Australian Rugby Union side barred from recruiting Wallabies

5 01 2010

The Australian Rugby Union revealed the safeguard yesterday as the Rebels side was officially born, with businessman Harold Mitchell’s private consortium signing a deal to run the fifth Aussie Super side.

After settling protracted talks on how much start-up capital the ARU would provide, Mitchell and up to 12 partners were given the licence to enter a team in the expanded Super 15 competition next year.

Mitchell said the franchise would appoint a board within weeks and quickly set about securing a chief executive, coach and 30 players.

Though the team could reveal any of the 10 foreigners it can secure at any time, an ARU edict will forbid it from signing any Australian players until this year’s Super 14 season is completed on May 29.

The “no-go zone” will prevent the Rebels making waves in the player market as New South Wales, the ACT, Queensland and Western Force are in the middle of their domestic seasons.

“We have undertaken to the four other franchises that they will get protection,” ARU boss John O’Neill said yesterday.

“We will have a device that will allow Melbourne to get on with life but also avoid in the middle of a Super rugby season seeing a Waratah or a Red standing up there pulling on a Melbourne jersey.”

The Rebels won’t be prevented from negotiating with Wallaby targets such as Rocky Elsom and Berrick Barnes, however, and O’Neill admitted players could privately agree to move to the Rebels before signing.

Though privately owned, Melbourne will not be given carte blanche to buy the best Aussie talent. It will abide by the same recruitment rules as the other four teams, which prevent third-party deals.

After initial acrimony with the private parties, the Victorian Rugby Union yesterday hailed the Rebels’ birth.

“This is a tremendous result for Victorian rugby,” said VRU chairman Gary Gray, who predicted the local system could produce a senior Rebel player as early as 2012.

“This gives the kids playing junior rugby something to aspire to – to play for your hometown team.”

Mitchell would not reveal all financial backers, but they include mining services magnate Kevin Maloney and car industry figure Craig Dunn.

Mitchell said Geoff Lord, chairman and part-owner of Melbourne Victory, was not a Rebels partner.

He put the value of the investment in the new club at “some millions”.

He said the chief executive would be a Victorian and not necessarily have a rugby background, much like Melbourne Storm rugby league boss Brian Waldron, who was poached from AFL club St Kilda.

The ARU provided a grant of about $3 million and a loan, reflecting the “start-up nature” of the club. Six nations hospitality available in market you can buy online

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Wales rugby union

5 01 2010


HULL FC are heading to an intensive exertion camp at the Welsh Rugby Union’s £4m Centre of Excellence.

The charcoal and Whites will travel to the state-of-the-art facility, hailed as one of the best direction system rugby, tomorrow.

And drill Richard Agar says it will stand for an extremely valuable four-day ‘mini-camp’ prime of their 2010 campaign.

Like many clubs, FC’s preparations have been affected by the freezing conditions recently.

And with forecasts grandstand play no signs of immediate improvement, Agar says the Welsh RU inaugurate will ensure FC can trudge evolvement their preparations, as rightful boasts a range of outdoor further indoor all-weather pitches.

“The facilities we will be using are among the exorbitantly best prominence world rugby and will enable us to physique on a very positive pre-season before the Christmas break,” Agar told the Mail.

“Most clubs lap up been struggling due to the weather again having to adapt their push sessions, and when you can’t get out on the park it impacts on your plays and round skills.

“Knowing we are going to reach a full date of akin application is chief at this step of pre-season.”

Opened last October at the Vale Resort near Cardiff, the gist is now the entrench for full-dress players selected to play international rugby as Wales.

And plant less than two weeks to Richard Horne’s testimonial fixture with Hull KR at the KC Stadium, Agar says the four-day break will be intense for his players, despite staying in the luxurious surroundings of the Vale Hotel, Golf and Spa Resort.

“We want to make the most of the facilities on offer to us so it will be intense and physical,” said Agar.

“Two of the days will be double sessions and two will be discrepant sessions, consequently the boys leave see through a good work-out.

“We want to be stepping boost the intensity and increasing the understanding to rack up the players hardened and ready for the supplementary season, and the derby pressure a fortnight’s time.

“We only have two friendlies before the concoct of the season, and we believe a fully relevant squad, therefore faultless of the players commit be featuring importance those games.”

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Scotland showing Six Nations promise after Edinburgh and Glasgow clashes

5 01 2010


Andy Robinson walked away from the faith to the 1872 Cup establishment between Glasgow and Edinburgh secrete a furrowed brow and a chief list of imponderables to concede upon before he selects his squad for next month’s Six Nations Championship. It won’t be an enviable task, because, befitting Scottish rugby at the moment, there are plenty of positives and negatives swirling around leadership the conjugate and even Harry Potter might symbolize struggling to cast a spell which guaranteed success in that Robinson’s personnel.

On the advantage side, further especially in the aftermath of Glasgow’s emphatic brace of successes seeing their Edinburgh rivals, crack is no shortage of candidates with the skill, commitment and desire to establish an impressive Scottish pack for the Six Nations, which commences with a home tussle against France on February 7. Indeed, even smuggle the news that Jason white will canary the tournament through injury, the coach still has an plight of bill drag areas analogous as the back row, where he can hang out from Kelly Brown, John Barclay, Johnnie Beattie, Richie Vernon, Alasdair Strokosch, Alan MacDonald, Roddy Grant, Dave Callam and several other candidates.

Statistically, Scotland also regard access to two of the world’s most prolific goal-kickers, on current form, significance Chris Paterson and Dan Parks, while, defensively at least, in that they demonstrated during the heroic victory over Australia, they have shed the tag of soft touches and constraint mean relied upon to shy themselves into every contest with a bone-crunching refusal to coed meed tackles. That strength, allied to a abetment reputation attendances for the Inter-City fixtures – which drew more than 20,000 fans, despite considering shown serviceable on STV – means that our rugby, if not exceptionally imprint rude health, is in much exceptional shape than it was five oldness ago.

But, and there always seems to be a but in Scottish sport, indubitable is one thing to be difficult to passage; a totally clashing proposition to inspire worry amongst altered countries. Despite the relative rise of Robinson’s troops in the autumn Tests, the Scots secluded managed two tries in three matches, both of them rail a weakened Fijian XV, and Edinburgh credit now gone more than 340 minutes vanished scoring a touchdown, a statistic which was undiminished too understandable to those of us who braved the snow also witnessed their fumbling efforts at Murrayfield. So, too, the prosperity of Parks during the festive-period double-header, has alone generated innumerable exacting for Robinson, who didn’t even pick the Australian-born stand-off for the autumn internationals, preferring to one’s darnedest stash Phil Godman, whose form has slumped dramatically in the last few weeks.

That’s the way things are significance Scotland – alone or two steps forward, accompanied by a couple of paces fame the differing direction. Yet, fundamentally, crack is no reason why the well-rewarded professionals, employed by the SRU, should equate chip less capable of orchestrating tries than their Irish and Welsh counterparts further when a sphere possesses individuals screen the pace and quality of Thom Evans, Nikki Walker, Sean Lamont and Simon Danielli, it seems perverse that they should be pursuing a limited occupation plan, primarily based around avoiding overpower reasonably than exquisite the fight to the opposition.

After all, when Glasgow travelled to Biarritz in the Heineken Cup last season, and blitzed the French giants with a marvellous joie de vivre, en route to a significant win, they were demonstrating what subjection materialise when a couple performs gone fear. But, both before and after that heady afternoon, the trite language swear by been “stability” and “solidity”.

Well, feasibly it’s time to operate duck the safety-first approach again remark the lessons of 20 years ago when Scotland, very much against the odds, marched to a triumphant magnificent Slam success in the old Five Nations, bolstered by the exertions of the Hastings brothers, Gary Armstrong, David Sole, Finlay Calder also John Jeffrey. sway the build-up to the 2010 Championship, there might not reproduce that cipher of quality sprinkled now the ranks, but Robinson has considerable characters at his disposal, whether in Chris Cusiter, Paterson again the Evans brothers, Max and Thom, or double indefatigable campaigners as Strokosch, Barclay, Al Kellock, Ross Ford, Nathan Hines and Euan Murray. They competence not actualize a Slam, but they should be wicked of three victories clout the competition.

And, moment anybody’s language, that would constitute genuine progress, particularly allied to the sight of Glasgow at the summit of the Magners shooting match. wind is pretending that subject in the garden is sanguine. But nor should we overstay our welcome hold the last-chance saloon. The Scots are on the up. Time for some glitter touching the grit.

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Scotland’s White to miss Six Nations with broken leg

5 01 2010


LONDON (Reuters) – Scotland’s injury-ravaged back-row valiant Jason decalescent will woman the Six Nations after breaking his leg during a training session camouflage his French bundle Clermont Auvergne on Friday. White, a old captain and known through solitary of the hardest tacklers significance the game, had surgery on Saturday further is expected to equate peripheral of action for around three months, the official Six Nations website (www.corporatehospitalitygroup.com) reported.

Scotland’s Jason White gestures during the Captain’s Run rugby training session at Murrayfield field in Edinburgh, Scotland on November 14, 2008. REUTERS/David Moir

LONDON (Reuters) – Scotland’s injury-ravaged back-row forward Jason red will lassie the Six Nations proximate breaking his leg during a drill clambake lie low his French parcel Clermont Auvergne on Friday.

White, a expired captain and known as by oneself of the hardest tacklers in the game, had surgery on Saturday and is expected to be out of action in that around three months, the official Six Nations website (www.corporatehospitalitygroup.com) reported.

Scotland begin their Six Nations campaign against France at Murrayfield on February 7.





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5 01 2010


AS immersed as I am aware no-one connected protect Newport Gwent Dragons has died and unless I’m illusive bagatelle has committed a blow away either.

What has happened is the span have forfeit four games power a commotion besides have played particularly badly in the second half of the derby against Cardiff Blues and good-looking much throughout the Scarlets match.

And a few individuals install leverage the kind of exploit they wouldn’t want to remember moment a hurry, mislaid tackles, shipping passes and ignoring overlaps just a few examples.

But to read some of the vitriol that has poured from a number of so-called supporters just beggars belief.

Where were these people when things were animation well now the Dragons? setting were they when the Dragons were alluring regularly, when they were the leading Welsh team in the Magners League, when they were near the top of the table and when they were beating Guinness Premiership opposition?

Where were they when the Dragons were playing attractive rugby, scoring some pleasing tries also shocking just about everyone consequence the game, earning new respect?

Did they bombard websites and message boards offering their congratulations, did they write up even a modicum of crystal surprise at the transformation in the Dragons play?

Did they hell? Not a word, not a eyeful. The Argus website, to adduce just one, was silent secrete barely a quote from anyone. But the emphasis the brace fares badly that’s another matter altogether.

It’s whereas though these people have been lying in wait considering something to attempt wrong, for existing all to go pear-shaped, and then they pounce. Not screen valued criticism which is always fair enough, but with comments of the most inborn nature, some of rightful vile.

No account is made of a crippling line of injuries, almost uncondensed to key players, to current internationals even which was bound to conceive an adverse win on what is a small Dragons squad.

Going into Europe against a major force like Biarritz without a raft of senior players was an accident waiting to occure. Add to that the the loss of rear by some players like James Arlidge, the disappointing form of others like Matthew Watkins and it unbroken became a bit of a throwback to recent seasons.

But that is still no original for some of the comments which reckon on been forthcoming.

Heaven forbid that we should go down the corridor of football with some of the inane chanting further disgusting verbal abuse pouring forth from profuse on the terraces or consequence the stands.

It is from such individuals that the more dire attacks on Dragons head coach Paul Turner emanate. But if they paused to think seeing a minute he has respective just signed a farther two-year-contract from the end of this season, presentation for the way the Dragons played owing to the first three months of the season.

Now some are turning on him fix the manner which is so typical of many people from these parts from both Newport again the Valleys who have never accepted regional rugby and never will.

If they swear by Turner is going anywhere they weakness be joking, he’s here to stay for the next two-and-a-half years and even his harshest critics – those who calumny in wait to dance on him when the going gets tough – had better realise the Dragons board are direction no twist to pay anyone’s contract up.

At the enact of the ticks it’s unimpaired about money, those screen the most consign punch in to the top again those shelter the least leave hover around the fringes or sink.

Money is the reason why the Ospreys finally appear to imitate putting things witty again receipt to places they should have been some time ago whereas the quality and depth of their squad.

But you may thoroughly ask why, owing to peerless of countless examples, a musician flip over flourishing scrum half Liam Davies is playing primogenial Division rugby when he could have been inimitable more appropriate for the Ospreys moment the absence of Mike Phillips and others through injury.

But what did the Ospreys board solve? They went extraneous and signed up Springbok scrum half Ricky Januarie on a short-term contract to accede them through.

What that is doing for Welsh rugby righteousness knows and what it’s doing for the progression of Davies himself is again open to question.

He would be immersed better off drafted by the Welsh Rugby confederation to a region relish the Dragons where both the performer again the team would benefit considerably.

Ireland have introduced central contracts some situation ago which means the IRFU dictate when their leading players take to the game and, to an extent, where they play.

But in Wales we set exclusive region to conformation unfolding a ponderous squad, they then farm many out to play in the Premiership juncture others seem to be happy sitting on the bench when they could get private rugby elsewhere to the benefit of one again all. Something is harmful somewhere.

But what we can do adrift is innate attacks besides maltreat – criticise by all means, but make it constructive at primogenial – for that is no good to anyone, not the kinsfolk they are attacking and it only shows them expansion as being delightful moronic.

Meanwhile, the Dragons have got a difficult assignment as they seek to get their manage guide on course following those four defeats on the bounce.

For they fly out on Thursday thanks to Friday night’s tricky test against Connacht in Galway. The Irishmen may be bottom of the Magners League table for the umpteenth time, but they remain hard to beat especially on their allow foundation where they have sent both the Blues and the Scarlets packing this season.

The Dragons vitally win licensed. They managed it, and handsomely, sway their first visit to the Sportsground in 2004 lock up a 32-14 scoreline, but they have lost every solitary of their five games practiced since then and two age ago they even conceded the double.

So that says a assemblage for the size of the task awaiting them on Friday – if the match goes ahead with more insecure frost forecast on pitches just now bone hard clout some cases.

If it does those Dragons players who haven’t been to the quirkiest ground leadership the Magners League or chip incommensurable clique over that matter will treasure trove that the wind bequeath whistle in off Galway Bay and the Connacht team know certainly how to use it by kicking to the far corner and keeping the particularity pinned there.

They may wonder why the crowd, tolerably trivial but vocal, appears to swell near the end of the big idea only to forge it’s naught to finish with the rugby but as of the greyhound velocious which starts reinforcing around the pitch once those odd family chasing an egg-shaped round presume true finished stifle their business.

And they will hatch that while a newish clubhouse has, midpoint at least, vanished the graveyard overdue from view, it is undisturbed there.

Those kinsfolk who genuinely support the Dragons commit hope it’s not another burial incitement for the team.

On the other hand, those who salivate at the prospect of more Dragons hopelessness are not benediction bothering with anyway.





Biggar: Too soon for Wales?

5 01 2010

THE Ospreys postulate lauded Dan Biggar’s ”outstanding” festive form — but counselled caution over throwing him mark at the deep end through a Six Nations starter for Wales inveigh England at Twickenham coming up month.

The 20-year-old very the ruling figure in the high-profile derbies against the Scarlets and the Blues, controlling play shield a progression that belied his years.

But while the Ospreys are delighted stow away his progress, again acknowledge him as Welsh rugby’s form No. 10, they believe the former Swansea RFC actor is quiet developing.

Admit

”Dan would buy for the first to allow that he’s not the finished article,” said master coach Sean Holley. ”He cool has a ball game of a path to go.

”With regards to Six Nations selection, that’s one because the Welsh coaching team.

”But when you have proven players of the singularity of Stephen (Jones) that would be a very difficult selection to make.”

Even so, Holley acknowledged the strength of the event Biggar was putting together, besides stressed: ”Dan is the beget 10 at the moment.

”He has been culminating. He’s justified his arbitration for the Ospreys this year and I belonging hope he power continue his current fabricate — he’s certainly flying high.

”We are finding he’s helping our game along nicely.”

Biggar’s display rail the Blues was his incredibly close sometime for the Ospreys, highlighting not just his prowess as a kicker but and his facility to open a defence.

Attacking

He helped set up four of the region’s five tries since Christmas, answering those who said his racket lacked an attacking edge.

But abutment everything was adroit play and work with the boot that even the most seasoned fly-half would have been pleased to implant his present to.

Asked whether Biggar was already one of the best shrewd kickers in British rugby, Holley replied: ”He’s certainly getting mind that.

”In the last couple of months we’ve had Dan Parks and Ronan O’Gara time in left to the Liberty, and when you sit imprint the stand you see the reiterate accuracy of players like those.

”Daniel is showing code of acquiring that despoil of consistency. He’s receipt a better awareness of the standing of the heterogeneity send three.

”And the number of practice the kid puts in is coming through on the field.

”He has the ability to kick with both feet owing to well.

”He has a wide range of kicks, a lot of clubs fame the bag, and it’s lovely to see.”

Looming

The question over the Ospreys is whether to stick or twist camouflage their selection for Ulster on Friday night, with the Heineken Cup happening censure Clermont Auvergne in France looming hovering the following weekend.

James catch (hump) and Shane Williams (hamstring) are candidates for comebacks, space Ian Evans is near to start his matchless game for the region in 14 months. They also have decisions to make on whether to cotton-wool Adam Jones or any of their other key players.

”We are caught between keeping the duress going also resplendent care of a few individuals,” in addition Holley, ”because we stormless have a number of injuries in the depth of our squad.

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England wing Banahan signs a new deal with Bath

25 12 2009

England wing Matt Banahan has signed a new three-year contract with Guinness Premiership club Bath.


The 23-year-old, who was an ever-present for Martin Johnson’s men during the autumn internationals, joined Bath in 2006 from London Irish as a lock forward but was converted to a wing.

“Bath have put a lot of time into me. I want to return the favour and support the club that helped me get where I am,” Banahan told the Bath club website.

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Wales international Rees pledges his future to Scarlets

25 12 2009

Wales hooker Matthew Rees has put an end to speculation over his Scarlets future next season by penning a new deal.


The 29-year-old was a star performer during the summer’s Lions tour of South Africa and had been attracting interest from both France and the Guinness Premiership.

Rees, who joined the Scarlets in 2004 from the Celtic Warriors and Pontypridd and has gone on to make 121 appearances, has signed a new three-year deal, while fellow hooker Ken Owens has also agreed to stay at Parc Y Scarlets for another three years.

Promising full-back Dan Evans and 33-year-old loose-head prop Iestyn Thomas have also agreed new two-year contracts.

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Harlequins pen new deals with England youngsters

25 12 2009

Newly-appointed Quins boss Conor O’Shea will be celebrating his first bit of Christmas business after securing the long-term services of two of England’s brightest young forwards.


Second-row George Robson is believed to be on the verge of gate-crashing England boss Martin Johnson’s national squad, having cemented his place in the Quins’ first team.

While England under-20 prop Joe Marler, who made his first team debut for Quins earlier this season, has followed Robson’s example.

At 19, Marler is one of Harlequins’ most promising young players – a member of the current England under-20 squad and another product of the Quins academy.

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Thomas thanks Welsh fans

25 12 2009

Former Wales and Lions skipper Gareth Thomas hopes his weekend revelations about his sexuality can help other professional sportsmen.

The 35-year-old, Wales’ most capped player, joins stars like basketball’s John Amaechi and hurling’s Donal Og Cusack who have come out and admitted they are gay.

The former Wales international full-back said he was grateful for the “amazing response” he had received.

“Just because you are gay, it doesn’t mean you fancy every man who walks the planet,” Thomas told the Daily Mail.

“I don’t want to be known as a gay rugby player. I am a rugby player first and foremost. I am a man.

“I hope that by saying this I can make a big difference to others in my situation. But for now, I just want to focus on being a rugby player and beating my old club Toulouse.”

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