FORFAR-BASED RUGBY COACH’S AUTUMN INTERNATIONALS!

LOCAL rugby coach Colin Robertson has completed his own special ‘Autumn Internationals 2010‘ after two decades of working with the nation’s rising stars.
Much of his work in achieving the full England set was achieved during a 20-year career with the SRU in which Colin worked in a series of development and coaching roles, taking him firstly at national level to the technical coach position with the U-19s in the 1990s.
From 2004-07 he was head coach of the U-18 side before moving to take on the same post with the U-20 squad in World Cup and Six Nations campaigns.
The withdrawal of an U-17 coach opened the door for Grampian Institute of Sport manager Colin to take up the milestone appointment for the latest group of fixtures, which included an outing last week against a Newcastle Falcons Academy outfit.
"It’s an honour to have the full set and I believe I’m the first person to have been head coach and assistant coach for all the age groups at national level – the only team I haven’t coached is Scotland!" said Colin.
"There have been many highlights – the U-18 team in 2007 was the most successful, beating Wales, France and Italy in the Six Nations and there were only five points in the game against England.
"Coaching the U-20s to a World Cup where you are playing five games and maintaining that level of performance was also a memorable experience, and the with the U-19s we beat England and South Africa in World Cups so there have been many great memories," he added.
Pride over Colin’s achievement is also shared at Strathmore Rugby Club in Forfar, particularly amongst the Strathie Sharks junior section which he has been instrumental in building since moving to the town from his native Gala in 1992.
Colin’s closest Strathie interest centres around the progress of his son Struan’s involvement in the club’s Under-15s but, through his former SRU development role, he is very familiar with the good work being done at venues like Inchmacoble.
"It is the opposite end of the spectrum from the national teams, but Strathie is a great community environment," added Colin, who is counting on the club meeting one of his, so far, unfulfilled dreams.
"It is a frustration that nobody from Angus has played for Scotland and it would be great to think that with clubs like the Sharks continuing with their development that it could happen."
England V South Africa Hospitality
Autumn Internationals Hospitality

Autumn Internationals hospitality, corporate hospitality events, England V New zealand hospitality

Fai Mika hopes a move to Tasman will catapult him into the Samoan reckoning for next year’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
Mika who made 29 appearances for Southland since debuting in 2007 will head north tomorrow after transferring to Tasman on a one-year deal.
The versatile 29-year-old, who can play both sides of the scrum, has struggled for regular starting opportunities with the Stags behind Highlanders props Jamie Mackintosh and Chris King.
He was optimistic the shift to the Makos would see him gain more playing time as he looks to crack the Manu Samoa squad for the first time.
"It’s a big move, but one I’m really excited about," Mika told The Southland Times yesterday.
"I’ve always wanted to try out for the Samoan boys. It’s a matter of getting game time. I went to the (Samoan) trials a couple of months ago and they said they had heard of me, but never seen me play."
Tasman have been big improvers in the Air New Zealand Cup in recent seasons and Mika said he was excited about the chance to bolster their propping stocks.
Mika will play his club rugby for Waimea, in Nelson, and was looking to play his first match in the next few weeks.
He said it was extremely difficult to be leaving Southland at a time when the union was on a massive high after winning the Ranfurly Shield for the first time in 50 years late last year.
"It is sad, but it’s also exciting … It’s hard to beat that Ranfurly Shield. It’s unreal. I still get shivers up my spine just thinking about it."
Southland appear to be pretty well covered in the front row, with rising talents like Micheal Peterson and Nic Barrett expected to play more of a role in the Stags squad this season. Mika predicted that both players had big futures ahead of them.
Rugby Southland boss Roger Clark said Mika had been a fantastic servant for the province.
"He’s done a really good job. There’s a lot of history there, too, with his brother. We’ve got plenty of props. It’s a win-win situation."
Clark felt the time was right for Peterson and Barrett to make the step up to Air New Zealand Cup level.
"We’ve got two local boys, who are raring to go. They’re both very good players … We’re not in the business of hoarding people."
England V Samoa Hospitality
Autumn Internationals Hospitality

New Zealand-wide Rugby Festival Revealed – England V New Zealand Rugby

Rugby is the catalyst but plans for a nationwide festival during Rugby World Cup 2011 will also showcase Kiwi culture, food and wine, and passion for the outdoors.
As the countdown to RWC 2011 continues, the New Zealand public has had a first glimpse of the six-week festival – scheduled to run in the lead-up to and during the tournament – with the unveiling this week of the first confirmed events.
From wild foods and adrenalin hits to fine wine and waka-racing – locals and visitors to Rugby World Cup 2011 will have the chance to experience the full spectrum of Kiwi life and culture, ensuring a non-stop party atmosphere throughout New Zealand.
According to the official coordinating body – the New Zealand 2011 office, the festival will be the biggest ever staged in New Zealand and will feature more than 1000 events.
While the New Zealand 2011 office is a government organisation, the festival will be largely driven by the regions.
Festival Director Briony Ellis says every region is taking the opportunity to showcase the best of its culture, people and landscapes, as well as local flavours and attractions.
She says the festival will touch every part of New Zealand, well beyond the 23 centres hosting games and teams.
Many events highlighting iconic New Zealand activities and landmarks are already showing on the online festival programme – www.corporatehospitalitygroup.com which will continue to grow in the lead up to the tournament.
On the South Island’s West Coast, locals are planning to serve up an exciting new food fest – the Great West Coast Whitebait and Wildfoods Challenge – that promises to put some of New Zealand’s iconic and unusual wild foods on the plate.
Visitors will be invited to sample and judge the challenge dishes that will be created at restaurants and eateries the length and breadth of the West Coast – from huhu grub bruschetta to the regional must-have fresh whitebait pattie sandwich.
Wellington is planning a rugby village, centred around a giant wharewaka – or canoe house – on the waterfront. The new development, scheduled for completion in early 2011, will be close to Te Papa national museum and the civic centre. Auckland is also planning a central city waterfront development.
Rugby will also dominate central Christchurch as the city turns Cathedral Square into a World Cup playground, featuring a giant dome and rugby field, for up to 10,000 fans.
England V New Zealand Hospitality
Autumn Internationals Hospitality

Danny Cipriani lays down a World Cup challenge to England coach Martin Johnson

Danny Cipriani has challenged England coach Martin Johnson to pick him for next year’s World Cup. The sidelined fly-half pledged his availability for selection in an exclusive interview on Saturday night.
Ignoring Johnson’s warning that his transfer to Melbourne Rebels on a two-year contract would effectively rule him out of the tournament, Cipriani said: ‘If I am playing well enough at the time, I would like to think I could make the England squad for next year’s World Cup.
‘I have not had a chat about this with Martin Johnson, but it is my intention to make myself available.’
Last night the 22-year-old, who lines up for Wasps against London Irish today, was full of confidence about his move and his hopes for an Test recall.
He said: ‘Playing for England has always been my ambition, and it still is.
‘I am pleased with the decision I have made to join Melbourne Rebels, and I want to come back to England a better player for the experience.
‘I see it as a break to improve me as a player and as a person. I hope to return to the England squad faster, fitter and better than before.
‘If I play well enough for Melbourne, I would like to think that I could make the 2011 World Cup.’
Although Cipriani has slipped to sixth in England’s fly-half pecking order, he is still highly regarded at Twickenham.
Cipriani’s celebrity status has not endeared him to Johnson, but yesterday he said his
girlfriend, actress Kelly Brook, would be joining him in Melbourne for a trip he hopes will restore his status as the heir to Jonny Wilkinson.
Further south, Dunedin is planning live entertainment and a big television screen in the Octagon that will create a focal point for fans in the heart of the city.
Queenstown – New Zealand’s adventure tourism resort – won’t be hosting any games but is still expecting to draw crowds of tourists and locals into its own lakefront fan zone.
England V Australia Hospitality
Autumn Internationals Hospitality

Wales V Argentina Hospitality – rugby hospitality packages

Autumn internationals is yearly event and starts from Sat Nov 07, 2009 (14:30). It’s a poplar event in Europe. All matches hospitality is available. You can enjoy the tournament. Corporate hospitality group is official partner of rugby union and offers best Rugby hospitality packages. You can book you Wales V Argentina hospitality at vary competitive price and enjoy the match with lot of facility. We provide 100% security and privacy to customer information
Buy your Rugby hospitality at Autumn Internationals Hospitality
All Events Information please visit Corporate Hospitality Group

Contact Us
Address: Corporate Hospitality Group
Unit 1b
Spinnaker Court
Becketts Wharf
Hampton Wick
KT1 4ER
Tel: +44 (0) 020 8614 0818
Fax: +44 (0) 020 8614 0811
Email: sales@corporatehospitalitygroup.com

Wales V Argentina Hospitality – rugby hospitality packages

Autumn internationals is yearly event and starts from Sat Nov 07, 2009 (14:30). It’s a poplar event in Europe. All matches hospitality is available. You can enjoy the tournament. Corporate hospitality group is official partner of rugby union and offers best Rugby hospitality packages. You can book you Wales V Argentina hospitality at vary competitive price and enjoy the match with lot of facility. We provide 100% security and privacy to customer information
Buy your Rugby hospitality at Autumn Internationals Hospitality
All Events Information please visit Corporate Hospitality Group

Contact Us
Address: Corporate Hospitality Group
Unit 1b
Spinnaker Court
Becketts Wharf
Hampton Wick
KT1 4ER
Tel: +44 (0) 020 8614 0818
Fax: +44 (0) 020 8614 0811
Email: sales@corporatehospitalitygroup.com

Wales V New Zealand Hospitality – rugby hospitality packages

Autumn internationals is yearly event and starts from Sat Nov 07, 2009 (14:30). It’s a poplar event in Europe. All matches hospitality is available. You can enjoy the tournament. Corporate hospitality group is official partner of rugby union and offers best Rugby hospitality packages. You can book you Wales V New Zealand hospitality at vary competitive price and enjoy the match with lot of facility. We provide 100% security and privacy to customer information
Buy your Rugby hospitality at Autumn Internationals Hospitality
All Events Information please visit Corporate Hospitality Group

Contact Us
Address: Corporate Hospitality Group
Unit 1b
Spinnaker Court
Becketts Wharf
Hampton Wick
KT1 4ER
Tel: +44 (0) 020 8614 0818
Fax: +44 (0) 020 8614 0811
Email: sales@corporatehospitalitygroup.com

A battle of England V Argentina at Twickenham

LONDON — World Cup-winning hooker Steve Thompson was recalled on Monday to an injury-hit England squad for next month’s Tests at Twickenham having himelf briefly retired from rugby because of a neck problem.

England manager Martin Johnson, who was Thompson’s World Cup winning captain six years ago, has lost nearly two teams’ worth of players because of injuries for next month’s Tests against Australia, Argentina and New Zealand, including his first-choice front row.

Thompson retired in April 2007 after a neck operation but the now 31-year-old returned months later to play for Brive, having initially joined the French club as a coach.

He did make a brief England return with an appearance off the bench late-on in June’s 37-15 win over Argentina but this was seen as a stop-gap effort.

Ironically, given his injury problems since landing the winning drop-goal in the 2003 World Cup final, fly-half Jonny Wilkinson – also now playing his club rugby in France, for Toulon – was fit enough to be included in the revised 32-man squad.

Johnson’s selection saw him pick three uncapped players in forwards David Barnes, Richard Blaze and Courtney Lawes while prop Duncan Bell returned after a gap of four years.

"The whole squad is looking forward to three very tough games in November," Johnson said. "We’ve had to make a number of changes because of injuries but we have strength in depth.

"Each of the players coming in has the opportunity to push themselves into contention for the 2nd match England v Argentina on November 14."

Highly-rated lock Lawes, still only 20, got his chance after Nick Easter tore a calf muscle during Harlequins’s 26-22 Premiership win over Worcester on Saturday that saw him ruled out for four weeks.

That day also saw veteran Leicester prop Julian White sidelined after tearing a hamstring in the 18-12 Premiership loss to London Irish.

Veteran prop White’s injury came just days after it was confirmed ex-England captain Phil Vickery was ruled out for three months because of back surgery.

Fellow prop Andrew Sheridan was already sidelined for at least four months with a dislocated shoulder.
With hooker Lee Mears already out because of knee ligament damage, Johnson had to revamp what was an all British and Irish Lions front row while experienced lock Simon Shaw is currently injured as well.

And there have been injuries behind the scrum, with full-back Delon Armitage (shoulder), centre Riki Flutey (shoulder), fly-half Toby Flood (knee) and scrum-half Harry Ellis (knee) seeing their squad spots taken by David Strettle, Shane Geraghty, Andy Goode and Richard Wigglesworth respectively.

Saracens second-row Steve Borthwick, England’s captain last season, has retained the leadership of the team for all three Tests.

"Steve has been appointed captain and I’m sure he will continue to do an excellent job," Johnson said.
Revised England 32-man squad for the November internationals against Australia, Argentina and New Zealand:
Backs

Matt Banahan (Bath), Danny Care (Harlequins), Mark Cueto (Sale), Ben Foden (Northampton), Shane Geraghty (Northampton), Andy Goode (Brive/FRA), Dan Hipkiss (Leicester), Paul Hodgson (London Irish), Ugo Monye (Harlequins), David Strettle (Harlequins), Mathew Tait (Sale), Mike Tindall (Gloucester), Richard Wigglesworth (Sale), Jonny Wilkinson (Toulon/FRA)

Forwards
Steffon Armitage (London Irish), David Barnes (Bath), Duncan Bell (Bath), Richard Blaze (Leicester), Steve Borthwick (Saracens, capt), George Chuter (Leicester), Jordan Crane (Leicester), Tom Croft (Leicester), Louis Deacon (Leicester), Dylan Hartley (Northampton), James Haskell (Stade Francais/FRA), Ben Kay (Leicester), Courtney Lawes (Northampton), Lewis Moody (Leicester), Tim Payne (Wasps), Steve Thompson (Brive/FRA), David Wilson (Bath), Joe Worsley (Wasps)

Fixtures (all matches at Twickenham):

Nov 07: England v Australia (1430GMT)

Nov 14: England v Argentina (1430GMT)

Nov 21: England v New Zealand (1430GMT)

Rugby Hospitality: For this match sports hospitality is available form corporate hospitality group. Corporate hospitality introduce a variety of Corporate hospitality Packages. They provide 100% security and privacy to customer Information. You can reserve your rugby hospitality with confidance and with fear.

For upcoming sports information please visit Corporate Hospitality Events
Book your autumn hospitality Autumn Internationals Hospitality
Book your Six Nations Hospitality Six Nations Hospitality

Sport Hospitality

 

hotlines rugby: Wales V New Zealand

Wales coach Warren Gatland is absolutely right, New Zealand have lost their aura but whether this was the right week to express that view is another question. Gatland should simply concentrate on producing a team which truly believes they can beat New Zealand. The All Blacks coaches are swapping roles for the autumn which will be all fine and dandy as long as they keep winning. Lose and the knives will be out.

Head to head: Great match ups all over the park, not least Martyn Williams taking on Richie McCaw again, but the clash worth the admission price alone will be the thunderous tete at tere between Jamie Roberts and Ma’a Nonu. Both blockbusting centres are much more skilful than often given credit but it will be the bone on bone crunch of combat that draws the eye.

 Talking tactics: South Africa have mastered New Zealand by dominating the All Blacks in the setpiece but Wales don’t have the heavy artillery to achieve that although they have been working like Trojans at their scrummaging. Wales have a very useful back division and need to play to that strength, even if it opens up the game for the equally dangerous Kiwi runners.

And another thing: Wales have conceded an average of 37 points per game in their five matches – and five defeats – against New Zealand at the Millennium Stadium.


Wales: J Hook (Ospreys); L Halfpenny (Cardiff Blues), T Shanklin (Cardiff Blues), J Roberts (Cardiff Blues), S Williams (Ospreys); S Jones (Scarlets), G Cooper (Cardiff Blues); G Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), M Rees (Scarlets), P James (Ospreys), A-W Jones (Ospreys), L Charteris (Newport Gwent Dragons), A Powell (Cardiff Blues), M Williams (Cardiff Blues), R Jones (Ospreys, capt).

Replacements: H Bennett (Ospreys), Duncan Jones (Ospreys), B Davies (Cardiff Blues), Dafydd Jones (Scarlets), M Roberts (Scarlets), J Davies (Scarlets), T James (Cardiff Blues).

New Zealand: M Muliaina (Waikato Chiefs); C Jane, C Smith, M Nonu, Z Guildford (all Wellington Hurricanes); D Carter (Canterbury Crusaders), B Leonard (Waikato Chiefs); W Crockett (Canterbury Crusaders), A Hore, N Tialata (both Wellington Hurricanes), B Thorn (Canterbury Crusaders), J Eaton (Wellington Hurricanes), J Kaino (Auckland Blues), R McCaw (capt), K Read (both Canterbury Crusaders).

Replacements: C Flynn, O Franks (both Canterbury Crusaders), T Donnelly, A Thomson, J Cowan (all Otago Highlanders), S Donald (Waikato Chiefs), B Smith (Otago Highlanders).

Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa).

Rugby Hospitality: For this match sports hospitality is available form corporate hospitality group. Corporate hospitality introduce a variety of Corporate hospitality Packages. They provide 100% security and privacy to customer Information. You can reserve your rugby hospitality with confidance and with fear.

For upcoming sports information please visit Corporate Hospitality Events
Book your autumn hospitality Autumn Internationals Hospitality
Book your Six Nations Hospitality Six Nations Hospitality

Sport Hospitality

Autumn Internationals rugby stars

ALL eyes will be on David Wilson at Westoe Rugby Club today as he runs out for England against the Aussies.

The club is televising the Twickenham clash, which will see the 24-year-old, from South Shields, make only his second Test start.

Wilson came through the junior section at Westoe and returned to realise his dream of playing for the first team as he recovered from injury while at Newcastle Falcons.

Now playing for Bath in the Guinness Premiership, the 6ft 1in prop is tipped for a promising international career.

Westoe chairman and first-team manager Duncan Murray said: "I think it is a fantastic day for everyone at the club.

"Everyone will be watching him. He’s a big, strong prop and he’s there to represent his country."



Wilson, who now lives in Gloucestershire, regularly comes back to South Shields to visit his family in Marsden and catch a game at Westoe.

He also takes a keen interest in what is going on at his former school, Harton Technology College, where he honed his rugby skills.

Head of boys’ PE and rugby coach Paul Byrne said: "He always had outstanding potential. Realising that potential is the difficult bit.

"Everything he’s achieved, he’s had to work incredibly hard for.

"The position he plays is unforgiving and demanding – it is probably one of the most physical positions on the pitch.

"To play at the level he’s at, you have got to be incredibly committed, fit and have a mental toughness."

Mr Byrne said both he and the school are delighted and proud to see Wilson picked by England manager Martin Johnson – including 100 rugby-playing pupils who look up to him.

"There are an awful lot of people in South Shields who will be rooting for him," he said. "He has such a bright future ahead of him.

Headteacher Ken Gibson added: "David is yet another high-profile success story for Harton Technology College and an inspiration to our current crop of rugby players.

"He is a lovely lad and an incredible talent who fully deserves his continued national recognition."

Wilson played for his school, in Lisle Road, South Shields, and at county level as a youngster, joining the England under-16s at the age of 14.

He was called into the England Saxons side in 2008 and made his full England debut against Argentina at Old Trafford in June, donating his shirt to Mr Byrne afterwards.

Rugby Hospitality: For Autumn Internationals 2009 sports hospitality is available form corporate hospitality group. Corporate hospitality introduce a variety of Corporate hospitality Packages. They provide 100% security and privacy to customer Information. You can reserve your rugby hospitality with confidance and with fear.

For upcoming sports information please visit Corporate Hospitality Events
Book your autumn hospitality Autumn Internationals Hospitality
Book your Six Nations Hospitality Six Nations Hospitality

Corporate Hospitality Events