2015 (ER 2015), with a number of top line names already appointed to help make sure that Rugby World Cup 2015 is the best tournament ever.
ER 2015 CEO Paul Vaughan and Mike Miller, Managing Director of Rugby World Cup Limited (RWCL) welcomed the media to HQ on Rugby Road, opposite Twickenham Stadium, where the excitement will reach its peak in 2015.
They were joined by ER 2015 ambassadors Lawrence Dallaglio, Will Greenwood and Maggie Alphonsi. The fourth ambassador, Jonny Wilkinson was unable to return from Toulon for the occasion.
England Rugby 2015, Rugby World Cup Limited and the International Rugby Board share a vision of a truly world class event to delight existing fans from across the globe, attract new supporters and leave a lasting legacy for the sport at home and abroad.
Says Paul Vaughan, “I have absolutely no doubt that we can deliver the best Rugby World Cup yet. Looking at likely ticket sales I am sure that the nine million rugby fans in England will be keen to be there, together with a wider audience from across Europe and the travelling supporters from around the world we saw at RWC 2011 in New Zealand. It will be a fantastic shop window for our sport which will help the legacy and a real boost for the UK economy.”
And Vaughan has wasted no time in gathering a top class team. His Board includes: the Rugby Football Union’s (RFU) new CEO Ian Ritchie, RFU Chief Financial Officer, Stephen Brown, Professional Game Board Chairman, Ian Metcalfe, Injured Players Foundation Chairman and former RFU President, John Owen and from the RFU Council the Championship’s Geoff Irvine.
They were recently joined by Ian Watmore (formerly Permanent Secretary in the Cabinet Office and the Government’s Chief Operating Officer, and the Football Association’s CEO) and Andrew Cosslett (CEO of InterContinental Hotels Group, member of the Executive Committee of the World Travel & Tourism Council and the President’s Committee of the CBI, Board member of the International Tourism Partnership). Cosslett has stepped in to be Chairman of the ER 2015 Board whilst the search for an Independent Chairman is undertaken.
The dates of Rugby World Cup 2015 will be announced in March 2012, and the pool draw will be made in November of this year.
STARS OF THE FUTURE LINE UP FOR THE U20s SIX NATIONS
6th January 2012
ENGLAND U20s will play their 2012 Six Nations home matches against Wales and Ireland at Aviva Premiership grounds The Twickenham Stoop and Adams Park respectively.
Harlequins will play host to England’s first home game of the tournament on Friday, February 24 before London Wasps take the reins for England’s final Six Nations game against Ireland on Friday, March 16.
Last season’s Grand Slam winners and Junior World Championship runners-up will be looking to defend their title, and kick off this season’s campaign with two tough away matches in Scotland on February 3 and Italy on February 10.
THE ENGLISH PREMIERSHIP CELEBRATES 2,000TH GAME
6th January 2012
RUGBY UNION in England passes a significant milestone on Sunday when the 2,000th Premiership rugby match is staged at Vicarage Road. More than 14 years after Bath ran out at The Recreation Ground, against Newcastle, Saracens will entertain Bath in the Aviva Premiership, in the milestone match.
“The Premiership has been transformed in those 14 years and everyone involved should be very proud of the progress that has been made within the English club rugby game,” said Premiership Rugby Chief Executive, Mark McCafferty.
“The vibrancy of Aviva Premiership Rugby has been demonstrated recently with some sensational attendance figures, including a new world-record crowd of 82,000 at Twickenham to see Saracens beat Harlequins.
“Professional club rugby has come a long way. Attendances have doubled, the amount of TV and media interest is growing steadily year on year and there is a conveyor belt of exciting young English-qualified players coming through from the Academies. The future looks good.”
Some facts and stats about the first 2,000 matches:
• This Sunday's Aviva Premiership match between Saracens and Bath is the 2,000th in Premiership Rugby history
• The first Premiership game kicked off at 2.15pm on 23 August 1997 with Bath entertaining Newcastle. The Falcons won 20-13
• The first Premiership try was scored by Will Carling for Harlequins at Northampton on the opening day
• The most points in one match is 118, when Richmond won 106-12 at Bedford on 16 May 1999
• Ryan Constable holds the record for the most tries in a game with six, for Saracens at Bedford on 16 April 2000
• Lesley Vainikolo scored five tries on his Premiership debut for Gloucester at Leeds on 16 September 2007
• The lead changed hands a record ten times in the Bath v Leicester game at The Rec on 9 September 2006
• Leicester Tigers won 52 successive home games at Welford Road between 10 May 1998 and 15 November 2002
• Rob Andrew is the only player to have missed seven place kicks in one game, doing so for Newcastle at Bristol on 27 December 1997
• Nineteen different teams have played in the Premiership, only record appearance holder George Chuter has played against all 19!
• 8,810 tries have been scored in the 1,994 Premiership matches played so far
• Chris White has refereed the most matches – 190
• Three brothers played in the same game, when Alesana and Manu Tuilagi lined up against sibling Anitelea for Leicester v Sale in the Aviva Premiership on 27 December 2010
• Charlie Hodgson has the most career points with 1,926 to date
• And the totals so far: Attendances 18,584,574 | Points scored 88,216 | Conversions 6,100 | Penalties 10,065 | Drop Goals 585
For all the latest news from the Aviva Premiership, click here:
PHILIPPE SAINT-ANDRÉ NAMES HIS FIRST SQUAD AS COACH OF LES BLEUS
Thursday 5th January 2012
TWO uncapped players are to grace Saint-André’s premier side for the 2012 RBS Six Nations. Centre, Wesley Fofana of ASM Clermont Auvergne and lock, Yoann Maestri of Stade Toulousain will be making their debuts this spring for the French National Squad.
Following a 3 year absence under Marc Lièvremont, Lionel Beauxis returns to the fold, and Vincent Debaty is hoping to add to his one cap awarded in 2006.
France will kick off their campaign at home to Italy on the 4th February hoping to avenge last year’s shock 22-21 defeat in Rome.
FRANCE SQUAD
BACKS: Morgan Parra, Dimitri Yachvili, François Trinh-Duc, Lionel Beauxis, Maxime Mermoz, Aurélien Rougerie, Yann David, Wesley Fofana, Maxime Médard, Vincent Clerc, Alexis Palisson, Julien Malzieu, Clément Poitrenaud
FORWARDS: Vincent Debaty, Fabien Barcella, Luc Ducalcon Jean-Baptiste Poux, William Servat, Dimitri Szarzewski, Nicolas Mas, Pascal Papé, Yoann Maestri, Romain Millo-Chluski, Julien Pierre, Julien Bonnaire, Yannick Nyanga, THIERRY DUSAUTOIR (C), Fulgence Ouedraogo, Louis Picamoles, Imanol Harinordoquy
For full details and all the news, schedules, squads etc. from the RBS Six Nations, click here:
SIX UNCAPPED PLAYERS NAMED IN SCOTLAND SQUAD
Thursday 5th January 2012
HEAD COACH Andy Robinson has selected six uncapped players in Scotland’s 36-man squad for the opening two matches of the 2012 RBS 6 Nations Championship.
They are Lee Jones, the 23-year-old Edinburgh Rugby wing; Stuart Hogg, the 19-year-old Glasgow Warriors full-back; his team-mates, stand-off Duncan Weir, 20 and flanker/lock Robert Harley, 21; Sale Sharks’ former Edinburgh and Dunfermline flanker/lock, 23-year-old Fraser McKenzie; and 20-year-old London Irish centre Steven Shingler.
Tickets for the opening match against England are sold-out, however you can still buy tickets for the Scotland v France game at Murrayfield on Sunday 26 February, kick-off 3pm via the website: 
SCOTLAND SQUAD
Scotland squad (sponsor RBS) for the matches against England (4th February) and Wales (12th February) in the 2012 RBS 6 Nations Championship:
BACKS: Joe Ansbro, Mike Blair, Chris Cusiter, Simon Danielli, Nick De Luca, Max Evans, Stuart Hogg, Ruaridh Jackson, Lee Jones, Greig Laidlaw, Rory Lamont, Sean Lamont, Rory Lawson, Graeme Morrison, Dan Parks, Steven Shingler, Duncan Weir
FORWARDS: John Barclay, Kelly Brown, Geoff Cross, David Denton, Alasdair Dickinson, Ross Ford, Richie Gray, Dougie Hall, Jim Hamilton, Robert Harley, Allan Jacobsen, Alastair Kellock, Scott Lawson, Moray Low, Fraser McKenzie, Euan Murray, Ross Rennie, Alasdair Strokosch, Richie Vernon
For full details and all the news, schedules, squads etc. from the RBS Six Nations, click here:
RWCL CONFIRMS NZ$400,000 DONATION TO BOOST CHRISTCHURCH RUGBY COMMUNITY
4th January 2012
THE Christchurch Rugby community has been given a significant boost after Rugby World Cup Limited (RWCL) confirmed a donation of NZ$400,000 through the RWC Christchurch Appeal to assist with Rugby infrastructure restoration at all levels.
Well-wishers from around the world joined Rugby World Cup 2011 participating teams and fans in supporting the Appeal, which was launched on the eve of Rugby’s showcase event, by making donations via the official website.
The donation will specifically assist with the restoration of Rugby infrastructure at all levels following the devastating earthquakes that struck the region earlier this year and continuing aftershocks. The NZ$400,000 donation includes a significant contribution from RWCL and is in addition to the strong support demonstrated by IRB Member Unions and RWC 2011 participating teams throughout 2011.
Teams, including Australia, England, France, Scotland and New Zealand all demonstrated their support for the Appeal through separate donations or visits to Christchurch during Rugby World Cup 2011.
With Rugby very much at the heart of the community in the city, all donations will be passed on to the Canterbury Rugby Earthquake Charitable Trust, administered by the Canterbury Rugby Football Union, to support the work of the Trust in targeting communities that have been hit the hardest.
For further information on the RWC Christchurch Appeal and how to donate please visit:
WRU UNVEILS NEW INTEGRATED NATIONAL SQUADS COACHING TEAMS
4th January 2012
AN elite coaching and management team has been unveiled by the Welsh Rugby Union which details a direct link-up with senior national squad expertise.
Key personnel from Warren Gatland’s backroom team will play a hands-on and supporting role in nurturing and developing the young talent being groomed for future honours.
National performance coaching structures now have high powered integrated coaching line-ups in readiness for the U20’s, U18’s, U16, Sevens and Women’s squad preparations.
Key staff from the senior backroom team have been added to the elite pathway structure as additional support coaches for individual disciplines, including Rob Howley, Shaun Edwards, Neil Jenkins and Robin McBryde as well as other support from key personnel such as nutritionists, analysts and strength and conditioning staff.
WRU Head of Rugby, Joe Lydon, said: “The importance of the elite pathway structure is reflected in the calibre and range of personnel we now have in place and I am confident they will make an impact.
“It is very exciting and crucial that the senior national squad coaches and performance staff to add their talent and expertise to the structure.”
U20s |
U18s |
16s |
Women |
Sevens |
NEW LOOK ENGLAND RUGBY MOVING UP NORTH
4th January 2012
ENGLAND will move their pre-tournament training base ahead of the RBS 6 Nations to Leeds.
They will use facilities around the North Leeds area, including West Park Leeds RUFC – a Level 8 Yorkshire Division Two club – and weights facilities at the Leeds Rugby Academy at Kirkstall during their January 23-27 camp as they prepare to defend their RBS 6 Nations title.
England have spent their January training week in Portugal for the last three years and while they will still be based at Pennyhill, Surrey, during Test weeks, Head Coach Stuart Lancaster explained the change of venue for this particular five days.
“There are a variety of reasons we wanted to use a different venue centred around wanting to keep the camp in this country,” said Lancaster.
“The main objectives of the camp are to spend some time together, building the team, reviewing the World Cup but more importantly working together on setting our goals for the Six Nations and beyond and getting on the same page with our rugby game plan.
“By keeping it in England we can create a “new” feel to the camp, in what is a new start. It will allow us to train in conditions that we will be facing up at Murrayfield, create opportunities for the team to stay connected with the public, and allow us to invite in one or two people from outside of rugby to help us shape our future.”
TOP 14 CLUB BORDEAUX BÈGLES COACH SUFFERS STROKE
3rd January 2012
LAURENT ARMAND suffered a stroke on Monday afternoon and emergency surgery was administered immediately. Armand has been put into an artificial coma in order to stabilise the ruptured aneurysm.
The 41 year old former captain of Union Bordeaux Bègles retired his position of hooker in 2007 aged 37, and coached at Rugby Club Bassin d'Arcachon before being appointed forwards coach with UBB.
