http://www.marcbryant.com Rugby News and Events Wed, 08 Jul 2009 22:27:21 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8 en hourly 1 http://www.marcbryant.com/2009/07/england-rugby-team-dumps-cipriani-in-favour-of-veteran-wilkinson/ http://www.marcbryant.com/2009/07/england-rugby-team-dumps-cipriani-in-favour-of-veteran-wilkinson/#comments Wed, 08 Jul 2009 22:27:21 +0000 admin http://www.marcbryant.com/2009/07/england-rugby-team-dumps-cipriani-in-favour-of-veteran-wilkinson/ The News Review: - England rugby team dumps Cipriani in favour of veteran Wilkinson - Ian mcgeechan says Lions rugby team needs more preparation time - Canterbury rugby chasing Wallaby test - Wallabies seek probe of Tuqiri sacking England rugby team dumps Cipriani in favour of veteran Wilkinson [/goto.php?url=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5nb29nbGUuY29tL2hvc3RlZG5ld3MvY2FuYWRpYW5wcmVzcy9hcnRpY2xlL0FMZXFNNWlTOThUZ0xxYTVtX1pNYlJCTXU5cUhlQ09aelE=] The Canadian Press Wilkinson has been plagued by injuries since kicking England’s winning drop goal against Australia in the 2003 World Cup final but is now back to full fitness. Wilkinson 30 moved to Toulon after 12 years with the Newcastle Falcons and he is set to make his debut when France’s Top 14 championship kicks off in August. His move to France has clearly not deterred England manager Martin Johnson from recalling Wilkinson who has not played any rugby since dislocating his knee in ctober. Brive centre Riki Flutey is also in the 32-man squad. “ur selections include players based in France and (elite rugby director) Rob Andrew and I have had extensive discussions with the French clubs who have recruited English players and these have gone well” Johnson said. “We are looking forward to continuing the positive working relationship with them which worked so well last season. “EnglandForwards: Steffon Armitage Steve Borthwick George Chuter Jordan Crane Tom Croft Louis Deacon Nick Easter Dylan Hartley Ben Kay Lee Mears Tim Payne Tom Rees Simon Shaw Andrew Sheridan Phil Vickery Julian White David Wilson Joe Worsley. Ian mcgeechan says Lions rugby team needs more preparation time The Canadian Press Although the British and Irish Lions lost the series 2-1 to world champion South Africa after losing the first two tests they finished with a record-equalling 28-9 victory at Ellis Park on Saturday to send the head coach home on a winning note. “I was very proud of yesterday” said McGeechan who said he won’t be in charge for the 2013 tour of Australia. “I think last Saturday was the lowest I have ever felt but we took those two or three days and they came back well and trained Wednesday Thursday Friday and they were superb absolutely excellent. “The players have been outstanding and were very ready for a Test match and I’m really proud of the way we’ve finished it and we can carry a winning Lions jersey for the next four years. Canterbury rugby chasing Wallaby test Stuff.co.nz Because only 18500 tickets sold for the Italy test the NZRU which also paid a set fee to the union did not fork out a full bonus to Canterbury and NZRU chief executive Steve Tew earlier stirred up a storm by hinting Christchurch could lose its test status if locals remained disinterested in tests. But instead of sparking a rush to the turnstiles Tew’s comments blew up in his face; indignant fans vented their displeasure at having to pay top dollar to watch the All Blacks play a second-tier nation in the middle of winter and in a half-built stadium. Subsequently 7500 tickets remained unsold. Although disappointed at the lack of interest in the Italy test Canterbury chief executive Hamish Riach hopes the NZRU will put that sour experience behind them and be bold enough to allocate Christchurch with an All Blacks-Wallabies international to mark the opening of the new Deans Stand at AMI Stadium. Wallabies seek probe of Tuqiri sacking The Times The Australian players’ a ssociation said yesterday it was concerned about the case. The Australian Rugby Union which cancelled the winger’s contract last month has declined to give any reason. But the union’s chief executive John ’ Neill said the player had been warned before his contract was terminated. The players’ association chief executive Tony Dempsey said the Wallabies had “genuine concerns” about the matter. Related from Talloonne : Life is a party for some Aussie wallabies ]]> http://www.marcbryant.com/2009/07/england-rugby-team-dumps-cipriani-in-favour-of-veteran-wilkinson/feed/ 0 http://www.marcbryant.com/2009/07/england-recall-wilkinson-to-rugby-squad/ http://www.marcbryant.com/2009/07/england-recall-wilkinson-to-rugby-squad/#comments Tue, 07 Jul 2009 23:17:24 +0000 admin http://www.marcbryant.com/2009/07/england-recall-wilkinson-to-rugby-squad/ The News Review: - England recall Wilkinson to rugby squad - Youth gets probation in rugby death - Whitelock leads Canterbury rugby - Adding men’s varsity rugby makes sense at Davenport University … - Rugby? Get ready Terre Haute high schoolers the sport could be … - Infection cuts short rugby tour - Cape Fear Rugby 7s Results England recall Wilkinson to rugby squad AFP “World Cup hero Wilkinson who has just joined French side Toulon from Newcastle is back to full fitness and gets the nod over Cipriani who started last season as first choice fly-half but then finished it as a substitute for the England Saxons squad at the Churchill Cup. The 21-year-old Wasps back remains with the Saxons squad. Johnson told Rugby Football Union’s official website: “ur selections include players based in France and Rob Andrew and I have had extensive discussions with the French clubs who have recruited English players and these have gone well. We are looking forward to continuing the positive working relationship with them which worked so well last season. “We will continue to monitor the form and fitness of the following players who were involved with England last season with a view to inviting them to training sessions as appropriate; Andy Goode James Haskell Tom May Jamie Noon Tom Palmer and Steve Thompson. “Both the Elite and Saxons squads will meet on August 9 to begin a six-day pre-season training camp. Youth gets probation in rugby death Globe and Mail “I have been presented with a mountain of material attesting to his good character” the judge said of the youth now 18. “There is nothing about this offender that suggests anything but leniency. The case which may have far-reaching implications for competitive sports began when Manny Castillo died after a rugby game between Mississauga’s Lorne Park and Erindale secondary schools in 2007. Manny was captain of the Lorne Park team. The boy sentenced yesterday was a star player for Erindale. Both were 15 years old. As the game ended a confrontation ended with an act of violence that shocked onlookers: The Erindale player picked up Manny flipped him upside down and drove him into the ground in a move one witness described as a “pile-driver. Whitelock leads Canterbury rugby Stuff.co.nz “Lead from the front not too much talk and just get on with the business” he said yesterday. It is the style of captaincy that has served the province’s rugby team well for years and one coach Rob Penney said Whitelock was ideally suited to. “He’s a very authentic traditional individual. someone who leads through his actions and has high values and strong morals. Adding men’s varsity rugby makes sense at Davenport University … MLive.com During its rapid rise the question asked within the Panthers athletic department has not been “Why?” Rather it’s “Why not?”Why not field varsity men’s and women’s bowling? Why not introduce varsity dance competitive cheer and men’s and women’s tennis during the next academic year to bring the total number of Panthers sports to 24 including club lacrosse squads and a highly successful club hockey program?And why not bring aboard a men’s varsity — yes varsity — rugby program in 2009-10 that will be the first non-club rugby program among every college at every level in the state of Michigan?The program will join the University of California-Berkeley Norwich (Vt. ) University and Southern Vermont as the nation’s only college varsity men’s rugby programs despite it not being recognized as an official sport by the NCAA. The lone varsity women’s rugby programs which are recognized by the NCAA are Division I Eastern Illinois Division II West Chester (Pa. ) University and Division III Bowdoin (Maine) College Norwich and Southern Vermont. “It’s a fast-growing sport throughout the country and it’s growing more and more in the state of Michigan. Rugby? Get ready Terre Haute high schoolers the sport could be … Terre Haute Tribune Star h sure there are those beloved offseason workout regimens to while the months away until a new season begins. Gee it sure would be nice for players with skills developed in these sports to have a fun outlet during the spring months. Well Indiana State University admissions counselor Nate Hamil suggests why not rugby? Rugby? In Indiana?To the uninitiated high school rugby is a big deal across northern Indiana and around Indianapolis. But south of Indy save for Indiana University it is practically nonexistent. Just last week Hamil received official word from the Indiana Football Rugby Union approving the formation of “Terre Haute High School Rugby. ” The team would be drawn from boys at Terre Haute North Terre Haute South and West Vigo. While not in the works presently a girls team is not out of the question in the future. Related from Mommie-care : College students volunteer for vacation in Terre Haute Infection cuts short rugby tour Stuff.co.nz The school’s under-15 team set out on the tour of Chile and Argentina last Wednesday. Soon after the tour party of 23 boys two school staff and a few parents arrived in Santiago Chile one of the players fell ill with suspected swine flu. The player who school principal Trevor McIntyre said he would not name spent three days in hospital. McIntyre believed the boy who had recovered rapidly was hospitalised to isolate him from the rest of the team and to monitor symptoms. Cape Fear Rugby 7s Results Bleacher Report my blog to rave about rugby life and sometimes even my life. Women’s rugby for life. ]]> http://www.marcbryant.com/2009/07/england-recall-wilkinson-to-rugby-squad/feed/ 0 http://www.marcbryant.com/2009/07/teen-rugby-player-given-one-year-of-probation-in-opposing-players/ http://www.marcbryant.com/2009/07/teen-rugby-player-given-one-year-of-probation-in-opposing-players/#comments Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:11:31 +0000 admin http://www.marcbryant.com/2009/07/teen-rugby-player-given-one-year-of-probation-in-opposing-players/ The News Review: - Teen rugby player given one year of probation in opposing player’s … - Rugby Canada/USA Rugby efforting to get second half on ESPN July 11. - Welsh rugby legend Bleddyn Williams dies - Cape Fear Sevens Rugby Tournament wrapped up Sunday - Rugby star Nate Myles apologizes for taking a dump in the hallway … - US defeats Canada 12-6 in first half of Rugby World Cup qualifier Teen rugby player given one year of probation in opposing player’s … The Canadian Press — An 18-year-old Toronto-area rugby player has been spared jail time after being convicted of manslaughter in the death of a player on an opposing team. The player was sentenced Monday in a court in Brampton nt. to one year of probation community service and anger management counselling in the death of Manny Castillo. Castillo 15 died from a head injury just days after he hit his head on the field during a May 2007 high school rugby game in Mississauga nt. The Crown in closing arguments said the ball was nowhere near the Castillo when he was tackled and that the play was far down the field. Rugby Canada/USA Rugby efforting to get second half on ESPN July 11. Examiner.com First we have the USA Rugby Sevens from San Diego that gets pushed back 27 minutes for a February NBA game and now this. ————————————————————————————riginal Story Starts Here————————————————————————————USA Rugby’s day in the sun had a shadow drawn over it Saturday with the shooting of Steve McNair. But it could leave the opportunity for the all-important second game taking place in Edmonton Alberta to be seen nationally. The much-hyped Independence Day match-up of the two top nations in North American rugby was cut short. USA Rugby reportedly had a contract with the sports behemoth for one full game on the main ESPN channel. Now the second leg of the 2011 Rugby World Cup Qualifier in which the US holds a 6-point halftime advantage could again be televised. Related from Zxyangchen : Why Twentytwentification is sport’s quick fix Welsh rugby legend Bleddyn Williams dies AFP Williams was capped 22 times by Wales after making his debut in 1947 and captained both his country and the Lions including the last time the Welsh beat the All Blacks back in 1953. He was vice-captain of the 1950 Lions on their tour of New Zealand and Australia – losing three tests to the All Blacks and a draw in the other while they beat the Wallabies in their two Tests – but stepped up as skipper for two Tests when Irishman Karl Mullen was injured. In total Williams played in 20 of the Lions’ 29 matches and scored 13 tries including one in the first Test win over Australia in Brisbane. Williams was also one of eight brothers to play for Cardiff where he forged a formidable midfield partnership with his life-long friend Dr Jack Matthews. Cape Fear Sevens Rugby Tournament wrapped up Sunday WWAY NewsChannel 3 Fifty squads participated over the weekend including a handful of international squads – some came from as far away as Africa. In the men’s premier division Life University defeated Northern Virginia 17 to 12 in overtime. Rugby star Nate Myles apologizes for taking a dump in the hallway … FanIQ dropping a deuce in the middle of the hallway of an expensive hotel. "I am just very embarrassed and very sorry" Myles said. He blamed the accident on a stomach bug however since he was at a fundraiser that evening I’m going to guess that he was piss-ass drunk. Why? Just read this:He said despite being stark naked he attempted to gain entry to a neighboring hotel room where a family was leaving. US defeats Canada 12-6 in first half of Rugby World Cup qualifier The Canadian Press — Veteran fly half Mike Hercus accounted for all the scoring as the U. Eagles defeated Canada 12-6 Saturday to take a narrow edge into the second leg of the total-points Rugby World Cup qualifying series next weekend in Edmonton. The July 4th win was the first over Canada for the Americans since a 20-19 decision in June 2005. Canada had won all four matches since then outscoring the U. 167-45 in the process. ]]> http://www.marcbryant.com/2009/07/teen-rugby-player-given-one-year-of-probation-in-opposing-players/feed/ 0 http://www.marcbryant.com/2009/07/rugby-digest/ http://www.marcbryant.com/2009/07/rugby-digest/#comments Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:00:31 +0000 admin http://www.marcbryant.com/2009/07/rugby-digest/ The News Review: - Rugby Digest - Rugby player death accused bailed - Top Day Trip from Cookeville: Historic Rugby - Welsh rugby mourns Hillman - Fiji pip Japan in last gasp rugby thriller - Durable Senior set for landmark appearance Rugby Digest Irish Times The ARU terminated the player’s lucrative contract without explanation and refused to comment further on the matter citing legal concerns. “It’s a legal matter it’s with the lawyers” Tuqiri said without elaborating. His sacking came days after the Wallabies said they were investigating player misconduct after three players – not including Tuqiri – were disciplined for a food fight at a team hotel. Coach Deans rings the changes AUSTRALIA CACH Robbie Deans has put his faith in fresh faces to take on New Zealand and South Africa in this summer’s Tri-Nations. Rugby player death accused bailed BBC News Richard Wilkinson 17 died in the smash in the Borders on the way home from playing in a rugby sevens tournament on 4 April. His Hawick Wanderers team-mate Sean Goodfellow and also Murray McAllan appeared at Jedburgh Sheriff Court. The two 18-year-olds made no plea or declaration and were released on bail. The accused both from Hawick Roxburghshire were alleged to have committed the offence on the A698 Kelso to Crailing Road. Related from Abnphukethotel : Mum faces Thai jail over alleged theft of bar mat Top Day Trip from Cookeville: Historic Rugby UC Daily News Time stands still at Rugby Tennessee – the restored Victorian village founded in 1880 by British author and social reformer Thomas Hughes. The social experiment was to be a cooperative class-free agricultural community for younger sons of English gentry and others wishing to start life anew in America. At the time younger "gentry" according to the social norms in England could not work for wages as did the lower classes. It simply was not done. Welsh rugby mourns Hillman BBC Sport In a distinguished career he also played for Barbarians Swansea South Wales Police Bridgend Sports Merthyr Wales Sevens Schools and Youth. After his playing days the South Wales Police officer coached Nantymoel was director of rugby at Bridgend Ravens and played a key role with the Sevens. Hillman is survived by his wife Janine and sons Ben and Matthew. "Colin Hillman was passionate about Welsh rugby and I had the utmost respect for him as a person and as a coach" said Welsh Rugby Union head of rugby performance and development Joe Lydon. Fiji pip Japan in last gasp rugby thriller AFP Number eight Netani Talei powered through the despairing tackles of the Japanese defence to force the ball down and present inside centre Seremaia Bai with a simple conversion attempt to secure the one-point win. The victory in the final match of the five-nation series lifted Fiji above Samoa into second place — their best ever finish — behind the Junior All Blacks in the round robin competition. Japan came within a whisker of their first ever win over Fiji in the Pacific Nations Cup but instead they finished fourth ahead of Tonga in their highest ever placing. Fiji’s win their third from four matches in the series means they hold on to their ninth ranking in the world and Japan remain at 14. Durable Senior set for landmark appearance The Press Association The 33-year-old Leeds veteran has been one of the outstanding players of the Super League era featuring in every season since the switch to summer rugby in 1996. “You hear all these people who have retired who say once you have retired that’s it you can’t go back” said Senior. “I’m still enjoying my rugby and still feel like I am performing at the highest level. “He has made 304 appearances for the Rhinos alone and he intends to make many more after bringing up a quintuple century unique in the modern game in Saturday’s clash at Hull. Senior recently agreed a contract extension with the Rhinos until the end of the 2010 season and even then the fit and highly-motivated former Great Britain international might not be finished. ]]> http://www.marcbryant.com/2009/07/rugby-digest/feed/ 0 http://www.marcbryant.com/2009/07/south-africa-will-not-give-up-on-rugby-world-cup-bid/ http://www.marcbryant.com/2009/07/south-africa-will-not-give-up-on-rugby-world-cup-bid/#comments Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:51:55 +0000 admin http://www.marcbryant.com/2009/07/south-africa-will-not-give-up-on-rugby-world-cup-bid/ The News Review: - South Africa will not give up on rugby World Cup bid - nly the Great Britain Jersey Can Save Rugby League From Ridicule - Hey girls we want you to play rugby! South Africa will not give up on rugby World Cup bid guardian.co.uk “We are very disappointed not to have won the board’srecommendation but we have not given up” Mark Alexander deputy president of the South African Rugby Union and chairmanof the bid committee said in a statement on Wednesday. “We will now have to examine the findings of the reportpresented by RWCL to the board. ur congratulations go to therecommended bidders — they have been working for their unionand their nations as we have — but we will be looking for someclarifications on the recommendations from the IRB. England (2015) and Japan (2019) were named as the board’spreferred hosts for the next two tournaments after a tenderprocess that included Italy and South Africa. The final decisionrests with the council of the International Rugby Board (IRB)who will meet in Dublin on July 28 to finalise the choice. Related from Princeharrymemorial : Harry backs Rugby World Cup bid nly the Great Britain Jersey Can Save Rugby League From Ridicule Buzzle com –>It seems like quite a while since any coach player or administrator was punished by the Rugby Football League under the catch-all charge of bringing the game into disrepute. That is just as well because the governing body itself must shoulder responsibility for the current farcical situation over international eligibility that leaves the code open to ridicule. Dave Halley the Bradford full-back whose pace and adventure in recent weeks has carried a hint of Billy Slater is the latest player to switch his allegiance. Having represented Wales with distinction both in their unsuccessful World Cup qualifying campaign in 2007 and in a drubbing by England in Doncaster last year Halley now wants to play for England. He follows Danny Brough the Wakefield scrum-half who captained Scotland in last autumn’s World Cup but like Halley was born in Yorkshire and wants to be considered by England for the Four Nations series against Australia New Zealand and France at the end of this season. Hey girls we want you to play rugby! YourHub.com Are you interested in trying something new making new friends and playing a true integrated team sport? The Southwest Area Youth Rugby (SWARM) girls’ rugby team is looking for new recruits for the upcoming high school fall season. You do not need to have prior rugby knowledge or experience to play the sport. Certified coaches will provide y. ]]> http://www.marcbryant.com/2009/07/south-africa-will-not-give-up-on-rugby-world-cup-bid/feed/ 0 http://www.marcbryant.com/2009/06/such-a-glorious-decade-of-millennium-stadium-magic/ http://www.marcbryant.com/2009/06/such-a-glorious-decade-of-millennium-stadium-magic/#comments Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:48:57 +0000 admin http://www.marcbryant.com/2009/06/such-a-glorious-decade-of-millennium-stadium-magic/ The News Review: - Such a glorious decade of Millennium Stadium magic - Matt is off to French rugby training camp - Rugby: why is our national game in decline? - South Africa will not bully Lions again says Warren Gatland - Rugby offers chance to break free from gang culture - Rugby league on 5 Live - Waikato rugby bans players and spectators Such a glorious decade of Millennium Stadium magic Walesnline Football fans can reminisce about a series of classic FA Cup finals – the Liverpool-West Ham clash in 2006 probably being the pick of the bunch. Who can forget Cardiff City’s play-off win over QPR in 2003 or Wales’ win over Italy in 2002?A series of gigs from the Manic Street Preachers’ legendary Millennium Eve performance onward have cemented the stadium’s reputation as an A-list music venue. It is the fitting monument to sport theatre and excitement that a nation with sport especially rugby woven into its DNA truly deserves. While the National Assembly had to fight to gain acceptance in the hearts of the nation (some might argue that is hasn’t won that battle yet) the Millennium Stadium quickly established itself as a popular national icon. Few buildings or institutions have done as much so quickly to sell Wales to the world. Its attributes as a venue are so well known as to be almost taken as read by any Welsh sports fan. It was the first stadium in the UK to have a retractable roof an innovation yet to be followed by any of its major competitors. Matt is off to French rugby training camp The Arran Banner He’s a young rugby star in the making and for 15-year-old Matthew Evans from Lamlash a trip to Perpignan could be the first step to great things. Matthew has been training on the mainland during the past few weeks with rugby youth development team the Glasgow Thistles. With the team he is taking part in a two-week intensive training programme in Perpignan. The boys are being coached by a number of Scottish Rugby Union development officers and past Scottish international players. Matthew has been really looking forward to the trip and starting his summer holidays early! Dad Steve Evans said: ‘Matthew has been training on a Wednesday evening throughout May and June at Ardrossan rugby club continuing his development through the SRU National pathways programme. Rugby: why is our national game in decline? TV3 News A new Campbell Live poll conducted by Buzz TV has found almost half of all respondents say rugby no longer interests them as much as it used to. And it is a trend that has far reaching consequences for all levels of the game. There was plenty of passion at Ponsonby Rugby Club’s midweek training. The freezing midwinter evening was no obstacle for a group of committed youngsters. Like many local clubs around the country Ponsonby is in good health with registrations at an all time high. South Africa will not bully Lions again says Warren Gatland guardian.co.uk “It has shades of 1989 when after losing the first Test to Australia having picked a running side the Lions changed their team and their tactics tightening up considerably and taking a confrontational stance. They won the next two matches to take the series. “The really disappointing aspect of last week was that South Africa did not have to play any rugby to win” said Gatland. “Everyone here goes on about how northern hemisphere rugby is a boring 10-man game but in Durban their centres only received one pass and they only took play through four phases once. “I was surprised how little rugby they played and we have to make sure tomorrow that we are in the game 30 minutes in because we cannot afford to give them a double-figure lead again. The way we finished in Durban scoring 14 unanswered points in the last quarter when we had 80% of the possession showed how fit we are and I am not concerned about playing at altitude. It will not make any difference. Related from Unitedcrueltyofbenetton : Afternoon Delight: British model Tom Warren Rugby offers chance to break free from gang culture Times nline It is about rugby as a force for good and if that sounds pretentious you need only meet Michael Dakets who is serving a 15-year prison sentence for murder for he will knock the cynicism clean from you. We are on the rugby field at Drakenstein prison. They have a sporting centre of excellence for their young offenders and Dakets is on the rugby union team. A short drive from their prison cells is a playing field which may have barbed wire and security guards beyond the dead-ball line but sits somewhat incongruously in a beautiful setting under the craggy mountains of the Cape winelands. They also have at the prison gates a three-metre statue of Nelson Mandela for it was in a house in the grounds of this prison — then called Victor Verster — that Mandela spent his last 18 months before famously making his walk to freedom in February 1990. Rugby league on 5 Live BBC Sport n Friday there will be commentary from Headingley Carnegie on the eagerly awaited Yorkshire derby between Leeds and Bradford (2000 BST). Stuart Pyke and David ates will be joined by Wakefield coach John Kear for the game as the Rhinos seek revenge for their surprise 10-6 loss at the hands of the Bulls earlier in the season at dsal. Sunday’s 5 Live Sport will have extended coverage and commentary on the games between Warrington and Hull (1500 BST) and Wakefield against Harlequins (1530 BST). St Helens forward Jon Wilkin will join Stuart at the HJ Stadium as the Wolves bid to continue their revival under new coach Tony Smith while David ates and Salford’s Robbie Paul will be at Belle Vue. Waikato rugby bans players and spectators Stuff.co.nz The judicial committee took a stern view of the incident during the Hautapu v Hamilton Marist premier grade rugby match at Memorial Park in Cambridge on Saturday. The WRU judicial ruled that two Hautapu players TK Moeke and Romana Graham would be banned from playing rugby for four weeks while two spectators Travis Church and Romana Graham (Senior) were banned from attending any rugby games in the next four weeks. All four people attended the WRU judicial hearing and appeared before the committee as a result of their involvement in the incident. “Saturday’s incident was an extremely disappointing affair involving two flagship clubs in our province” Waikato chief executive Graham Bowen said. ]]> http://www.marcbryant.com/2009/06/such-a-glorious-decade-of-millennium-stadium-magic/feed/ 0 http://www.marcbryant.com/2009/06/springboks-burger-back-for-second-rugby-test-against-lions/ http://www.marcbryant.com/2009/06/springboks-burger-back-for-second-rugby-test-against-lions/#comments Wed, 24 Jun 2009 10:57:58 +0000 admin http://www.marcbryant.com/2009/06/springboks-burger-back-for-second-rugby-test-against-lions/ The News Review: - Springboks’ Burger back for second rugby Test against Lions - Ex-Sri Lanka Rugby star Hadji mar dies - CCTV footage crucial to French beating case Springboks’ Burger back for second rugby Test against Lions The Canadian Press The blindside flanker replaced Heinrich Brussow in the team announced Tuesday. Brussow stepped in for Burger and scored a try in his first start in last weekend’s 26-21 victory in Durban to give the world champions a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. But Burger returns to boost a Boks pack in Pretoria hoping to mark his first appearance against the Lions with a typically rampaging performance and a victory which would make the third test in Johannesburg irrelevant. “It’s nice to be back on the Springbok lineup again especially against the Lions and for my 50th cap” Burger said. Related from Managementmonster : Lions management opt for element of surprise Ex-Sri Lanka Rugby star Hadji mar dies Ceylon Daily News It was hard to believe that Hadji is no more as he was a charming figure full of life with a permanent smile on his face. Hadji began his rugby career at St. Peter’s and on leaving school was an automatic choice for CR and FC. For nearly two decades Hadji played as a prop forward for CR combining with Bumpy Jayasekera as hooker and Dushyantha Samarasekera as co-prop forward. CCTV footage crucial to French beating case Stuff.co.nz Bastareaud suffered severe bruising around his eye and needed four stitches to his face after four or five men attacked him in central Wellington early on Sunday. The attack was hours after France’s 14-10 second-test defeat by New Zealand on Saturday. France’s assistant coach Emile Ntamack confirmed he had been cleared of a suspected fractured eye socket. Bastareaud dubbed the “French Nonu” because of his dreadlocks spoke to police from Sydney yesterday. ]]> http://www.marcbryant.com/2009/06/springboks-burger-back-for-second-rugby-test-against-lions/feed/ 0 http://www.marcbryant.com/2009/06/death-casts-shadow-on-under-20-rugby-win/ http://www.marcbryant.com/2009/06/death-casts-shadow-on-under-20-rugby-win/#comments Tue, 23 Jun 2009 11:51:58 +0000 admin http://www.marcbryant.com/2009/06/death-casts-shadow-on-under-20-rugby-win/ The News Review: - Death casts shadow on under-20 rugby win - Rugby sellouts weren’t made in a day - Southern Hemisphere Rugby Trounces North Yet Again - Australian rugby league player jailed for eight months for assault - Demetriou thanks ‘rugby family’ - FIFA concerned about future of new World Cup stadiums Death casts shadow on under-20 rugby win Stuff.co.nz What was supposed to be one of the greatest days of Guildford’s life turned to despair after the final whistle when the two-try hero looked up to the grandstand for his parents Rob and Deb. New Zealand under-20 manager Grant Hubbard said Guildford instantly became aware there was a problem with his dad who is believed to have died of a heart attack. “Zac could see something was wrong and he ran up the steps and his mum and our doc were working on him” Hubbard told The Dominion Post from Tokyo last night. Rugby sellouts weren’t made in a day Stuff.co.nz Faced with sluggish ticket sales for the All Blacks-Italy rugby test at AMI Stadium on Saturday night Roman centurions roamed Christchurch streets yesterday to drum up interest. Sale improved over the weekend but are still below expectations. About 14000 of the 26000 tickets had been sold by yesterday afternoon an increase of 2000 on last Friday. Southern Hemisphere Rugby Trounces North Yet Again New York Times The northern nations have to console themselves with the role of brave losers. Northern teams win just often enough to keep things interesting. But after a Saturday that brought the resumption of two rivalries in which the northerners had won the last encounter all they had to show was pluck in defeat. The South Africans had had 12 years to plot revenge on the British and Irish Lions who won the series on the last of their rare visits. Australian rugby league player jailed for eight months for assault The Canadian Press Bird formerly played for the Cronulla Sharks in Australia’s National Rugby League but was released in January. He was initially signed by Bradford Bulls in the English Super League but was denied a British visa and now plays for Catalans Dragons in France. Bird 25 appealed the sentence later Monday and was granted bail. He will be allowed to return to France until the appeal is heard in August. Demetriou thanks ‘rugby family’ BBC Sport The 31-year-old died suddenly during a gym training session eight months ago and a memorial dinner was held in his honour on Friday 19 June. "Thanks has to go to the public for all this" Demetriou told BBC Radio Leeds. "The rugby league family has been absolutely outstanding. They keep supporting the fund. FIFA concerned about future of new World Cup stadiums The Canadian Press A 90000-seat stadium in Durban and another 68000-seater in Cape Town are taking shape a year ahead of the first World Cup to be held in Africa. Impressively designed they will stage the semifinals as well as games earlier in the 64-game competition. But there are fears among locals that with local rugby clubs showing little or no interest in using the grounds the cities will be left with stadiums that no one will use. “This is something we have discussed and we have to work on with the organizers post World Cup to make sure that as part of the legacy and use of infrastructure and all that will be built for the World Cup will not become the white elephants and we will not see again what’s happening sometimes at lympic cities” FIFA secretary-general Jerome Valcke said Monday. “We have to work together and with the African Confederation of Football to make sure that the stadiums will be used in the future. This is a discussion we had yesterday. “The Durban stadium which has a spectacular arch over the top is next to Kings Park home of the Sharks rugby club which has a 47-year lease on its own traditional home. Related from Rop-jo : Bosnia and Poland warned fined by FIFA over fireworks ]]> http://www.marcbryant.com/2009/06/death-casts-shadow-on-under-20-rugby-win/feed/ 0 http://www.marcbryant.com/2009/06/nz-police-investigate-attack-on-french-rugby-player/ http://www.marcbryant.com/2009/06/nz-police-investigate-attack-on-french-rugby-player/#comments Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:41:11 +0000 admin http://www.marcbryant.com/2009/06/nz-police-investigate-attack-on-french-rugby-player/ The News Review: - NZ police investigate attack on French rugby player - NZ rugby retains title - All Blacks beat France to square rugby series - Australia downs Italy 34-12 Saturday for two-Test rugby sweep - Rugby trophy loss takes shine off All Blacks victory - Australian 15th-Round Rugby League Scores NZ police investigate attack on French rugby player AFP Bastareaud was assaulted following France’s Test loss to New Zealand early Sunday in central Wellington as he was returning to the team’s hotel and he suffered a cut near his eye and a bruised face French officials said. The French team did not make an official complaint because Bastareaud could not identify his attackers but police said they were investigating the incident which followed the touring side’s 14-10 defeat. Wellington area commander Inspector Pete Cowan said police had spoken to the player who said he had returned to the team hotel by taxi but had run after the cab after realising he had left his wallet inside. After retrieving his wallet and while walking back to the hotel he was attacked from behind and fell to the ground where he was set upon by at least two men Cowan told Radio New Zealand. NZ rugby retains title Stuff.co.nz New Zealand players celebrate their victory in the world under-20 rugby final. New Zealand players celebrate their victory in the final of IRB Junior World Rugby Championship with a haka. Britain’s Henry Trinder (centre) is blocked by New Zealand’s Shaun Treeby and Winston Stanley in the final of the IRB Junior World Rugby Championship. New Zealand’s Trent Boswell-Wakefield (centre) battles for the ball against Britain’s Charles Sharples and Luke Eves during the final of the IRB Junior World Rugby Championship in Tokyo. All Blacks beat France to square rugby series AFP Both sides scored a try apiece with the telling difference being the kicking of the All Blacks who landed three penalties in atrocious wintry weather while France were rewarded with a conversion and a penalty. Apart from the scrums where France again dominated New Zealand showed they had learned from their shortcomings when beaten 22-27 in the first Test last week. They led 8-0 at halftime and were never behind at any stage in the match as their forwards took control of the all-important breakdown. The four-point margin was not enough for the All Blacks to retain the Dave Gallaher Trophy at stake in the Test series between the two countries. Related from Recollets : New Zealand All Blacks shelve bad memories for France Test Australia downs Italy 34-12 Saturday for two-Test rugby sweep The Canadian Press “It was a good effort by a group who don’t have a lot of background together” said Australia coach Robbie Deans who pointed out that while captain George Smith has earned 97 test caps the rest of the team shared 101 among them. “nce again the Italians were successful in stymieing our game for the greater part but there were occasions where the boys worked hard and we scored five tries so that’s not an easy thing to achieve against a side with the physical presence of these blokes” Deans said. Italy which takes on the All Blacks at Christchurch next week showed more poise than in its 31-8 loss last weekend in Canberra with centre Gonzalo Garcia making several probing runs and fly half Craig Gower a former Australian rugby league international provided several scoring opportunities. Italy’s best chance of a try came in the 66th minute when Gower produced a perfectly weighted grubber kick that looked certain to find an Italian player before hitting the post. McLean scored all Italy’s points kicking four penalties. “I think the performance today was a big step up from what we did (in Canberra) even though the score didn’t reflect that” Italy coach Nick Mallett said. “I was very proud of the performances in the last two weeks. Rugby trophy loss takes shine off All Blacks victory AFP New Zealand’s 14-10 win on a stormy Saturday night here was enough to tie the series but not enough to retain the trophy which is decided on points for and against. After being outplayed in the first Test which they lost 27-22 in Dunedin last week the All Blacks needed a winning margin of at least six points on Saturday but came up two short. Coach Graham Henry tried to put a brave face on the outcome saying immediately after the match that it was more important his side had rebounded with a win and he had deliberately not told them how the series was to be decided. “They didn’t need that extra information to put extra pressure on a side that is relatively young” he argued. Australian 15th-Round Rugby League Scores American Chronicle We also provide opinion and feature articles. We have over 5000 contributors over 100000 articles and over 11 million visitors annually. This website and its affiliates have no responsibility for the views opinions and information communicated here. The contributor(s) and news providers are fully responsible for their content. ]]> http://www.marcbryant.com/2009/06/nz-police-investigate-attack-on-french-rugby-player/feed/ 0 http://www.marcbryant.com/2009/06/us-falls-to-argentina-in-churchill-cup-rugby-tourney/ http://www.marcbryant.com/2009/06/us-falls-to-argentina-in-churchill-cup-rugby-tourney/#comments Fri, 12 Jun 2009 06:41:51 +0000 admin http://www.marcbryant.com/2009/06/us-falls-to-argentina-in-churchill-cup-rugby-tourney/ The News Review: - US falls to Argentina in Churchill Cup rugby tourney - Gloucester director of rugby Dean Ryan has left the club by mutual … - Australia: emergency talks flu pandemic declared US falls to Argentina in Churchill Cup rugby tourney 9NEWS.com No matter really -the fans clearly of global diversity enjoyed every second of the heated match. As Americans we are only on the cusp of truly appreciating the thrilling sport. In fact the Churchill Cup was started in 2003 as a collaboration between the English Rugby Football Union (RFU) Rugby Canada and U. Rugby in attempt to grow and develop the sport of rugby across the U. Gloucester director of rugby Dean Ryan has left the club by mutual … BBC Sport They were humiliated at Twickenham by Cardiff Blues in the EDF Energy Cup final in April and failed to make the Guinness Premiership play-offs for the first time in four years. Walkinshaw added: "When Dean Ryan was promoted from head coach to director of rugby we didn’t follow through and replace him so Dean was caught between the two roles. "The lack of a head coach has been the biggest contributing factor to the inconsistent performance of the team on the pitch. "ne week we could beat almost anyone the next week we couldn’t beat a carpet. "It was terrible we made a mistake in not following through and appointing a head coach behind Dean. "We did consider bringing in a new coach from outside but we’re looking at evolution and not revolution and feel that Bryan is absolutely the right man for the job. Australia: emergency talks flu pandemic declared AFP The WH’s pandemic announcement will give new impetus to efforts against the disease which first appeared in Mexico in April and has spread to 74 countries infecting nearly 28000 people and killing 141. In Hong Kong which was hit hard by the 2003 SARS outbreak authorities closed all primary schools after a group of schoolchildren became the city’s first “cluster” of cases. Australia’s caseload also continues to rise with top rugby league players among those infected and numbers nearly doubling overnight to 36 in the region surrounding the capital Canberra. Health Minister Nicola Roxon said the disease strain remained mild adding that the four people in intensive care all had pre-existing conditions. She ruled out cancelling any weekend sports fixtures. “That certainly is not part of our plans and we don’t intend to do that” Roxon told Sky News. “We are going to see NRL (National Rugby League) and AFL (Australian Football League) players affected the same as other members of the community” she added. Related from Southwestmuseum : American Indian Nation Plans for a Pandemic ]]> http://www.marcbryant.com/2009/06/us-falls-to-argentina-in-churchill-cup-rugby-tourney/feed/ 0