Tuesday 31 December 2013

Rugby star ditches pitch for role in Hollywood movie

Super League star Keith Mason hopes to be a knockout off the rugby pitch as well as on it after landing a role in a new Hollywood film.



The 31-year-old rugby star swapped tykes for Tinseltown to star alongside Mickey Rourke and Daryl Hannah in Skin Traffik.


Dewsbury-born Mason, 31, hopes to tackle a new career on-screen after landing the role in film, which also stars Hollywood hardman Michael Madsen.


Mason, who has been a prop for Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, Castleford Tigers and Huddersfield Giants, plays the role of Mr Rourke’s bodyguard in the movie.


He said: “Its been a whirlwind. To have a part alongside some of the best actors there’ll ever be is just amazing.


“It’s unheard of really – someone landing a role in the film after bumping into a film star. I’m still pinching myself.


“I’m just a normal lad from Yorkshire and now I am seeing all this glitz and glamour. It’s surreal. I’m from a humble background, with a single mum who brought five kids up on a council estate.”


Mason became friends with Hollywood star Rourke after a chance meeting in a nightclub after the Huddersfield Giants’ Challenge Cup final appearance at Wembley in 2009.


He told him his dream of becoming an actor and after auditions, the rugby star landed 
the role in the new movie – as long as he learned his lines in two weeks.


Keith spent 10 days in London last year filming the crime thriller.


The full interview is in Bestfit magazine.


Article source: http://www.pocklingtonpost.co.uk/news/local/talk-by-england-rugby-coach-to-tackle-our-approach-to-education-1-6305157


Rugby star ditches pitch for role in Hollywood movie

Welsh rugby row rumbles on




LONDON (Reuters) – The chaos within Welsh rugby will continue into the New Year after the four regions condemned the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) for their failure to provide a financially viable playing structure and insisted they remain committed to a breakaway European club competition.




The regions have been in dispute with the WRU over a host of issues but failed to reach an agreement by Tuesday’s deadline. They said it was impossible to plan for next season without the financial and fixture guarantees they need.



The Welsh regions have previously joined the French and English clubs in their plans for a breakaway European club competition, which has subsequently been thrown into disarray by the French clubs’ u-turn and decision to stay with the Heineken Cup.



Tuesday’s statement appears to now leave the Welsh regions and English clubs on their own, however, the format and structure for next season’s European competition is still unclear.



“RRW and the Regions re-affirm their commitment to the Rugby Champions Cup under the aegis of Six Nations, which will generate a guaranteed 12 million pounds ($19.88 million)additional funding across the four regions over the next three years and help reduce the funding gap compared to the French, English, Irish and Scottish clubs,” Regional Rugby Wales (RRW)said in a statement on Tuesday.



The Welsh regions have been struggling financially for many years and have seen many of their high profile players join English and French clubs – such as George North and Mike Phillips.



Despite the national team’s success in the Six Nations in recent seasons and Wales’ huge influence in the British and Irish Lions’ series victory over Australia this year, the clubs have struggled desperately to make any impact in the Heineken Cup.



“It is astonishing that they (WRU) have put the four businesses in this position as a result of failing to fulfil their obligations under the agreement, despite having almost two years to resolve the issues involved,” RRW added.



“As it stands, the Regions do not believe the participation agreement reflects the changes and demands of the modern game.”



The WRU argued the regions knew what they had signed up for.



“The participation agreement provided a 10 year rugby framework for the professional game in Wales and is an integral part of the rugby pyramid structure in Wales,” the WRU said.



“The decision of the existing regional organisations not to continue with the PA has now freed the WRU to present a new participation agreement focused on recognising and rewarding regions which identify, develop and retain players capable of challenging for international honours with Wales. This is in the best interests of Welsh rugby.”



($1 = 0.6038 British pounds)



(Editing by Pritha Sarkar)



Article source: http://www.pocklingtonpost.co.uk/news/local/talk-by-england-rugby-coach-to-tackle-our-approach-to-education-1-6305157


Welsh rugby row rumbles on

The local rugby club playing in a 25000-seat stadium

Ten years ago, under the ownership of former chairman George Reynolds, Division 3 (now League Two) club Darlington FC (average crowd: 1,500) built a massive 25,000-seat stadium on the outskirts of town.


But the club went out of business eight years later and the reformed Darlington 1883 FC now play in the eighth tier of English football at a tiny stadium in a nearby town.


So who are the new tenants of the white elephant stadium? A local rugby union team, Mowden Park, which has an average crowd of 800.


BBC News went to meet the team and find out what it is like for them to play in such a huge venue.


Video production: Dan Curtis


Stop/Start is a series of video features for the BBC News website which follows both new trends that are beginning and old traditions that are coming to an end.


Article source: http://www.pocklingtonpost.co.uk/news/local/talk-by-england-rugby-coach-to-tackle-our-approach-to-education-1-6305157


The local rugby club playing in a 25000-seat stadium

John Jeffrey demands top three finish for Scotland

FORMER Scotland flanker John Jeffrey believes that Scotland have the ability to and should finish in the top three in the forthcoming RBS Six Nations despite their third spot last season being the first such finish in seven years.



In an exclusive interview with scotsman.com, as part of this week’s Scotsman Rugby Show, in association with Ginger Grouse, Jeffrey reflects on the past year in Scottish rugby, giving his verdict on the performances in the Six Nations, on tour in South Africa and through what he termed a disappointing autumn Test series. He believes that Scotland head coach Scott Johnson has developed good players for Scotland in 2013, but urges him to now cast off the experimental head and settle on the strongest side for a Six Nations tournament where anything less than third place would represent failure.


Now a Scottish Rugby Council member and chair of the IRB Referees Panel, Jeffrey also casts a glance over the Scottish club game where he joins the call for a move by Scottish clubs to summer rugby, bemoaning the fall in club attendances and insisting that playing from November to January is a waste of time for players and supporters in Scotland.


The full ten-minute interview is broken into five questions and we welcome your feedback on this split style of rugby show, with interviews with Gregor Townsend, the Glasgow coach, and Edinburgh’s Alan Solomons also featuring on the website, and a special round-up of 2013’s top club tries to come tomorrow.


Email us your comments to: david.ferguson@jpress.co.uk



THE SCOTSMAN RUGBY SHOW IN ASSOCIATION WITH GINGER GROUSE



Scotsman Rugby Show – Episode 6



Scotsman Rugby Show – Episode 5



Scotsman Rugby Show – Episode 4



Scotsman Rugby Show – Episide 3



Scotsman Rugby Show – Episode 2



Scotsman Rugby Show – Episode 1



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Follow Ginger Grouse on Twitter



Article source: http://www.pocklingtonpost.co.uk/news/local/talk-by-england-rugby-coach-to-tackle-our-approach-to-education-1-6305157


John Jeffrey demands top three finish for Scotland

Welsh rugby regions row rolls on as new deal not yet signed

Wales’ four rugby regions are not expected to meet the deadline for the signing of a new participation agreement with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU).


The WRU gave the clubs a deadline of midnight on 31 December for the agreement, which would replace the current five-year contract that expires in June 2014.


But the regions believe the funding in the new deal is inadequate for their needs, and the decision not to sign could instead see them step up their pursuit of playing in an Anglo-Welsh competition next season.


Rugby writer and broadcaster Peter Jackson spoke to BBC Radio Wales’ Good Morning Wales programme.


Welsh regions closer to WRU split


All you need to know about Heineken Cup row


Players ‘frustrated’ by rugby rows


Article source: http://www.pocklingtonpost.co.uk/news/local/talk-by-england-rugby-coach-to-tackle-our-approach-to-education-1-6305157


Welsh rugby regions row rolls on as new deal not yet signed

Rugby-Welsh rugby row rumbles on




LONDON Dec 31 (Reuters) – The chaos within Welsh rugby will continue into the New Year after the four regions condemned the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) for their failure to provide a financially viable playing structure and insisted they remain committed to a breakaway European club competition.




The regions have been in dispute with the WRU over a host of issues but failed to reach an agreement by Tuesday’s deadline. They said it was impossible to plan for next season without the financial and fixture guarantees they need.



The Welsh regions have previously joined the French and English clubs in their plans for a breakaway European club competition, which has subsequently been thrown into disarray by the French clubs’ u-turn and decision to stay with the Heineken Cup.



Tuesday’s statement appears to now leave the Welsh regions and English clubs on their own, however, the format and structure for next season’s European competition is still unclear.



“RRW and the Regions re-affirm their commitment to the Rugby Champions Cup under the aegis of Six Nations, which will generate a guaranteed 12 million pounds ($19.88 million)additional funding across the four regions over the next three years and help reduce the funding gap compared to the French, English, Irish and Scottish clubs,” Regional Rugby Wales (RRW)said in a statement on Tuesday.



The Welsh regions have been struggling financially for many years and have seen many of their high profile players join English and French clubs – such as George North and Mike Phillips.



Despite the national team’s success in the Six Nations in recent seasons and Wales’ huge influence in the British and Irish Lions’ series victory over Australia this year, the clubs have struggled desperately to make any impact in the Heineken Cup.



“It is astonishing that they (WRU) have put the four businesses in this position as a result of failing to fulfil their obligations under the agreement, despite having almost two years to resolve the issues involved,” RRW added.



“As it stands, the Regions do not believe the participation agreement reflects the changes and demands of the modern game.”



The WRU argued the regions knew what they had signed up for.



“The participation agreement provided a 10 year rugby framework for the professional game in Wales and is an integral part of the rugby pyramid structure in Wales,” the WRU said.



“The decision of the existing regional organisations not to continue with the PA has now freed the WRU to present a new participation agreement focused on recognising and rewarding regions which identify, develop and retain players capable of challenging for international honours with Wales. This is in the best interests of Welsh rugby.”



($1 = 0.6038 British pounds) (Editing by Pritha Sarkar)



Article source: http://www.pocklingtonpost.co.uk/news/local/talk-by-england-rugby-coach-to-tackle-our-approach-to-education-1-6305157


Rugby-Welsh rugby row rumbles on

Welsh regions refuse to meet Welsh Rugby Union deadline

Wales’ rugby regions have failed to meet the Welsh Rugby Union’s 31 December deadline to reach a new legal agreement over the game’s future.



Regional Rugby Wales 


(RRW) has instead given the WRU until the end of January 2014 to settle their differences.



The WRU responded strongly 


by hinting it could set up new teams for “sanctioned” games.


This raises the possibility of players being forced to choose between new WRU teams or existing regions.


However, it is understood a new agreement involving the unions and the current regions could still be established.


A row over the future of European competitions sparked the dispute between Wales’ regions and their governing body.


Cardiff Blues, Scarlets, Newport Gwent Dragons and Ospreys continue to back England’s top-flight clubs in wanting a revamped European competition, the Rugby Champions Cup (RCC).


A full-blown Anglo-Welsh league has also been mooted and is among the options Wales’ regions are keen to explore.




Gwyn Jones


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The Scrum V debate: The future of Wales’ rugby regions




An exodus of top Welsh players to higher-paying clubs in England and France has also formed the backdrop to the dispute over who controls the professional game in Wales and the money generated by it.


The WRU had given the regions until 17:30 GMT on Tuesday to re-affirm their commitment to the participation agreement that has underpinned their relationship since 2008 and which expires in June 2014.


The deal would tie the regions into playing in the Pro12 and Heineken Cup and making players available for international matches, while setting out the funding coming from the WRU for the next five years.


RRW, which represents the regions, has urged the WRU to ensure the four teams’ future funding can match the finances available to their English, French, Scottish and Irish counterparts.


The regions stated: “A solution must be reached by the end of January 2014.


“Should this not be possible, the regions will have no choice but to pursue further competition options immediately.”


RRW added: “It continues to be the absolute intent and strong desire of RRW and the regions to work with the WRU in progressing such a positive position for the next five years of professional rugby in Wales, or indeed to discuss any proposals WRU themselves may have that could provide an even stronger platform for sustainable and competitive professional rugby across Wales.


“Without change, professional rugby in Wales will fall further and further behind the rest of the European game.”


The WRU has a legally binding obligation to enter four Welsh teams into the Pro12 and Heineken Cup next season and without the regions, it would have to develop new sides capable of competing in those tournaments.


Reacting to the regions’ statement, the WRU said Welsh “teams” would play in the Heineken Cup and the Pro12 next season, and any cross-border competition would need to be approved by the relevant unions.


The WRU will now draw up a new participation agreement “focused on recognising and rewarding regions which identify, develop and retain players capable of challenging for international honours with Wales”.


Article source: http://www.pocklingtonpost.co.uk/news/local/talk-by-england-rugby-coach-to-tackle-our-approach-to-education-1-6305157


Welsh regions refuse to meet Welsh Rugby Union deadline

Ireland sweat on O"Brien

Ireland could be without Sean O’Brien for the Six Nations after he suffered a suspected dislocated shoulder on Saturday.


The tenacious flanker was forced from the field during the second half of Leinster’s 19-6 derby win over Ulster and looked in plenty of pain as he walked off the RDS pitch cradling his arm.


Head coach Matt O’Connor said the British Irish Lions star has suffered a “significant bang”, although it is unclear how serious the damage is as he is still to be fully examined.


If the 26-year-old has indeed dislocated his shoulder, he would more than likely be out for three months, meaning he could miss the whole of next year’s Six Nations, with Ireland’s final fixture being played against France on March 15.



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Tue, 31 Dec 2013 12:23


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Burrell eyes England place


Tue, 31 Dec 2013 14:20


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Mon, 30 Dec 2013 16:41


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Mon, 30 Dec 2013 12:34


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Sun, 29 Dec 2013 20:08


Ireland sweat on O’Brien


Sun, 29 Dec 2013 19:58


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Sun, 29 Dec 2013 19:57


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Sun, 29 Dec 2013 11:37


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Sat, 28 Dec 2013 19:42


Article source: http://www.pocklingtonpost.co.uk/news/local/talk-by-england-rugby-coach-to-tackle-our-approach-to-education-1-6305157


Ireland sweat on O"Brien

Rugby union roundup: Charlie Walker helps Harlequins defeat Exeter

Charlie Walker, a 21-year-old former Leicester Academy player, is attracting the attention of Stuart Lancaster as England continue their search for two wings for this season’s Six Nations. Walker, who scored two tries in the recent Heineken Cup double over Racing Métro, was one of Harlequins‘ scorers in the 22-6 victory over Exeter in front of 74,827 supporters at Twickenham.


The high-profile match was the ideal shop window for Walker. It was hard to follow a buildup that included the power ballads of the X Factor winner Sam Bailey and a firework display that left the pitch shrouded in smoke by the time Nick Evans kicked off but Harlequins lit up the stadium with an impressive first-half display that included two other tries, by Evans and Mike Brown.


“This was a massive, massive game in the context of our season,” said Harlequins’ director of rugby Conor O’Shea. “After a horrendous pile of injuries we are getting stronger and stronger by the game. There are few teams who can play the way we played in the first half.” Harlequins know, though, they will need 80 minutes of pyrotechnics if they are to overcome Northampton at Franklin’s Gardens on Friday night. Northampton recovered from going 13 points down to trounce Bath 43-25 in the day’s most spectacular game.


George North, who has been filling in at outside-centre, completed Saints’ comeback with the last of six tries in the final minute. North, back on the left wing, earned fulsome praise from Jim Mallinder. “George had an outstanding game,” said the director of rugby. “He showed why he is a world-class player.”


Northampton are breathing down the necks of the leaders Saracens, who were far too strong for Worcester. Despite leaving Owen Farrell and Chris Ashton at home, Saracens won 26-8 to leave Worcester rooted to the bottom of the Premiership after 11 defeats. Saracens secured a try bonus point within half an hour and a first win at Sixways in six years.


The good news for Lancaster was the return after injury of Brad Barritt, a 50th-minute replacement for one of the try-scorers, David Strettle. The England centre, who missed the autumn internationals, will start when the leaders travel to Gloucester on Saturday.


At Welford Road, Owen Williams, the young fly-half replacing the France-bound Toby Flood, contributed an invaluable 15 points as Leicester defeated Sale 30-23. “I thought he was really composed, kicked his goals and ran our backline well,” said the Leicester director of rugby Richard Cockerill, who was critical of the referee Matthew Carley’s handling of the scrum. “When sides come here they just cheat, cheat and cheat and I thought we got refereed harder than the opposition.”


Article source: http://www.pocklingtonpost.co.uk/news/local/talk-by-england-rugby-coach-to-tackle-our-approach-to-education-1-6305157


Rugby union roundup: Charlie Walker helps Harlequins defeat Exeter

Burrell eyes England place

Northampton’s Luther Burrell is looking to use his side’s upcoming fixtures to book his place in the England squad for the Six Nations.


The centre has been one of the standout performers in the Aviva Premiership this term and his form was rewarded with a call-up to the international set-up for the Autumn Internationals.


However, he didn’t manage to earn his first cap in that series but has continued his momentum and is now thought to be almost guaranteed a place when Stuart Lancaster names his Elite Player Squad on January 9.


The Saints face title rivals Harlequins on Friday before Heineken Cup clashes with Clermont Auvergne and the Scarlets and although Burrell is keen not to put too much pressure on himself, he knows these are the types of games he must perform in if he is to impress the England coaches.


“We’ve got Harlequins this week and then we’re back into Heineken Cup rugby,” he told the Northampton Chronicle and Echo. “They’re the games I’m going to have to show Stuart and the coaches why I should be selected in the EPS squad.


“I don’t really want to think too much about that and put too much pressure on myself.”



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Article source: http://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/dont-call-us-the-welsh-lions-says-centre-jonathan-davies/story-e6frf4pu-1226674635857


Burrell eyes England place

Leinster to reveal extent of Seán O"Brien"s injury today

With Seán O’Brien’s contractual talks with the IRFU, and unknown foreign clubs, still ongoing, the extent of the damage to his dislocated shoulder will be revealed by Leinster today.


Starting only his seventh game of the season, in the 19-6 defeat of Ulster on Saturday night, and just his fifth for Leinster, O’Brien was forced off in obvious discomfort after 53 minutes.


The 26-year-old is almost certainly out of Leinster’s crucial trip to Castres on Sunday week and the Ospreys game in Dublin five days later.


The opening Six Nations clash with Scotland, confirmed yesterday with the Wales and Italy games as sell-outs, is less than five weeks away.


The key issue is whether O’Brien requires surgery – which would probably rule him out for the season – or the usual six-week rehab, to regain his full range of shoulder motion.


It was put to Leinster coach Matt O’Connor that O’Brien had become a constant injury concern in recent times.


Busted
“Yeah, but we’ve all seen him play,” the Australia responded, in reference to the flanker’s attritional nature. “There is not much we can do about it. Blokes who carry the ball, blokes who are hard over the ball, are going to get busted. That’s unfortunately the situation we are in.”


Cian Healy is also facing a race against time to recover from ankle surgery before the Six Nations.


O’Connor disagreed that the Lions tour of Australia last summer had a direct impact on this O’Brien injury.


He felt the lack of game time might be a factor. “It is something we probably need to look at in relation to giving guys the opportunity to be a bit more battle-hardened in relation to coping with what is a pretty physical game.”


Knee injury
Another more recently established international, Luke Marshall, was also helped off the RDS pitch on Saturday, with a knee injury.


Marshall missed the end of last season and the summer tour of North America after sustaining three concussions in quick succession.


Ireland coach Joe Schmidt stated after the November series that statistics showed a fifth of his player pool would be injured at any one time. Hence the need to cap 29 players over the three Test window.


Currently, of frontline players, Rory Best, Chris Henry, Tommy Bowe and Simon Zebo are on the mend after surgery. Hooker stock is seriously depleted with Munster’s Mike Sherry out for the season along with Leinster’s Richardt Strauss.


However, with Leinster’s spread of backrow talent, O’Connor was not unduly perturbed by the prospect of losing O’Brien for a long stretch.


“Jamie and Seánie have proved over time, as has Shane Jennings, that they are world-class in that position. But the young guys, Rhys Ruddock, Kevin McLaughlin, Dominic Ryan and of course Jordi Murphy, are very good footballers . . . It’s probably the area we are best served, definitely.”


Meanwhile, Stephen Ferris is expected to see his short- term contract extended. The 28-year-old Ulster flanker has been plagued by knee and ankle injuries and has not played any rugby for over a year, winning his 35th and last cap for Ireland at Twickenham in March, 2012.



Article source: http://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/dont-call-us-the-welsh-lions-says-centre-jonathan-davies/story-e6frf4pu-1226674635857


Leinster to reveal extent of Seán O"Brien"s injury today

Ireland lose Sean O"Brien

Ireland flanker Sean O’Brien could miss the entire RBS 6 Nations championship after his club Leinster warned he faces a long lay-off with a dislocated shoulder.



Six Nations. Click here to bet.



Sean O
Sean O’Brien: Set to miss Six Nations


The 26-year-old, who made his British and Irish Lions debut in the second Test against Australia in June, suffered his injury setback during Saturday’s RaboDirect PRO12 match against Ulster.


Leinster won the contest, but O’Brien was forced off after 53 minutes.


Leinster will face Connacht on Saturday but O’Brien will miss that match, and the club gave a fitness bulletin that forecast he would be sidelined for a lengthy stretch.


The club announced on their website: “Sean is to have surgery this week to repair a dislocated shoulder, which will unfortunately keep him on the sidelines for several months.”


Leinster forwards coach Jono Gibbes said, according to the Irish Rugby Football Union’s website: “The time frame to return to play hasn’t been set in stone but it is significant enough for surgical intervention which means six to eight weeks minimum.


“It looks like that (he will miss the entire Six Nations), but they are not going to put an absolute line in the sand for him. They are just going to see how it goes.”


Ireland begin their Six Nations campaign against Scotland at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday, February 2.





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Article source: http://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/dont-call-us-the-welsh-lions-says-centre-jonathan-davies/story-e6frf4pu-1226674635857


Ireland lose Sean O"Brien

Regions won"t commit to agreement

A deadline of Tuesday evening had been set to add a further five years to the agreement, taking it through to 2019.


The regions, under the Regional Rugby Wales (RRW) banner, had always looked unlikely to meet that cut-off given the uncertainty over the make-up of the competitions they may compete in next season.


They confirmed their position in a statement in which RRW said it was “astonished” the regions had been left in a position where signing an extension would put £16million at risk as they would be unable to confirm matters such as income from ticket sales, sponsorship and TV rights.


RRW did offer an alternative deadline of January 31 to solve these issues, but the WRU made no allusions to that date in an incendiary response in which it stated its contractual relationship with the regions will end in June.


The WRU is committed to fielding teams in the Pro 12 and Heineken Cup, whatever incarnation they take place in next term, and its statement read: “The Welsh Rugby Union is confident that professional teams from Wales will continue to take part in sanctioned league and cup competitions in the best interests of all of Welsh rugby.


“The WRU also remains confident that a European rugby cup competition under the management of the ERC will take place next season. Welsh teams will also continue to play in the Pro12 league organised by Celtic Rugby Ltd.”


It added: “The WRU has received notice that the four Welsh Regional Organisations do not wish to continue with the existing Participation Agreement, as agreed by all parties in 2009, beyond 30 June 2014.


“As such the current contractual relationship between the WRU and the four Regional Organisations will end on that date.


“It was always the hope of the WRU that the four Regional Organisations would have continued with the Participation Agreement and therefore maintain their contractual right to remain the WRU’s nominated teams in sanctioned competitions.


“The decision of the existing Regional Organisations not to continue with the PA has now freed the WRU to present a new Participation Agreement focused on recognising and rewarding Regions which identify, develop and retain players capable of challenging for international honours with Wales. This is in the best interests of Welsh Rugby.”


If the union did form new professional teams, it could opt to centrally contract players whose regional deals are set to expire in the summer – such as Sam Warburton, Adam Jones and Scott Williams – and place them with the franchise of their choice.


RRW had earlier warned the regions would be left with no option ”but to pursue further competition options immediately”, if no deal was agreed with the WRU.


RRW also reaffirmed its support for the Rugby Champions Cup; the alternative to the Heineken Cup proposed by the English clubs.


The WRU, on the other hand, has thrown its weight, along with the French, Irish, Scottish and Italian unions, behind European Rugby Cup and the continuation of the Heineken Cup.


RRW claims the Rugby Champions Cup would generate a guaranteed £12m additional funding across the four regions over the next three years.


But RRW insists it still has a “strong desire” to work with the WRU.


The statement said: “It continues to be the absolute intent and strong desire of RRW and the Regions to work with the WRU in progressing such a positive position for the next five years of professional Rugby in Wales, or indeed to discuss any proposals WRU themselves may have that could provide an even stronger platform for sustainable and competitive professional rugby across Wales.


“Without change, professional rugby in Wales will fall further and further behind the rest of the European game.”


With a resolution to their feud with the WRU looking increasingly distant, and the resulting loss of funding the regions would suffer as a result of the schism, the four teams would be expected to press ahead with plan to join the Aviva Premiership; reports have suggested they have been offered £4million each to create an Anglo-Welsh league.


However, such a competition would require the support of the WRU, the Rugby Football Union and International Rugby Board, which would appear unlikely to be forthcoming, something the WRU hinted at in its statement.


“The WRU reaffirms its commitment to the International Rugby Board’s regulations which provide that cross-border competitions and tournaments may only take place with the full approval of the relevant unions,” it said.


Article source: http://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/dont-call-us-the-welsh-lions-says-centre-jonathan-davies/story-e6frf4pu-1226674635857


Regions won"t commit to agreement

Edinburgh Rugby must tighten up and nail chances

Stevie Scott once scored a winning try against the Glasgow team he is now helping Edinburgh Rugby prepare to confront at Scotstoun tomorrow (kick off 6.05pm) in his capacity as forwards coach.



That was back in December 2003 but, with ex-Scotland hooker Scott part of a new coaching panel at Edinburgh this season headed by Alan Solomons, at least they don’t bring any baggage with them into the inter-city showdown.


“I think the only occasion I’ve been to Scotstoun was to watch seven-a-sides last Spring,” recalled Scott who is actually hoping that a fresh and particularly painful memory of last week’s 16-20 defeat by the same opponent will provoke a Capital backlash.


“That loss last week is the hardest of all to accept because of the way we had control,” insists Scott. “Looking back there’s huge respect for Glasgow. But we lost that game more than they won it.


“We had several opportunities that weren’t taken and that came back to haunt us.


“Jack (Cuthbert) dropped the ball in the corner; we gave away two or three silly penalties, and Greig (Laidlaw) missed a penalty that nine times out of ten he would have kicked.


“The driving maul was our lethal weapon, but we got away from that in second half.


“From the 58th minute we stopped doing it. We have to keep hammering away if things are going well, keep focusing on our strengths.


“We are learning on the hoof and sometimes the hard way but we are learning and things will keep on improving, I’m sure.”


Scott was also correct in highlighting the general work rate and the way a dominant scrummage yielded a succession of first-half penalties.


But some of the wounds were self-inflicted with coach Solomons pledging, first and foremost, to examine the way Glasgow introduced substitute Josh Strauss and were allowed to change the flow at the all-important breakdown area.


“We’ve been over the breakdowns, practised and reviewed the things we need to improve,” said Scott in also hinting that substitution policy may change.


Given that Edinburgh had been in action six days earlier and Glasgow had a weekend off due to a bad weather cancellation, it did same strange that it was the visitors to Murrayfield who emptied their bench on the way to their victory.


By contrast, Edinburgh used just two subs and had a cameo appearance from Mike Coman who, even in a five-minute stint as a blood sub, impressed in having leadership qualities, as shown when leading his New Zealand province to a Cup Final before arriving in Scotland.


“Alan (Solomons) has looked at substitutions and may look at it differently again.


“We’ll be checking the boys’ fatigue throughout and subs are something that will be getting discussed,” said Scott, who was unequivocal in his admiration for the way in which defence coach Omar Mouneimne is now ensuring Edinburgh are becoming harder to break down.


In the opening ten games of the season, Edinburgh conceded more than 20 points on seven occasions. In their last five games, that total has been exceeded just twice.


“It used to be that we had to score at least 20 points ourselves to win, but we have beaten Leinster and Gloucester by scoring 16 and 11 respectively.


“Our aim is to hold any opponent to no tries helped by the fact we are physically a lot better. Now, when the opportunities arise, we have to take them.”


Key is the winning edge provided by the South African contingent enhanced by the 
arrival of new stand off Carl Bezuidenhout. “I can see the near win-at-all-costs mentality from the South Africans and also the way they are getting that across to the others. There’s pent up frustration, definitely. Now the intention is to get out there and put right what went wrong at Murrayfield. Sure, we got a (losing) bonus point, but it was three league points lost.


“We had the winning of that match and a lot of things haven’t changed in a week.


“It’ll be a tight encounter again, I’m convinced, but we know what we have to do.”


First up come league points to start climbing the table and if the winning margin is more than four points then the 1872 Cup will be heading back to Murrayfield.


A steely determination exists in the Edinburgh camp and while a decade is a long time to go without an away win in the fixture, even more bizarre is the statistic that shows Glasgow have won all six league games away in 2013-14, while losing their last three at home in all tournaments!


Edinburgh Rugby must tighten up and nail chances

Regional rugby fans unite in protest against WRU as deadline day looms

Wales’ regional rugby supporters put on a united front on Boxing Day as they voiced their anger at the WRU amid the ongoing row that threatens their very existence.


Fans unveiled banners at the Scarlets-Ospreys and Dragons-Blues Welsh derbies urging administrators to “Protect Our Game”. The call came with no end in sight to mass exodus of top international players to English and French clubs and the continuing uncertainty over the future of the Welsh regional game.


The Supporters’ Clubs of the Blues and Ospreys, and the Supporters’ Trusts, Crys16 and Friends of Newport which represent the Scarlets and Dragons respectively, have formed an unprecedented united front to get their voice heard amid the political in-fighting.


“Our future is under threat as never before and it is time for all Welsh fans to stand up and be counted,” a supporters’ clubs statement said before the derby games won by the Ospreys and Dragons.


“The WRU cannot be allowed to turn its back on the very organisations and individuals who have provided its success.”


The protests came despite WRU chiefs agreeing to meet with supporters a fortnight ago to discuss the crisis and listen to their point of view.


The regions have been given a deadline by the WRU of December 31 to commit to continuing with the current Participation Agreement which covers player release for internationals and the distribution of funding from the central pot to the four teams. The regions, however, say it is unfair to ask them to commit to a new deal with so much uncertainty surrounding the European game.


They believe the financial terms of the deal are unacceptable and would leave them with a bleak future. However, WRU chief executive Roger Lewis has said failure to do so would plunge the game in Wales into great uncertainty.


Regional Rugby Wales are understood to have expressed an interest in joining the English clubs in some form of Anglo-Welsh competition next season and are unhappy that the WRU has committed them to the Heineken Cup – minus the English – next season.


Scroll through the gallery below for pictures from the protests            





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View gallery





 


Regional rugby fans unite in protest against WRU as deadline day looms

Crisis in Wales goes to the brink as regions refuse to sign new deal with ...


The meeting on Friday altered that, however, and with no sign of any

resolution of next year’s European Cup fiasco, the regions feel they will be

committing financial suicide by signing the agreement. They will announce

their intentions before Tuesday and are clearly ready for a battle in the

courts.



Any cross-border competition would require union ratification, and it is

believed that the Rugby Football Union would not give such approval,

although it has yet to see any definite proposal.



The WRU has scheduled a board meeting for Thursday, after which it is likely

to announce alternative arrangements once the present agreement ends on June

30, possibly including the creation of three new regions – in the west, east

and north of Wales – and the imposition of central contracts.



Six high-profile players – Sam Warburton, Leigh Halfpenny, Alun Wyn Jones,

Adam Jones, Scott Williams and Rhys Priestland – have yet to agree deals for

next season, and it is understood that they will be targeted for central

contracts.


Crisis in Wales goes to the brink as regions refuse to sign new deal with ...

Happy New Year: Share your Welsh rugby highlight of 2013 with us


Forget the politics

, it has been a stunning year for Welsh rugby.


Last March Wales shocked the Grand Slam chasing English by hammering them 30-3 at the Millennium Stadium, putting the entire squad in the frame for the Lions tour.


And it was the Welsh heroes who went Down Under and came back with the first series win since 1997.



On the domestic front we have seen players like Leigh Halfpenny

and George North elevate themselves to some of the best players in the world and we have seen Heineken Cup triumphs like the Cardiff Blues’ win over champions Toulon.


But what was your highlight?


Let us know now and we will publish the best tomorrow.




 


Our Welsh rugby highlights of 2013






View gallery








View gallery




Happy New Year: Share your Welsh rugby highlight of 2013 with us

Billy Vunipola reflects on big year for Saracens and England



Billy Vunipola in action for England against Australia. Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images



Exclusive by James Cunliffe

Tuesday, December 31, 2013
7:00 AM



Billy Vunipola has enjoyed arguably his best year as a rugby player, joining brother Mako with a move to Saracens that preceded England Test recognition – but ask him to asses 2013 and he admits he’s a work in progress.



The back row’s pulverising performances, first with Wasps and now with Sarries, piqued the interest of Red Rose head coach Stuart Lancaster and he repaid that faith by scoring a hat-trick on his debut in an uncapped match on this summer’s tour of Argentina. He then scored again on his Test debut against the Pumas before playing in all of three recent autumn internationals – the last of which came against world champions New Zealand.



A spirited fightback at Twickenham saw England come up short, going down 30-22, but Vunipola got a close up view of the All Blacks player who was named IRB World Player of the Year earlier this month.



“I think I’ve done OK,” said Vunipola on his whirlwind year, adding: “I’m no Kieran Read and nor do I want to be, but that’s what I’m targeting, to try to get to his level.



“I just want to play well for Sarries first and foremost and we’ll see if that takes me places.



“Playing for England was definitely my biggest honour. To get in the squad this year was awesome but I need to keep playing well for the club and hopefully that will keep me in the squad.”



Vunipola, who scored his second Saracens try in last week’s scintilating six-score 49-10 thrashing of Premiership champions Leicester Tigers, admits to feeling completely at home at the Hendon club after a somewhat controversial switch from Wasps in the summer.



Dai Young was convinced the forward would pen a new contract to stay at Adams Park only to be informed, hours before it was announced, that Vunipola had already agreed a move to Saracens.



“I don’t really think about it anymore, to be honest,” the back row said of the switch after the win over Tigers, adding: “I’m halfway through a season and I’m just enjoying it.



“I’m not thinking about Wasps or how they’re doing, I’m just going in every day [at Saracens], training hard and trying to play well.



“I’ve fitted in quite well, I’m enjoying and that’s half of it. Just getting into the way Saracens work, hopefully I can keep it going, but it’s going well.”



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London Irish suffer narrow defeat to Gloucester






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    Billy Vunipola reflects on big year for Saracens and England

    Ireland"s O"Brien likely to miss Six Nations




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    Ireland flanker Sean O’Brien could miss the Six Nations championship after suffering a dislocated shoulder which requires surgery, his club Leinster confirmed on Monday.



    O’Brien, who made his British and Irish Lions debut in the second test against Australia in June, injured himself during Saturday’s inter-provincial clash against Ulster.



    The 26-year-old was forced off after 53 minutes in the tie which Leinster won.



    “Sean is to have surgery this week to repair a dislocated shoulder, which will unfortunately keep him on the sidelines for several months,” the club said on their website.



    Leinster forwards coach Jono Gibbes said, according to the Irish Rugby Football Union’s website: “The time frame to return to play hasn’t been set in stone but it is significant enough for surgical intervention which means six to eight weeks minimum.



    “It looks like that (he will miss the entire Six Nations), but they are not going to put an absolute line in the sand for him. They are just going to see how it goes.”



    Ireland open their Six Nations campaign against Scotland at the Aviva Stadium on February 2.


    Ireland"s O"Brien likely to miss Six Nations

    Rugby-Ireland flanker O"Brien likely to miss Six Nations




    DUBLIN Dec 30 (Reuters) – Ireland flanker Sean O’Brien is likely to miss the Six Nations due to a dislocated shoulder that will keep him sidelined for at least six weeks, his club Leinster said on Monday.




    O’Brien, who was part of the British and Irish Lions’ team that beat Australia earlier this year, will have surgery on his shoulder after picking up the injury during a club game against Irish rivals Ulster at the weekend.



    “Sean is to have surgery this week to repair a dislocated shoulder, which will unfortunately keep him on the sidelines for several months,” Leinster said in a statement.



    Asked if he would miss the whole of the Six Nations, which runs from Feb. 1 to March 15, Leinster forwards coach Jono Gibbes told journalists “It looks like that” but said no final decision had been made. (Reporting by Conor Humphries, editing by Pritha Sarkar)



    Rugby-Ireland flanker O"Brien likely to miss Six Nations

    RTE 2fm presenter warns Irish rugby star Simon Zebo: Stay away from my girlfriend

    Protective 2fm presenter JJ Hartigan has warned Irish rugby star Simon Zebo to stop hitting on his girl.


    RTE DJ JJ Hartigan was upset when the Ireland player made advances at stunning Shauna Lindsay online over the weekend.


    The Montrose star posted a picture online of Zebo poking the pretty Miss Ireland runner up, 18, telling the 23-year-old player to back off.


    He wrote on his Twitter account : “Simon Zebo should concentrate on poking his own bird and leave poking mine to me.”


    Poking is where you hit a button on someone’s Facebook page to generally signal that you fancy them.



    Annoyed JJ – who presented the New Years Eve Dance Off last night on 2fm – also told Twitter followers that it “had to be done” and branded Zebo a #sshnakeyturkey.


    Gorgeous Miss Limerick Shauna was staying out of the fight but stood by her man by retweeting his post.


    Insiders have revealed that JJ and Shauna have been dating for a number of months and are incredibly in love.



     


    The 2fm star – who is also known as DJ Jay-J – presents weekly show The Full House on RTE’s digital channel Pulse and also works on Will Leahy’s afternoon radio show.


    While Shauna, who is currently working at Debenhams, is working on cracking the model world after taking on Miss Ireland earlier in the year.


    The Munster beauty recently signed up with renowned model agency Celia Holman Lee and claimed that winning Miss Limerick was “the best and most enjoyable things I’ve ever done”.


    And despite losing out on the Miss Ireland crown to Tipperary babe Aoife Walsh, Shauna has insisted that she will still make it as a big name in the modelling world.


    She added: “I’d love to build a career in modelling. It’s something I really enjoy doing and I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of it.


    “I’ve done a few photo shoots and fashion shows now and I get such a buzz from doing them.”


    In October, JJ revealed that he’d previously had stars coming on to Shauna.


    He said: “That awkward moment when you catch Michael Flatley checking out your girl at the Munster rugby match! Relax on the aul sunbeds there Mike!”


    RTE 2fm presenter warns Irish rugby star Simon Zebo: Stay away from my girlfriend

    Greg Growden"s fearless rugby predictions for 2014




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    Greg Growden has stared deep into his crystal ball to see what 2014 has in store for Australian rugby. His tongue may be firmly in cheek in saying his sooth – or it may not – but we can actually see the truth in many of his fearless predictions.



    Read on to see the coming year in advance, and leave your own fearless predictions in the comments box at the foot of the story. Or join the conversation on Twitter @GregGrowden using the hashtag #Rugby2014




    January



    - Key players break down during pre-season training, blaming the Coogee steps, Perth sandhills, Melbourne nightlife, Brisbane Valleys police inquiry, and one too many trips to Fyshwick for “fireworks”.



    - George Smith beckoned back to the Brumbies.



    - First media type tips New South Wales Waratahs to win the Super Rugby title.



    - First media type tips Western Force and Melbourne Rebels to tussle for last spot on the Super Rugby ladder.



    - First New Zealander to arrive at a Sydney club training stating he is an “All Blacks triallist”.



    February



    - A former student of the Shore school in Sydney appointed to an executive position at the Australian Rugby Union (ARU). In spite of no job advertisement, ARU chiefs argue the former school prefect and scratch golfer was the most impressive candidate in the interview process. The successful applicant tells friends: “It’s amazing what is offered to you on the first tee at Royal Sydney.”



    - Clubs applying for a spot in the ARU’s third-tier competition start going public about how the criteria don’t make any sense. Several openly wonder why they have to pay to join. Confusion reigns over how pay-TV is actually funding this tournament. ARU official is quoted as saying: “Everything will eventually be revealed in an open and transparent fashion.” Journalists at media conference immediately suspect a cover up, but they soon get sidetracked by a cute Sevens story and forget all about the third-tier kerfuffle for several months.



    - Former Brumbies CEO Andrew Fagan is sighted in the Waratahs car park.



    March



    - After a shock Brumbies loss in Canberra, Stephen Larkham and Laurie Fisher argue who exactly is head coach – and who has to front the press conference. A surprise, especially as the pair pushed each other out of the way to get to the press conference after a previous win. A Brumbies official says the franchise will review the co-coach structure.



    - For the first time this year, an Australian Super Rugby chief executive publicly denies his head coach is under pressure. “He has the full support of the board,” the frazzled CEO says. The head coach is sighted the next day filling in forms at Centrelink.



    - South African media sources quote an unnamed local SANZAR official explaining they now want a seventh Super Rugby team. Not explaining actually; more like demanding.



    - A campaign starts to limit the number of Australian derbies, after several turn into a bloodbath. The reason why? Something to do with “get squares after the Dublin dob-in”.



    - Benji Marshall is linked to the Waratahs for the first time in 2014.



    - Revolt in the Waratahs press box. Chief complaints? Pies and sausage rolls no longer on offer, and the media now have to pay for a match program. Waratahs officials say it is all part of the cost-cutting exercise to ensure the wiz-bang National Rugby Championship goes ahead.



    April




    - Michael Cheika is seen on security cameras chasing a Waratahs head office big-noter across the Moore Park car park. Is that a meat cleaver in Cheika’s right hand?



    - After a diabolical Waratahs loss, their new media man, Russell Fairfax, makes himself available for selection.



    - New Queensland Reds coach Richard Graham denies he is having problems getting his message across to Quade Cooper.



    - The Super Rugby CEO who the previous month publicly denied his head coach was under pressure, hastily organises a press conference to announce the franchise and coach have decided “amicably to part”. The official adds that the “new coach will be appointed through an open and transparent process”. In other words, the new coach was signed up weeks ago.



    - Unnamed South African SANZAR official says that he was misquoted the previous month, when he was reported to have said South Africa wanted seven Super Rugby teams. They want eight.



    - First Super Rugby official of the season to be kicked out of a casino, then makes a fool of himself at the taxi line by cutting in and exclaiming: “Don’t you know who I am?” No one in the taxi queue can answer that one. They don’t know who he is either.



    - Reds and Waratahs supporters boo their teams off the field. The Force and Rebels are also struggling, but no-one boos them off as most of their crowds have left well before full-time. The Brumbies have a surge in form, and both Fisher and Larkham are appearing at every press conference.



    - Tabloids report that Quade Cooper has been sighted talking to Brisbane Broncos officials.





    May



    - Waratahs officials say that Kurtley Beale has learned from his mistakes. In an official statement, Beale is quoted as saying: “I have learned from my mistakes.” No-one can explain why he hasn’t been sighted at Waratahs training all week.



    - Quade Cooper booed for the first time of the year at a New Zealand rugby venue.



    - Tabloids report that NRL clubs are targeting Israel Folau.



    - South African officials irritated they cannot get eight Super Rugby teams threaten to head to Europe. When reminded that they have said something similar every year for the past decade, they reply: “Whatever we do will be open and transparent.” Journalists sighted nodding off at press conference.



    - A “Bring Back Ewen” campaign start at the Reds, after home crowds drop off.



    - Australian players go missing in Bloemfontein. They are later found in Cape Town, saying “there is only so much excitement a person can take”.



    - Rumours develop of rifts between players and staff at Western Force. A scapegoat among the players is found, and he is forced to leave the franchise. The player last sighted in Kalgoorlie.



    - Richard Graham “rests” Quade Cooper. Ewen McKenzie comes to the playmaker’s defence.



    Fox Sports is embroiled in a major drama after a technician accidentally leaves the sound on during a Michael Cheika half-time address. The switchboard is bombarded by aggrieved mothers, explaining that “Little Johnny” has been affected by the outburst and won’t come out of his room.



    June





    The Force



    - Bill Pulver gets a new nickname … Fatty Vautin.



    - The Wallabies announce that Laurie Fisher has joined their coaching staff.



    - Tabloids report that NRL clubs are targeting Quade Cooper.



    - The Waratahs claim their membership figures are up. No-one takes any notice. Even though their home crowds have collapsed, the franchise has wheeled out someone every year to say that membership figures are up.



    - A high-ranking Waratahs administrator is forced to leave the franchise due to “financial discrepancies”. Confusion over corporate box figures is investigated. ARU officials deny all knowledge.



    - David Pocock is named Wallabies captain. He then appears on ABC’s QA and successfully outmaneuvers several big-noting politicians on pertinent issues.



    - Western Force’s Kyle Godwin makes his Test debut.



    - France record a shock win over the Wallabies. They credit their victory to a vibrant Melbourne nightlife and a mysterious blonde called “Fifi”.



    July



    - Ben Mowen goes public to say that he is still waiting for the ARU to give him a top-up contract.



    - The South African bus driver’s union boycott the Melbourne Rebels, saying it is dangerous to drive them back to the hotel after losses in the Republic. Fists being thrown all ways is too much of a distraction.



    - The Wallabies appoint a new team manager … a teacher from a well-connected Sydney North Shore private school. There’s no truth to the rumour that the school will holding a reunion at ARU HQ in St Leonards.



    - Tabloids report that NRL clubs are targeting James O’Connor.



    - Players privately start agitating that they are being forced to do more and more despite a cut in pay. Suddenly several stop making sponsorship appearances. No one notices.



    - Clubs are still waiting to learn whether they will be part of the whizz-bang national third-tier tournament. An ARU official is quoted as saying: “Everything will eventually be revealed in an open and transparent fashion.”



    August



    - Clubs say they are still awaiting more important information from the ARU re the third-tier competition.



    - New Zealanders again gloating over Super Rugby title triumph.



    - ARU officials deny the Rebels are leaking money big-time.



    - After yet another inexplicable Bledisloe Cup defeat, ARU chiefs say their prime focus is now Women’s Rugby and Sevens football.



    - Tabloids report that NRL clubs are targeting Kyle Godwin.



    - A television commentator, accustomed to making big, ridiculous statements straight after kick-off on supposed game trends will say after 30 seconds of play: “Actually nothing has happened.” He receives a standing ovation.



    - ARU officials, desperate to appease every rugby mother, push for touch football to be introduced at Super Rugby level.



    - Waratahs officials say they will have a “full investigation” into why they again missed out on the Super Rugby title. At least this time they made the finals cut.



    - Fan-with-typewriter rugby writer taps for the first time this season: “The Wallabies today snubbed their nose at their critics by … ”



    - Australia’s National Rugby Championship is under serious threat of not going ahead. ARU types deny reports of financial concerns; and if there are, it’s because of “the previous regime”. The blame game continues.





    September



    - All Blacks coach Steve Hansen ridicules the number of New Zealanders, Tongans, Samoans and Fijians playing in Australia. He forgets that his team has relied on Pacific Islanders for decades.



    - Quade Cooper at last performs against the All Blacks. Steve Hansen is quoted as saying: “Well it had to eventually happen.”



    - Sir Graham Henry is approached to help out at Western Force. Again knocks them back.



    - Matt Giteau gets thrown up yet again as a possible Wallabies candidate. Ewen McKenzie yet again laughs it off.



    - David Campese is forced to apologise on Twitter.



    - The ARU announces that participation numbers have increased. When asked to produce names of actual players, an ARU spokesman replies: “I’ll get back to you on that one.” The ARU spokesman immediately goes on holidays.



    - Tabloids report that NRL clubs are targeting Ewen McKenzie. Israel Folau says he is being targeted by tabloids.



    October



    - A sighting of Robbie Deans. Or was it?



    - Eight newcomers are selected for end-of-year Wallabies tour.



    November



    Australia



    - Ewen McKenzie is photographed smiling. Newspaper editor admits the following day that they were guilty of a bit of “digital mischief”.



    - ARU chief Michael Hawker, a renowned man of mystery, is sighted at a Wallabies Test in the northern hemisphere.



    - ARU official is photographed on bended knees pleading for James O’Connor to return to Australia.



    - The ARU decides the sale of “smiling Ewen McKenzie” masks can be a money-spinning exercise. It becomes a big seller.



    - The Wallabies select their 50th player for the season.



    - ARU officials go on a Sevens fact-minding mission in Brazil.



    - Ewen McKenzie says the Australian scrum is unfairly maligned in Europe. Wallabies front-rowers try to convince all that they have actually improved. The British media just keep giving it to them.



    December



    - ARU officials yet to return from South America say it is hard to get flights from Brazil. They explain that they have also been held up checking the Sevens in-goal markings. One ARU official renowned as a master networker and little else, starts lobbying to get onto the International Olympic Committee. “How long has this rort being going on,” he asks one of his colleagues.



    - Speculation mounts that James O’Connor will be the 2015 Wallabies captain.



    - ARU officials announce the union is still suffering from “financial difficulties”, despite the success of the McKenzie face marks, and so the Wallabies will have to play 28 Tests in 2015.



    We hope you all enjoy a prosperous year in 2014 …



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    Greg Growden"s fearless rugby predictions for 2014

    "The fastest man in rugby" signs for NFL team

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    USA Sevens star Carlin Isles poses above Cape Town, South Africa, December 11, 2013



    Carlin Isles, a member of the United States Sevens team, has signed as a wide receiver on Detroit Lions’ NFL practice squad after trying out with the team.



    Isles ran the 40-yard dash in 4.22 seconds during his workout with the team this week, Detroit Free Press reported.



    “You’re looking for athletes,” Lions coach Jim Schwartz said. “It hasn’t been unusual to see basketball players transition to the NFL, and it’s not just recently; that goes way back. Even track guys like Bob Hayes and Renaldo Nehemiah – things like that. An athlete’s an athlete, and there are skills you can develop, and if you see something that you like, then you can work with him.”



    Isles played football and ran track at Ashland University, a Division II school, before moving to rugby.



    Dubbed by RugbyMag.com as “the fastest man in American rugby”, Isles became a YouTube sensation because of his speed.



    Isles still wants to play for United States in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, saying “that is a goal of mine – 2016 is a big deal for me – but playing in the NFL is a blessing too”.



    Other NFL clubs have turned outside the US college system for talent this season, with Kenyan-born Daniel Adongo playing two games for Indianapolis Colts after playing for Southern Kings in Super Rugby last season.



    Australian-born United States international Hayden Smith recently returned to rugby by re-joining Saracens after 18 months with New York Jets.


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    "The fastest man in rugby" signs for NFL team

    South African stand off signs for Edinburgh Rugby

    Edinburgh Rugby today stepped into the transfer market to sign 27-year-old South African-born stand off Carl Bezuidenhout on an extended trial until the end of the season.



    Bezuidenhout becomes the 17th non-Scot in the squad and the fifth Southern African player in addition to two South African coaches.


    The 2013 Currie Cup and Vodacom Cup winner began training today with an eye on extending his deal and a statement issued by Edinburgh Rugby quoted the player as saying: “Playing in Europe is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. I just needed the break and this is it.


    “It’s a fantastic opportunity for a new experience; different rugby, different people, different cultures, it’s all very appealing to me and I’m really glad I’m here.


    “I’ve always wanted to travel with the sport. I got married in March so it’s something that we both really wanted to try as well.


    “It’s just going to take hard work. I need to get stuck in from day one.


    “Hopefully, I’ll get a chance out on the paddock soon to play my natural game and kick on from there.


    “I’m delighted about it and want to grab it with both hands and get an extension.”


    Bezuidenhout was in the Natal Sharks development squad before joining, in 2010, the Eastern Province team coached by Edinburgh mentor Alan Solomons.


    Latterly he has turned out for Nelspruit-based Pumas.


    Solomons said: “Carl has performed really well for the Pumas and played a pivotal role in their Currie Cup success this year.


    “His game management is very good, he’s got a good boot out of hand and for goal, and is very athletic.


    “He now has an excellent opportunity to show us what he is capable of, while also solving an immediate issue in that we are desperately short of fly-halves.”


    Bezuidenhout’s arrival comes at a time when Greig Tonks has switched to stand off and is being tipped for Scotland honours while regular Edinburgh No.10s Harry Leonard, Piers Francis and Gregor Hunter are injured.



    South African stand off signs for Edinburgh Rugby

    Rugby: Transition must make way for new a era

    THERE has been no escaping the word of the year in Scottish rugby, no matter how different the accent in which it was spoken.



    Transition. It is hardly a new term for those used to the challenge of striving to make a country of 10,000 or so adult rugby players competitive with a neighbour of more than one million, not to mention the nations of the southern hemisphere where rugby is a religion in vastly bigger tranches of land.


    We could argue that every year is a transition year for Scottish rugby, but a new coach for Scotland, and another waiting in the wings, a new chief at Edinburgh and a remodelled squad and even new plans to shake up club rugby announced before Christmas add up to a feeling of Scottish rugby bidding to re-invent itself, only with more success.


    Australian Scott Johnson stepped into the shoes of departed Englishman Andy Robinson at the start of 2013 with Scots expectations on the rocks again and many fearing that if World Cup winner Robinson could not cultivate a Test-winning mentality what hope was there of a changing picture?


    Johnson came in with a mixed reputation as a popular skills coach but no-one was sure if he could cut it as a head honcho. After negotiations with the SRU, it was revealed in April that he would not remain as coach, but move to the SRU’s director of rugby position, last occupied by Ian McGeechan in 2005, and a whole new controversy ignited when Clermont Auvergne’s Vern Cotter was confirmed as Scotland’s new man, but his French club blew a gasket and insisted that he see out his contract to 2014.


    So Johnson remained in charge, but by then it was no big deal as he had followed the example of Frank Hadden, on replacing Matt Williams in 2005, and, urging his players to believe in themselves with a freer gameplan, steered them to third in the 2013 RBS Six Nations Championship with the best win yet over Italy and a dogged victory at home to Ireland.


    Wales won the Six Nations decider with England at the Millennium Stadium on the final Saturday, having opened with defeat by the Irish, who just missed the wooden spoon – France claimed that – and so there was no surprise when a whole lot of red poured into Warren Gatland’s British Irish Lions camp.


    Scotland was represented by Richie Gray, Sean Maitland and Stuart Hogg – Ryan Grant joined them after it seemed every other prop standing was sent for first – but, as is ever the case, Gatland went largely with players he knew, starting with young skipper Sam Warburton, and the same applied to contentious front row calls by his assistant Graham Rowntree and in the backs by Andy Farrell.


    The tour itself provided another glorious chapter in the famed Lions history book for Greg Thomas to write up, the 2-1 Test series win the first since the 1997 McGeechan-Telfer inspired triumph in South Africa and first in Oz since Fin Calder’s troops claimed a 2-1 win in 1989. It lacked sparkling rugby until the final half-hour of the third Test in which the Lions let loose with the style we always knew they possessed. But result is king, so honours were festooned on Gatland’s men.


    Of more relevance to Scottish rugby was the blooding of ten faces and a host of callow internationalists in South Africa, burgeoning talents Matt Scott, Alex Dunbar, Tim Swinson and Tommy Seymour emerging as key figures in a squad so callow as to resemble a nursery in Test rugby terms.


    An opening defeat by Samoa underlined its fragility and Samoa’s growing strength, but when Scotland led the Springboks 17-6 in the second match, tries by Scott and new cap Dunbar added to by Greig Laidlaw’s boot, well into the second half in Nelspruit, there was a strange silence among the home faithful in the Mbombela Stadium and a buzz from the pockets of blue.


    Jim Hamilton was sin-binned for pushing tormentor Eben Etzebeth in the face, the Boks rallied with a penalty try and scores by the skilful JJ Engelbrecht and Jan Serfontein, the last in the final seconds clinching a 30-17 win that flattered the home side. Scotland had never won a Test match in South Africa and this one joined the agonising Nathan Hines near thing in 2003 in the “one that got away” category.


    The squad needed a last-second try by Alasdair Strokosch and conversion by Laidlaw to snatch victory against Italy and ensure there was something tangible to toast the tour with, but the side story was one of development. By the time Fraser Brown made his appearance against the Italians, having spent most of the season playing for Heriot’s, ten previously uncapped players had made the step up to international rugby and none looked out of place.


    The hope in the autumn was for a more solid, cohesive squad to gain revenge over South Africa and claim an historic third-in-a-row win over Australia, but instead we had to make do with an eventual comfortable win over an improving Japan, and talk of improvement and development in defeat by the Wallabies, after the Murrayfield floor opened up and swallowed Scotland in the game against the Boks.


    It did not actually open up, but it came close after an infestation of nematode worms ate their way through the turf, creating the potential for a cartoon implosion and sight of players dropping down into a dark cavern.


    As it turned out, Scotland briefly fell into an abyss of their own making with the performance against South Africa, while the once world-class Murrayfield pitch, now hammered by Edinburgh fortnightly, reached Christmas resembling a poor council pitch of grassy islands amid the brown slick.


    Edinburgh started the season in turmoil with South African Alan Solomons bringing in his own ideas, but only after arriving in August, while Glasgow started well and needed a win over Edinburgh on Boxing Day to bring some peace to a rocky run.


    With the Heineken Cup effectively over for both, focus will swiftly turn again to the real testing ground, the Six Nations Championship, and the extra spur of proving to incoming coach Cotter that one has the ability and mental fortitude to be part of the move out of transition and into a new era.



    THE SCOTSMAN RUGBY SHOW IN ASSOCIATION WITH GINGER GROUSE



    Scotsman Rugby Show – Episode 6



    Scotsman Rugby Show – Episode 5



    Scotsman Rugby Show – Episode 4



    Scotsman Rugby Show – Episide 3



    Scotsman Rugby Show – Episode 2



    Scotsman Rugby Show – Episode 1



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    Rugby: Transition must make way for new a era